Tutu Tuesday in Morley
So, you know that feeling when you wake up on a Tuesday, and the sun is shining, birds are singing, and all you can think about is…tutus? Okay, maybe it's just me, but it's certainly true for all my fellow ballerinas (and, frankly, anybody with a healthy appreciation for fashion and whimsy!). I'm not saying that it's always easy to find a tutu for every occasion, but you know what? There's a tutu for every occasion, and with the rise of online shops and custom options, the world really is your oyster. Today is particularly exciting because, you guessed it, it's #Tututuesday! And you know what else makes me truly happy? A whole afternoon spent wandering around Morley and getting my tutus on.
To be completely honest, I'm a huge fan of a classic romantic tutu for just about everything. Imagine a billowing, swathe of tulle in a delicate, muted blush shade, floating effortlessly over your favourite pointe shoes, maybe with a sprinkle of tiny rhinestones or iridescent beads for a bit of sparkle. It just evokes the ethereal magic of the stage – you know, like something out of a fairytale ballet. My first stop on this delightful mission was the delightful little shop "Threads and Twirls" - just off the high street. It's full of vintage treasures and truly one-off pieces. I always find a hidden gem tucked away somewhere and today was no exception. A beautiful, powder-blue romantic tutu, practically begging to be twirled under the spotlight - or at least the bright sun streaming through my living room window! It felt like something out of Swan Lake - all elegance and elegance and grace! I could practically see myself gliding across a stage! Honestly, what a steal, and I can't wait to experiment with styling it.
Of course, there's more to the tutu world than romantic tulles and pointe shoes! Sometimes you want a statement piece, a little bit more edgy and fun. That's where a modern, layered tutu comes in - something that combines structure with the whimsy of a classical tutu. This one, for example, was an absolute knockout - think classic black tulle but with layers of criss-crossed, ribboned panels, finished off with a hint of silver sequin for extra impact. It was like something you might imagine a warrior queen in a fairytale wearing, elegant but still super cool, definitely good for some seriously bold styling, especially for that casual afternoon out when you want a real head turner of an outfit, perfect for adding that special touch when you want a classic piece with an edge! This one was from the incredible, quirky shop on Morley Market called "Dance and Delight" – filled with unexpected, beautifully handcrafted tutus, perfect for just about anything from a night out with your girl-friends, a photoshoot with a modern, theatrical twist or a bit of extra glam to brighten up even the most mundane of days! They do bespoke and everything, including leotards and all kinds of dancewear and they're so knowledgeable about styles and tailoring to you, a true treat! I can't wait to show off my "warrioress tutu" at the next gallery opening!
One can't speak about Morley and the pursuit of beautiful tutus without a mention of the one and only "Boutique Bella". Boutique Bella is a legend and it's no secret they're where all the local fashion-forward dance moms get their pointe shoes, their dancewear, their absolutely perfect tutus – a must visit for any ballet devotee in the region! Now I'm not afraid of a bold color, and that's what I found myself reaching for in this store, and it did not disappoint! There are so many options in every style imaginable: classical, modern, dramatic. After several laps of the shop, I had a lovely bright yellow tutu in my hands, with some delightful, slightly asymmetrical ruffles that add a bit of playful dimension and a gorgeous shade of turquoise tulle which brought out the best of the bright yellow and matched the embroidery beautifully. So I bought it - it's going to be fantastic for those summery picnics at the park, maybe with a little picnic basket filled with champagne and some yummy cheeses, all perfectly accessorized, naturally with a sparkling, bright pink clutch - or, dare I dream, a matching vintage straw hat, with a wide, wide brim! Oh, this is going to be great!
The point of Tutu Tuesday is that it's a day of celebration, a chance to embrace our inner ballerina, our unique style, and embrace that love of all things fashion and, of course, the classic magic of the tutu! Whether you are a professional dancer or a recreational enthusiast like me, there is a tutu waiting out there to find its forever home. I strongly recommend spending a lovely afternoon at Morley to discover yours!
So go out there and have fun with it - embrace your inner dance queen. Happy #Tututuesday!
Tips for styling a tutu for everyday life:
- Layer a tutu over a dress for a fun and unexpected twist.
- Pair a tutu with a statement sweater or blazer to create a chic and playful look.
- Use a tutu as a skirt for a unique and memorable party outfit.
- Wear a tutu over jeans for a touch of fun and personality.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with colors, textures, and patterns.
- Remember, the most important thing is to have fun!