Tutu Tuesday 10075

Tutu Tuesday in DeKalb, Illinois #tututuesday Hey, you guys! So it’s Tutu Tuesday and I’m here in DeKalb, Illinois! Okay, you’re probably thinking…DeKalb? Really? What’s happening in *DeKalb* on Tutu Tuesday? Well, let me tell you, this small town is about to be *smitten* with some major ballet fashion, even if they didn’t realize they were craving it yet!
**So why DeKalb, right?** Well, for one, I’m in the Midwest! DeKalb is smack dab in the middle of America and I love visiting these amazing small towns where ballet can often feel a little bit "far out" compared to big cities like New York or Chicago. Second, it’s close to the gorgeous Northern Illinois University, which just happens to be home to a brilliant dance department!
So, my first stop is actually *Northern Illinois University.* I just HAD to get my picture taken with their adorable campus fountains! (You know, for the *gram*, right?!) They totally reminded me of some of those classical fountains in Paris or Rome, but *this time* I got to be the center of attention! I felt like I was actually *dancing* in the spray of those fountains, you guys! (This outfit *definitely* did its job for those pics!) I went for my classic, romantic tulle, a little poufy, and I styled it with my favorite pearl choker. Let’s just say *I felt like a princess!* But before anyone tries to crown me…my ballerina life isn’t quite so sparkly…yet!
Okay, but here’s the thing... after campus, I’m going *totally* vintage, with a stop at this darling little boutique on the DeKalb square called “Thread & Flourish." (Who doesn't love a good boutique, amiright? Let’s just say the word itself screams **adorable**!) This place *seriously* needs to be featured on “Tidying Up” with Marie Kondo. It’s absolutely brimming with clothes from the 60s and 70s, and, *get this,* this woman *hand stitches* all her tutus. **S-T-I-T-C-H-E-S.** *Handmade tutus?*. That is *totally* not something I find at the shops near the big studios back east, it just doesn’t happen. And DeKalb has its very own fairy tutu maker? She even made a custom one *just for me*. **I think you can tell just by looking at it:** it’s full of that classic romantic vibe, *and it is seriously soft, seriously high-quality tulle.*
And let’s just say my afternoon tea at “The Fancy Cupboard” went *swimmingly*. (They have *the best* tea-cup set for a ballerina… seriously!) And here’s what you guys might love: I even discovered a DeKalb ballet class in the town square that I am going to try *this afternoon!* It’s run by a former ballerina from Chicago! Who would have thought? This place is brimming with hidden gems! (It is true… *even the Midwest* is brimming with passion and skill! Who knew!?!?!?!)
But it’s not just *about the places*, right? This is Tutu Tuesday, guys, so I’ve *got* to talk about the styles. Today was *totally* about that romantic look for me: that’s definitely what *every girl* looks for when you picture “classic ballerina,” am I right?! Okay, so I’ve *got* to break down *my* three *absolute go-to looks* for romantic Tutu Tuesday, whether I’m headed to the studio or just strolling through the local park:
* **Romantic Classic:** Think “ballerina meets Swan Lake.” It’s your *signature tulle* - the light, fluffy, airy type- with layers that almost *shimmer*. I love it in white or ivory for a timeless look and a little *whimsical* black velvet ribbon or bow is *totally* on point.
* **Effortless Flow:** For this one, *you* go for those super lightweight chiffon fabrics or super sheer tulles - the ones that kind of look like a veil and then there are even some with a tiny sprinkle of glitter or sparkle throughout, just like some of the famous ones you might have seen at the big companies. *So cute*. And if you're looking for a simple piece that feels elegant and effortless, look for those “pancake” style, that go all the way to the floor, it’s kind of like one of those old-timey dancer costumes… *super gorgeous*.
* **Sparkling Surprise:** It’s all about adding *a little bit* of “sparkle” to your classic. I think it's super glamorous to get some tulle that has tiny, twinkling, crystal embellishments that go along the neckline. If you don’t feel like going for a *full sparkly tulle* there’s no harm in a rhinestone headband to *spice it up!* Or a *sequined* sweater, just for *that little extra something special*! (Maybe a top with those sparkly, shiny beads or something a little fancier.)
**Alright, DeKalb!** What is *your* go-to look for #tututuesday? Show me some of your love for tutu and tell me about what you like to wear! This has *truly* been the most romantic Tutu Tuesday I’ve ever experienced. And guys, it’s truly about *much more than ballet,* I think it’s a real **celebration of fashion and fun.** (Oh! and, DeKalb, you’re now *officially* added to my travel list!) And who knows, you guys, maybe next Tutu Tuesday we’ll be *sweating* up a storm on a Chicago studio! But today is *DeKalb*, **And you bet I’ll be back!**