Wednesday 1st May 1996
Ciao from sunny Milan! ☀️
This week, my pink tutu is swirling in a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and… well, frankly, a LOT of shopping! You know me, I just can’t resist a fabulous frock, especially when I’m in a city as stylish as this. But before I whisk you off to a whirlwind of haute couture, let’s get back to basics.
My little pink-tutu-wearing heart is skipping a beat after a simply divine afternoon at the Teatro alla Scala. The majestic architecture is like a fairytale, and the whole place practically vibrates with theatrical energy.
I just HAD to see La Traviata – what a treat! The performance was sublime, with stunning sets and costumes. You know I'm all for embracing the full drama of a performance, and this was truly grand opera! Even the little Italian lady next to me, wearing a spectacular emerald green velvet dress (envy!), looked captivated. I was so inspired that I just knew I had to dust off my own operatic repertoire. 🎶 (Yes, I do have an extensive collection of aria-tastic tunes that I serenade myself with in the privacy of my bedroom.)
Street Smarts
After a sumptuous plate of pasta and a glass of chilled vino at a charming little cafe (did I mention Milan is a total foodie paradise? I can't stop munching!), I wandered the city, soaking up the atmosphere. It's amazing how simply beautiful the everyday architecture here is - it's like walking through a history book! And the energy, my darlings, is just effervescent. There's such a spirit of stylishly languid elegance. Think sun-drenched balconies adorned with trailing vines, laughter echoing from a piazza cafe, and beautifully dressed men and women strolling through the streets with effortless chic. The Italians just have that "je ne sais quoi" (that translates as 'a kind of what?!' in French... you get the gist!).
Ballet Ballett-y
And of course, I couldn’t possibly be in Italy without indulging my ballet cravings! Luckily, a little birdie (okay, a very sophisticated opera singer, actually) told me about an incredible ballet school tucked away on the outskirts of the city. It was truly a secret gem. I got to practice some of my favorite steps under the watchful eye of a stern but fantastically elegant ballerina named Francesca. Her choreography was exquisite! And even though I'm a firm believer in the joy of twirling in a pink tutu, I was glad to slip into a comfy pair of leotards and ballet shoes for a proper, rigorous training session.
Milan Shopping Spree
Now for the most fabulous part of my Milan adventure: shopping! 🛍️ I simply must tell you about this gorgeous, ultra-feminine dress shop I found. It was crammed to the rafters with frilly frocks, vibrant blouses, and oh-so-sparkly accessories - my pink-tutu-wearing heart nearly exploded! The woman who owned the store had the most fabulous pink bouffant I’ve ever seen, a truly delightful addition to the whole "pretty-in-pink" aesthetic. (You wouldn’t believe the number of sequins she'd embroidered into her dress!) Of course, I had to bring home a couple of beauties. I bought a floral-patterned dress with ruffles so voluminous, they'd give a cupcake its due! And the other is a sunshine-yellow top, perfectly suited for picnics in the park.
I also picked up a few irresistible pieces at the Mercato di Porta Ticinese, where you can find anything from handcrafted ceramics to the most delicious freshly baked bread you’ve ever tasted (trust me, I've eaten A LOT of bread in my life!), alongside funky jewellery, leather goods, and some of the most gorgeous hats you can imagine. It’s the perfect spot to get those truly unique souvenirs, and there are plenty of little cafes for taking a breather and enjoying an authentic Milanese panini.
Trains, trams and a bit of history...
No trip to Italy would be complete without hopping onto the public transport. Let me tell you, Milan’s tram network is an experience in itself! These historic carriages, some dating back over 100 years, really add to the character of the city. It's like stepping back in time, with elegant, curved roofs and beautifully ornate interiors. I had the absolute best time exploring the city this way! There was a rather chatty gentleman sitting next to me on one of my journeys. He spoke about all things Italian, from art and music to delicious cheeses, and shared his favorite spot for the best cannoli. It's just as much about the experience as the destination when you travel by tram!
Speaking of history, I also visited the Castello Sforzesco, a magnificent medieval fortress that's right in the heart of Milan. Walking through its imposing gates, I felt like I'd stepped straight into a fairytale. There’s so much to explore, with fascinating courtyards, galleries and even an incredible collection of tapestries and sculptures. I just adore how this incredible structure coexists so seamlessly with the vibrant, modern cityscape - it's such a delightful clash of old and new.
My Milan Fashion Moment
For my final day in this stunning city, I'm going to make the most of this fabulous weather and find the most charming, cobbled-street cafe I can find for a final cappuccino. Then I’m going to put on my brand new, frilly yellow top and stroll down the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which is known for its upscale fashion boutiques. It’s my chance to let my pink-tutu-loving self bask in all things sparkly and stylish. I’ll make sure to take some photos and maybe even snap a few outfit-of-the-day snaps (yes, it's absolutely acceptable to document your wardrobe journey!). After all, a touch of pink never hurts! 💖
Until next Monday, dear friends!
XOXO
Emma
PS: Don't forget to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, where you can see even more fabulous pink tutu photos, follow my travels and discover even more style inspiration! And, remember, your outfit is just a pink tutu away!
