Buongiorno, darling darlings! It's Emma from your favourite pink tutu wearing, ballet obsessed, travel blogger, here live from Milan, Italy!
The sun is shining, the air is alive with the gentle sound of chattering Italian ladies and I can already smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from a nearby bakery. Oh, how I love this city!
It's been another whirlwind week of travelling, twirling and tulle – it wouldn't be a #PinkTutuMilan post without that, would it? And honestly, it’s getting harder and harder to pick just one thing to tell you about because there's SO much to see, do, eat, and, of course, wear here in this fashion haven!
But before I get carried away by my Milanese adventures, let me quickly tell you a little bit about myself!
I'm Emma, and I hail from a small village in Derbyshire, England (don't let the name fool you, I have a penchant for all things fancy!) I've always been drawn to the beautiful and elegant - think long flowing dresses, vintage charm and a touch of theatre. It all started when I was little, mesmerized by the swirling tutus and captivating grace of the dancers in my local ballet classes. Little did I know that my love for ballet would take me all the way to Italy!
Since I was old enough to perform, I’ve funded my own travels with the magic of ballet! You know, my own little fairytale! From grand performances to street theatre and even a ballet school tour last year (more on that later!), every leap and turn takes me one step closer to seeing the world! I love ballet - not just the technique and the performance - but the costumes! Think glittering jewels, sparkling satin and… you guessed it, Tutus! And for me, the only acceptable shade for a tutu is… pink. Pink is my absolute favourite colour. There’s a reason why my blog is called #PinkTutuMilan after all, isn't there? And honestly, I think everyone looks utterly divine in pink. So I am on a mission, darling readers! My goal in life is to inspire every single person to wear at least one pink tutu in their lives. Who’s with me?
Okay, let's dive back into the whirlwind that is Milan!
A Tuesday Evening at La Scala: Perfection personified
Now, last night was truly a highlight! I had the pleasure of witnessing a breathtaking performance at the iconic La Scala opera house - talk about a magical experience! The performance itself was of the famed Tchaikovsky Swan Lake - it was absolutely mesmerizing! From the graceful choreography, the beautiful costumes and, of course, the exceptional talent of the dancers, everything about the evening felt utterly magical.
I truly couldn't resist the urge to wear my pink tutu! So, naturally, I added a touch of pink magic to my outfit. My vintage pink sequined clutch bag matched my delicate pink chiffon scarf and pink rose pinned to my black and ivory polka dot dress. As I floated through the beautiful grandeur of La Scala, I couldn't help but feel utterly feminine and elegant. Oh, it was an incredible night, and a perfect way to kick off my Italian week!
But what are my other adventures in this fashion haven? Well…
Street Style: A Lesson in Italian Fashion
While Milan is synonymous with high-end fashion, it’s the street style that really takes the cake. Forget the catwalks, this city is a living, breathing fashion runway, darling! Walking down the streets here is like being a part of an elaborate fashion magazine. The Milanese women, they know how to dress. It's an effortless chic, with impeccable attention to detail and a timeless elegance that is just breathtaking!
This morning, I spent hours wandering the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the breathtaking glass-covered arcade which houses some of the most luxurious brands in the world. You can feel the history seep through the magnificent arches as you admire the Italian flair that pours out from every window display.
But, it was the people, darling, the people! That’s what really captivated me. An elderly woman with an incredible emerald green scarf, a young gentleman in a fitted burgundy velvet coat, and a vibrant group of girls, all in flowing floral prints, each radiating individuality and style. Every step I took was a fashion show in itself.
This, of course, means a few obligatory outfit posts are in order for my Pink Tutu Diaries on www.pink-tutu.com - a special Monday blog post all about fashion! But honestly, the inspiration just won't stop!
I think it’s all about that mix, isn't it? That combination of a timeless classic with a bit of an edgy touch.
My Italian Style Inspiration:
For example, for this post I’m rocking a classic black and white polka dot dress. It's simple but it is such an iconic print! The key to looking fab, however, is in the details: think dramatic accessories. I added a vintage pearl brooch on one side and a matching belt with a bow.
This style, for me, embodies the perfect Milanese blend of understated elegance with just a touch of that whimsical charm.
Oh, and I’m absolutely loving the black and white trend, the way it contrasts so perfectly with my signature pink, of course! I can already see so many outfit combinations: black and white with a pop of pink. Perfect for both day and night!
Tram Travelling: A Parisian Delight!
Now, I’m a big believer in embracing the journey. Getting lost in the charming and quirky little side streets, finding hidden gems in quaint cafes and, my absolute favourite way to get around: by tram.
I know, I know. The fashionista world of Milan might be screaming limousines and sports cars, but there is just something undeniably romantic and Parisian about tram travelling. That’s why, wherever I am in the world, a tram ride is a must for me.
My first morning was all about taking in the sights and sounds from a charming little red tram as it whizzed along cobbled streets, through bustling piazzas, and by ornate buildings, leaving behind a delightful tapestry of Milanese life. And, to really embrace that classic Parisian style, I finished off the outfit with a touch of red to perfectly match the vibrant red tram car.
Milanese Markets: An Ode to Artisan Craft
Another beautiful experience was taking a walk through Navigli Grande, a picturesque canal with an impressive array of artisanal markets lined with rows upon rows of handcrafted leather goods, woven baskets, artisan ceramics, hand-painted silks, and so much more. I lost myself in the vibrant atmosphere and the unique creations that each stall had to offer, just bursting with originality.
A bit of inspiration is never bad for a fashion enthusiast, is it?
And speaking of shopping, my darling readers, a fashion adventure isn't complete without exploring Milan’s famed fashion houses, from the exquisite designs at Armani to the bold glamour of Versace. But for me, the joy is in finding those hidden gems! My favourite place for discovering unique finds? The Vintage Shops of Porta Ticinese. You know those places where you find an unbelievable gem hidden amidst stacks of forgotten treasures? It’s my kind of adventure!
But here's the thing: the journey doesn't just stop at the fashion, darling! There's so much to discover beyond the catwalk!
The Soul of Milan: A Feast for the Senses
Milan is a city that engages all your senses.
As the aroma of roasted coffee beans lingers in the air, and the sun's warm glow reflects off the polished marble of the streets, my heart is completely captivated by this enchanting city!
It's the delicious scent of freshly baked panettone, the intoxicating aroma of strong Italian espresso, and the harmonious sounds of street musicians, each filling the atmosphere with its unique melody. This city pulsates with life, art, history and a sense of authentic Italian energy that is infectious!
Now, what better way to soak up this Italian essence than indulging in some traditional Milanese dishes? From the creamy risotto alla Milanese (saffron and parmesan, what more could you ask for?) to the famous Milanese Ossobuco, this city truly tantalizes your taste buds! Every dish is a masterpiece, each prepared with the freshest ingredients, and lovingly crafted to create a flavour sensation!
As I sit here, savoring a cup of rich cappuccino, and planning my next culinary adventure, I find myself truly immersed in this bustling, yet elegant, fashion capital. Every moment, from exploring hidden boutiques, to tasting delicious authentic food, to simply soaking in the city's vibrant energy, is an absolute delight!
Pink Tutu Musings:
One thing I've learned this week? Milan is a city that makes you feel elegant just by being there. You can’t help but feel graceful and sophisticated, as you explore the stunning architecture, admire the beautiful art and soak up the energy of this fascinating city. But I want to share a bit of a personal reflection...
And the Power of Wearing Pink!
Walking down these streets, you do realise the power of pink. In the midst of Milan’s fashionable trends, that splash of pink truly adds something unique. There is just something empowering about the colour pink. It's cheerful, playful, feminine and absolutely gorgeous.
A tiny touch of pink on a classic black outfit, or a dazzling pink silk scarf worn with a simple brown coat - it truly is all you need to make an outfit stand out! The pink injects a bit of playfulness and personality. And, don't get me started on the effect it has on people’s smiles! I love to watch the joy a pop of pink brings to faces, both here in Milan and wherever I go!
The beauty of fashion lies in expression, darling! Don't be afraid to show the world who you truly are through your style! So, grab a pink scarf, add a few glittery details, and let your unique flair shine!
And who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself exploring the magical world of #PinkTutuMilan. After all, I'm a firm believer in making your own fairy tales come true.
See you all next week for my next adventure, darlings!
Ciao!
Don't forget to check out Emma's Pink Tutu Diary blog: www.pink-tutu.com
