Tutu Tuesday in Houilles, Île-de-France: A Whirlwind of Tulle and French Flair
G'day, fashionistas and fellow twirlers! It's your girl, Lily, back with another edition of Tutu Tuesday. Today, I'm taking you on a magical journey to the charming town of Houilles in Île-de-France, France. Think cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and a delightful ballet scene. And, of course, plenty of tutu inspiration!
As I stepped out of the train station, a sense of Parisian chic filled the air. And honestly, who doesn't love a bit of French elegance? It was the perfect setting for a Tutu Tuesday adventure. I'm talking about the kind where you want to spin through the streets, feeling every bit the ballerina, with the wind whispering through the tulle of your tutu.
First stop, a charming local cafe called "Le Petit Bal" - how could I resist? Imagine, a little cafe that embodies the very spirit of ballet! The walls were lined with posters of classic ballets, and the cafe was filled with a lovely hum of conversation, and the soft melodies of classical music.
While sipping on my cafe au lait, I was in full #TutuTuesday mode, doing a little online ballet research. You wouldn't believe what I discovered! Turns out, Houilles has a fantastic local ballet school. The "École de Ballet de Houilles" has a rich history, dating back over a century. It's clear they nurture talent and passion for dance, just like my old ballet school back home in Melbourne. There was even a cheeky picture of a young ballerine with a "French Flair" tutu on, practicing a relevé in the park.
My mission, if I chose to accept it, was to find some inspiration for #TutuTuesday, specifically something unique and French-inspired, for my blog. Luckily, Houilles had its fair share of boutiques, filled with elegant clothing, and oh my, those hats! You wouldn't believe the stunning headpieces I saw, which reminded me of all those wonderful Victorian ballerina hairstyles.
The tutu that I found in a vintage shop tucked away on a side street is the star of the show! This one was not your typical fairytale princess tutu, this was one with an edge. Made of layers of beautiful cream silk tulle, but then it had this stunning, embroidered velvet ribbon trim, with hints of Parisian emerald green - a colour that, let's face it, looks sensational on everyone.
My first outfit had to do the vintage tutu justice, and I loved this classic yet effortlessly chic combination. A chic black turtleneck, some fitted black denim trousers that hugged my legs in all the right places. The black-on-black combo added some elegance, but then the tutu popped against it and brought the Parisian chic into focus. And the black patent leather flats? Don't even get me started - they finished the look off like a dream!
My next outfit involved a little bit more of a vintage flair. I opted for a flowing floral dress that brought a touch of romance, and some lacey tights that played up that classic ballerina feeling. And of course, I just had to pair this with the amazing tutu to create an absolute winner for a casual stroll around Houilles.
The French flair - It's all about those little details! For a touch of Parisian elegance, I added a stunning vintage broach to my tulle and a pair of chic leather gloves that made my outfit look like a page out of a Parisian fashion magazine. Just for a moment I felt like a Parisian ballerina from another era!
As the day came to a close, it dawned on me - ballet has a unique power. It's not just a performance or a sport; it's a form of self-expression. It takes us back to a timeless world of elegance and beauty, no matter where we are in the world, whether we're twirling in Houilles, Île-de-France, or dancing in the streets of Melbourne.
So, here's to Tutu Tuesday and to celebrating the joy of ballet in all its forms! I'm leaving you with a few tips to unleash your inner ballerina on #tututuesday!
Tutu Tuesday tips:
- Don't be afraid to express your love for ballet with your outfit, be it a simple tutu or a statement piece.
- Remember to add your personal touch. Embrace accessories!
- Embrace a touch of French elegance and that iconic Parisian flair!
- Let ballet take you to new places. Travel to destinations that celebrate the art, just like Houilles.
Remember to keep an eye out for my next Tutu Tuesday adventure! Until then, let’s all stay connected on #tututuesday