Ciao bella! It's Emma, your Pink Tutu blogger, reporting live from the fashion capital of the world – Milano! This is my seventh glorious week here, and it’s safe to say I've become thoroughly besotted with this buzzing, chic city. There's so much to discover in Milan, from its beautiful architecture and art to its breathtaking street style and – let's face it – those fabulous shops!
As you know, I live for tutus and a touch of pink, and Milan hasn't disappointed! Every corner I turn is another burst of colour and inspiration. It’s truly amazing to be surrounded by so much creativity – from the intricate designs of the local markets to the perfectly curated displays in the grand department stores.
This week has been a whirlwind of discovery. Let me share some of the highlights:
Wednesday – Fashion and a touch of elegance at La Scala
The day started with a touch of Parisian elegance. I adore the Parisian flair of the French capital, and Milano seems to have a love affair with it, too. For my Wednesday fashion fix, I opted for a sophisticated black midi skirt and a vintage pink blouse. It’s a simple combo that makes you feel chic and timeless, perfect for a morning of strolling through the charming cobblestone streets of Milan's historic centre.
It was a brisk morning, but a welcome change from the stifling heat we’d had in recent days, and I knew the perfect way to warm up – a bit of ballet! Of course, no visit to Milan would be complete without seeing a show at the iconic Teatro alla Scala, La Scala Opera House to you and me! There's just something magical about this grand theatre; the opulent decorations, the palpable sense of history – it truly transports you. Today, it was all about ‘La Bohème’ – a romantic masterpiece set against the backdrop of 19th century Parisian poverty. It’s an operatic experience like no other. The passion and artistry, the soaring vocals and the moving drama were truly breathtaking. It's safe to say that La Scala didn’t disappoint; it's a world-class opera house, and I would encourage anyone who loves classical music, ballet, and, yes, tutus (even the dramatic tutus worn in ballet, the bigger, the better) to come and see a performance.
Thursday – Exploring Milan's Literary Charm
On Thursday, I was on the hunt for a hidden gem. While Milan's most famous booksellers often get all the limelight, I decided to delve into the more intimate world of smaller independent booksellers. I stumbled upon a little literary paradise – La Libreria Milanese. It’s a tiny little bookshop tucked away down a narrow, cobblestoned alley. The shelves were crammed with novels in Italian, English, and other languages, along with a delightful array of postcards and prints.
It's such a treat to lose yourself in a well-stocked bookshop. It was an absolute haven – a perfect place for finding the next captivating read.
Friday – Street Style Inspiration in Milan
What’s great about Milan is that it’s not just about designer boutiques and couture shows; the streets themselves are an exhibition of cutting-edge fashion! Every day, you see unique outfits, bold combinations, and just a dazzling sense of individuality that can make you giddy.
This is where I’ve been spending a lot of my time recently. For Friday's adventure, I was determined to find a chic pink ensemble for a stylish dinner with friends.
Saturday – The Fashion District – An Overdose of Pink!
Let’s face it, one of the main reasons why I came to Milan is the shopping! I’ve saved the most thrilling part of my week for Saturday – the legendary fashion district – Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and Via Manzoni. The energy is absolutely buzzing, with stores showcasing some of the world's biggest fashion brands. It's like being on a catwalk of glamorous shop windows! The sheer scale and opulence of the boutiques are breathtaking!
Today, I’ve come prepared to face a world of silk, lace, leather, and a symphony of fabrics, but with my eye on one thing - pink! And with an adventurous mood on, I decided to treat myself to a touch of extravagance.
It wasn't long before I stumbled upon the perfect pink dress, a stunning silk confection that flattered my curves with every step. To keep the colour palette light, I paired it with a blush-coloured bag and, yes, a ballet pink cardigan. After all, you never can be too much of a ballet enthusiast! Of course, a pair of stylish pink ballerinas were essential for completing the look.
Milan truly spoils you. You find the latest trends, vintage finds, and timeless classics. From Italian labels like Dolce & Gabbana to international brands like Dior and Chanel, the range is dizzying.
My mission – to spread the joy of pink – feels more achievable than ever. It's the city of chic, where bold colours and feminine touches can take centre stage.
Sunday – Finding Joy in the Little Things – A Walk in the Parco Sempione
After a hectic shopping spree, it's important to ground yourself. For a relaxing Sunday, I made my way to one of my favourite green spaces, Parco Sempione.
I felt such joy, wandering amongst the vibrant foliage, breathing in the fresh air, and observing families, couples, and solo wanderers enjoying the sunshine. Milan's bustling streets sometimes require you to take a step back, and what better way to do that than to simply relax and appreciate the simple pleasures?
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with fiery hues, I found a cosy spot on a bench and wrote in my travel journal.
It’s in these peaceful moments that the journey truly starts to resonate – the places I've explored, the people I've met, and the things I’ve discovered.
Milan – A city for dreamers and fashion lovers.
This city knows how to weave together luxury and everyday life, sophistication and whimsical charm.
I must say that, of all the beautiful and exciting cities I've visited, this is a real contender for a long-term stay.
Oh, and by the way, as I am a ballerina who lives, eats, breathes, and sleeps in a tutu (though mostly in pink) I want to give a shout-out to my fellow ballerinas who are travelling! Let me know where you are in the comments. I am hoping to start up a little global pink tutu ballet group, who knows, maybe we’ll have our own tour! I imagine a ballet street performance right here in the centre of Milan. It would be a dream come true, I am pretty sure it would also create a lot of smiles – after all, tutus are meant to spread joy and light up the world!
Till next week, and remember – every day is a ballet! Keep twirling.
Your Emma,
www.pink-tutu.com
