The Babushka Ballerina

I visited The Babushka Ballerina recently for a spot of bridesmaid dress shopping with a betrothed friend. The boutique is located amongst the series of pretty clothes shops on Ann Street. Specializing in ladies’ evening wear and bridal gowns, browsing through the store is a feast for the eyes. The more extravagant bridal gowns are hidden upstairs, where brides to be can browse away from the main floor. The evening wear, bridesmaid dresses, and slightly simpler wedding gowns are downstairs and are arranged by colour. Our fitting was overseen by business owner Sierra, who also designs many of the dresses and accessories on display. The experience was fun and helpful, and I’d recommend The Babushka Ballerina as a pitstop for any lady looking for bridal wear or a gown for a special occasion.

Babushka Ballerina has always struck me as
an odd name for a clothing store.
For one the word Babushka in russian means grandma
and coupled with the knowledge I would never fit into
a ballerina size 2, I was understandably nervous
when entering this valley store.
Happily Babushka Ballerina is far from the small sized
nanna shawls and woollen dresses my mind had envisaged.
Instead I find a most elegant window display,
luring me to take a peek inside.
This small boutique offers a perfect replacement for those
who are sick of the mass produced rubbish.
Boasting limited edition runs and one of a kind designs,
this place caters to formal dress hunters, birthday girls
and woman about to march down the aisles.
(And while I’m not planning exactly in the wedding market,
I cannot help but be drawn to some of the fabulous
white dresses on display.)
With a range of accessories also on hand,
Babushka Ballerina is a one stop shop for all your partying needs.

So here comes a confession… I love a good impulse shop. All it takes is a pretty dress in a window. Next thing you know I’m inside, trying it on and twirling around in it in the dressing room like a total weirdo. Generally if the twirling works out well then chances are I won’t be able to help myself and it will be in my wardrobe before you can say «why on Earth were you twirling around like a loser alone in a dressing room?».
The Babushka Ballerina is one of these dangerous boutiques. Being the brand new shop on the strip of boutiques on Ann Street in the Valley, it’s done well to differentiate itself from the rest. Firstly, it’s all locally designed by Brisbane girl Sierra Ramke. Secondly, it’s not just cocktail wear but also formal dresses and upstairs is dedicated to bridal wear. The great thing about shopping in a place like The Babushka Ballerina is that, chances are, there isn’t going to be any embarassing «she’s wearing the same dress as me» moments given that most of the pieces are one-​offs or made in limited numbers.
If you have a special occasion coming up that requires a special frock, The Babushka Ballerina is definitely worth a look. I might have to have another 21^st birthday just so I have an excuse to go back!