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Tutu Tuesday in Islington: A Ballet Lover's Guide to This Quirky London Borough

Ah, Islington. That charming, quirky, effortlessly cool haven of vintage shops, artisan coffee, and those *charmingly* cobbled streets that somehow always leave you with a scuffed shoe or two. And amidst it all? You guessed it - tutu magic! Now, I know what youā€™re thinking: "A tutu? In *Islington*? Surely thatā€™s a littleā€¦out there?" But trust me, friends, there's something quite wonderful about bringing a touch of whimsy and elegance to a borough known for its indie spirit. Itā€™s not about looking out of place ā€“ it's about embracing your inner ballerina wherever you are, no matter how *offbeat* your surroundings.

My Tuesday mornings are all about tutus. Itā€™s a tradition ā€“ my own little ā€œTutu Tuesday.ā€ The key, though, is finding the right one. Islington has that covered - trust me on this. The shops and boutiques in the area are chock-full of hidden gems for a true #tututuesday. Itā€™s an exciting treasure hunt!

So, where should you start? Let's dive into the magic of Tutu Tuesday in Islington:

  • The Vintage Queen's Emporium: Donā€™t judge this shop by its name - itā€™s got vintage EVERYTHING. Imagine a little shop overflowing with treasures. But look closer: there's a shelf full of gorgeous antique ballet shoes tucked into a corner, and in a back room, hidden beneath stacks of silk scarves? Vintage tutus! There's something enchanting about finding a piece of history in a little corner of this quirky shop.
  • La Petite Plume: Now, this oneā€™s for those who love a more *structured* tutu, say, for a rehearsal. It's nestled in a back street and brimming with dancewear. They've got everything: from professional pointe shoes to tights and a collection of modern and traditional tutus. They might not have vintage tutus, but they know their stuff ā€“ seriously, it's not easy finding a classic tutu these days! So go there for a tutu with proper shape, structure, and you can *actually* turn in it (letā€™s face it, itā€™s hard to turn in some of the vintage finds - weā€™ve all been there).
  • The Fashion Vault: For those seeking *individuality* ā€“ and a lot of choice. Imagine walking into a treasure trove of the unusual, with floor-to-ceiling racks and shelves bursting with textiles, accessories, and, yes, tutus too. The owner, Alice, has an eye for unique designs. Thereā€™s this one dreamy ā€œcloudā€ tutu she keeps tucked away in the corner, just *waiting* for someone with the courage to wear it. That's my personal #tututuesday style!
  • The Atelier: And finally, we have the Atelier! This spot is a local favourite - a design haven! The resident designer here, Claire, has an exquisite eye and a magical touch with fabrics and patterns. Think luxurious fabrics, delicate details, andā€¦custom made tutus! It's not exactly #tututuesday budget-friendly, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime tutu if you want a statement piece.

As an Islington girl at heart and an aspiring ballet dancer, I say: **embrace the whimsy of tutu Tuesday!** It's about celebrating dance, personal style, and finding that unique expression within a neighbourhood brimming with character. Remember, not every day calls for a dramatic swan lake-style tutu; it's all about finding what suits your style and vibe.

Whether youā€™re after vintage finds, classic styles, or something totally bespoke, Islingtonā€™s streets are teeming with shops where your inner tutu goddess will find her moment. So grab your favourite pair of dancing shoes, unleash your inner ballerina, and #tututuesday in Islington - because sometimes, the best outfit for the day is one you find when you *least* expect it.