Hello, darling tutus! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to the heart of fashion: Milan, Italy. Now, I know what you're thinking. “Emma, how are you even here, what are you doing in the City of Style on Boxing Day?” Well, darling, I've been secretly scheming to visit Milan ever since I got back from London (you all saw those incredible photos of my dazzling pink tutu, yes? Well, if you missed them you can have another look now!). Let's just say some very special gigs allowed for this fantastic Christmas surprise for myself, and darling, I'm happy to report I have not been disappointed!
It was my first visit to Milan, and I’m so glad I finally came. It's every bit as stylish as you've always heard! I have always been a fan of Italian style, and this trip cemented my adoration. It seems like everyone in Milan is naturally chic! They all just know how to wear it! And, of course, what does a fashionable ballet blogger do on a trip like this? Why, she pops into the grand, breathtakingly beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, of course. Can you believe they actually let people cycle right through the middle of the arcade?
I felt quite faint at one point, just soaking in all the elegant beauty around me! And just you wait till you hear what I discovered in Milan's famous shops - darling, you wouldn't believe your eyes! More about that later, but let’s get on with the journey.
Now, for a city with a such stylish history, I did have some qualms about my own sartorial choices! How could I live up to the Milanese standards of beauty and grace with only my little pink tutu in tow? As always, I had a plan. On a shopping spree before leaving Derbyshire, I'd added a magnificent new accessory: an extraordinary, bright pink knitted hat, trimmed in the most decadent feather boa I have ever laid eyes upon! I paired it with my trademark tulle and the perfect sparkly pink top and, honestly, darling, it was a truly smashing ensemble. My Italian adventures wouldn't begin with anything less, would they?
It’s one thing to say you are ready to venture out to the fashion capital of the world, darling, but quite another when you’re faced with actually boarding a plane and venturing across the European continent! And what’s more, the flights are all delayed by fog, of course. But I managed, despite the fog, and then traveled to Milan in style on one of Italy’s gloriously old-fashioned, romantic trams. As soon as the doors of the tram slid open, the air filled with a joyous melody from a street musician’s trumpet - and the first of many enchanting street performers I was destined to encounter in the city. It was perfect, darling! It really set the tone. It is truly as lovely a city as you could ever wish to imagine. It even rained glitter (well, perhaps I embellished slightly, it was sleet) but the Italian sun shone through from time to time - like the warmth that flows through all my favorite pinks, I thought! A true magical experience from the moment I stepped off that tram, a journey of beautiful sights, stylish delights, delicious tastes, and a ballet ballet ballet ballet - everything my ballerina-heart could ever want.
Now, if I hadn't mentioned before, the trip was partly spurred by a desire to witness one of the world's greatest opera houses, La Scala. How exciting it was to even be standing there outside, looking up at this magnificent theatre and knowing that a lifetime of artistic achievement had been showcased here! I’ve long been inspired by La Scala, and by Italy, so a performance was non-negotiable. But where in the world would a pink-tutu-clad, opera-loving girl even start? Well, that's where my amazing pink-tutu-powered secret weapon came in.
As you know, darling, I work hard at funding my travels. This week’s pink-tutu-funded venture saw me dancing a particularly captivating rendition of the Swan Lake – so that, darling, is how we find ourselves standing here outside La Scala! And just look around us! Look at this majestic edifice, these beautiful people... there is so much style! A feeling that Milan has something unique to offer. A spirit that runs from its cobblestone streets to its glittering fashion boutiques - a culture steeped in art, music and style, that truly knows how to live the good life.
You’d think I might have been a little intimidated. A tutu-wearing girl from Derbyshire surrounded by sophisticated fashionistas! But darling, I took a deep breath, tucked in my feather boa, straightened out my tutus and gave the pinkest of smiles – a pink-tutu girl never forgets her mission: To bring happiness, style and the love of the ballet everywhere we go.
The people in Milan were simply lovely, so welcoming. After all, the fashion industry here, the arts, are all built upon sharing - that unbridled love and passion for beauty that can bring us all together.
And yes, of course I had to catch up on my ballet, darling, so what did I do first, of course? I went to the ballet! I discovered a magnificent theatre hidden amongst the chic buildings - Teatro dell’Opera - what a little piece of heaven it is, hidden amongst these amazing stores, it felt just as exciting as if it were being shown on the runway of Milan Fashion Week!
And I couldn't help but notice all the young ballerinas in their tutus and pointe shoes - so exciting. There were even a few young gentlemen with a passion for ballet too, darling! What an absolute joy!
The ballet classes I took were fantastic! I was taught some moves I never even knew existed. My lovely tutor, Maria - what a woman, a true vision - even gave me a tip that really transformed my work! “Emma," she whispered, “don't be afraid to break away from the usual tutus - a good ballerina is constantly developing!” I don't need to tell you how I practically exploded with excitement at those words! My pink tutu isn't just an expression of ballet, it's an inspiration to be yourself. Now, to truly be myself - a ballet devotee! My own personal ballet fashion odyssey, perhaps! Who knows, a bold new tutu style might be created from my travels to this beautiful city... and then all I need is my magic little pink wand to poof, transform every one of you into the stunning ballerinas you have the potential to be!
Darling, it must be admitted it did make a very interesting change from the English ballet schools I usually frequent – though of course it goes without saying the standard at all the English ballet schools, as you all know, is the very highest.
This week's journey was one to marvel at, darling! My adventure in Milan brought all these elements of beauty together – fashion, the ballet, music and travel - it was like one big, pink ballet shoe of joy. My favourite stop, was the stunning Piazza Duomo. With its gorgeous cathedral and elegant Duomo. I wandered its cobblestone walkways with the warm sun on my face, soaking up the beauty and joy that’s palpable everywhere in this city - it really is so alive with history. It felt, darling, like every step I took was a beautiful arabesque - the spirit of fashion, of dance, of joy all intertwined around my pink tulle, creating one wonderful ballet.
So many stories, darling, to tell about Milan. So much shopping I could tell you about!
My favourite discovery in all of Milan: My fabulous fashion finds!!
I’ll start with what we’re all here for - shopping! I'd seen the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on my travels through Milan, but you wouldn’t believe how stunning it really is, how ornate and magnificent! And of course, I couldn't miss the chance to have a shopping spree through this breathtaking masterpiece, to visit a number of its wonderful boutiques and buy myself something amazing!
Milan has this truly exceptional and refined aura about it! There’s the undeniable chic, the stylish grace, and the utter confidence in every glance - it’s all around. From the magnificent art galleries with its stunning marble floors and staircases to the fashion boutiques with the latest clothes and the oldest heritage, you can sense its sophistication! There was an almost unspoken code: Every person who passed seemed dressed to impress, always immaculate, all radiating pure confidence! You feel, I think, that even a simple cup of coffee should be enjoyed with style, grace and composure. It is truly wonderful. I confess I had to step my style game up and put on my finest, feather-boadorned, pink-tutu ensemble!
You know me darling! When it comes to a fashion spree, my eye for finding the finest ballet-tastic items and deals is second to none! There’s just this wonderful thrill about shopping. That excitement when you unearth the most wonderful hidden treasures to enhance your wardrobe – to add sparkle to every outfit. It makes you feel amazing, doesn't it?
For those who want to have the very best Milanese style, here’s what I’d suggest: Get yourself the best quality fabrics and textures, because that’s what’s at the heart of this stylish elegance that truly is in the heart of this magical city! The colours, darling? The richness of it, the way you just have to reach out to touch everything - everything is exquisite, every detail is captivating! This is the real Milan! It gave me some exciting new inspiration! My own personal pink-tutu inspiration, of course - what could be more exciting?!
And I even found a magnificent boutique – a gem of a find. It was the kind of shop that simply exuded this unique Milanese charm and grace, filled with some of the finest items that this city has to offer, with an air of exclusivity about it - like walking into your personal Italian art gallery. But darling, when I tell you this was not any ordinary boutique!
There are just certain things you can find in Italy. It's in the air, isn’t it, in the people - an incredible aura about this country. This boutique I’m talking about, this shop… Well, they had a display of the most beautiful Italian leather shoes. They were in all colours. I loved them instantly. So stylish. There was a feeling of beauty that you simply can't deny! Now, these weren't cheap shoes! But you know I think, sometimes, you’ve got to splurge - and let’s be honest, the shoes I had on were a little worse for wear and couldn’t have been more mismatched (how on earth could you even think about stepping into the city in shoes not made in Milan? That's simply unpardonable!). But this time I decided not to hold back. I wanted to step out in true Italian fashion! These leather shoes seemed a must, a necessity - after all the miles I had to cover. But I don’t think it was really about needing the shoes, darling - we all know that! It’s more about the way we felt when we put them on, it was pure Milanese grace, it was elegance, confidence and charm.
You wouldn’t believe the sheer range and styles they offered at this incredible little shop - it felt like I could spend the entire day browsing and trying everything on! The colours! The richness of the leathers, all meticulously handcrafted, like works of art!
So of course, I tried them on, one by one. In every size and shape - all those styles that you dream of - those iconic Milanese shoes you only ever see in magazines, beautifully fashioned in leather of the finest quality.
The assistant in this lovely boutique was so friendly. He brought me endless varieties to choose from - and I could see that, like myself, he truly cared about fashion!
I tried on at least six pairs and then he finally helped me choose. He showed me the perfect pair for a sophisticated look. These fabulous leather boots - beautifully crafted and perfectly shaped for my pink tutu!
Yes, a pair of dark chocolate, hand-made leather boots, a glorious new pair to pair with my pink tulle! It all went wonderfully with my tutu, even though my darling new shoes are nothing at all like my pink-tutu style, the Italian fashion influence and the magic of Milan seemed to transform the very look of the most classic ballerina wear to something more unique, bold and luxurious! They just felt so glamorous - like something an iconic, pink tutu-clad, ballerina would wear on stage! Darling, I feel absolutely stunning in these shoes!
They looked so wonderful! I couldn’t help myself, so I took them - and all those beautiful, stylish leather handbags and purses, darling. After all, you simply cannot be a fashion aficionado like myself without having a bag!
Dancing Around the Clock.
Now you can all imagine what I have to do in the evenings, when my day is done. I go to the ballet of course! Well, you know how much I love ballet, and with the Christmas break there have been more dance classes and ballet performances - they just seemed to spring up everywhere around Milan! In every park, even in the main square – you really cannot avoid a little ballet in this magical city.
Darling, how else would I see the city from every vantage point, while feeling like an actual ballerina in a real-life story? I’ve been finding wonderful hidden corners - little shops, places with history and hidden gems - where even the ballet is an important part of everyday life, and of Milan’s rich history! There is nothing to compare with that. That joy I feel as the ballet flows from a place in your heart, from an individual to the whole audience, all united by this fascinating world.
So you’ve probably got the picture. The food is wonderful, darling - a kaleidoscope of tastes - and the drinks, oh! I really had an absolutely delicious meal of pasta, pizza, all beautifully accompanied by Italian wine. It all added to that warm, pink-tutu feeling - that feeling of happiness and delight that's everywhere around Milan! I tried, of course, to find something a bit more on the ballet side - but it seemed my love of the ballet is best enjoyed as an extra treat after all those fabulous meals! The people in Milan make sure to eat well! You see the care and precision, the beautiful way every dish is presented. They are like miniature ballet dancers - everything crafted with the greatest of care! The food is absolutely exquisite!
How To Have a Pink-Tutu-Fabulous Milan Trip
But there are a few simple secrets I learned to keep a pink tutu ballerina as chic and in top form while exploring Milan - the best kind of ballet!
My Top 5 Pink-Tutu-Tastic Tips For Milan!
Don’t Be Afraid To Wear The Best - And go with the fashion flow. Everyone in Milan dresses for the occasion! There’s a truly luxurious feel here and you must make sure you’re doing everything in the Milan style - a classic touch here, a fabulous leather boot there - with some tulle-tastic flair from yours truly!
Find Your Italian Grace – And just go for it! No matter what! Even when trying on Italian shoes! This city truly encourages self-expression - but not in a fussy or flashy way. Here, it is about being elegant and composed, even when taking the tram!
Look After Yourself. Because your body is the greatest work of art, just like the great artworks of the city itself, so it deserves all the love in the world. I found some amazing shops, shops that care about what is good for you! They were, surprisingly, just across the street from that most magnificent building, the cathedral!
*Find Your Italian Spirit - *And don’t let anyone say that’s a cliché ! A real Italian knows how to take time to enjoy a meal - I love those extended dinners, that real feel of a slower pace of life - there's no rush and there’s just that love of life, everything that Italy stands for! I find it hard to get back into that Derbyshire rhythm once I get back.
Always Have Pink Tutu Confidence! This goes without saying! If it doesn’t already exist - it has to be found in Milan. This is where the true fashion confidence is born! Even a small touch of tulle will add that perfect ballet-style touch to even the most mundane outfits.
Looking Back
So that’s the essence of Milan. From the streets to the shops, the people, the culture and all its hidden wonders! But even more than all this, it was my experiences - those little moments of sheer joy that made Milan feel truly special, and which will live in my heart, and memories forever! This beautiful city where everything, everywhere, felt so magical.
It’s just so refreshing to go from place to place and feel like everything around you is beautiful and graceful!
I simply have to say, I can't wait to get back there, and explore Milan’s style scene some more! It is a city I am so thrilled to be adding to my pink-tutu travel diary! I even feel as if I've grown in these five days - found that perfect, pink-tutu, Italian ballet grace. It is the kind of graceful style you simply cannot teach. It's about how you feel - and here, in the city of style and sophistication it truly was in abundance - and not one moment did I forget, in my pink tulle of course, to embrace it all!
Well, it’s time to pack up my new purchases. Those gorgeous boots, those stylish leather handbags and purses.
Next week, darling, you'll hear all about my exciting journey, but for now it’s time for some more Milan. So till next week. I am sending my love - and lots of pink-tutu glitter. And don’t forget - every ballerina can dance!
