Tutu Tuesday in Leighton Buzzard
Okay, darlings, gather around for another fab #TutuTuesday blog post! I am absolutely buzzing from a trip into Leighton Buzzard today! Now, Leighton Buzzard may not immediately spring to mind as a fashion haven, but trust me, this little market town is a total hidden gem! It's actually perfect for the Tutu Tuesday style explorer!
You see, the first thing I noticed when I hopped off the train was the lovely mix of classic and quirky boutiques. They just seem to draw you in. You've got the familiar high street names, yes, but interspersed are little indie shops and galleries overflowing with unique treasures! And let me tell you, those treasures are not just jewellery and art, I even found the perfect tutu fabric!
My main aim for today's outing was a bit of fabric shopping for my next tutu creation. Let's be honest, every dancer knows a tutu never goes amiss! The plan was to create a simple yet elegant piece for a modern ballet performance we're doing next month. I'm going for a floaty, ethereal look, nothing too frilly or fussy. But it definitely has to be a tutu!
Now, I don't mean a massive, multi-layered classical tutu – those are brilliant, of course, but let's be real, not everyone's day-to-day outfit. For this modern ballet, we need a tutu that reflects the choreography - understated, powerful, and captivating.
And guess what? It was right there! In a little, charming haberdashery called The Needle's Eye. I know what you're thinking...a name like that, it can be a bit much. I almost walked right past it, but the aroma of vintage fabric pulled me in. Now, there are some fabric stores that smell a little funky...but this one smelled like dreams and possibility! The owner, a lovely woman with hair as grey as the best pearl-grey tutu, has such a love for fabrics. We spent ages discussing my project, and I have to say, the experience is a big part of what makes finding the perfect fabric for a tutu so exciting! There's something magical about finding exactly what you need to bring a costume to life, you know?
So I've got the fabric, now I just need to decide on the style. Should I go for the simple, elegant wrap skirt? It's light, airy, and flows beautifully! I might even add a touch of shimmer for that added bit of drama. Or maybe a full, gathered circle skirt, to evoke the traditional ballet aesthetic? Maybe with a touch of romantic lace or ribbon for extra elegance, I have to see if the haberdashery has something suitable. Or maybe something with a contemporary feel, with uneven, layered panels - it would give a touch of boldness! I mean, it’s #TutuTuesday, I could create something daringly beautiful!
This is why I love #Tututuesday, ladies! It's not just about dressing up, although, who doesn't love a good twirl? It's about creativity, expressing yourself, and a chance to explore all the styles you could imagine wearing with a tutu. I'm heading back to the studio this week and trying some of the designs I have been mulling over. Will post the process, maybe some #OOTD on instagram later. Follow my story, ok?
I was just thinking how my little adventure shows how Leighton Buzzard is truly becoming a vibrant destination for creative types like us. I also discovered this brilliant cafe just around the corner - I might need a separate post on that! - But for now, remember, your creative journey, especially involving tutus, doesn’t need to take you to the bright lights of the capital. Leighton Buzzard is an excellent spot to tap into a fabulous world of #TutuTuesday creativity!