Tutu Tuesday in LāHaĆæ-les-Roses, Ćle-de-France, France #tututuesday
Gāday lovelies! It's your gal, Maddie, here, reporting live from the most magical of places - LāHaĆæ-les-Roses, a suburb of Paris in Ćle-de-France, France. You know the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?" Well, today I'm giving French ballerinas a run for their money with a #Tututuesday that would make even the most jaded Parisian tutus blush. š And yes, you can tell a Parisian tutu from a Sydney tutu just like that!
So, how are things in Paris? Chic! Seriously, they really do have it figured out here, the fashion, the art, the history... and the ballet! It's practically a national obsession. Speaking of which, it wouldn't be Tutu Tuesday without a little bit of ballet, right? š
My trusty friend, Gigi, knows a little something about a ballet tutu! Sheās practically Parisian royalty. We hit up the stunning āAtelier du Danseurā to find the perfect Tutu Tuesday garb, the ultimate fusion of "je ne sais quoi" and "chicks who love ballet." Imagine me waltzing in to see the owner, this adorable little woman, and telling her about my blog - she literally gasped! "The *ballet* blog?" she shrieked. That's when I knew we'd be friends forever!
Ok, back to the ballet fashion. She gave me the rundown on classic tutus, those billowing white classics we all adore - theyāre like the ultimate princess wardrobe that can be layered for extra fancyness. Then there are those little, sexy tutu leotard things. She called them "the perfect compromise between comfort and chic," but for this gal, itās just not my cuppa! They remind me of those kids at dance school whoād try to get away with skipping practice - never. And, no, this was NOT going to be a case of "fake it 'til you make it"! Not this time!
I had a super glamorous tutu fit for a ballerina from *Moulin Rouge!* But honestly, who wears *that* much fabric to ballet? Seriously, just look at those feather things... the bouffant... the sparkle.... not for *me*! That's for when I go out clubbing with Gigi, when Iām wanting a little *something something*. For the class, Gigi was happy to give me her "no-frills-but-still-a-tutu" go-to: a classic "tutu de toile." Think elegant and airy - you know, for a graceful Swan Lake-inspired "en pointe." A real dancerās tutu! It just looked the part.
We popped in for a bit of ballet class at this teeny little school near "Place de l'HĆ“tel de Ville". Youāve heard of "French girls"? This little ballet school practically personified "French ballerinas." It was absolutely gorgeous, with its chandeliers and antique mirrors. The class had such a lovely sense of camaraderie! Everyone had such amazing posture; and Iām not just talking about how tall and slim they areā¦ this stuff is about form and focus. Oh, I forgot to mention! These Parisian ballet teachers don't mess around. Their "port de bras" was seriously killer. And that pliĆ©. Don't get me started on the pliĆ©! Just amazing! I may not have gotten their pliĆ©ā¦ It was my second class, in a *foreign* language! But you bet I had a good try, just like a real Aussie who has grit and determination! š¤Ŗ
After the ballet, we had lunch, Gigi, and I. French cuisine! *Always*. She's basically a Parisian fashion blogger extraordinaire (just you wait 'til you see her Instagram! Totally recommend it!). So naturally, sheād chosen this perfect little cafĆ© that did *French toast* the way I *imagine* a Parisian princess would do. Like the *absolute* BEST croissant - they really make the best bread here - and it just sort ofā¦ happened to be smothered with this gooey, super-caramel-like somethingā¦. Think French *caramel* mixed with maple syrup. So delicious, it literally was beyond words, truly *divine.* Iām definitely going to steal Gigi's recipe. I *always* steal Gigi's recipes. š
After lunch, I couldnāt leave without some souvenirs. You guys, I actually *love* souvenir hunting! It's like an international game of treasure hunting, but more cultural. Plus, it's such a fun way to share a bit of my adventure with all of you. And it would just be a little rude of me to be in *Paris* and *not* come away with a new beret. I am not one for shopping butā¦ Paris gets me *every* time. Iām a true addict of that "vintage" aestheticā¦ the ones that don't look like the cheap souvenirs, you know what I mean? Theyāve been worn! This beret looks like the real deal... perfect with the "French ballerina" vibe and "vintage elegance." I've just got to admit: the āberet gameā is super strong here in Paris! Honestly, the beret is an accessory with unlimited potentialā¦ for real! š
As I was leaving my little souvenir adventure... I saw it! My absolute fave - a cute, tiny little Eiffel Tower! Not just *any* Eiffel Tower. It had this perfect "Tutu Tuesday" combo going on: sparkly. Petite. Pretty. I grabbed a tiny bottle of Chanel perfume from this little perfume boutique in "L'HaĆæ" and just went to town styling that lilā towerā¦ in the Parisian-chicest way possible. *Seriously* , it is like a whole new artform here. All that French chic makes *anything* cuteā¦ especially a Parisian tutu!
Oh! You can't forget the *food*, guys. I actually bought myself the most elegant French bag from āGoyardā (it looks SO chic!) - the best brand, in Paris for buying the chicest totes and the most "ballerina" worthy travel bag... - And it already has a *permanent* stain from the āCrĆŖpesā I got *before* heading back to my hotel! Itās that kind of a trip ā it all *just* happens, in this lovely French wonderland. *CrĆŖpes*, they're *everywhere*. Seriously, they are literally *everywhere*. Like you could get them next to the Louvre, you could get them next to a parkā¦. in *Paris*, I don't need *two* words for the *food* to get me to do somethingā¦. but *crepes*?... I canāt *resist*. And my goyard is officially *creme brulee-fied*. š
Okay, now let's talk about a French Tutu Tuesday outfit ā one that is both sophisticated and whimsical. Imagine it now, lovelies, and *picture* this: A classic white, floaty tutu - maybe one with layers or just a few, chic ruffles - perfect for all those pirouette-y moments; A fitted, black crop-top - showing just a *touch* of skin; And of course, the absolute most-important fashion choice - *the right tights!* Think nude, chic sheer, maybe with a tiny bit of sparkleā¦. Then I would finish off the look with a touch of *classic French elegance*: a bold, statement red lip - to keep you focused! š And you know I'll have a couple of ballerinas by the āGoyardā bag just because it's French-chic-tutu Tuesdayā¦
And that's it from me. Oh! Canāt forget the shoes! This isnāt just some casual Tuesday look ā you can *wear* āballerina flats" with a ballet-tutu. Thatās *exactly* what Iāve been wearing in Paris - super elegant and classy, like a proper little Parisian ballerina. And my "ballet" wardrobe's *not* quite ready. Gotta get a *ballet* outfit for tomorrow! Gigi wants to take me out, on this super-chic adventure through the Seine! *Imagine*... The most Parisian, tutu Tuesday *ever*.
Youāve heard about "Paris, in the Spring"? I'm in Paris for the ballet *and* the tutusā¦ it's *everything*. A Parisian "Tutu Tuesday." It doesn't get more *magical* than that! Stay tuned, you lovely lovelies, because Iām gonna post about every amazing tutu outfit for #tututuesday right here - just for *you*. Donāt worry ā youāll have plenty more #tututuesday updatesā¦