Buongiorno!
This week I've taken a trip to sunny Milan, darling! As you all know, I adore a good Italian city break and Milan doesn't disappoint! This place is absolutely overflowing with beautiful things, delicious smells, and, of course, fabulous fashion. But, let's not forget what really makes my heart skip a beat – Ballet!
I've been looking forward to this trip for months and I haven't been disappointed. You see, this city is just brimming with culture, from its iconic opera house, the Teatro alla Scala, to the street performances that pop up on almost every corner. Just yesterday, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a group of young ballerinas performing in a small courtyard. They were absolutely phenomenal, with moves so fluid and graceful it made me want to spin out onto the cobblestone street right there and then!
A Little Slice of Italy
After arriving at Milano Centrale, a huge train station (which always makes me feel like I've stepped into a scene from a Hitchcock film, it's so grand!), I checked into my adorable hotel, right near the Duomo, with its beautiful views. You see, a hotel in the heart of things just makes a trip that little bit more magical. It’s also super convenient for finding the cutest little cafes and exploring the beautiful cobbled streets – so charming. The aroma of coffee, fresh bread, and cheese wafting from every corner is absolutely intoxicating. They also seem to serve a decent prosecco with breakfast! It’s a perfect start to every day.
I can’t tell you how many little shops I've fallen in love with already – there's one particular place with the most amazing handmade chocolates, just a stone's throw from the Duomo. I know what you're thinking, “Emma, chocolates, are you really indulging before a ballet show?”, but darling, balance is key. Besides, a little treat before seeing some gorgeous dancers just sets the scene perfectly! The last time I was in Italy, I sampled an amazing gelato made from prosecco, imagine how yummy that was! It almost tempted me to have another one (but I'm saving myself for later!)
I managed to score some stunning pink tulle to make myself a new pink tutu while I'm here. I know, what else would I buy? A pair of designer heels perhaps, but darling, it has to be something pink! You see, I do enjoy my little treats, my little pink joys and a good ballet shoe purchase can’t be overlooked. Luckily, it’s really good value over here in Milan, a little less than half the price of those darling little British shoe boutiques, even with my pink ribbon!
I am, of course, rocking the very latest in #PinkTutuStyle, even when I’m enjoying the sunshine in the piazza. You wouldn't believe the looks I get when I twirl past on my way to a new adventure! You see, darling, my pink tutu never fails to grab attention! If it gets one more person interested in trying a pirouette, then I've done my job!
Speaking of jobs, my latest performance has brought me right here to this magnificent city! I have a feeling, you might just be seeing a whole new series of #PinkTutuPerformances inspired by the beautiful art and architecture here. There's such a passion for dance and performance here and I’m keen to channel that!
The Charm of the Tram
Let’s face it, sometimes even the most passionate ballerina needs a rest and even more so if the last show is a sold-out performance at the Teatro alla Scala! The trams here are pretty special though. So far I've travelled on the lines that wind through the historical streets, with their historic arches and quaint buildings and then, yesterday I jumped on one that buzzed through a more modern part of the city with its glass and chrome, giving me glimpses of Milan's bold, contemporary side. The people watching on the trams is almost as entertaining as a show! You get to see everyone - fashionable families heading out for the day, couples strolling hand-in-hand, businessmen with serious faces buried in newspapers, and artists with paint-splattered clothing carrying their palettes with the air of a proud painter, like they own the street. And, let's not forget those little old ladies, just as charming as any other part of the city!
There's always something new to see and each journey on the trams seems to take me on an adventure! Oh, and let's not forget the gelato! It's so much better when you can indulge in a refreshing scoop as the tram chugs along!
I am, of course, bringing my #PinkTutu style into my travels – and this tram is just the place to do it! My little pink twirls on the way to an afternoon latte have got everyone smiling – and it's hard to frown when you're surrounded by beauty, warmth, and laughter, darling! So, I think my pink tutu and I have managed to bring a little sunshine to these already bright Milanese days.
Dancing at the Duomo
Of course, no visit to Milan would be complete without a visit to the Duomo. It’s even more stunning than it is in pictures, you see it's absolutely colossal and makes a good spot for some photographs with the #PinkTutu. It’s even more magnificent close up and it takes my breath away every time. So many incredible statues and intricate carvings – the sheer scale is truly amazing. The roof, I simply had to see – there are so many gargoyles and views over the city that are so breath-taking! A true testament to human skill and passion. They’re pretty fabulous when it’s a warm day as it means you get more time to explore. Luckily for me, that was the case on my visit. It was so perfect that I found myself dancing in a small quiet courtyard at the back of the Duomo, the music I played on my little music player perfectly echoing around the historic stones. Don’t worry, I was in a quiet corner so I didn’t disturb the crowds that were so happy to be soaking up the sun and history!
And now it’s time for dinner – with the taste of gelato still on my lips. And yes, I'll have my trusty little pink tutu on – a perfect, sparkly, fun fashion choice for a delicious night in a magical city.
So much has happened already in Milan – I'm already ready to create a post all about my #PinkTutuMilano Fashion finds, because my love affair with this fashion capital is continuing on a daily basis. The perfect places to pick up that new piece to add to my wardrobe, the gorgeous colours and fabrics, they’re just something special. My shopping bag will need some work, maybe a new one too for these purchases! You see, I have to find the perfect pink shopping bag with tulle to carry all my new ballet purchases and new pink tutu, but more on that next week darling, after another few glorious days in beautiful Milan!
Until then, Lots of love, Emma xx
P.S Don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com to find all the latest news and fashion from my trips, my newest blog post next Monday will be up bright and early as usual. Oh and do let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been to Milan or Italy! Tell me all about it and don’t forget to mention that you saw this week’s blog and what you like!
This is a draft. It is only 2245 words long.
