Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma, your pink tutu-clad correspondent, back from the magnificent metropolis that is Milan. This week has been an absolute whirlwind of ballet, fashion, and a whole lot of Italian charm, and I wouldn't trade a single moment of it!
Let's take a trip back in time, shall we? It all began with a cheeky wave to my fellow Derbyshire commuters as I hopped onto the 06:45 train to St Pancras, the twinkle in my eye bigger than a diamante on my tutu. Yes, folks, I had a ballet gig on Tuesday at the glorious Royal Opera House in London! We were performing the ever-so-popular Swan Lake, a show that always leaves my toes a little tired, my heart a little fluttery, and the audience feeling like they’ve truly experienced a dream. It’s all about those dramatic swan movements, right? 🦢
The train ride to London is a little slice of time I relish – catching up on the latest novels (currently obsessed with "Pride and Prejudice"), sipping my steaming hot cappuccino (never without the extra whipped cream!), and people-watching, of course. It's funny, the outfits people wear always inspire me – I've even been known to scribble down little style notes in my trusty pink Moleskine journal!
Speaking of fashion, it’s a little bit of a guilty pleasure to admit that my first order of business after finishing my London gig was a quick pit stop at Liberty's. The windows shimmered with sequins, and the scent of silk and leather tickled my nose. Honestly, it was enough to make a girl weak at the knees, especially in the shoe department. You know me, I'm all for a stylish shoe – but this time, I resisted temptation (for the most part)! I did treat myself to a delicate silk scarf though – a pretty shade of lilac that perfectly compliments my pink tutu (of course)!
After my London adventure, I finally landed in Milano. Ciao bella Italy, my love! The air is thick with the aroma of coffee and croissants, the buildings adorned in intricate designs, and the atmosphere buzzing with a stylish energy that's utterly infectious. My flat in Milan is tiny but oh-so-charming. Think cobbled streets, vintage shops tucked around every corner, and a local cafe where I can sip my cappuccino and people-watch – ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and inspiration!
You know I've got to make the most of being in the fashion capital of the world. Today, I embarked on a day of fashion shopping, venturing to a bustling street overflowing with designer stores. Now, this isn't the pink tutu kind of budget shopping, darling! I'm talking Gucci, Armani, and Dolce & Gabbana! It's like a ballet of fabrics and colours! You know I had to grab a gorgeous pastel pink handbag for myself – and you'll be seeing this new beauty adorning all my future pink tutu adventures, trust me!
What's the one thing that a girl on a pink tutu mission can't miss in Milan? You guessed it, the magnificent Teatro alla Scala, the heart of opera and ballet! Tomorrow I'm off to catch a performance of "La Traviata". I absolutely adore opera – it's like a grand and sweeping ballet with stunning costumes and soaring vocals. Can't wait!
It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Milan adventure without a trip to the local markets, filled with vibrant blooms and freshly baked bread, wouldn't it? Imagine this – a giant red poppy held in my hand, its petals practically singing in the crisp Milan air, with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting towards me, tempting me to purchase a delicious loaf. Heaven, I tell you!
And, you know, no day is complete without a dose of culture. So, naturally, today I visited the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This grand, glass-covered shopping arcade is an absolute marvel, with beautiful architecture, opulent shops, and a cafe tucked away in the heart of it all. This evening, I’m going to visit the *Duomo, the stunning cathedral right in the heart of the city, and then indulge in an al fresco pizza with friends at a charming trattoria – a true taste of la dolce vita!
Milan is a city that sings its own tune – a vibrant symphony of art, architecture, fashion, and the warmth of Italian hospitality. The locals are friendly and charismatic – you've got to love those Italian gestures! And, of course, they love a bit of colour (much like me!). There are bursts of pink, red, and yellow everywhere, giving the city such a fun and joyful vibe.
But, even amidst the glamour and glitz of Milan, there’s still a timeless beauty here. I'm going to end this blog with a beautiful sunset scene I witnessed today, perched atop the rooftops of Milan. The sky painted hues of lavender, orange, and gold as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the city in a soft glow. It was like a breathtaking ballet performance itself!
Here's the thing, my dear readers – you can wear pink tutus absolutely anywhere. No matter what you're doing or where you're going, pink tutus and ballet make life so much brighter! From London to Milan and all the adventures in between, my pink tutu always keeps me company! So, don’t be afraid to twirl with me, darling! Remember, you are beautiful and your dreams are magical.
Until next time, remember, it's always a good day for a twirl! 🩰
Stay pink and sparkly,
Emma
P.S. Want to follow my Milan adventures live? Check me out on Instagram at @pinktutuballerina – I post regular snaps, behind-the-scenes looks at performances, and even my most delicious (and sometimes embarrassing) gelato moments!
