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 youāre thinking: "A tutu? In *Islington*? Surely thatās 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. Itās 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. Itās a tradition ā my own little āTutu 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. Itās 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: Donāt judge this shop by its name - itās 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 oneās 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 (letās face it, itās hard to turn in some of the vintage finds - weāve 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. Thereās this one dreamy ācloudā 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 youāre after vintage finds, classic styles, or something totally bespoke, Islingtonās 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.