Ciao Bella! It's Wednesday, and you know what that means - time for another dose of Pink Tutu Milan, straight from the fashion and dance capital of the world! This week, Milan is buzzing with spring energy and, of course, I'm right in the heart of it all, twirling and pirouetting my way through this captivating city.
Last week I was whisked away to Verona for a truly breathtaking performance of "Romeo and Juliet," which left me utterly enthralled. Now, I'm back in Milan, and my schedule is jam-packed with ballet bliss and shopping sprees - because a girl needs to find the perfect outfit for every performance, right?
Today, I'm feeling the spring vibes in full force. It's like Milan has suddenly woken up from its winter slumber, with bursts of sunshine and blooming flowers pushing through the pavements. The air smells of freshly-baked pastries from local bakeries, and I swear the pigeons are even wearing new spring feathers!
But before we dive into all the exciting happenings of this week, let me tell you about my journey here. My dear, trusty tram was my faithful companion, trundling me through the heart of Milan with its charming cobbled streets and impossibly elegant buildings. Honestly, sometimes I think the trams themselves are practically waltzing through the streets!
Speaking of waltzing, I just had to grab myself a slice of the most divine strawberry tart from the local pastry shop. It was a little bit of sunshine on a plate, and I swear I heard the pastry chef humming a tune as he whipped it up! After a whirlwind of pastry indulgence and admiring the exquisite architecture (did I mention those buildings are truly something else?), I decided it was time for a ballet fix.
Now, you know me and my tutu obsession, right? I simply cannot resist a twirl-worthy piece! So, I popped into a little boutique called "Le Danseur" which I stumbled upon in a narrow side street. And guess what I found? A delicate tulle masterpiece in the most beautiful blush pink! Imagine a ballet dream come true, with swirling layers and just the right amount of sparkle. Of course, it was mine within a heartbeat, and it's now perched proudly on a hanger in my apartment, waiting for its next big performance.
This week, I'm feeling incredibly inspired by the creativity all around me. From the intricate floral designs gracing the grand palaces to the bustling street markets bursting with colourful textiles, it feels like every corner of Milan is overflowing with artistry. And speaking of creativity, did you see the window display at the new Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II? It's literally a dream come true - an enchanting spectacle of colourful lights, cascading fabric, and dramatic figures, almost frozen in time. I must admit, I almost danced a jig right there on the pavement!
Tonight, the stage beckons me. I'm off to the Teatro alla Scala, where the most talented dancers in the world will be weaving stories through their incredible movements. I've got my ticket, my new pink tutu, and my notebook ready to capture every detail of the performance. Speaking of my ballet notes, I’m planning to start a separate blog all about the performance pieces I see, what I learn about ballet and what I do in ballet classes to stay in tip top condition. So look out for a brand new ballet adventure in the coming weeks.
You see, my dear friends, Milan is not just a city, it’s an emotion. It’s a swirling symphony of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that can make your heart dance. And in a city like this, how could you resist wearing a pink tutu?
So, what's going on this Wednesday in Milan? Well, here's a sneak peek into the city’s exciting calendar:
*Milan Fashion Week: * The runways are sizziling with bold and innovative fashion from all the big names. Milan's fashion industry is, after all, world-famous, and it's just impossible to ignore. Every catwalk is a dance performance with dramatic costumes and innovative design that puts a twirl in your step.
"La Traviata" at Teatro alla Scala: Tonight, the timeless opera "La Traviata" will captivate the city with its unforgettable story of love, passion, and sacrifice.
Springtime at the Parco Sempione: With its picturesque landscapes and beautiful botanical gardens, the Parco Sempione is a symphony of colours and fresh air. And if the weather's as lovely as it's been lately, it's the perfect place to wander, enjoy a picnic, and get your creative juices flowing.
*Milan Ballet Week: * Yes, that’s right, this whole week is a ballet lover’s dream come true! Ballet studios around the city are holding open classes, showcasing performances and hosting pop-up ballet pop-ups for anyone who wishes to join the fun. With this amount of dancing in the air, the pink tutu bug is bound to spread around Milan.
Street Art Stroll: While I adore the grandeur of Milan’s famous buildings and museums, I also appreciate the vibrant art of the city’s walls. It seems that at every turn, there’s an awe-inspiring street mural to admire, giving even the plainest of walls a dash of magic.
To stay up-to-date on my Milan adventures, why not join my fabulous community over on www.pink-tutu.com? There you’ll find all the posts from my Milan journey, my London stories and more. You can share your own twirling adventures and I might even feature you on my blog - just be sure to include #PinkTutuMilan in your posts!
As the evening settles in, I’ll be getting ready to embrace the magic of Milan’s opera. So until next Wednesday, dear readers, keep twirling, keep shining, and keep believing in the power of pink tutus!
Love and pink sparkles,
Emma xx
My Italian Shopping SpreeSpeaking of Milan's magnetic charm, how could I resist a little shopping spree?
Of course, no Pink Tutu Milan adventure is complete without indulging in a little retail therapy!
The first stop, naturally, had to be the bustling streets around the Duomo, a shopper’s paradise with countless boutiques and high-street shops waiting to be explored. There were beautiful silks shimmering in the sunlight, exquisitely designed leather goods tempting me with their luxurious textures, and shoes so delicate and stylish, I could barely resist putting my feet in them!
Of course, I couldn’t resist the allure of a pink-tastic fashion find – a beautiful silk scarf with intricate patterns that would look stunning draped around my neck, and maybe even tied around my ballet bun. Just think of the stunning photos I’ll get while I twirl in that!
And I discovered this incredible little gem of a shop on Via Dante – it had the most whimsical collection of vintage clothing and accessories. I picked up a pair of delicate earrings adorned with tiny sparkling crystals and a beautifully beaded purse, both from a different era, and both simply breathtaking. Imagine what stories these treasures must have witnessed!
Oh, and I did just a teeny bit of window shopping along Via Montenapoleone – that’s the street for real fashionistas! Every boutique window seemed to be a masterpiece, overflowing with the latest designer creations. My inner fashionista shrieked with excitement at the exquisite displays – bold colours, intricate patterns, and silhouettes designed to accentuate the female form.
I took my shopping adventures to the other side of the city next. You see, I adore the quirky side of fashion – and nothing embodies that better than the bohemian and edgy fashion on display at the Mercato di Porta Ticinese. This was less about window-shopping and more about an almost tangible atmosphere – with creative energy buzzing everywhere, and bargain hunters scouring for that special piece that couldn’t be found anywhere else. I’m always so inspired by this little corner of Milan and can’t help but find myself swept away in the infectious enthusiasm of the locals, the colourful chaos of the marketplace, and the promise of discovering unique, creative treasures.
And naturally, no shopping adventure in Milan is complete without a trip to a fabric shop! It's something I’ve always wanted to do, and I found a little haven of shimmering silks and velvety fabrics. My imaginations ran wild, and I picked up two meters of the most divine cerulean blue silk for my latest tutu project, dreaming up whimsical patterns and a spectacular performance piece!
Finally, my shopping bags weighed heavily in my hands, but my heart felt so much lighter – I had unearthed some fabulous treasures, found some real fashion inspiration, and discovered new creative ideas!
Milan, you truly are a treasure trove of elegance and creativity, and your allure is nothing short of irresistible. And you can bet your tutu that I'll be back for more!
The Heartbeat of the CityAfter a long day of exploring and indulging in some retail therapy, I found myself craving the warmth of the evening air, a little Italian atmosphere and the vibrant sounds of the city. So, I set off on my journey to a traditional Milanese osteria - it’s where you find the true heart and soul of the city – a place for simple pleasures, delectable meals, and an atmosphere where everyone, from locals to tourists, can enjoy the beauty of shared experiences.
The Osteria “Il Tricolore” had an old-world charm that welcomed me into a cosy haven away from the bustling city streets. And with every aroma, every word of conversation, every bite of pasta, I was transported into the essence of Milan – warm, inviting and so full of life.
There’s something so magical about those small places in every city – the little places that have an ambiance all their own. You just have to find the little hidden gems and let yourself become part of the rhythm of their lives.
Oh, and of course, it wouldn’t be a true Milanese evening without some limoncello, the citrusy liqueur that feels like the warmth of Italy captured in a tiny glass. With its refreshingly sweet, almost floral flavour and an aroma that simply exudes sunshine, limoncello is like the perfect end to a magical day.
The Charm of MilanAs I gaze upon the lights twinkling across the rooftops of Milan, a gentle breeze caressing my cheeks, a smile paints my lips. It’s this feeling of quiet contentment – a little bit of joy for each and every day, a feeling that Milan conjures with every turn of a cobbled street, every conversation with a local, every bite of the local delicacies. It’s a feeling that speaks to the heart, a feeling that inspires.
So, my dear readers, if you ever find yourselves longing for adventure and creative inspiration, hop on that train to Milan, twirl into a shop filled with the latest fashion, enjoy the sounds of street musicians in the piazza and feel the beauty of life dance all around you.
Until next Wednesday, keep those pink tutus twirling and your spirits shining bright!
Love and Pink Sparkles,
Emma xx
