Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma from Derbyshire, back with you for another instalment of Pink Tutu Milan. The sunshine is pouring in through the window, illuminating my perfectly pink tulle skirt as I sip my morning espresso. It’s a glorious Wednesday, a day packed with adventure and of course, copious amounts of pink.
This week, I've taken a whirl through the most magical city, Milano! Now, I’ve been here before, but I can tell you that the charm of this place just never fades. Milan, oh Milan, you steal my heart each time I visit. The cobblestone streets, the charming boutiques overflowing with exquisitely crafted Italian leather goods, the stunning architecture that makes my head spin – you just can’t help but feel utterly inspired in this beautiful city!
Speaking of inspiration, my darling readers, I feel like I'm channeling a little bit of Milan's incredible fashion scene in this very moment. You see, yesterday, I treated myself to the most amazing new addition to my tutu collection – a pink one, obviously! A delicate, ethereal creation of hand-stitched tulle, it has an intricate lace trim, and I just had to have it. I’m a little obsessed with tutus, you know. It’s just something about that flowing, swirling silhouette that fills me with utter joy. I find that the simple act of putting one on turns any day into a delightful escapade!
A Whimsical Journey through Milan: Exploring with a Tutu and a Smile
My Milan adventures this time took a slightly more adventurous route than usual. The tram has become my best friend; a comfortable chariot taking me from one point of beauty to the next. It has provided the perfect platform for people-watching. I couldn’t resist, of course, sharing the beauty with you on Instagram! You'll find my little pink ballet world documented, every last blush of my adventures shared for your enjoyment on www.pink-tutu.com, along with my most recent Instagram adventures too. Don’t forget to check out my photos!
A little over a week ago, I was back in my familiar hometown in Derbyshire. I was delighted to receive an unexpected invitation for a charity ball. You just wouldn’t believe how much the whole experience was the ultimate ballet-themed celebration. I got to wear a beautiful gown, all tulle and delicate flowers, and even twirled in a brief, impromptu performance that the guests just adored! I managed to snag a delightful pink dress on a sale rack for just £25 from a charity shop and donated a lovely £50 to a very worthwhile cause. Such an excellent outcome!
But, as you know, the magic of pink and tutus can take you anywhere. That's why I ended up back in Milan this week! After a short spell of "working the angles" - ahem, performing – I packed up my dancing shoes, my little tutu bag, and a suitcase full of dreamy pinks, and headed for a little escapism in this city I call my "second home."
Finding Pink Paradise in Milan:
I always find Milan a haven for all things feminine and stylish. This time, I went a little overboard (okay, a lot overboard) and decided to make the shopping scene my playground! My favourite moment came at the corner of Via Montenapoleone and Via Manzoni, just behind the Duomo, where I found this enchanting little shop overflowing with pastel pinks and adorable polka dot ribbons. Imagine the ultimate princess wardrobe and that's what it felt like stepping inside! The sales assistant even told me, with a knowing smile, “I knew you would find your way here”. They obviously understand a pink-tutu wearing ballerina! The afternoon was a delightful symphony of floral scents and soft fabrics; I just about died of joy (in the best possible way) while I tried on a new tulle skirt (it was a different one to my new pink creation). I mean, when you find an almost perfect tulle skirt, how could you possibly leave? Of course, I added a couple more things to the pink and red themed outfits for the ballet performance I had that evening, along with my newest pink tutu for good measure, and I ended up walking out feeling like I was part of a Parisian film.
That same day, I fell in love with a lovely leather bag in a pale, pale pink - very chic. After a little more haggling, the owner said “I’ll let you have it for €65.” I think he realised I would spend hours staring lovingly at it and he just wanted to get it out the door! Oh Milan, you've stolen my heart and my purse strings.
Under the Spell of the Opera: A Night to Remember
That night, however, was the absolute highlight. I went to the Teatro alla Scala - one of the world's most famous opera houses. And you know, even as a dancer, opera just has a certain magic to it. You're not just witnessing a show - you’re experiencing something more! The voices, the costumes, the whole atmosphere... pure drama! I even managed to sneak in a quick peek at the stage during a short break - it's breathtakingly gorgeous, even from backstage.
Speaking of backstage, that night I was lucky enough to witness the magical ballet "Giselle." Now, for those of you who haven’t seen "Giselle" - I absolutely urge you to see it, if you ever get the opportunity. There’s a captivating blend of classical dance, powerful emotions, and intricate choreography – pure theatrical magic! I think I might have cried a bit when the heroine was abandoned by her lover; I mean, it’s so heartbreaking! It really made me appreciate just how incredibly expressive ballet can be.
The show ended, I grabbed an ice-cream from the café near my apartment - it was strawberry ice-cream, a pink one of course! - and I spent the rest of the evening catching up on my favorite online blogs while tucked up in my hotel room with a glass of lemonade. After all, what could be more glamorous than a ballet dancer in a pink tutu, reading about the latest ballet news? It’s a truly divine experience!
*And Then There's Fashion… *
But you know me, I always find a way to sprinkle in some fashion into the mix. Milan, oh darling Milan, your fashion sense is a whole different language! You find pieces in shops here that you just don’t see anywhere else, and that's exactly why I love to wander around its beautiful streets. There's no shortage of luxury shops on every corner, and honestly, the creativity of some of the clothes really blew me away. I’d never even heard of some of these designers! For example, I was very impressed with a shop named "Dolce & Gabbana.” I just can’t get over the artistry and craftsmanship of these designers, every little detail has so much heart. They truly capture the spirit of Milan – glamorous, timeless, and with an unexpected edge.
And You Thought that was all…??
As if Milan wasn’t spectacular enough, my trip coincided with the Salone del Mobile, the world's biggest design event! Imagine my excitement when I discovered that it was just around the corner from my apartment! That day I decided to explore it thoroughly, finding my way to this one beautiful vintage furniture store - a beautiful store filled with amazing relics! Now, this isn't just furniture. It was furniture with an artistic edge - from sleek modern sculptures to stunning art nouveau masterpieces. Honestly, I could have easily gotten lost in that place! I snapped some photos to add to my ballet inspiration and kept moving along!
Of course, a little bit of art also always enhances the beauty of fashion.
That night I finally saw one of Milan’s great architectural treasures. My dear readers, you’re just going to have to read this! I visited a place that was an absolute gem! It’s a stunning church built on the outside as if it were from another time - it’s called Duomo, but everyone calls it the Duomo. Imagine a giant marble palace soaring into the sky, its spire almost touching the heavens.
I stood there, mouth agape, taking it all in. You’re likely to find that, unlike me, many folks try to “look” like they're nonchalant when they go there - but I mean, just LOOK AT IT!! It is staggering. I walked all the way around the perimeter and back, I even ventured up a couple of the side stairs just to get a glimpse inside - and trust me when I say I just couldn’t believe how magical it is! There’s something so inspiring about how the light plays in through the stained-glass windows, I actually ended up doing some stretching for my ballet routine in the square near the steps!
It’s all about the people and their love for dance:
I guess what makes Milan truly special, however, is not just the city’s amazing beauty. The people - the energy of Milan! There's this fantastic buzz in the air; the residents exude a real passion for life. And that passion is expressed in the art they create - be it fashion, food, architecture or dancing.
Of course, as always, I took full advantage of my time in this beautiful city and took every opportunity to go to see a show - what would be a better place to see dance than Milan? My favourite dance studio was a charming little spot in a bustling side street, with its beautiful parquet flooring and a view onto the old rooftops. The little studio had an old, slightly shabby look and yet felt luxurious - all for €20 a class.
For me, it's so rewarding to see so many people, all with different ages, backgrounds, and levels, sharing their love for dance, the passion for movement and grace. I love the way it transcends cultures and backgrounds; just people united in a language only dance can speak. I guess that’s exactly what inspires me to keep dancing - and what makes this Pink Tutu journey such a blessing!
This weekend I’m going to take the time to really relax; perhaps indulge in a delicious cappuccino and a spot of window-shopping, or find a quiet spot to write and catch up on all the incredible things that have been happening this week.
Until then, happy twirling, and may your days be filled with as much sunshine, pink tulle, and enchanting experiences as mine have been. Remember, my lovely readers - even when you think you're wearing the same pink tutu, it is still a different journey each and every time. I am always on a different journey when I visit Milan.
I can’t wait to tell you all about what happens next week. Remember to follow my travels on www.pink-tutu.com for regular weekly blog posts and daily updates on Instagram, and remember… let’s all go get a pink tutu, shall we?!
Lots of love,
Emma from Pink Tutu Milan
