Ciao bella! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, reporting live from the fashion capital of the world, Milan! It's Wednesday, the 28th of February, and my trusty old notebook is already overflowing with exciting tales from the last few days, so let's dive right in!
Firstly, I'm so excited to announce that www.pink-tutu.com is officially up and running! My very own online haven for all things tutu-licious, pink and fabulously fabulous! You can find all my Milan posts (and maybe some cheeky glimpses of my latest outfit ideas!) on the website, so make sure you pop over and give it a good gander.
This week in Milan, the pink-tutu whirlwind started with a visit to the breathtaking Teatro alla Scala! I'd heard so much about this magnificent opera house and was desperate to experience its magic. I arrived, resplendent in a fluffy, pale-pink tulle tutu (I knew a pink tutu would be the perfect match for the elegant grandeur of the Scala), feeling as if I had stepped onto the stage myself. It was absolutely stunning - a true ode to artistic beauty and elegance.
The opera, “The Magic Flute” was exquisite! A wonderful blend of magic, humor and musicality. Even though it was in Italian (and yes, I was following along with my translation!), the emotion resonated. My inner ballerina practically leapt from her seat at times, mesmerized by the beautiful movements of the dancers! It reminded me of the pure joy of moving with grace and precision, and I couldn't resist practicing some of the choreography on the tram ride home!
After the opera, it was time to satisfy my craving for all things Italian. What else could a girl possibly want than to indulge in delicious Italian pasta? The scent of garlic and tomato was already swirling around the bustling street outside the restaurant! I decided to embrace the true Milanese experience and ordered the Ossobuco with creamy polenta, oh-so-delectable!
Speaking of culinary adventures, you just HAVE to try La Taverna di Giancarlo on Via Dante. Tucked away down a charming alleyway, it's like a step back in time. They have the most amazing pasta dishes, all cooked with love and fresh, local ingredients! I paired my linguine with clams (it was absolutely divine) with a glass of rich Italian wine. Now, I wouldn't say I have a massive sweet tooth, but I do have a little penchant for a "dolce", especially when it comes to the infamous Italian gelato! The flavours I tried - chocolate and pistachio – were just heavenly.
Friday was dedicated to another one of my great loves - ballet class! You see, every true ballerina needs to maintain their technique and keep those muscles toned, and a bit of class always does the trick. The studio, La Scala Ballet Academy, was filled with beautiful dancers, all working hard to perfect their technique. It was inspiring and motivating - even those complicated pirouettes felt achievable after seeing them expertly executed!
On Saturday, it was all about experiencing Milan's vibrant street culture. I explored the vibrant streets, hopped on a tram, took in the sights, and soaked up the sunshine. Milan is definitely not all high fashion and opera. There’s a real energy in the city, and a playful spirit that you can feel in the bustling markets, hidden corners of artistic neighbourhoods, and trendy cafes that fill the streets. I even stumbled across a little dance troupe performing in the piazza! Watching their lively routine made me wish I could just drop everything and join in, which was the perfect inspiration to visit the nearby dance shop to add a sparkly, hot pink leotard to my collection!
Now, my fellow pink tutu lovers, I must share something wonderful with you. I recently discovered this little independent designer shop in Milan. It's a hidden gem, full of beautiful handmade dresses and skirts - think pastel silks, playful embellishments, and gorgeous fabric details - all made with such love and attention! I couldn’t leave without getting my hands on a beautiful powder blue tulle skirt. I think it would look incredible with my trusty pink tutu and a pair of cherry-red stilettos!
Now, no trip to Milan is complete without a spot of world-class shopping. I had a delightful day indulging in the ultimate luxury of Milanese boutiques! But I do like to add a personal touch to my outfits. For instance, when visiting the Valentino boutique (did I tell you it was pure fashion heaven!), I simply could not resist picking up a little pearl brooch with a pink and blue bow. I figured I would put it on my new blue tulle skirt to make it just a tad more extravagant. What can I say, a girl needs a little extra flair!
Sunday morning, I enjoyed a slow stroll through the city’s beautiful gardens and piazzas, admiring the delicate blooms of the spring flowers already peeking out from the soil! It is almost too easy to get swept up in the energy of the city but a slow morning filled with nature’s quiet magic reminds you that life has more than its share of hidden treasures.
However, a ballerina never forgets her true passion, and on Sunday afternoon, I treated myself to a private performance at a small, intimate theatre near the centre of Milan. It was so intimate and the performance of "Swan Lake" felt as if it was just for me! I can't help but imagine how incredible it would be to be the lead role in a classic ballet. Oh, to float across the stage as Odette and to embody the captivating, fluid movements of a swan... It's the stuff of ballet dreams!
With a packed weekend of adventure and beauty, it's no surprise that I'm ready to simply lie in my hotel room, surrounded by my beloved ballet books, writing this post for all of you, dear readers! Milan is an incredible city, brimming with passion, art, culture, and food... not to mention its captivating spirit and endless sartorial possibilities.
But enough about Milan. Let’s talk about you! My fellow pink tutu fans, have any of you travelled to Italy before? Do you have a favourite ballet? Have you discovered any great new stores for tutus? Or any other fantastic outfits that you want to share with the world? Please let me know!
Until next week, remember: it’s never too late to put on a pink tutu and dance like nobody’s watching!
With a twirl and a flourish,
Emma,
Pink Tutu Milan
P.S. - Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for more of my Milan adventures and for some cheeky tips for rocking the perfect pink tutu!
