Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, back from a fabulously fabulous trip through the annals of time. Today's adventure takes us to a very special date - January 1st, 1899!
My latest time-hopping voyage saw me don my shimmering pink time travel leotard and head straight into the dazzling world of fashion history! Remember that vintage pink tutu I snagged at the fabulous charity shop in Buxton last month? Well, it came in handy as ever as I waltzed into the 19th century, ready to take on the Parisian fashion scene.
Now, 1899 - just think! The Edwardian Era was in full swing. Ladies were all about delicate lace and billowing silhouettes, with everything from corsets to petticoats ensuring their figure was perfectly "hourglassy" as they promenaded through Parisian salons.
Imagine, my lovelies, how stunning my tutu looked against this backdrop of elegance! Imagine it fluttering around my legs, my own pink, perfectly-preened "pouf" contrasting against all that delicate Victorian fluff. A modern take on ballet style, a whisper of the future, landing amongst the ladies of the past!
While there were no dedicated "leotards" as we know them today (remember, it was the era of the "tutu" in all its glory!) there was still plenty to inspire my inner fashionista!
Ladies back then adored wearing flesh-toned, knitted undergarments. These werenât the "tummy control" type we know today! They were a whole new style of undergarment that gave them a sleek, streamlined look under those elaborate Edwardian gowns.
They called these things "combinations." It's like the ultimate granny pants with sleeves, but you wouldn't believe how practical they were. So much more comfy and streamlined than layers of petticoats and all those boned bodices! And imagine, if you will, the possibilities for color! A combination could have been worn in the delicate pinks and lavenders of the period - pure joy!
And while weâre on the subject of comfy undergarments, ladies! Do you remember those darling Edwardian âbloomersâ? Think leggings, only made of fine white cotton and fitted to the thigh, they would be the envy of every fashionable Parisian lady!
Back in Derbyshire, my fellow Derbyshire fashionistas! You should try that vintage trend in the 21st century! Think comfy and casual with that touch of historical charm â weâve definitely got some real fashionistas amongst us!
Moving onto another style must-have of the 1890s... Corsets! It's easy to think of the corset as something purely "old fashioned" but believe me, ladies, they had such an incredible impact on the shape and silhouette of fashion for centuries. You see, the Edwardian era was a prime example of that âslim-waistedâ silhouette. Think Princesses of the late 19th century, corseted into tiny, elegant waistlines and billowing, romantic gowns â absolute bliss!
This is all what sparked my love for leotard history, my lovelies! Everything in fashion - from leotards to tutus to even a comfy, casual corset â is all just an evolution of past style trends! The fascinating history of these iconic pieces has become such an exciting exploration of human fashion through the years.
However, as fascinating as this glimpse into history is, the true highlight of my journey back to the past is the inspiration it brings for today. We are seeing a huge resurgence of âvintageâ style these days, which just proves that fashion really does go in circles.
Right now, fashionistas are all about "maximalism" - with layering of fabrics, colors and accessories. That perfect tutu that caught my eye? Imagine layering it over some decadent lace undergarments â it's a true statement for those daring fashionistas.
Think about those delicate colours of the era â powder blues, ivory and delicate pink. And donât forget that perfect dash of pink in a statement blouse, perhaps, and some classic, statement-making jewelry! It's just as bold and vibrant as anything else you might see on the runway these days.
As you all know, it's not about âre-creatingâ the past but taking inspiration from it and blending the styles of yesterday into a modern masterpiece that embraces our own unique personality and style!
For me, this little trip down history lane confirmed my obsession with my favourite garment - the leotard! We might have "combinations" and "bloomers" back then but now we have sleek, colorful, expressive pieces to play with. From the simplicity of a plain leotard, the graceful curves of a wrap leotard or the playful femininity of the ever-iconic tutu, leotard fashion is a timeless and utterly fabulous piece in every womanâs wardrobe.
And remember, lovelies! No outfit is complete without that sparkle! My magical leotard wasn't just for time-traveling - it's perfect for dazzling under the stage lights in those street ballet performances! It adds that extra something special, that pinch of playful magic, to every look.
If you're out there searching for something a little bit different to embrace the âmaximalistâ style thatâs so popular right now, give the pink tutu a go! There's a reason why pink and tutus have held such power for centuries. They scream joy, femininity and confidence! And thatâs the ultimate message of the leotard!
As always, stay fabulous, stay true to yourself, and remember, with a little creativity, you too can turn back the clock and discover the fascinating, colourful world of leotard fashion!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
