Ciao bella! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing guide to all things beautiful and fabulous, straight from the heart of Milan!
My journey to the City of Fashion continues...
You won’t believe the whirlwind of pink and frills that is this week's Milan adventures. First, I took the most charming train journey from Derbyshire, England, (hello fellow Brits!). Let me tell you, travelling by train with a big pink tutu is a sight to behold, and the smiles on everyone’s faces just made the journey all the more delightful!
I’ve always said a pink tutu makes everyone happier! I think everyone should embrace their inner ballerina, even if it’s just a day trip on the train, right?!
I've found my new favourite spot in Milan. It's the tramline, who knew trams could be so elegant! Every trip is like a performance! You have the seasoned fashionistas with their impeccable style and the young ones trying out the latest trends, plus you can’t forget the beautiful Milan architecture, it's all so theatrical.
This time around, I’m feeling inspired by all the Italian design and fashion I see around me. Did I mention I did a spot of ballet shopping at the most divine little boutique earlier? I just couldn't resist this adorable pink tutu with pearl embellishments. I’ll be adding it to my growing collection of pink tutus, naturally!
Speaking of my favourite colour, Milan seems to be bursting with vibrant pink! There’s this charming cafe on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, their pink striped awning practically invites me in for a delicious afternoon coffee! I adore the playful atmosphere and the chance to people-watch - and let’s face it, they always make fantastic inspiration for my ballet blog!
Speaking of performance...
A ballet adventure to remember...
Tonight I saw the most captivating performance at the Teatro alla Scala. Imagine, it was like stepping into a fairytale! It’s not often you find a ballet set to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring (so iconic) in such a beautifully renovated theater.
You'd be surprised by the energy in the air; it's almost magical! Even if you’re not into ballet, this is the kind of show that draws you in. The dancing, the music, the costumes! It was almost surreal!
One of the best parts of visiting a foreign country for a ballet lover like me is seeing the performance traditions. There’s this beautiful sense of anticipation and then, bam! The curtains go up, and you’re transported. It’s an experience you can’t replicate anywhere else. It's almost magical!
Of course, I had to grab a delicious ice cream afterwards (you know how much I love them!) The flavours were fantastic! From the delicate lavender gelato to the vibrant raspberry sorbetto, each bite was a taste of Italy. And just to complete the image, I took my ice cream outside and posed by the statue of a ballet dancer on a beautiful park bench! I did capture the moment for my social media - because what is a good adventure without capturing it in photos and videos?
The only problem is I’m running out of storage space!
Back to fashion…
You'll be delighted to hear about my exciting discoveries this week. Milan has become a haven for my fashion sense. It's like a wonderland! My eye caught the latest trend of ruffles and I had to get my hands on a magnificent pink ruffle blouse. (This piece is perfect for a summer evening waltz!) The fabrics are exquisite! Plus, I spotted these incredible shoes…pink, of course! I mean, can you ever have too much pink? (That’s rhetorical by the way) They will look perfect on my next ballet street performance!
Speaking of the ballet street scene, I had the best time the other day. It's a wonderful way to connect with the local dancers and just dance.
Oh! I almost forgot to tell you about the vintage markets! This place is heaven for ballet enthusiasts, or anyone with a love for vintage fashion. I scored some lovely, delicate, and (surprise, surprise!) pink vintage tutus - the perfect accessory for my street performances! There are so many beautiful treasures that I had to restrain myself! (I still regret not grabbing those sparkly ballet shoes, I mean… what was I thinking! ).
Life as a ballerina…
Now I've got to be honest, traveling with a big pink tutu does attract some attention, especially here in Milan. (My next adventure will involve making pink tutu travel-size, because this bag of mine just can't fit my growing pink tutu collection! ). But honestly, it's worth it.
People come up to me and ask about my tutu. Then we start chatting, laughing, sharing stories. Sometimes, even inspiring someone else to wear a pink tutu! You can see the delight on their faces! That’s when you realise how contagious joy is - particularly if you're in a pink tutu.
You know, it’s about expressing yourself and bringing a bit of whimsy to everyday life. That’s my motto! To inspire everyone to find their own personal dance.
So what is on today's menu, I hear you ask?
An afternoon of Milan’s vibrant culture and charm…
Well, today’s schedule is absolutely packed!
I’ll be spending my morning indulging in the delicious world of Italian cuisine. My favourite bakery near the Piazza Duomo will be my first stop. I simply have to try out their new pastry; it's got an exciting pink-hued icing that is the most delicate and flavourful confection.
Afterwards, it's a must-visit to the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that gorgeous glass and steel dome is so stunningly beautiful! They even have the most impressive fashion and shoe stores, you can really immerse yourself in Milan's history and vibrant fashion culture.
Don't forget, the shops close on Sunday, so this is the perfect opportunity for a delightful, fashionable treat. I will of course, be searching for another pink tutu for my collection! Who knows, maybe a shop is hiding a sparkly pink creation. One can only dream!
You can imagine that finding an interesting pink tutu at one of Milan’s vintage shops is on my agenda, too. It’s just good for my soul to shop!
For the afternoon, it's time to put on my pink ballerina shoes and go to a fabulous Italian cooking class. I’ve always wanted to master the art of making fresh pasta. They say it is an essential part of Italian culture, just like tutus for ballerinas! And it’s just as fun! We’re making homemade pasta with rich pesto sauce, my favourite.
Later in the evening, I'm excited about catching the final performance of Carmen. It is the most iconic opera in the world. The performance promises to be breathtaking. After a full day of shopping and food exploration, it's going to be wonderful to unwind with an elegant and inspiring evening at the theater. And the beautiful Milan skyline from my tram home always helps.
Speaking of home, this week, I am having a little pink moment with my hotel room décor! There are actually two fabulous vintage pink pieces! I simply love decorating! (My decorating theme changes weekly! Maybe this is my other life goal - decorating in every country, all in pink, of course! ) My inner decorator simply loves it when the colour pink just screams out. (Although, maybe they are in pink just for me?
Oh my goodness, look at the time! I have so much planned. (Too much, maybe? ), and I wouldn’t miss a single second!
Stay tuned for next week’s adventures. It's a Pink Tutu tour de force!
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com and find your own Pink Tutu Moment. You know you want to.
Until next time, bella!
