Tutu Tuesday 393

Tutu Tuesday in Barking #tututuesday

Okay, darlings, so I'm going to be honest, Barking? It's not exactly known as a hotbed of haute couture. Think industrial estates, think discount shops, and let’s just say the word “ballet” is probably not at the forefront of people’s minds there. But, oh my dears, last Tuesday, the streets of Barking were *literally* transformed into a fashion extravaganza all thanks to yours truly and the power of social media, and a tiny bit of a personal mission to bring the elegance of a classic tutu to the heart of East London.

I’d seen countless people rocking tutus for #tututuesday but usually in places like London’s West End, Shoreditch or Brighton. These areas all have a sense of theatricality, a place for anything to be accepted. What about, I pondered, spreading the tutu love to an unassuming place that maybe needs a bit more colour, a little sparkle, a tiny touch of whimsy. So, I decided Barking, and oh honey, the reaction? Absolutely phenomenal.

Now, you can’t just roll up to Barking in your standard ballerina tutu and expect people to get on board, they are the practical kind, down to earth, honest as the day is long. No frills and fancies, if you like. So, first thing, ditch the white. We’re not in Swan Lake, we’re in East London. Let’s add a splash of colour - I went for a beautiful sapphire blue that echoed the hues of the river Thames.

Secondly, let’s make sure this tutu’s *versatile*. We’re not swanning around in our tutus all day (although frankly, we should). I opted for a knee-length number with layers of gauzy netting that looked equally stunning on the street as it would in the ballet studio, which brings me onto point three, let's make it comfortable! This is all about fun and confidence. The last thing you want is a tutu that’s all frills and no substance.

Now for my look, I’m talking the classic ballerina meets East London street-style. A black polo-neck to bring in some sophistication alongside a killer pair of studded biker boots to channel a bit of East London edge. That’s how I strutted my stuff around the market stalls in the Barking Town Square. Honestly, the looks I got. Some of them were confused, a lot were surprised, and most importantly, most of them were absolutely joyous. I felt the warmth, the positivity of people who clearly loved to see something beautiful, something out of the ordinary in their daily routine.

It was amazing. The local stall holders were absolutely delighted, even the butcher said my tutu made him happy as he proudly presented me with a selection of free sausages – that's good old East London hospitality right there, darling.

I ended up in conversation with a lovely group of pensioners who had never seen anything quite like it before but found it utterly charming. Then there were the local kids who absolutely adored it, shouting “it's a princess!" and “can I try it on?”. The older lads and lasses on the market had the time of their lives pretending to box me out the ring while in my tutu. A real mixed bag, which to me was the magic of it. A splash of glamour in a down-to-earth world.

Honestly, my mission was accomplished. I brought the beauty and elegance of the ballet to a part of London that wasn't expecting it, and, you know, maybe a little bit of that unexpected magic can spread a bit further, too. So, you lovely lot out there, next time you think #tututuesday, don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Bring the fun, bring the attitude and remember, your tutu can go *anywhere*. You’ve heard it here first - it’s *the* perfect excuse to get out there and enjoy your city, wherever it may be, even in Barking!

Here's my top tutu tips for Barking and beyond:

• **Embrace your style**: Whether you're going for a ballet ballerina look or a punk princess vibe, just own it.
• **Don't be afraid to experiment**: Try out different colours, textures, and lengths to find a tutu that perfectly expresses you! You could even try pairing it with your favourite statement jewellery or bag.
• **Mix and match your tutu with other pieces in your wardrobe**: A tutu looks super chic with a denim jacket, or even a oversized jumper.
• **Most importantly**: Have fun and rock your #tututuesday! The world is your stage.

Until next time my dear dears!