Tutu Tuesday in Chichester: A whirl of tutus and fabulous finds
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite ballet-loving blogger, Amelia, and let me tell you, **Tutu Tuesday** in Chichester was absolutely *electric*! I mean, what better way to spend a Tuesday afternoon than surrounded by beautiful tutus and lovely ladies? It's a little bit of magic, a sprinkle of vintage charm, and a whole lot of fun. So, let's dive into all the wonderful things I saw, tried on, and discovered on my tutu-tastic adventure, shall we?
I always knew Chichester was a charming little town, but I had no idea it was such a hotbed of vintage fashion! Apparently, there's a secret world of costume shops just waiting to be explored, and Tutu Tuesday was my chance to step into that world. You see, the day is this brilliant event hosted by a local dance studio where you can browse their collection of pre-loved tutus. They have absolutely everything: from classic, traditional tutus to fun and quirky ones – even a few show-stopping pieces fit for the stage. I, of course, was particularly drawn to the romantic and flowing "Romantic tutu," a ballet staple with layers of delicate tulle. But they had every kind imaginable – the wispy "Powder Puff tutu" and the sharp, structured "Princess tutu," just to name a few!
So, the first shop I visited was **[Name of Shop]**, a treasure trove of vintage fashion and dance costumes. The owner, [Shop owner's name], was just lovely - so friendly and full of tips. She knew her stuff! The shop was bursting with colourful dresses, hats, shoes – you name it, they had it. But, the main draw was, of course, the tutus. They had rows and rows of tutus, from the classic, poofy ones with big, bouncy layers, perfect for a class, to intricate and embellished showstoppers, with dazzling sparkles and feather details, ready for the stage! The sheer variety was unbelievable!
I felt like a little girl in a candy store, trying on all the tutus I could get my hands on! I was smitten by a "Classical tutu," a classic with a fitted bodice and layers of shimmering tulle, but couldn’t resist trying on a "Romantic tutu," a show-stopper with delicate tiers of soft tulle and intricate beadwork. It made me feel like a ballerina! Then there was a whimsical “Powder Puff” tutu. Oh, my goodness! This tutu was like a cloud of soft tulle with an adorable, fluffy finish that I couldn't help but laugh at. But I think the tutu that stole my heart, though, was a stunning "Showgirl tutu" - it had so much presence, perfect for those dramatic leaps! The "Showgirl tutu" had beautiful feather details and lots of sparkling beadwork and it had me completely mesmerized.
It’s great because you could really find a bargain, especially on those pre-loved tutus that had a little extra wear on them. But honestly, even the brand new tutus are so affordable it feels like you're stealing them. And honestly, the fact that it's a vintage or pre-loved shop makes it even more appealing. It's the thought of having a piece of history! And that is where this little vintage store in Chichester, **[Shop Name]** comes in. I couldn’t go back home without it and it really fits with the sustainable vibe!
Next on the list was **[Name of Shop]**, which was definitely worth a peek! Now this was different! This shop specialised in everything ballet, from shoes to dancewear, but it’s their collection of handmade tutus, and those gorgeous ballet dresses for kids, that sets it apart. What struck me was how you could really feel the dedication and care behind each stitch and embellishment, a true piece of artistry! I loved how there was this personal touch, a handmade charm that just added another layer to the whole experience.
They had this fabulous line of whimsical, vibrant "Character tutus" – oh, how I wished I was still a young ballet dancer, the colours were just dreamy! But let’s face it, sometimes even I feel the urge for a tutu fit for a fairytale. So, of course, I tried on one of their show-stopping "Princess tutus" - with shimmering glitter, vibrant colours and, yes, it had an impressive length for an incredible finish. What made it really stand out was the addition of beautifully hand-sewn flower detailing - truly enchanting!
They even have this incredible custom design service. They’ll make any tutu you could possibly imagine and it makes it a really personal touch and adds a very special dimension. Now I really think it is something very special, because as dancers we tend to rely on brands that are often quite expensive for those high-quality, professional costumes, but I really do feel that this boutique offers a genuine alternative that's really beautiful. I feel like they’re really filling a gap for handmade designs that have a more personalized touch. It made the day extra special and I can tell this little treasure trove is going to be a popular destination.
Then, I decided to pop into a charming tea shop called **[Name of Tea Shop]** – which is right next door, and it was the perfect ending to my little adventure. The owners were lovely, welcoming me with open arms and the most incredible cake selection! Oh my goodness! Let me tell you, their "Victoria Sponge" cake is the perfect fuel after a day spent trying on tutus and I am not exaggerating when I say that. My advice? Get yourself a slice of this heaven.
**But honestly, what makes Tutu Tuesday so fantastic?** Well, beyond the joy of wearing beautiful tutus, the event embodies that incredible spirit of the dance world, the passion and artistry of this magical art form, and brings it to the heart of a charming little town!
Here’s why I love Tutu Tuesday in Chichester:
* It brings the magic of ballet to the streets of Chichester, bringing people together who share a passion for dancing.
* The shops involved offer unique, personalized services, from vintage pre-loved tutus to brand new bespoke tutus made to your design, plus it gives people the opportunity to try on a real show-stopping piece!
* It's a truly positive event and it’s definitely one that puts Chichester on the map for something quirky and original and really worth discovering!
I highly recommend marking your calendar for the next Tutu Tuesday. Whether you're a passionate ballerina, a vintage enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a fun and exciting experience, it’s a great day out in Chichester. Don't forget to tag your Tutu Tuesday pics with #Tututuesday!
See you there, lovelies!
**#tututuesday**