Tutu, old, old, hush hush yes you are

6th December 2009 6 Comments


Last week I went to H & M in my lunch break from work. It must be the second child free shopping trip I have experienced in the last two years. It was exciting, darkly thrilling and strangely exhilarating in a faintly embarrassing way. Wandering around the store I saw lots and lots of things I had to try on. These were all practical work-a-day basics which I knew wouldn’t fit, unless I selected them in a couple of sizes bigger than I choose when I shop in Next or Marks and Spencer. So, size 14’s or 16’s all the way then.

There is nothing I like more than a bit of sparkly party wear, despite working in a stuffy museum environment which is more fleece and joggers, than sequins and high heels. In fact, I sometimes rock the boat and team a sparkly cardy with jeans. Way out I know. So, when I reached the party wear section, my little heart skipped a beat, sparkly cardies, silver and black sparkly mini skirts, which I picked up and then put down with a sigh. Then, the key teenage item de jour Tutu’s!

Well, as you know, I am extra especially jealous of Fifi with her pink Frilly Lily Tutu. Oh, how I dream to be able to wear one of them. Here I was standing in a shop presented with my opportunity. Was I tempted? Of course I was. However, whilst I was standing there a teenager, all leggings and bat wing jumper barged past me and grabbed one “Mum! I’ve gotta have one of these!” I looked over at mum, she was probably all of two years older than me. The embarrassment. I hope she didn’t see me coveting them, I wasn’t looking at them for me, honest.

Therein, you have another aspect of my week long theme about doing things when you are younger. When I was in my teenage years and twenties I was, I have to admit, veering on the sensible side of clothing options. Indie rock band t-shirts, jeans and DM boots all the way for me. The picture of above is me at the Reading festival in 1994. Occasional trips to Equinox in Watford or CarWash in London warranted a dress, sandals and a feather boa, but that is about the most adventurous I ever was. I do regret this, I think I should have attempted to crush my shy retiring side and been much more outlandish wearing the things that I really thought were cool. For now, in my mid thirties and a mum of two, it is a bit too late. After all, only Madonna and other egocentric celebrities can really get away with children and tutu’s. You can’t wear a tutu around Tesco’s after your nineteenth birthday, but you can wear that Marks and Spencer cardy. This a small piece of wisdom which I shall pass onto my daughter.

Claire Walsh

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6 Comments

  • Jacqui 6th December 2009 at 9:01 pm

    Isn't it one of life's little annoyances, that once you finally get the confidence and chutzpah to wear certain clothes, you realise you're now actually too old to get away with them? I feel the same way about miniskirts, short shorts, and animal prints. If only I could turn back time, I'd be in leopard hot pants everyday…

  • Emma 7th December 2009 at 9:05 am

    Oooo.. I&#39;ve been invited to a night on the town with some girlies where the theme is neon – which means everyone will be wearing tutu&#39;s.<br>I explained how I wouldn&#39;t be going.. I didn&#39;t know if it would be right me being a mummy &amp; wearing a tutu.. I know the photo&#39;s would only be plastered across facebook for everyone to see.<br>But I&#39;m only 21.. I&#39;m thinking now

  • Kim@EnjoyTheRide 7th December 2009 at 11:10 am

    Awww, Reading 94 – When there were only 2 stages. Good lineup that year.

  • Muddling Along Mummy 7th December 2009 at 1:40 pm

    You see, at 33 I&#39;m still very tempted by the tutu option – oh and sequins are a bit of a weak spot for me<br><br>I guess I&#39;m just trying to grow old disgracefully !

  • Metropolitan Mum 7th December 2009 at 4:26 pm

    Tutu! Tutu! Go for the tutu, it&#39;s now or never! <br>Who says you can&#39;t wear a tutu. People might tut (haha), but that&#39;s about it. And size 14-16 is brutally exaggerated.

  • Mark 7th December 2009 at 10:03 pm

    Cool photo – what an angel.<br><br>Hey my word verification is VENUS. Spooky

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