MIDDI - Meet Me at the Barre
In search of the finer things in life — because the finest ones still cost too much.
Let’s talk about first loves. Not the first people we loved, but rather the first things we did that made us feel alive. These activities pulled us out of our comfort zones and helped us express ourselves in new ways. They helped us grow, and for that, we’ll always be grateful. For me, this was ballet. I started taking lessons when I was just five years old and continued until I was 17. I loved how absorbing and challenging this beautiful art form was—how it pushed me to think about what I thought my body could do and then work to defy those expectations. While I took a few lessons in my 20s, I made my official return to the studio at the end of last year. It’s been just as magical as I expected. To feel the muscle memory kick in and rediscover a passion that allows me to physically and mentally step away from everything else in my life for a while has been nothing short of restorative. This week’s three picks are all nods to time spent in the ballet studio and showcase the timelessness of dance-inspired style. 1. NARS Orgasm Eyeshadow Quad (on sale for £34.85)  The everyday ballet makeup look is clean and elegant. While the goal is to always look pulled together, heavy makeup is saved for the stage, which is why this look translates so well into daily life. I recently picked up this eyeshadow palette from NARS (previously featured here and here) while looking for something to brighten up my pale winter complexion. The blush, gold, coral and champagne shades can be used alone or together to create a variety of looks that awaken the eyes and give the entire face a fresh look. 2. Repetto Wrap-over (£75)  Dressing like a ballerina is about layering. Just like the tutu, a wrap sweater is a signature piece of ballet fashion. And when you think of ballet gear, you think of Repetto, the iconic French ballet shoe company founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto. The Parisian house offers several versions of this classic style (light grey, anthracite, black and blue-and-pink striped) that can easily be worn over a slip dress or with a pair of high-waisted trousers or jeans. It’s also an excellent piece to keep in your bag for traveling or commuting to combat an unexpected chill.  There is no workout like ballet. It calls on every muscle in your body in such unique ways to help you balance, spin and lift off of the floor. Ever since my dancing years ended, I tried to get similar results through pilates, barre and dance cardio classes, but never achieved the same result. Ballet Beautiful, the program developed by Mary Helen Bowers of the New York City Ballet, takes the key principles of ballet training and makes them accessible to dancers and non-dancers alike. Her at-home workouts help to create strong, lean muscles and build endurance. Something to think about …  Art is powerful. Pursuing art takes strength and perseverance, even in the best of times. No dancers demonstrate that dedication better than The United Ukrainian Ballet, who recently brought their talent and message of hope to The Kennedy Center. Last week on MIDDI …  MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.
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