Tutu Tuesday in Tulare, California: #tututuesday
Hey dance fam! It’s your girl, Lily, checking in from the sunny Central Valley of California, specifically the charming town of Tulare. You might be thinking, "Tulare? What in the world is there to do there?" Well, let me tell ya, this town's got some serious charm and even a surprise or two for a ballet dancer like myself! And as you know, every Tuesday is #tututuesday! Let's dive in!
Now, Tulare's not exactly known for its high-end fashion or Broadway-worthy ballet scene, but hey, every dance enthusiast needs a little break from the big city, right? You see, Tulare has a small, but super enthusiastic, group of dedicated dancers. We actually have a community ballet school with an annual "Nutcracker" production, which totally pulls out all the stops! They’ve got the classical romantic tutu, the full, big tulle tutus that give you some serious fairytale princess vibes, and, yes, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” tutus you dream of! Now, let’s get down to business!
This week, on my #tututuesday in Tulare, California, I’m sharing some major outfit inspiration from my time here. I’m not just talking "everyday ballerina" outfits, but I’m pulling in my fashion inspirations. You’re not gonna believe what I stumbled upon: a hidden gem called The Yarn & Thread shop! Imagine the cutest little boutique filled to the brim with unique fabrics, laces, and ribbons – just imagine my happy place, full of everything a ballerina and DIY designer would ever need! This shop literally put the “tutu” in “#tututuesday,” so listen up for my DIY design and how to make it a reality.
For the day, I opted for a playful and colorful combo, a look perfect for exploring the charming streets of Tulare. I snagged this floral print top from a vintage shop (just a little “vintage ballerina” vibe, if you will) and paired it with a black, twirling skirt from my own closet. It was surprisingly light and airy, just like the tulle skirt from my "Nutcracker" debut last December. That was a big, dramatic "tutu” to have, but my current skort is a playful alternative! The look, combined with the bright yellow tote bag (which my dear mama gave me), was perfect for my #tututuesday fun, especially since Tulare has a vibrant farmers' market. The fresh fruit and local craft stands are just the right energy for any dance enthusiast and fashion lover. It really put me in touch with nature (a major part of our “Nutcracker" production in Tulare).
Now, for my main event: the tutu. For my Tulare #tututuesday, I wanted something soft, romantic, and a bit vintage. Forget the classic romantic tutus that have a bodice; for me, a simple, romantic skirt in a muted tone was all I needed. A bit of shimmer and shine in the tulle - the fabric! It could totally have been from The Yarn & Thread Shop! As we dance and move around, I want to create those dreamy lines - graceful flow of motion that we see from ballerinas in any performance.
So, here are a few fashion ideas and DIY instructions for your own "tutu Tuesday" inspiration, straight from the #tututuesday capital of Tulare, California!
- Go vintage! The vintage look adds a unique twist to any outfit, so dive into those thrift shops and look for unique materials and patterns! You know how much I love the romantic look! And the possibilities with fabrics for your tutus is endless! It’s time to go all "retro-tutu".
- Don't be afraid to mix patterns! As we saw, the flower pattern in my top contrasted with the black tulle and shimmer on the skirt, creating an awesome combo! So don’t be shy; try mixing different styles and fabrics. Experiment with florals, stripes, even a bit of paisley or polka dots (with a fun little “tutu” touch of course). This will give you your chance to go beyond the classical and romanticized ballet world – yes, it’s fun to break away, so we can embrace what’s trendy!
- Let's talk “DIY Tutus”! Think about the style that makes you excited. With fabrics and some help from the amazing internet tutorials, making a DIY tutu is no problem at all! I always suggest using some form of stretchy waistband or fabric like elastic to help create the movement we crave, and get those swirling lines with a “tutufull” skirt! That’s the style I’m all about. A skirt for an all-day wear with that little something to make it magical - a "Tutu Tuesday" twist, that is! I even have a couple of patterns from The Yarn & Thread Shop saved for next time.
With this #tututuesday inspiration from my little trip to Tulare, California, I encourage you to rock your own unique style, experiment, and be bold! No matter where you are, whether it's a big city or a cozy town, remember, every day can be a “tutu Tuesday,” all you need is a bit of creativity and the courage to express yourself, through fashion, through your dance and art - express the ballerina within you!
And of course, always, let’s keep #tututuesday trending, ladies! I’ll see you next time.