Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday, the sun is shining, and I'm back in Milan, feeling like I've stepped into a scene from La Traviata. I know, I know, I need to stop with the Italian references - it's just so darn glamorous here, it's hard not to feel a little operatic!
This week, I've been indulging my inner fashionista in a whirlwind of haute couture and designer dresses. This city is truly a haven for the style conscious – from the boutiques of Via Monte Napoleone to the vintage treasures nestled amongst the cobblestone streets.
Speaking of fashion, have I mentioned my new tutu? It's a stunning pink creation – think fuchsia with a hint of lavender – and it twirls like a dream. It even has tiny pearl embellishments that catch the light just right! It's the perfect ensemble for exploring the Duomo or watching a performance at La Scala. Speaking of which, I'm planning on catching the Bolshoi Ballet next week – "Giselle" of course, wouldn't miss it! Tickets are expensive, so I’ve been working hard at performances to make sure I can afford the ticket. It’s a hard life – but I'll gladly wear out my dance shoes if it means I get to watch these amazing dancers in action.
But enough about the glamorous side of things - let’s get down to the nitty gritty. My adventures in Milan today have led me on a fascinating journey – think tram rides past crumbling gothic churches, impromptu shopping trips to dusty vintage shops, and a picnic by the grand, water-filled Naviglio canal. It's the perfect balance between bustling city life and charming, authentic Italy.
And speaking of trams – I swear, they have this special magic in Milan! Riding on those antique red carriages is just about as much fun as a twirl in a brand new tutu.
It’s such a beautiful city! Of course, all that beauty needs some serious fuelling! That’s why I stopped at my favourite little café tucked away off the beaten track. You won't find any fancy tourist traps here – it’s just good old Italian coffee, a selection of delicious pastries, and friendly chatter with the locals. The perfect pick-me-up before my ballet class later tonight.
Milan's ballet scene is pretty amazing, you know? It’s a hub of talent and creativity. I'm currently training at a fantastic studio near the city center. This week’s focus has been on “Pas de deux”, and it’s proving more challenging than I initially thought!
I swear, some days, all that jumping, twirling, and leaping just leave you feeling like a melting dollop of chocolate gelato! I must confess, the idea of grabbing a cheeky gelato right now is a rather tempting proposition… especially the one with salted caramel and pistachio! I might just have to add that to my shopping list later.
Oh! My travels have been somewhat chaotic, I’ve got a funny story for you! Last night, while enjoying some fantastic pasta – spaghetti all’arrabbiata, my absolute favourite, I accidentally spilt red wine on my new blush pink dress! Talk about a fashion emergency! But thankfully, it seems it just left a little watercolour effect, you know, the artistic vibe… I think I will add that dress to my fashion blog later – maybe it could be “accidentally fashionable.” Who knows what adventures I’ll have when I head back to Derbyshire, England next month. A few ballet gigs in the pipeline so I need to ensure I have some extra cash – but you never know when I might pick up another fab new tutu… or need to refresh the “pink wardrobe”!
Anyway, gotta go! The ballet shoes are calling, and the promise of a killer arabesque is too tempting to resist! If you ever find yourself in the heart of Lombardy, Milan, with its beautiful fashion, ballet and food, do say hello. I love meeting new fellow Tutu-wearers – who knows, we might even start a dance party together in the streets, or on a tram, you never know with these guys! See you on the Pink Tutu blog next week!
P.S. What are your favourite tutu colours? Let me know in the comments below. I’m looking for new inspiration, as always!
Stay stylish!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
What’s on in Milan, Italy today 2011-07-27:
As well as the opera and ballet performances, here are a few other events happening in Milan today that might appeal to you -
Fashion and Art:
The Milan Fashion Week is running throughout this month - I think there’s something going on everyday, with events, pop-ups, and catwalk shows. You never know who you might bump into – Donatella Versace, Miuccia Prada, perhaps – although I probably just need to stick to my usual shopping haunts - and maybe buy a pair of new shoes!
The Salone del Mobile Milano, an international furniture design fair, has just wrapped up this year, with exhibitions featuring some incredibly cutting-edge designers, who always manage to come up with stunning new pieces. I’m trying to keep up to date with the hottest trends in the world of fashion and homewares, because you never know – my next apartment might require some funky furniture!
Music and Entertainment:
- Check out Il Teatro degli Arcimboldi, they often put on a really wide range of shows, like musicals and opera performances. And of course, there's always something special at La Scala, although it's always so busy, but worth seeing for the architectural glory alone.
Food and Drink
- There's nothing more delightful than the scent of coffee and pastries in the morning, and Milan is filled with these small cafes. You should visit Piazza del Duomo and take in the spectacular scenery. You will never forget this sight, the amazing marble Duomo, the fountains, and bustling city life all around. I always feel very glamorous, but I know it is so busy here – if you need some time out, then Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli offers some respite. It is a relaxing garden park just outside the city centre where you can chill, escape the noise and watch the locals enjoying a bit of downtime.
- Speaking of food, if you find yourself in Milan, a trip to Eataly is a must! You have the most incredible selection of produce and artisan foods and they also host culinary workshops if you are a bit adventurous in the kitchen – it is a paradise of Italian gastronomy, all under one roof!
What I would add:
This blog post gives you an idea of Emma's bubbly personality and the life she's built for herself around ballet and her passion for pink tutus. If you want to flesh it out further, you can add:
- More detailed descriptions of Emma's activities. For instance, she mentions the fashion week, maybe you can describe a specific designer she admires or a show she sees.
- Engage more with the readers. She asks about readers' favourite tutu colours, but you can prompt discussions about Milan, favourite ballets, or anything else relevant to her blog.
- Incorporate more photos or video. This could include photos of Emma's latest tutu, her outfit of the day, or snippets of her ballet class or performance.
- Add a "Pink Tutu Challenge" element. Perhaps she encourages readers to wear their own tutus for a day or to share pictures of their favourite pink tutus.
By adding more detail, personal touch, and engagement with readers, you can make the blog post more interesting and engaging, capturing Emma's fun-loving and enthusiastic personality.
