Buongiorno, darling darlings!
It’s me, Emma, back from a whirlwind of tutus and trains, fresh from a trip to the fabulous fashion capital of the world, Milan! This week’s adventure takes us straight into the heart of Italy, and, trust me, my darlings, the Italian style is certainly infectious. My trusty pink tutu (the one with the fluffy pink tulle) has been on a spin-cycle this week, whirling through Milanese streets, trams, and, of course, a truly sensational ballet performance that had me tapping my toes until the final curtain call!
This trip marks a rather significant milestone, as it’s my 308th blog post on pink-tutu.com! A huge thank you to everyone who has joined me on this journey - you're all absolutely brilliant. Let's carry on spreading the joy of the pink tutu, shall we?
So, what's been happening in the magical city of Milan this week?
Well, where do I even start? We began our day in the most enchanting way – a morning stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It's just simply dazzling! This glorious glass-vaulted arcade, built in the 19th century, is home to designer boutiques, beautiful cafes, and exquisite Italian marble floors that just shimmer with life. We made a beeline for a charming cafe at one end of the arcade. The aromas of coffee and croissants drew us in, and the ambiance, oh the ambiance, was simply delightful! With my tutu twirling around my legs (it wouldn't stay still, the pesky thing!), I had a lovely latte macchiato and enjoyed a perfectly flaky croissant - heaven in a pastry!
The next stop on our itinerary was the majestic Duomo di Milano, a Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. It’s truly magnificent - so grand, so intricate, and so impossibly beautiful. This iconic structure is the symbol of Milan and a must-see for any traveller. The details are simply mind-boggling; I could have spent hours just gazing at the gargoyles and intricate carvings. You can even ascend to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views across the city. And, yes, I did. In my pink tutu. I simply couldn't resist the allure of the breathtaking vistas!
Of course, my time in Milan couldn't be complete without experiencing the ballet! On Wednesday evening, we graced the Teatro alla Scala, the world-famous opera house, for a breathtaking ballet performance. The exquisite architecture, the grandeur of the interior, the incredible sound - simply magnificent. I was simply transported. And as the dancers took the stage, the magic unfolded in front of me. Their movements were graceful and precise, every step a delight to behold. This performance was not just about dancing, but about emotions, passion, and sheer artistry, a mesmerizing combination that stole my heart.
And then, as we left the theater and walked into the night air, the city was illuminated in a way that only Milan could do. Streetlights casting a warm glow on the pavement, cobbled alleyways beckoning with intrigue, and the warm, vibrant chatter of locals creating an atmosphere that's electric with life. This is the essence of Milan - beautiful, cultured, and incredibly charming. We had the most delightful dinner on the roof of a stylish restaurant, watching the cityscape slowly begin to shine with twinkling lights. It was a wonderful evening for a little pink tutu reflection.
Naturally, the journey would be incomplete without a visit to a few of Milan’s fabulous shopping spots. From the sleek and sophisticated Via Montenapoleone with its high-end boutiques, to the vibrant and edgy Corso Buenos Aires with its independent stores and street markets, I was in my element. Even just browsing was pure magic! And the shoes, my darlings, the shoes! My shoe closet is calling to me, I can feel it! I’ve already promised myself a pair of luxurious pumps - they’ll look perfect with my pink tutu, don’t you think?
This was, of course, my chance to go pink-tutu crazy. You just can't help yourself when you're surrounded by some of the world’s finest fashion houses! You could say I found a little inspiration for my own wardrobe. I mean, who wouldn't feel inspired when you're in a city that's practically overflowing with fabulous fashion!
You'll never believe it, but I found the most fabulous vintage pink tutu in a shop called "Il Girasole" on Corso Buenos Aires - just perfect, even though I really shouldn't have bought another one. But, let's face it, one can never have too many pink tutus, especially when you're on a shopping spree in Milan!
But the highlight of the entire trip has to be the local street performers. We found a trio of acrobats performing in the middle of the bustling Piazza Duomo, the crowd surrounding them and applauding their gravity-defying feats. Then, in another part of the city, there was a group of young girls dancing in their vibrant, ruffled dresses and sparkly tutus – all of them having the time of their lives, their contagious energy simply drawing you in. It's this kind of joy, this sense of shared magic, that makes the city of Milan such a delightful place to be.
Every corner of this amazing city held a new story waiting to be explored, each street a canvas filled with art, fashion, and a truly captivating culture. My camera, naturally, got a workout, and I think it’s safe to say you’ll all be seeing a lot more Milan in my Instagram feed. But remember, a photo doesn’t even come close to experiencing it in person, especially when your pink tutu is twirling and the aroma of delicious pizza wafts past your nose!
Before we head back to Derbyshire, I have one more announcement to make! We're going to start a Pink Tutu Project! Now, I've been talking about spreading the joy of the pink tutu for years, so here's the deal - we're going to do it in style. Over the next few months, I want you, yes, YOU, to join me in embracing the pink tutu spirit. Share pictures, stories, ideas - whatever makes you feel fabulous! It could be a little tutu-themed picnic, a pink tutu party, or just wearing your pink tutu with confidence. We can even have a little competition to see who comes up with the most fabulous and creative pink tutu idea! I’m hoping to create a worldwide movement. Let’s put some serious pink tutu energy into the world, shall we? Join in, I’m so excited about it!
I have to admit, leaving the beautiful streets of Milan was a bit bittersweet, but this Derbyshire girl was already longing for my comfy shoes and that cosy bed of mine! It wouldn't be fair to my travel-worn tutu if it was constantly being crammed into suitcases. So, as the train journey sped us away from the glamorous, fashion-obsessed world of Milan, I began my daydreams. Who will we encounter next week, I wonder? Will it be London, Paris, perhaps Vienna? Or maybe we’ll stay closer to home this time and visit a delightful new café or two? It all remains a mystery for now, my dears, but I’ll keep you posted!
As always, thank you for joining me on my adventures. It’s truly a delight sharing them with you.
Ciao Bella!
Emma
