Ciao, darlings! It's Emma, your resident Pink Tutu ambassador, back from the dazzling city of Milan! This week's adventures have been a whirlwind of tutus, tram rides and la dolce vita - oh, and did I mention shopping? 😉
It's a balmy Wednesday morning in Milan, the air abuzz with the scent of espresso and freshly baked croissants. I'm perched on a vintage leather armchair in my little boutique hotel, bathed in the golden sunlight streaming through the window. Outside, the streets are teeming with chic Milanese rushing about, all fashionably dressed and undeniably fabulous.
I arrived in Milan last night, after a wonderfully scenic train journey from Florence. It was a dream! The Italian countryside was simply stunning – rolling hills covered in vineyards, medieval towns perched on hilltops and endless stretches of sunflower fields. The whole journey was a feast for the eyes. I couldn't resist capturing the view with a quick tutu-twirl and some selfies, of course. After all, it’s not a Pink Tutu adventure without some Insta-worthy moments!
Once in Milan, I quickly settled into my little haven. This hotel is right in the heart of the action, and within a few minutes' walk I could hear the melodic chimes of the Duomo, Milan’s iconic cathedral. It’s so majestic – just like the graceful arabesques of a ballerina en pointe.
Speaking of ballet, I’m already looking forward to the weekend! The Teatro alla Scala is holding a spectacular production of Giselle this Saturday, and I can’t wait to see it. It's one of my favourite ballets – so romantic, so tragically beautiful! The dancing, the music, the costumes, everything just comes together so flawlessly. This ballet has such a hold on me; it makes my heart leap every time I hear the haunting melodies and watch those incredible leaps and pirouettes. I know it will be breathtaking, just like the city itself!
To get me in the mood for the ballet, I decided to explore the Teatro alla Scala’s neighbourhood this morning. I spent hours wandering around the grand Piazza della Scala, with the majestic theatre towering over the piazza. It’s a sight to behold, the intricate facade decorated with sculptures of mythological figures and theatrical scenes. The square was bustling with tourists and street performers. A group of teenagers were practicing their breakdancing moves, a mime artist was entertaining a small crowd with his comical expressions, and a young violinist was serenading the pigeons. Such vibrant life!
Then, I decided to treat myself to some afternoon tea at a charming little cafe on Via Brera, a charming cobbled street famous for its art galleries and designer boutiques. The pastries were absolutely divine - little works of art themselves!
Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without some retail therapy. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful glass-vaulted shopping arcade built in the 19th century, was my first port of call. It’s a treasure trove of designer brands, elegant cafes and opulent interiors. This magnificent building with its elaborate mosaics and ornate columns reminded me of a fairy tale palace! I’ve got to say, the Italian obsession with fashion is infectious!
Now, you all know I have a weakness for a good vintage find, and Milan definitely didn’t disappoint. In a tucked away back street in the Navigli district, I found the most delightful vintage boutique overflowing with gorgeous clothes, shoes, and bags. They even had a little corner dedicated to old tutus - they were absolutely magnificent! Some of them looked so old and fragile that you could barely lift them. I ended up finding a stunning 1950s ballet dress with a delicate hand-stitched pink tulle skirt. It's just my style!
To celebrate my fashion finds, I decided to treat myself to a romantic gondola ride on the canals of Navigli, another one of my favourite places in Milan. The canal system, with its cobbled walkways and quaint bridges, offers a peaceful respite from the city's frenetic pace. I imagined myself in a fairytale, gliding gracefully on the water, while I admired the sunset hues painting the sky with their vibrant shades of pink and purple - such a magical setting!
Milan has been a feast for all senses – the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes have been an incredible journey for me. The energy here is buzzing with life. But as I always say, it's the people who truly make a place special.
I’ve met some wonderfully warm and welcoming locals here who have shared their stories and tips on everything from the best hidden trattorias to the most stylish vintage stores. They were incredibly kind and eager to help, even when I butchered the Italian language. (Don’t worry, I’m practicing!)
Now, one thing I've noticed about Milanese style is that they embrace individuality and experiment with colour and texture. They really know how to wear their clothes and pull off the coolest looks, with an effortless charm and undeniable confidence.
The city seems to have its own fashion language - it's all about effortless chic and timeless elegance, but with a touch of edgy nonchalance. I’m totally loving the mix-and-match, head-turning style – and I’m embracing it with my signature touch of pink, of course! This city has truly inspired my sense of style, giving me a whole new appreciation for the finer things in life - the kind of things that truly inspire me to create my own pink-tutu wonderland!
I am finding myself taking more inspiration from my surroundings here, adding elements of colour and movement to my daily outfits, channeling the spirit of this exciting city. I'm wearing my Pink Tutu proudly - sometimes, even paired with a pair of fabulous pink stilettos – I've discovered a new level of confidence here!
Speaking of confidence, I've had an opportunity to meet with a couple of fashion bloggers here in Milan – so exciting! They've been incredibly supportive and insightful, sharing their advice and wisdom on blogging and social media. It’s great to have this network of fellow fashionistas to connect with and inspire each other!
Of course, the highlight of my trip so far has been performing in a small, intimate ballet studio just outside the city centre. They organised a "Ballet Under the Stars" event, and I had the honour of performing a piece to a captivated audience beneath the Milanese night sky. They even had a projector playing images of pink tutus during my performance. It was amazing! The response was phenomenal; it truly reinforced the power of tutus to ignite imagination and spark joy in the hearts of everyone!
Now, while my adventures in Milan have been extraordinary, I must confess I’m starting to miss the peaceful tranquility of Derbyshire, the gentle rhythm of village life, and the familiar charm of my little hometown. But Milan has truly captivated me. Its artistic heritage, cultural diversity and vibrant fashion scene have filled me with such inspiration.
The last thing I did today was take a romantic stroll through Parco Sempione. The park is an urban oasis of calm with manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and leafy pathways – a true escape from the city's bustle.
The sunset bathed the park in a warm golden light, casting long shadows on the grounds, and reflecting beautifully off the reflecting pools. I had a peaceful moment under a magnificent willow tree, a perfect place to just breathe and appreciate this stunning city. I sat there reflecting on all that I’d seen and done in the past few days.
Tomorrow, I'm off to explore more of the city - but first, I need a little rest after all this excitement. So, until next week, stay stylish and spread the pink tutu love!
Ciao from Milan!
P.S. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more photos, stories and adventures from my Italian travels!
P.P.S Don’t forget to wear pink on Wednesday. Every Wednesday, let’s embrace our inner pink tutu goddess!
