Tutu Tuesday in Bilston: A Celebration of Pointe Shoes and Pretty Dresses It’s Tuesday morning, and you know what that means… #tututuesday! That’s right, the day I dedicate my blog to everything tulle and twirling. And this week, I'm taking you all to my home town, Bilston! For you London lot, Bilston's a proper Black Country town, think Walsall with even more character. Now, I know what you’re thinking – Bilston, tutus? What’s the connection? Well, the thing about ballet is, it’s everywhere. Even if the nearest ballet school is 40 minutes on the bus. You know I love a good ballet-inspired look, but honestly, there's a big misconception about how a ballerina should dress. For one thing, pointe shoes - don't be fooled by Instagram and influencers, it's not just about perfect hair, make-up, and frilly skirts! Ballet isn't just a pretty picture. But enough about that, let's get back to #tututuesday and the real subject - my amazing finds in Bilston. I popped into a little vintage shop on High Street called "The Curiosity Cabinet". It’s one of those places where you could spend an hour or two digging through racks and racks of vintage finds, and that's exactly what I did! I found some amazing stuff – an original 1950s pink tulle tutu! Now, that's a #tututuesday find, right? A true vintage, not something you can find at any dancewear shop. I know what you’re thinking… pink, tutus, what on earth am I going to wear it with? Fear not, my stylish peeps, the trick to incorporating tutus into your everyday look is about keeping it sleek and minimal. The vintage tutu isn’t a full-on tututu – it’s more of a tiered petticoat or a ballerina skirt. It's actually quite a versatile piece. I imagine myself wearing it with a chunky knit and knee-high boots. Who says ballet wear is just for the studio? It's an outfit that really gives that "modern ballerina" look. It's a sophisticated take on a childhood dream - we've all wanted to be ballerinas as kids, haven’t we? And the great thing about tutus is that they make you feel so fabulous. You don’t have to be in a professional ballet class to wear a tutu – you can just wear it for fun! Why I Love Tutus So, what makes tutus so special? It’s more than just the layers of tulle, trust me. Tutus are iconic, they symbolize artistry and grace. Ballet history, you know? In fact, tutus have gone through some serious fashion evolution. From the classic Romantic tutu, with its tiered and very pouffy shape, to the sleek, fitted modern tutu. And then there's the tutu that really made waves - the famous "swan tutu" worn by Margot Fonteyn and a whole host of prima ballerinas. Now, that's what I call a real timeless classic! Here's why I think tutus are the perfect piece of clothing: - They add instant femininity to any outfit. Even the most tomboyish of us can embrace a touch of tutus. - You can't help but feel a little bit of magic when you're wearing one. It's like wearing a fairytale costume. And who doesn’t like a touch of whimsy? - They're incredibly versatile! We’ve covered a few options, but trust me, a tulle skirt is your friend. You can wear it for a date, a night out, or just a casual day around town. Ballet-inspired Looks There’s a million ways to wear your tutu - the perfect tutu will just depend on you, your style and how you want to feel on a particular day. But here are a few more ways to style your tutu, not just for Bilston, but wherever your next adventure takes you. Tutu as a Skirt For a casual and feminine look, pair a tulle skirt with a simple top and your favorite denim jacket. Finish with chunky ankle boots and you are ready for lunch with friends! And, if you really want to embrace that "dancing on the streets" vibe, why not try a bold, eye-catching color. Neon pink, sunshine yellow, emerald green, even silver... just imagine all the possibilities! You can take that statement piece anywhere and elevate your look without feeling like you've overdressed. Tutu as an Overlay Who hasn’t felt the urge to go wild with layering? Try a tutu layered over a simple slip dress. If you want to take things up a notch, throw a blazer or leather jacket on top. Or, go with the opposite and layer it over a knit dress for an easy, effortlessly chic look. To avoid looking too "fancy dress" you can play around with fabrics. Layering it over a soft jersey knit will feel like you've put extra effort in. It's all about that clash of textures! Tutu as a Party Dress Tutus aren’t just for ballet! Now this one's my favorite – for a night out, pair a full tutu with a cute top, some killer heels, and you’ve got yourself a statement look. If you’re thinking “How do I avoid looking too princessy?”, let me tell you, you don’t want to lose that whimsical feeling. You're going for that glamorous ballerina, not a literal fairy princess! To amp it up for the evening, consider black, navy or blush for that little touch of elegance. Add some statement jewellery to finish off your look – we’re not talking costume jewellery here, it needs to be stylish and on point. A thin chain necklace with a simple pendant is the way to go. Bilston, You Have a Tutu Problem So there you have it, my #tututuesday adventures in Bilston. Turns out the Black Country is teeming with stylish inspiration, and the vintage tutu is back with a vengeance. What will my #tututuesday finds be next week? You'll just have to keep checking back, darling!