Tutu Tuesday 948

Tutu Tuesday in Surbiton: A Ballerina's Guide to Finding the Perfect Tutu It’s Tuesday, which means one thing: it’s time for Tutu Tuesday! #tututuesday Every Tuesday, I’m dedicating my blog post to all things tutu, exploring everything from history and style to where to find the perfect tutu for any occasion. As a dancer, tutus hold a special place in my heart, and as a lover of all things fashion, I'm always drawn to the beautiful and unique designs that grace the stage and inspire countless fashion designers. So, grab your ballet shoes and get ready for a journey into the whimsical world of tutus. Today, we’re venturing to the lovely town of Surbiton in search of tutus! Surbiton has been steadily gaining a reputation for its vintage shops, so I’m excited to see what gems I can unearth for our #tututuesday hunt. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we? As I arrived at the station, I was immediately greeted by the bustling energy of Surbiton High Street. I was also relieved to find an abundance of tea shops – after all, tea is fuel for a tutu-seeking soul! A steaming cup of Earl Grey with a splash of milk always does the trick for a midday pick-me-up. The energy and aroma of fresh coffee beans and homemade cake lured me to my first stop: a quaint little cafe called ‘The Cake House’. Here I decided to sit down for a well-earned breakfast, knowing my day of scouring Surbiton was just getting started! A proper Full English – two fried eggs, sausage, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, baked beans, fried bread, a cup of tea and a cheeky glass of orange juice, fueled me up ready to find a vintage tutu. Tutu Tuesday: The Vintage Finds of Surbiton First up was my first port of call, a truly gorgeous little shop on the High Street called 'A Vintage Affair'. As soon as I crossed the threshold, the air buzzed with excitement – the shop was crammed to the rafters with an eclectic collection of clothing, furniture, and treasures. Vintage lace, embroidered fabrics, and dusty brooches – I knew immediately that my tutu dreams could come true! The owner, a friendly chap named Charles, gave me a knowing nod as I rushed to the rack where the dresses and dancewear were tucked away, clearly familiar with the ballerina vibe I was giving off. My hands frantically searched amongst layers of silks and satins. I felt like I was rummaging through a dancer’s dressing room, and after about 20 minutes of treasure hunting, I hit the jackpot – an absolutely divine pale pink tutu, delicately stitched and bursting with intricate detailing. The moment I laid eyes on it, my inner dancer squealed! It was exactly the kind of piece that made my heart beat faster – a graceful, timeless piece of elegance that whispered of a bygone era, perfect for a fairytale ballet performance. I’d never seen anything quite like it. The material was the thinnest, most delicate silk I’d ever felt. It was everything I had been dreaming of – a graceful, timeless piece of elegance that whispered of a bygone era. The kind of tutu you imagine in vintage ballet photographs, swirling through the stage lights, capturing the audience’s gaze. I was speechless. Charles took it from my hands to admire it too, grinning proudly, “That’s a rare one, that is. A real treasure! You have great taste,” he beamed at me. The moment I laid my eyes on it, my inner dancer squealed! I knew that Charles, a true lover of all things vintage, had just handed me the ultimate piece of #tututuesday magic. Now that I had secured my perfect vintage find, my tutu hunt had just started! There was an energy pulsating through Surbiton – there were still so many stores and boutiques to discover, but first, I knew exactly what my body needed! A hot cup of tea was waiting for me, just across the road in a cozy little tearoom named "The Cup and Saucer", surrounded by a comforting floral-patterned tea set and stacks of vintage teacups. As the caffeine kicked in, I started planning the next stage of my tutu exploration. It seemed only appropriate, given my first success, that my next port of call was a charming little boutique called "The Ballet Room". Tucked away on a quiet side street, this little gem was a hidden treasure for anyone looking for elegant dancewear. It was adorned with stunning silks, flowing chiffon, and an array of elegant ballerina flats. I knew it was time to step up my tutu game and dive into the realm of contemporary and modern styles. My eyes immediately focused on the colourful rack in the corner – an assortment of tutus, crafted from contemporary fabrics like stretchy mesh and sequins. I immediately fell in love with a vivid, cerulean-blue tutu made of delicate netting and shimmering embellishments. I was feeling super inspired by the designs I had seen! The vibrant colours and unconventional styles were a beautiful reminder that tutus have come a long way and are not limited to just classic, traditional styles. A truly beautiful, contemporary dance tutu, this one would make heads turn in a modern ballet performance. I thought of the stunning choreography that could be created around the colours and intricate detailing. I could imagine it swaying effortlessly as the dancer moved, transforming with the mood of the music, radiating with an almost magical quality. Surbiton - The Tutu Haven! More Vintage Gems! My energy was reaching peak levels – after all, two perfect tutu finds in one afternoon! Surbiton seemed to be radiating an infectious vibe. The next place on my list was a store called "A Little Piece of History", a real eclectic mix of vintage clothes and furniture. This charming vintage store held many hidden treasures – antique dressing tables, vintage crockery, and clothing with such detailed tailoring, from the Victorian era to the late 20th century. While my original tutu goal had been the hunt for vintage tutus, my quest for dance-inspired fashion had shifted! The beautifully crafted dresses and gowns were breathtaking, radiating timeless style, with such intricate attention to detail, I couldn’t help but imagine a performance of elegance and poise. But, in one corner, a beautifully ornate and embroidered dress with an array of layers – a gorgeous turquoise and velvet concoction - took my breath away! This would make a stunning, almost royal, costume. The elegant and flowing movement of a vintage piece could inspire some incredible, delicate ballet choreography. Now, armed with three treasures, I felt completely inspired. The last shop on my list was 'Second Chance Chic' on Surbiton's High Street – and I had just a little time left for tea and scones at my favorite local tea shop! This lovely boutique was brimming with affordable, unique finds. A beautiful display of lace tops, colourful trousers and a rack full of party dresses drew me into the shop and soon, my eye was caught by an adorable vintage tutu – the sweetest little pink, pleated and frilly creation. A lovely vintage ballet style - perfectly innocent, and oh so beautifully feminine, the tutu was just begging to twirl across a stage or even a vintage photoshoot. I decided that Surbiton had offered up such an incredible array of pieces - not only vintage tutus and contemporary ballet dancewear – but such a variety of gorgeous and fashionable pieces, that had truly broadened my vision of tutus! This shop felt as though it had a heart, bursting with pieces waiting to be given a second chance to inspire. My tutu-laden bags were getting a bit heavy now. Just one stop to go. Afternoon Tea & My Perfect Tutu! By this stage, it was high time for a little sugar and indulgence, so I crossed the street to my go-to tea shop. It’s called ‘The Teahouse' and is full of dainty, antique china tea sets, cosy chairs, and enough cakes and biscuits to fill a ballet dancer's wardrobe. My delicious cuppa gave me time to reflect on the magical journey I'd had. Every time I looked down at my collection, a wave of joy washed over me – I had to capture the memories and experiences of #tututuesday for the world! But one question continued to linger. Which one would I choose? After hours of hunting for treasures and having my head stuffed with images of dancers spinning on stage, one tutu had stayed with me… my little pink ballet treasure from ‘A Vintage Affair’. I laid it out in front of me on the table, and it looked almost new again. It really was beautiful, with so much history and the ability to spark such amazing creativity! I just needed to think about how to style it! I was definitely drawn to this dainty ballet beauty, and the more I imagined it twirling on stage, the more I loved its timeless, delicate feel. So there you have it. Tutu Tuesday in Surbiton You don't need to be a ballerina to appreciate the artistry of a tutu. And if you’re ever on the hunt for something extra special, a vintage find or simply looking for a new piece of dancewear, Surbiton might just be your magical destination. It’s not just an idyllic escape for ballet lovers; it’s a treasure trove of memories and style. So next time you need a little inspiration, remember your local vintage boutiques and markets - a place where stories can unfold and treasures just waiting to be unearthed. From this little #tututuesday exploration in Surbiton, I learnt a vital lesson: don't underestimate the magic of exploring your local area! This day out had reminded me that you can discover a hidden world of possibilities just by stepping out of your front door. Until next Tuesday, my friends! #tututuesday