Bletchley: A Tutu Tuesday Tale
Well, darlings, it's that time again: Tutu Tuesday! I know, I know, you're all thinking "But darling, it's *Tuesday*. Can't you wait for Wednesday for all the exciting tutu action?..."
But listen, lovelies, this isn't just any old Tuesday. This is Tutu Tuesday in Bletchley. You heard me right - *Bletchley*. The land of Enigma codes and Alan Turing (we'll get to him later, promise!), now also the epicentre of the Tutu revolution.
I know, I was as surprised as you! Imagine my delight when, on my *very own* blog-research-trip into the heart of this Buckinghamshire town, I discovered this vibrant, bubbling hotbed of tutudom. Honestly, you wouldn't believe it until you saw it, lovelies.
Picture this: Not your usual London, Paris or Milan scene - forget the swanky boutiques, the impossibly chic models. Here we have the *real* deal. Think *Little Shop of Horrors* but with tutus, *Brideshead Revisited* meets "Strictly Come Dancing"... you get the idea? All that but with way more sequins and maybe a little bit of Mary Poppins.
It started off pretty ordinary: A quick browse through Bletchley Market to check out some vintage bargains, find an authentic teapot to add to my ever-expanding tea-related collections. You know how it is: You've just got to have the perfect pot to pair with your vintage chintz sofa! *Totally* a vital, essential, need-to-have for a *stylish* home... But then I saw them. *The Tutues*. Hanging proudly from a stand amidst the second-hand clothes, like ballet goddesses on display.
The colour! It was an explosion of sheer loveliness! We're talking powder pink, royal blue, emerald green, fire engine red... everything in between, and some beautiful, timeless classics too. The materials were a delight! Delicate layers of tulle, the sheer silkiness of satin, even a few glamorous options crafted from those shiny materials favoured for 80s evening wear... (Oh, the memories!), the quality was impeccable and all at *totally* affordable prices. Some, like vintage bargains you might find at a car boot, some new, pristine and absolutely *perfectly* fitting for my latest #TutuTuesday photoshoot. (Don't forget to check my Insta - you can thank me later. It's a total blast! *So* much better than another coffee shop post - *Don't* you think?)
Now, you may be thinking, Bletchley, darling? Why not spend Tutu Tuesday somewhere like a high-street boutique or perhaps take your glamorous dancing self to a top-class fashion show? But see, my darlings, that's where you're missing the point. Bletchley has character, charm, it has that *Je Ne Sais Quoi* that so many cities and towns lack. This isn't about the high-end or the glamorous (although they're welcome, darling, let's face it!) - it's about discovering a place and celebrating it for all the unique and unexpected moments it offers.
Plus, think of all the possibilities. A ballerina in a romantic, billowing tutu in Bletchley - there's something surreal, slightly unsettling...and wonderfully quirky about that. Like *Step Up* with a sprinkle of magic...
**Okay, I can't reveal my Tutu Tuesday shopping secrets just yet (sorry darlings - all part of the surprise... for now!) but let me tell you, these babies are *seriously* good. **
I went for a couple of my classics: a classic white tulle, and a bold, crimson option for a bit of added *drama*. And the shop owner (whose name I won't divulge as we haven't agreed to my Insta promotion plan yet *wink wink*) had some amazing suggestions about how to style them up! Apparently the local Bletchley dance school does a whole series of workshops where the ladies are encouraged to bring along their vintage (or *not-so-vintage* ) tutus! ** *Honestly* how fabulous is that?**
Now, it wouldn't be #TutuesTuesday without a touch of the *historical*. And we know Bletchley's connection with Enigma, its crucial role in World War Two, and that man who cracked the code (yes, it's Alan Turing... and a real inspiration for me!). Well, you know it had to be done, so I made my way to Bletchley Park. The historical site itself is simply incredible and worth a visit on any day... but for a tutu fan, there are some *real* gems in the shop which you just have to check out! Imagine all the possibilities for those vintage inspired shots - oh the *photography* potential!
Here I'm looking at you (my amazing Insta followers!) Get on down to Bletchley Park and take advantage of the history (not to mention, the code-breaking connection... very "sexy spy" darlings - and it doesn't have to be Tuesday, although a #TutuTuesday shoot on Tuesday is obviously the ultimate #TutuTuesday dream...) You can't help but feel inspired. In fact, if you're planning a #TutuTuesday shoot yourself, the Bletchley Park shop has some brilliant ideas. The gift shop is well stocked and they have all sorts of vintage styles: classic, chic and some utterly *show-stopping* numbers. I saw a fabulous black satin number - the perfect option for an elegant vintage inspired shoot in those iconic grounds.
I even spotted a book on "Women in code breaking." I think this is the ultimate Tutu Tuesday find.
But let's get back to the main focus: #TutuTuesday! And if you need any inspiration on how to style a tutu, or any fashion ideas for your shoot... You already know who to call! (Hint - it's me. *Of course* it's me!)
But Bletchley - *darling*, you have officially stole my heart (along with my vintage tutus... and possibly a gorgeous vintage teapot that is *totally* on its way to my chintz sofa...) You really are the unexpected, utterly wonderful star of this week's #TutuTuesday !
Now, toodles and tootsies, lovelies, Don't forget to follow me on Insta @FashionistaFifi! We have plenty more #TutuTuesday inspiration and, if you're in the Bletchley area - let me know - maybe we can meet up and do a shoot together for the ultimate #TutuesTuesday #fashion photo... Who's with me! ? **