Buongiorno from Milan, darlings! It's me, Emma, your favourite pink-loving ballerina, bringing you all the glamour and grace from the fashion capital of the world. I'm writing to you from my favourite cafe in Milan, just off the Piazza della Scala, the perfect place to indulge in a slice of panettone and a hot cappuccino, watching the festive crowds throng by in this most beautiful city.
Christmas in Milan!
Well, darlings, it's the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas! The city of Milan is truly magical at this time. It’s truly magical and decked out in glittering lights and tinsel which is my absolutely favourite holiday decoration. I just adore Christmas as the whole place seems to sparkle - it is positively breathtaking. You can practically smell the panettone and the hot chocolate in the air. Christmas in Milan is like a fairy tale come true.
As it's the Christmas season, I've also been wearing some very sparkly Christmas jumpers under my tutu, and you know I've been spotted at some of Milan's chicest shops too - I just had to stock up on all those festive outfits, as you can imagine!
The Tramline Through the Fashion Scene
I had to kick-off the Christmas season in Milan, by starting with a trip to the amazing Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the magnificent 19th-century glass-covered shopping arcade - what else is a ballet girl to do, darling? And it didn’t disappoint. As I took a little jaunt down from my lovely flat in the bohemian Navigli district to the city centre on one of Milan’s brilliant yellow trams, I marvelled at the elegant shop windows with the exquisite and stunning creations inside. Milan really is a wonderland, even to this veteran traveller.
Ballet is the Perfect Christmas Present
I caught the most enchanting production of The Nutcracker at the Teatro alla Scala, you can't get much more festive or impressive than the La Scala ballet. I mean, you can practically smell the opulence and it just gets better with each show. The dazzling decorations on the Christmas tree and the stage itself and those exquisitely graceful ballerinas in their tulle and lace - It made me absolutely wish I was on that stage myself!
Time for Christmas Shopping!
I've got some Christmas shopping to do, of course, darling. There's absolutely nothing more special to buy than a Christmas gift from a beautifully made, hand-crafted independent store. The charm of those beautifully created treasures can’t be beaten. And I'm definitely adding to my ballerina outfit collection! There are shops with the most fabulous tutus here, the kind of ones that twirl and swish so perfectly, with feathers and crystals and absolutely everything imaginable! If you're reading this in Milan darling, you need to go visit them all. The only place where they’ll fit me and that’s really something very special - no tight squeezes needed, and of course, they come in every colour in the rainbow - even that magical pink colour, of course. And don't get me started on the shoes. There’s no other city that makes sparkly pointy shoes like this.
Lunch with a View
And a truly decadent lunch was to be had at one of the most wonderful restaurants I've ever come across in my life. "The Window" (the restaurant, not a tutu I have) – how divine! The views are spectacular.
You just have to admire the stunning rooftops and city skyline of the most beautiful, and stylish, city in the world. All that architecture, fashion and dance is too much. Sometimes you have to pause for a while and simply breathe.
Don’t Miss the Duomo!
If you haven’t been before darling, the Duomo, Milan Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring Gothic spires is truly breathtaking. If you’re planning your trip, do take a couple of hours to have a look round the inside – it’s almost as impressive as its exterior, It is a true symbol of Milan and its timeless heritage.
Of course, the festive Christmas lights have made the Duomo even more beautiful - even a bit sparkly for my tastes – it is definitely worth taking in before heading for a spot of Christmas shopping – it’s a little retail wonderland and you never know what you might find.
Tutu in the Trenches: Finding the perfect Outfit
The search for that special gift can be tiring so a spot of tea was essential for me. As I strolled past a particularly decadent looking cafe, I could smell the delicious smells of roasted coffee beans and something sweetly chocolatey, Oh I do so love Italian cafe culture and the gorgeous interiors and ambience, a cafe, in Milan or anywhere, is my happy place, darlings!
And of course, a cuppa calls for some more tutu-inspiration! I headed off, a few tram stops to what you might say was my dream shop: "The Ultimate Tutu Store!"
So much to choose from – and in pink, of course. But the choice of pink was truly overwhelming – shocking pink, pale pink, pastel pink and a pink tutu I swear must be almost fluorescent! After all this searching I did find the one for me, the perfect pink tutu! One which looked and felt incredibly luxurious with an enormous, voluminous, frilly pink skirt, and matching shoes and a pink cardigan and hat – absolutely divine darling, so pretty and perfect to give me the perfect festive look - what could be better than to show my favourite pink tutu to the people of Milan?
My Fashion Musings
And just what else would a fashion obsessed tutu wearing girl be doing in Milan. Of course, darling, I was in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II again where all those designer brands put their finest collections for the world to see, What a dream! I just felt like I had been sprinkled with some fairy dust from that amazing sparkly Christmas tree they’ve erected at the centre of it all – it was simply wonderful. All those amazing dresses! So incredibly glamorous - how much do you think one would cost, dear readers, - maybe even more than the one I saw in that boutique – the shop assistant looked at me as if I had five heads!
But you know I like to give the fashion world my two cents worth too – why does there have to be all this emphasis on looking your absolute best for Christmas – I’ve found it absolutely liberating to wear that magnificent frilly pink tutu I’d been searching for for days - just how my gorgeous ballet dancers wear it when they dance on stage at La Scala! That feel of confidence you get when you are dressed like an absolutely magnificent tutu-clad, fabulous dancer.
Happy Holiday Wishes
As the festive season gets underway in the run up to Christmas, I'd like to wish you all a truly magical Christmas too - with family, friends, loved ones, your favourite foods and Christmas presents. I have my little tree set up with decorations all ready for Boxing Day – and I am definitely going to be enjoying myself - with panettone of course!
Ciao from Emma, wishing you all a very merry Christmas from pinktutu.com. I'll be back next week with another fun-filled Milan adventure – so make sure you’re ready!
P.S. Have you joined our "Wear Pink Tutu" club? If you’re ready to rock this fabulous look, join up now. What’s the best part? Well, darlings, if you get on board you'll be included in the Pink Tutu Fashion Lottery – who doesn’t want the chance to win that wonderful ballet gift hamper? Sign up for a chance to win!
