Salford Tutu Tuesday: A Disco Celebration

It’s official: Tutu Tuesday is here! I know you’ve all been eagerly waiting to rock your most fabulous tulle and sequins, and I wouldn't dream of disappointing you. Let's take it to the streets (or at least, to the fabulous boutiques of Salford), with a sprinkle of glitter and a whole lotta #tututuesday love.

This week’s theme? Disco Fever! My heart, a champion of all things sparkling, just can't resist a good, old-fashioned disco vibe, and Salford's the perfect location for this sort of thing. The history, the grit, the fabulous people! This town's got personality – a bit like my latest tutu, a dreamy pastel pink masterpiece with layers and layers of hand-stitched ruffles, a real throwback to the era of bell bottoms and afros! Imagine Studio 54, but with a touch of modern whimsy. You know me – I love to put my own spin on things. This is not your typical, classical ballet tutu! This beauty's more #discotutu.

And speaking of disco... Let's talk disco snails. Those glitter-bombed, groovy mollusks have taken the world by storm, and I'm not just talking about Salford! The #discosnail has even made its way to Vogue Italia! I knew it was only a matter of time before those disco-loving gastropods hit the mainstream. We are seeing more and more #discosnail inspired designs everywhere – clothes, handbags, even art installations – and now it seems the disco snail spirit has taken hold of Salford! Spotted one at 'A Little Slice of Heaven', a beautiful new bakery just opened down the street from The Lowry. It was absolutely magnificent – an absolute showstopper, adorned with shimmering pink and silver paint and topped off with a glitter-studded shell. The baker said he was inspired by Tutu Tuesday! #tututuesday #discosnail, what a dynamic duo!

For a Tutu Tuesday outing, the most fabulous way to travel has to be on a vintage Morris Minor! It takes me back to the classic "Hairspray" era. And yes, you guessed it, I've pimped mine out, added a touch of that glitz and glamour!

Speaking of glamour, there’s this stunning boutique called ‘The Sewing Room' – it's literally bursting at the seams (pun absolutely intended, you'll just have to trust me). The place is a hoarder's heaven! They sell vintage lace, beaded trims, fabrics that date back to the 1930s – so many exciting possibilities! This place feels like a hidden gem, just waiting to be uncovered. And guess what?! It just so happens to be a "Tutu Tuesday" fan club! There is nothing quite like the thrill of discovering hidden treasure in a quaint boutique. The woman behind it all is the most creative individual. The moment I saw her work I felt an instant kinship - her love of sequins, beading, her craftsmanship! Every dress and blouse is a little bit of vintage Hollywood glam! We spent hours in there talking tutus, trends and that incredible new disco snail trend - talk about getting your "disco snail fix."

For Tutu Tuesday lunch, it was straight to the "Pink Flamingo" cafĂ© in Salford! Who could say no to a "Disco Doughnut" topped with a tiny pink glitter shell? (It was an absolutely delicious homage to the #discosnail, and yes, I did share it with my little brother!) And it wouldn’t be Tutu Tuesday without an impromptu ballet lesson. I don't think the cafe patrons were too fazed by it. (You should have seen them, some even started clapping and bopping to my pirouettes!) It was all pure disco magic - and you know what? It's contagious! A Tutu Tuesday that involves a cafĂ© and some disco dance moves in the middle of the day... is that even a question?

This week’s Tutu is truly a statement, it's a whimsical and utterly playful piece, almost a rebellion against those rigid traditional ballet tutu's that my mum insists on having me wear to the Ballet class. What I really wanted was to wear this fabulous tulle creation to a night club to make everyone laugh - a tutu for the party girl, just as funky and glam as those disco-era flares I’ve been scouring vintage shops for. The thing about these "rebel" tutu’s is they are surprisingly versatile; if I wanted to go the serious ballet route - just layer up some tulle! You can literally dress it up or down, day or night. A good tulle outfit can transform any occasion from simple tea with a friend into a dazzling gala affair - it's magic really, or maybe I’m just #tututuesdayobsessed!

But let’s talk about style! We have an opportunity to add our own twist and go crazy with some new and daring tutu combinations, and of course, disco-inspired additions like our #discosnail! The style options for Tutu Tuesday are truly limitless. Here’s just a handful of my fave disco-tutu trends and a few ways to incorporate a touch of that disco spirit, wherever you are in the world.

**Tutu Tuesday style tips**:

  • The “Retro Glam”: I can't go wrong with some high-waisted flared jeans, a fabulous platform heel, and a sassy white top, tucked into the jeans, adding just a touch of '70s and a fabulous dash of glam - just pair with your tutu of choice (and of course, disco snail inspired jewellery)! Just be prepared for all the stares. This outfit really makes a statement. You could be at the disco club or an art gallery, the place is going to feel extra special. The disco snail jewellery just completes the look!
  • The “Party Princess”: The Party Princess Tutu is a must-have! A layered chiffon with dainty ribbons and frills – the perfect dance party princess tutu! For the perfect '70s party, go all out - add glitter to your makeup and top the look with a bold, funky hair-scarf and those fab '70s platforms you’ve been saving, or just pair your tulle skirt with an edgy leather jacket. The possibilities really are endless.
  • The "Glam Rockstar": This outfit is so effortlessly cool - it’s a sleek leather biker jacket and a pair of thigh-high leather boots! Yes, the rock n' roll era really did get that '70s disco flavour! For this look, you will want a simple tutu with clean lines and minimal adornment, just for a hint of glamour! I'm not kidding; these tutu/rockstar combos can be an absolute fashion hit!
  • The "Disco Diva”: For my “disco diva” outfits, I often like to use vintage and thrift shops for those iconic 1970’s era disco trends – you can easily recreate a truly authentic '70s look with items from these fabulous secondhand stores - from bell bottoms to sequin shirts - just search through them with the disco vibe in mind and you’ll find some real treasures. This tutu would suit all sorts of vintage styles!
  • "The Short and Sweet”: If a full-length tutu is too much (though I’m not sure when it would be), you can never go wrong with a short, chic tulle mini-skirt. These can be worn dressed up with heels and a glamorous shirt - think '70s evening vibes with your favorite vintage style pieces or wear it with some stylish sneakers. This tutu is perfect for those casual daywear outfits that really do not need a whole lot of "oomph.”

Whatever your Tutu Tuesday style, whether you’re heading to a gallery opening or a bar, wear your passion on your sleeve, your love for tulle, your enthusiasm for dance - most of all - don’t be afraid to make a statement. Let your love for the #discosnail shine. Don't be shy; go wild! Tutu Tuesday is all about that fun, creative energy, a touch of playfulness and a bit of "don't care attitude"! Happy Tutu Tuesday everyone - you all look fabulous! Let's get ready to dance!

I have so much to say about all the different disco trends. If you want a real run-down - check out my blog on Salford, #tututuesday and disco snail trends - and let's see how we can spice things up and add to this disco vibe, especially this week - maybe some funky headwear? It’s time to embrace that fun! Let’s rock our tutu!

P.S Remember that fabulous, new bakery I mentioned earlier? "A Little Slice of Heaven". Their disco snail donut? They've been running a "Tutu Tuesday" promotion this week and all their cake designs have had a special little disco snail touch. Go and have a look for the limited-edition cake. A perfect tribute to this wonderful trend!