Wednesday, 29th July, 2015
Milan, Italy
Buongiorno, darling!
It's me, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, Emma, and I'm writing to you from the bustling city of Milan! Oh, how I love this place! The air is alive with excitement and the streets are teeming with gorgeous clothes and the latest trends. As for me, I'm practically giddy with anticipation!
This trip is all about embracing the "la dolce vita" and soaking up every ounce of Italian style and glamour. So buckle up, lovelies, and let me take you on a whirlwind tour of my Milan adventures!
Tutuing Around the City
First things first, I simply had to wear my new pink tutu for a little photoshoot around Milan. It's the most stunning shade of baby pink, with delicate layers of tulle that whisper around my legs. A pink tutu in Milan, well, it's simply irresistible. You should have seen the look on the faces of some of the passers-by. It was a blend of fascination and utter confusion. (Did I mention the Italian love for pink tutus? I don't think they're quite there yet!)
I paired my pink tutu with a chic white blouse and some sparkling silver heels, the kind that you just can't resist tapping to the rhythm of the street. My trusty pink ballet bag is a perfect match, naturally. Honestly, I can't help myself! And, just so you know, this little beauty houses all my ballet essentials: tights, shoes, and my little emergency kit for any last minute shoe repairs - you never know!
Tram Dreams and Milanese Musings
A ride on the Milan tram is a must-do! It's a great way to take in the cityscape, especially from the front of the carriage. The windows allow you to look out on a colourful parade of cafes, bustling shops, and charming architecture. It's so charming and a complete contrast to the sleek, modern architecture we are used to in Derbyshire!
I’ve discovered that even the humble tram ride in Milan becomes an impromptu fashion show. I observed one particularly fabulous lady strutting through the doors in a bold scarlet dress, its cinched waist accentuated by a slim black belt and matching black beret. It was a classic and effortless Italian chic. And she carried it with so much style! Honestly, I'm feeling a touch of sartorial envy here. (But hey, who isn't? This is Milan, after all!)
Ballet Bonanza
The reason for this magical trip? It's time for some ballet! Milan is renowned for its classical ballet traditions and I'm absolutely dying to witness the artistry on stage at the Teatro alla Scala, or La Scala as they say here in Italy. The iconic theatre, nestled in the heart of the city, boasts an illustrious history filled with famous performances and influential figures of the ballet world.
I'm attending a matinee performance of “Swan Lake,” and let me tell you, the excitement levels are through the roof. Not only because of the spectacle of the ballet, but because I’m attending this iconic performance wearing a pink tutu! Talk about bold statements, darling! The colour pink just makes me feel so...fabulous!
Speaking of ballet, the other highlight of my week has been a ballet class at one of the local dance studios. It was amazing to share a studio with such talented and enthusiastic dancers from all walks of life. And their technique? Oh, they know their port de bras here in Milan! Even though I was out of my comfort zone with the advanced class, there was an inspiring energy to the room. I was a little nervous, as I'm only in my 20s, but it turned out to be an exhilarating experience.
Milan: A Shopping Paradise
This trip wouldn't be complete without a little shopping therapy, would it? Of course not. I'm here to discover the latest fashion trends, and maybe indulge in a little treat or two. (Okay, maybe a lot!)
I’ve been venturing through the backstreets, discovering a charming world of independent boutiques. Here you’ll find everything from quirky handcrafted jewellery and delicate silk scarves to one-of-a-kind clothing that makes you want to turn heads.
And no trip to Milan is complete without visiting the Duomo. This masterpiece of gothic architecture is an absolute sight to behold, and a photographer's dream! I'm particularly impressed by the details on its exterior – so intricately crafted! I actually did some ballet inspired photography near the Duomo with a fantastic professional photographer who even took a few photos of me with a pink tutu. What a memory! It's just stunning, especially when lit up at night, reflecting the warm tones of the city lights.
Delicious Indulgence: Italian Food and Fashion
The food scene in Milan is something else! Forget the tourist traps, darling. I've been digging around in local trattorias and cozy cafes to sample some true Milanese delights. Imagine freshly baked bread, aromatic coffee, pasta bursting with flavor, and the most delicious gelato you could imagine. I can already see myself adding a few pounds!
And of course, every day is an opportunity to admire the exquisite style of the Milanese women. They walk the streets with a grace and poise that is truly breathtaking. From effortlessly stylish outfits to intricate hairstyles, their effortless fashion sense is simply captivating! You know you're in a special city when the way people dress is an artistic masterpiece in itself!
Fashionista Finds: The Milan Fashion Scene
It's practically impossible to talk about Milan without touching upon the fashion scene! This city is truly the heart and soul of fashion. The runways, the ateliers, the luxury boutiques, and the street style - it all breathes fashion in its rawest form.
One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural marvel with a truly opulent interior. Here you can shop among the world's most luxurious brands - from Gucci to Prada and all the designers in between. It’s almost as if you are stepping back in time! This shopping experience is a true testament to Milan's dedication to high-fashion. It's an absolute feast for the eyes, my lovelies, with exquisite displays of shoes, bags, and clothing. It’s pure escapism!
The only problem? Keeping those shopping impulses under control. I mean, a girl's gotta keep up appearances, don't you think? It's all for the 'gram, of course!
Milan: A City to Remember
This city is brimming with vibrant energy and an intoxicating allure that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. It’s truly a symphony for the senses: the vibrant street life, the exquisite food, the beautiful architecture, and the passionate art scene, all blend seamlessly to create an enchanting atmosphere. It’s as though Milan holds a piece of my heart and I know it’s not goodbye, but merely a see you soon.
Speaking of heart, let’s have a heart to heart. You’ll find this week's pink tutu blog post over on the www.pink-tutu.com website. Please visit it, give me a lovely comment, and subscribe! Every bit of encouragement helps. The dream, of course, is to bring everyone together in one massive pink tutu. Think you'd wear one? Tell me what you think.
From my pink tutu to yours,
Emma x
P.S. Do check out my social media, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for photos from Milan.
P.P.S. Stay tuned for my next Pink Tutu post next week, as I will be exploring the fascinating history of London.
Don't forget to wear your pink tutu - I daresay you'll feel like you've just stepped into Milan! Ciao bella!
