Tutu Tuesday 1197

Tutu Tuesday in Morden: A Fashionable Fiesta

Alright, my fellow fashionistas, let’s talk Tutu Tuesday! I know, I know, it’s a thing. Every Tuesday, people all over the world, (or at least on Instagram) wear a tutu. It’s a joyous celebration of the feminine, the dramatic, and of course, the ultimate symbol of the dance world - the tutu.

Now, I’m not talking about the full-length, billowing romantic tutus that you see on prima ballerinas at the Royal Opera House. No, this is Morden. We’re a little more down-to-earth. But that doesn’t mean we don’t embrace the tutu with open arms, and, yes, our dancing shoes!

This Tuesday, I decided to take the tutu challenge head-on, and where better to showcase my inner tutu-wearer than the heart of Morden?

My weapon of choice? A fabulous little number that wouldn’t be out of place at the Paris Opera (but that's just my little ballerina fantasy, I think Morden's shops might not stock such high-end haute couture!). It’s a fitted bodice with a soft, powder-blue tulle skirt that floats like a dream. It’s what they call a ‘demi-tutu’ – somewhere between the full, classical skirt and the abbreviated and feisty contemporary. It allows for movement – a key element for the daily Morden grind – and it’s still decidedly glamorous.

I added some pops of colour with a vintage-style cardigan in a coral shade and, of course, my trusty leopard print pumps. They added that extra dash of ‘sophisticated sass’ – a very important vibe to cultivate, whether you’re rushing to your post-ballet class job at the bakery or catching up with your mates at a coffee shop (and, of course, posting Insta-worthy shots!).

Here’s what made my Tutu Tuesday in Morden truly epic, not just a #tututuesday but a very Morden #tututuesday, if you know what I mean:

• The smiles: People on the streets were genuinely delighted to see me in my tutu. From young children, who, to be fair, thought it was all part of the *paw-patrol* theme that is apparently the biggest deal in their life right now, to the ladies having a gossipy lunch. And I'm not sure what to say to the teenage boys but, a smile is a smile, they’re smiling.
• The conversation starters: You could literally smell the ‘wanna be in your selfie’ desperation when you walked past an Instagram addict - I couldn't be happier with the publicity. Morden has the potential to be an incredible fashion centre, you know, if people didn't think that the world ended at the Morden Tube Station, then people might get the idea! Maybe, just maybe a little ballet inspiration will be the catalyst? The fact that I made people laugh, that sparkled up an ordinary day with something delightful, that's priceless, really! I even had a woman stop me in the street. I’m not going to lie, she was wearing a leopard print jumper, so a bit predictable there! But it just shows – leopard print unites people, even on a Tuesdays with a dash of tutu thrown into the mix!
• The spontaneous ballet moments: It all started in the queue at Pret A Manger, they have fantastic wraps, really! Anyway, this guy looked a little nervous and asked, “So are you off to the ballet then?” A small seed of excitement bloomed in me. "Well, not quite," I responded in a flirty kind of way "but, I wouldn't mind having a spin" Then the most extraordinary thing happened. That nervous guy got his sandwich out, he put it down next to him on a little corner, gave it the whole 360 and said, " I didn’t even realise you had these big, dramatic twirling skills – you should join the Ballet, love!” . Then, my tutu-clad self did an impromptu fouetté (if you’ve ever seen Swan Lake, the one with all the dazzling white swans, well the swan-thingies you see is a Fouetté.) It’s amazing the impact that a simple, yet expressive movement, has. Suddenly, the queue started clapping, cheering - you couldn’t believe the kind of impromptu ballet party it transformed into. I've only got to say that there wasn’t a single person left in the queue that hadn't bought a sandwich after. The guy with the nervous look got two! It really does make you want to spin around all day, and Morden does seem to be perfect for a spontaneous spin-around-all-day!
• The new outfit idea: Right now, as we’re all looking ahead to Spring (maybe? you never really know with the English weather!), I was thinking that a cute little tutu is the perfect wardrobe addition. It can transform a simple jeans and T-shirt combo to ‘ready-to-conquer’ – you know that vibe – in an instant! If it’s a tutu Tuesday, I’d suggest the classic short black or maybe a peachy coloured chiffon tutu. Then, you just need to play around with your top – I’m thinking silk tank, maybe an oversized black jumper, or perhaps a classic denim shirt tied around the waist. It's pretty amazing the style possibilities with this one simple, yet fabulously statement piece – the tutu, that’s what you want to focus on here!

Tutu Tuesday isn’t just a random online trend; it’s a movement that embraces the joy of movement and self-expression in the everyday world, where fashion and dance collide. If there's a message to be taken away from it it’s this – embrace the unconventional! So, if you’re in Morden (or in any other town, village, or city across the globe!), make sure to mark your calendars and get ready for a tutu-licious time on the next Tuesday, and feel free to use #tututuesday

And to all the budding fashionistas out there who don’t think you have that ‘dance thing’, believe me – it's all about confidence! Don’t be afraid to experiment, be your own stylish diva - a tutu may just help!