Tutu Tuesday in Newton Aycliffe
Hey everyone! It's your girl, Sarah, back with another installment of my #tututuesday musings. Today's adventure took me to the charming town of Newton Aycliffe, a place not exactly known for its haute couture but, believe me, you'd be surprised at the unexpected finds one can unearth in the most unlikely of locations.
Now, before you start picturing me in a full-fledged, romantic tutus - the kind you see in Swan Lake - I’ll be honest. I'm a little more about the "modern dancer" vibes than the "classic ballerina" aesthetic these days. You'll catch me in the most stylish street wear but always with a dash of tutus. Just the right amount of tulle to add a sprinkle of magic.
I arrived in Newton Aycliffe ready to tackle the challenge of finding tutu-worthy attire and, well, let’s just say I was a little intimidated. I mean, who’d imagine tutu-wear in Newton Aycliffe?
But hey, it's my mission! I started at a local charity shop, where, you know, it's good for the soul and great for fashion bargains. After browsing racks of polyester sweaters and bargain bins full of "what on earth are those?" attire, I stumbled upon it! My diamond in the rough - a powder blue tulle skirt. Yes! The type of skirt you see on a classic ballerina, with lots of fluffy, delicate layers. The color, a delicate shade of pastel blue, practically shouted "wear me to a seaside stroll!" The fabric, light and airy, swirled and danced with every movement - almost like a ballerina in its own right.
Emboldened by my first discovery, I decided to head for the High Street. A mixture of high street fashion giants, a few quirky independent shops, and a handful of local shops, greeted me. It was like a tutu scavenger hunt!
My first stop: a quaint little haberdashery - imagine that, a shop filled with ribbons, buttons and, surprise, lace and tulle! You can see my inner dancer rejoicing! This store had a stash of various colors and textures, from delicate white tulle to bold, bright, raspberry coloured mesh. I mean, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to tutus, right?
Feeling empowered, I explored the independent shops and even ventured into a fabric store - I have a hunch they might stock the tutus. (No pun intended, lol! ) After a short search, I found myself in the middle of a mountain of bolts of fabric. And, yes! Bingo! They even had tulle! Some bold colours - black, dark blue, bright crimson and even neon green!
I left that store with my pockets a bit lighter and a whole lot more colourful and imaginative. My tutus - the skirts and the tulle fabric were waiting for their makeovers!
I ended my Tutu Tuesday adventure with a stop at a cafe with a view. As I enjoyed a cup of tea and a scone (that was divine! and I know it's not exactly ballet-dancer-diet appropriate!), I reflected on my journey and couldn't help but feel like a complete tutu queen. The town of Newton Aycliffe had proven itself to be a treasure trove of tulle inspiration. Newton Aycliffe is much more than I ever thought it would be, thanks to my tutus - yes, the tutus made my day!
Now, how about some fashion tips:
- The Classic: This is what pops into most people's minds - long, voluminous skirt, white and flowing - a total romantic fairytale. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing this without my own unique spin on it - a quirky patterned top and edgy sneakers.
- The Modern Tulle Skirt: Think layers, think patterns, and don't forget the vibrant colors! And forget the puffy "let's twirl" skirt and imagine a more street-smart layered tulle skirt.
- The Tutu Top: Let’s face it, tutus and tops make a pretty dynamic duo. But what about the other way around? It’s so fun! Just get a light, airy fabric - and create the tutu top for your stylish everyday look!
- Think Tutu Accessoires! We can always get a tutu for the ultimate princess-vibe, but let's not forget, tulle is for more than that - tulle scarves, belts, even bag decorations! Think, how can you elevate your look to the "tutuesque"? The world is your oyster, literally!
Remember: fashion, like dance, is about self-expression! Tutus, whether full-fledged or just a tulle embellishment, are simply a vehicle for telling our unique stories.
I’ll end with my top tip for tutu fashion. Think, dance, spin and, well, just rock it.
Catch you next Tuesday for another dose of tutu inspiration, right here on #tututuesday.
See you all then. Until next time, keep twirling!