Buongiorno, darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind week in fabulous Milan. It's a dream come true being here, the home of beautiful fashion, delicious food, and captivating culture. Oh, and of course, I found myself some exquisite tutus to add to my ever-growing collection!
It's Wednesday already, and I can hardly believe it! The week flew by like a pirouette, filled with glamorous events and the kind of fun you just can't get anywhere else. This city, it truly has it all.
From Derbyshire to Milan – The Tram & The Tutu
It wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu adventure without some travelling. This week, I opted for a delightful ride on the tram. I’ve discovered there’s an almost meditative quality about gliding through the city on rails. It's the perfect time to lose myself in thoughts of dance, to catch up on emails (though, not at the same time of course), and most importantly, to observe the ever-changing scenery. Milan always keeps you guessing, even when you think you’ve seen it all. The sunlight catches the majestic architecture in new ways, casting magical shadows across the cobblestone streets, and you just can't help but feel inspired.
After all, I'm not one to travel without a dash of glamour. Naturally, I adorned myself in a delightful blush pink tulle tutu, a light-as-air cotton top, and my favourite pair of dainty ballet pumps. I just couldn’t resist a touch of glitter on my eyelids – a bit of sparkle never hurts, you know. After all, when in Milan, wear your heart on your sleeve... or on your tulle.
The Symphony of Shoe Shopping
A visit to Milan would be utterly incomplete without a dip into its sartorial wonders. And so, with my trusty shopping bags at the ready, I embarked on a little pilgrimage to a designer footwear haven in the heart of the city. A whole room dedicated to shoes? What a ballet lover’s dream come true! There were strappy heels that danced like graceful swans, ankle boots that promised to conquer every cobblestone street, and, of course, the most exquisitely crafted ballet shoes that even the most discerning prima ballerina would swoon over. I might have treated myself to a new pair (or two!), I simply couldn't resist the siren call of the leather and lace.
Ballet under the Tuscan Sun
Every trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without some magnificent dancing. On this particularly dreamy Tuesday afternoon, I found myself drawn to a breathtaking outdoor ballet performance. The warm Italian sun cast a golden glow over the entire performance, and the rustling of the trees felt like applause from nature itself. As the graceful ballerinas pirouetted under the open sky, their every movement seemed to be a story whispered by the wind. It was the kind of experience that makes your heart soar.
This was a delightful twist on my favourite activity. Usually, you find ballet in elegant theaters and the beautiful stage, but I absolutely adore the beauty of ballet in the natural world! Even if the backdrop is less refined, and it’s just an idyllic backdrop, for me, it was magical!
The stage was so unexpected – the stunning, rustic courtyard of a museum. The dancers danced against the stonework, adorned with fragrant, creeping ivy. This was pure, whimsical beauty. Every now and again, the graceful movements would catch the sun, illuminating the exquisite costumes.
It was a true spectacle, captivating every sense. I truly do feel lucky to live in this golden age of dance!
The Italian Food Fiesta
You know I have to talk about food when I’m in a new city. Milan is no exception! In the evenings, I find myself lost in the labyrinthine back streets of the city. Each street, lined with tempting trattorias and trattorias that hum with life. They are full of the joyful chattering of locals and the heavenly scent of fresh pasta simmering on the stoves. It's a symphony of culinary delights!
Milanese risotto? A symphony for your senses, a soft melody of creamy rice that is almost a song itself! And of course, no Italian meal would be complete without the divine pizza, perfectly thin-crusted and topped with fresh mozzarella. I always have a slice of strawberry tiramisu too!
I just can’t resist Italian pastries - even if I’m too full. So often, they make exquisite art out of sugar. I’d happily have a small dessert every single day!
A Glimpse into Milanese Style
Milan, it's a city where fashion is a language, and style is an art form. And where better to learn a new way to express yourself than with the masters? It’s just the most charming mix of old and new. Every building, it’s like a living gallery. The city is filled with creative, playful pieces – all ready to be seen.
In between ballet performances and gastronomical adventures, I love to observe the local street style, and I'm inspired by their confident nonchalance. I just adore how they effortlessly blend vintage pieces with cutting-edge trends. It's a unique symphony of style. They make even simple pieces look captivating. Just the simple act of walking through Milan’s back streets gives you style points!
As much as I love to try new fashion finds, I also love seeing the new fashion collections, with some exquisite tutus to adorn my wardrobe with!
My Love for the Colour Pink
My dear readers, as you all know, my unwavering devotion to the colour pink is practically a matter of record. But when you come face-to-face with Milan’s style scene, pink takes on a whole new level of magic. I’ve seen a shade of pink I’d never dreamed of before! The dusty, rose pink dresses I’ve seen in boutiques here are the stuff of fairytales. There is just the right amount of delicate femininity in them! It just doesn’t get better than that!
And how could I leave Milan without another pink tutu? I picked a simple, delicate ballerina tutu this week – with a pale blush pink that truly suits my style. You can imagine how I’ll be showing off my purchase over the next few weeks! Pink, in every shade and form – it truly is the queen of all colors, don’t you think?
I’m wearing a bright pink bandeau with the lightest wispy tulle skirt, for the next couple of shows – a bit more youthful, but no less striking. Pink is truly a powerful color, as much as people try to claim otherwise!
The Art of the Ballet Tutu
Now, you may wonder why I go to so much effort when I could simply just wear ballet shoes and some plain old jeans. But let’s be honest – it's never just about practicality. For me, it’s an entire expression of my personal aesthetic!
The tutu is the very symbol of grace, elegance, and a little bit of magic. I have been dancing ever since I was young. Ballet is where my passion truly comes alive! It is more than just dancing for me; it is a symbol of a spirit of free movement. There’s so much joy in letting your inner ballerina loose!
But the tutu, for me, has also grown to mean something more than that. The tutu allows me to take that artistic beauty into the outside world! It allows me to live a life that truly is ‘off stage’. Of course, wearing tutus every day is a pretty brave decision, but one I feel very comfortable with. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I am trying to encourage as many people to find their own love for pink and tutus – whether they like to dance, or whether it is just something fun and unique!
Life Through a Pink Tulle Lens
My adventures in Milan, it’s about experiencing the vibrant mix of tradition, style and innovation that this city is all about!
From dancing in sun-soaked courtyards, discovering enchanting street style, indulging in scrumptious cuisine to just wandering the streets… Every experience here feels like a scene from a beautiful fairytale.
Remember, you can join me every week in this dream-like adventure! Head on over to www.pink-tutu.com every Monday for the next Milan-style travel adventure.
Remember to wear a touch of pink to your own life. It may feel a little odd at first, but you can be the queen of your own fashion realm! Until next time, darlings, wear your heart on your tulle!
P.S. I’m doing two shows in Derbyshire this month. You’ll find a link to the show details at the end of this post – I hope you’ll be able to make it!
