Buongiorno, darlings!
It's Wednesday, January 19th, and I'm writing to you from the glamorous city of Milan, Italy! I’ve been in the capital of fashion and style for a few days now, and it's already been an absolute whirl! My mission: to soak up the Italian fashion vibes, see a breathtaking ballet performance, and maybe even find a little pink tutu inspiration to bring back to Derbyshire.
As you know, my darling readers, I travel to these extraordinary cities by rail – such a charming way to take in the passing scenery. I don't just love ballet, you see, I love trains! I love their rhythm, the rhythmic clicking of the wheels against the track, the swaying carriages, the smell of steam and fresh air, and most importantly, the opportunity to lose myself in a good book or, you guessed it, to twirl! There's something about a moving train that gets my ballerina legs going, wouldn't you agree?
Pink Perfection and Milanese Magic
Upon arriving in Milan, the first thing I noticed was the sheer abundance of pink! From the blush-hued buildings to the stylishly-dressed women, it seemed the city was embracing my favourite hue with open arms! Now, I'm not suggesting Milan is an overly pink city (although, I have seen the most magnificent hot pink lipstick on a street vendor lady, that pink was exceptional!), it's just the subtle pops of colour here and there reminded me so much of home - my tutu! This gave me a real sense of comfort.
This is what makes travelling so fun. Not only getting to see stunning sights, but also making these special, unexpected connections that feel personal and heartwarming. Like how seeing a small, beautifully crafted pink ceramic piglet in a window reminded me of my best friend Emily’s favourite little stuffed animal - a fluffy pink pig with an unyielding appetite for my old ballet shoes (what can I say, the ballerina life has its quirks). I haven't seen Emily for ages - but then, these days we are both on our own grand adventures, right?
Of course, the first thing I did in Milan was head to the Teatro alla Scala – one of the most renowned opera houses in the world! My heart skipped a beat at the sight of its majestic facade, and inside, it was pure, unadulterated elegance.
But darling, it’s a ballet, I'm here for ballet! I got to see the Romeo and Juliet ballet, a piece by one of my favourite choreographers. From the opening notes to the closing bow, I was completely captivated by the passionate storytelling and the incredible artistry of the dancers. I could almost taste the tragic romance hanging in the air, felt Juliet's anguish, and revelled in Romeo's strength. A masterful display of drama, emotion, and balletic genius.
After the show, I treated myself to a little indulgence - a perfectly brewed cappuccino at a chic little cafe near the Duomo. It was pure heaven.
Finding my Fashion Fix in Milan
No trip to Milan is complete without a little shopping, so I ventured into the heart of the fashion district. There were stunning shops galore - everything from haute couture to independent boutiques bursting with style. I'm not going to lie, my eyes nearly popped out of my head! There was so much exquisite fabric, design, and craftsmanship. But here's the catch - I wasn’t just shopping for me. It’s a constant for me to think about outfits for my followers. Who can wear what? How does one make it elegant, everyday and balletic?
I've already been planning a 'pink tutu outfit of the week' section on my site, www.pink-tutu.com, as a new way to inspire my dear followers.
And speaking of pink tutus, darling readers, I’ve already made a major discovery – a secret vintage shop, tucked away on a quiet cobblestone street, that's bursting with pink tulle heaven. Let’s just say that my collection will need some extra space soon. But when you are a pink tutu addict - every space counts, wouldn't you say?
Milan on Wheels - A Ballet Blogger's Love Affair with the Tram
Of course, I had to explore Milan's transportation scene. In particular, I fell in love with the trams! The beautiful vintage trams - red, yellow and blue ones, whizzing around the city - they reminded me so much of trams in London. I can already hear the charming bell-ding-dinging now as they approach a station. This city, it's almost like a storybook coming to life - the kind you’d see a ballerina twirling across in an illustrated picture.
As you know, darling readers, I have always embraced the notion that public transport is more than just a mode of transportation, it’s a ballet in itself!
Riding the trams allows me to immerse myself in the real rhythm of the city. To soak up the daily routine of the locals. See a couple lost in conversation as the city speeds by. Observe a fashion designer heading to a meeting - their suit perfectly crisp - the subtle swish of the fabric reminding me of a tutu!
A Pink Tutu Vision for the Future
Now, here's my personal mission in Milan, a mission that I'm sharing with all of you, dear readers. You already know about my obsession with pink tutus. And during this trip, this Italian journey into fashion and inspiration - I’m convinced more than ever, that I'm not the only one who's in love with the charm of a pink tutu! And I've made it my mission, on this Milan journey, to get every single person, and I mean every single person in the city to wear at least one! I have no idea how, exactly - but this is my life purpose: to inspire all those around me! And as a wise man once said: If you believe in yourself, and that a dream is achievable, then you can make it a reality!
I know that some of you might find this idea slightly, well... out of the ordinary. You're worried what people will think, will they laugh at you? Well, here's my question - what would the world be without pink tutus? It’s like that old saying, life’s too short not to twirl!
Of course, a real ballerina would tell you a pink tutu needs proper training, practice and a little grace to be properly worn. We can’t go about life with this much tulle without a proper technique!
There's something magical about a pink tutu. They embody both elegance and whimsy. If the people in Milan don’t realize that… well, there are many ways to open someone’s eyes to beauty. There’s the power of a good performance - they see that tutu twirl with precision and grace; there’s the sight of an amazing pink tutu collection in the shop window. Or there's the everyday, little moments – a beautiful pink scarf, a pair of pink ballet slippers, even a delicate pink hair clip. Each one a small but powerful act of expression.
Oh, darling readers - as for my mission to have Milan in pink tutus by the end of this week... well, one step at a time. I will report back next Monday. Stay tuned, I’ve already got some exciting ideas to spread my passion for tutus all around the globe! Because honestly - why wouldn’t we want the world to be filled with pink tulle? It would make for some stunning scenery on my train journeys, I can already tell you that.
Until next week, darling readers!
Love always, Emma 💖 www.pink-tutu.com
