Hello lovelies!
It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for another instalment of my Pink Tutu Vienna adventures! This week, I'm practically buzzing with excitement because it's been one whirlwind of a week, packed with enough tulle, tutus and twirls to make your head spin! I’ve just arrived in Vienna, after a wonderful train journey through the beautiful Austrian countryside. Let me tell you, even the train was a sight to behold - a grand, old-fashioned steam train with velvet seats and intricate wood carvings. A far cry from those cramped underground tubes back in London.
You'd think travelling with a pink tutu wouldn't be easy, but it really is a breeze - I simply roll it up neatly and pop it into a special bag. It's like travelling with my best friend, except a lot fluffier and with the added benefit of bringing smiles to everyone's faces. I must confess, though, it's quite hard to resist twirling on every platform and crossing every street. The temptation is ever so strong!
I love travelling by train, particularly in Europe. There’s a magic to it, isn't there? You don’t just get from point A to B, you actually experience the world, taking in the landscapes, meeting fellow travellers and just savouring the journey itself.
And of course, a good book and a spot of afternoon tea always add that extra touch of glamour to my journey.
Oh, and speaking of glamour, this week in Vienna has been about one thing – Fashion! And more specifically, the Vienna Opera Ball! It’s absolutely breathtaking - imagine, a whole night dedicated to waltzing and extravagance, all wrapped up in a spectacular venue with the city skyline twinkling behind it. It’s the ultimate celebration of grace and elegance!
And speaking of elegance, did you know there’s a special dress code for the Vienna Opera Ball? Men are supposed to wear black tie with white tie optional. As for the ladies, the classic ball gown is still the favourite, though these days you can see more adventurous styles - some of them incredibly modern! And naturally, as any true Pink Tutu fan knows, a bit of sparkle is never out of place.
While I was on my trip, I stumbled upon a delightful shop – a vintage fashion haven tucked away in a cobblestone lane. It’s called Vintage Treasures, and it’s stuffed full of exquisite vintage pieces that are practically begging to be brought back to life! I picked up a stunning pink ball gown from the 1950s - it’s a perfect shade of pale pink and boasts a wide, flowing skirt. The perfect piece for an opera ball. It also got me thinking - is it time for another pink tutu in my life? After all, my current one, even though a lovely shade of hot pink, could be considered slightly past its prime.
The Viennese women are positively divine – I spotted the most glorious feathered fascinators and exquisite bejewelled clutches at the opera ball. I absolutely love seeing how people take this grand occasion and express themselves through their personal style, it’s incredibly inspiring. They understand that fashion is a celebration of yourself, and they celebrate it wholeheartedly! And don’t even get me started on their shoes – you’ve never seen such elegant and fabulous footwear!
Oh, but I can’t forget to tell you about my latest obsession – ballets shoes! Since I've been here, I've been scouring every vintage shop and antique market for some truly stunning, and well-loved, pairs.
Just think of it, lovelies! A pair of shoes that have danced on some of the world’s most famous stages! Each little mark and scuff is a story, a testament to a lifetime of twirls, leaps and grace! Just the thought of these beautiful little shoes brings a tear to my eye and makes me feel completely enchanted.
This is a wonderful feeling and one of the things that truly makes my heart sing – to bring these timeless pieces of beauty back to life, making them feel appreciated and cherished once more!
So, let's talk tutus for a moment. Did you know that tutus, like fashion itself, have a rich history and evolving story? My journey has already been packed with incredible tutu-discoveries! For example, the first tutus, created in the mid 19th century, were pretty different to what we know today. Imagine a billowing, swirling creation, more reminiscent of a giant petticoat.
Then, there was the invention of the Romantic Tutu, a much more delicate style of tulle, offering more movement and allowing the dancer's limbs to move more freely. And that is exactly how ballet evolved - embracing movement and beauty at the same time!
And speaking of dancing, have you ever had the chance to see a ballet show here in Vienna? The Vienna State Opera has to be one of the most impressive opera houses I have ever visited. And just the sound of the Viennese waltz… It's utterly mesmerizing, making you want to twirl just like those wonderful dancers! I was especially captivated by a performance of Giselle by the Vienna State Ballet - a story of unrequited love and ethereal grace, presented with an elegance and emotion that brought tears to my eyes!
But for a proper Parisian ballet fix, you absolutely have to see Sleeping Beauty at the Vienna State Opera! And trust me, you really should. You will love every minute!
I even managed to find a lovely ballet class that perfectly matches my style – lots of pink and twirling of course. So you know, I spent some time embracing the ballerina inside of me! The teachers were so enthusiastic and inspiring! And who knows, perhaps in future, you might even see me dance on the stage of the Vienna State Opera! (But don’t hold your breath just yet, as it requires a bit more dedication and skill!)
Let me tell you – dancing with the Viennese waltzes playing, while dressed in a stunning vintage tutu is one of those things you really must try.
On that note, I must leave you to go and explore all the beautiful and romantic corners of this fascinating city! Oh, and make sure to pop on your Pink Tutu, too, when you go out exploring your own city! I love seeing you all wear your beautiful tutus, you make the world feel so much more wonderful and bright.
And remember, we all have a little bit of magic and beauty inside of us. We just need to let it shine!
Until next week, darlings! And keep spreading the pink love!
Yours,
Emma
PinkTutuVienna
www.pink-tutu.com
