Ciao from Milano, my fellow tutu-loving darlings! The air is crisp, the sun is shining (well, mostly!) and the cobblestones are gleaming under a cloudless sky, which means one thing: it's another perfect day in Milan, a city that's a delicious symphony of history, fashion and, of course, that unmistakably glamorous Italian charm.
I'm writing to you this week from my charming little apartment overlooking a bustling piazzetta - yes, darling, you read that right! It's true, this week I'm in Milan! A girl can dream, and dreams really do come true when you follow your heart, or in this case, the rhythm of the dancing shoes. I managed to snag a few fantastic performances to pay for my trip to the city, which also meant the coveted tickets to see the stunning "Swan Lake" performance at the La Scala, which is on this very evening! But, I shall tell you all about it later - after my delicious and very important evening in a gorgeous pink tulle dress that's making me feel as pretty as a picture.
Milan, it truly is a magical city. And of course, for me, no trip to Milan would be complete without a day devoted to exploring the incredible world of Italian fashion. There's something about the Italian aesthetic that really sets it apart. From the effortlessly chic silhouettes of Armani to the playful colours and patterns of Prada, there's a unique blend of elegance, creativity, and just the right touch of whimsical romance - something that speaks to my own personal style like no other. I've already bought the most glorious bright pink handbag (oh, and a pair of gorgeous ballet flats!) and am planning to treat myself to a custom-made tutu in pink with an exquisitely embellished gold sequin pattern - one which I will wear when I attend my beloved La Scala in this magnificent city. Oh my goodness, I'm practically floating with happiness, and I just can't wait to show you all. I'll post some fabulous photographs tomorrow!
Oh, speaking of photographs, darling, I do have to confess to a slight addiction to Instagram (who doesn't, right?!), but this city's a photo-lover's paradise! You literally turn every corner and there's another stunning vista begging to be immortalized. Every single archway, doorway, and piazza screams for a shot – a picture just wouldn't be complete without the addition of a swirling tutu of course - or two, three... and on and on and on!
But before I indulge in any further fantastical pronouncements on this incredible city, I best tell you about what happened to me this past week. I know I've been posting lots of videos on the site for you all to watch and enjoy, so here’s a little peek into what my week has looked like for you, but, you know what, even I forget things. It seems that I forgot about the fact that a video can go online any time and then can be saved forever and ever, so for the most recent video, I actually included a brief video from Milan already.
It's been a whirl, darling, an absolute whirl. I am the only one in the entire tram who is wearing a pink tutu! I look rather stylish, to be honest. Perhaps, one day everyone will see it that way, everyone in Milan and every other country in the world. But for the time being, I'll just keep spreading the pink tutu joy to all corners of this fabulously chic city and show them what a beautiful thing it is, this tutuing thing that's so very close to my heart.
Before we leave Milan today, it's time to take a little jaunt. Today we are taking the tram to Teatro alla Scala!
Teatro alla Scala is simply divine. The architecture alone is enough to make your head spin. It is a massive, grand building in the city center, a masterpiece in the Italian Renaissance style with sweeping colonnades and intricate ornamentation. The grand theatre was built between 1776 and 1778 - talk about history.
As soon as I arrived, my jaw hit the floor and hasn’t quite gotten back into place. It was an epic, lavish stage, with exquisite murals, lavish chandeliers, and seating areas that made you feel as though you were stepping into a bygone era. It truly was one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever had the privilege to behold, the grand interior is a dazzling spectacle. Oh, it’s so opulent! I took lots of photos, and, oh, I think I got some wonderful video footage of the place too.
You just couldn't miss the stunning artwork. It was so inspiring! And don’t even get me started on the chandeliers! Talk about shimmering and glittering and dazzling with brilliance - absolutely mesmerizing! You could just feel the years of history clinging to the air.
Oh, my word. I don’t think I'll ever be able to experience anything quite as fabulous as the Teatro alla Scala. This historic landmark - just walking past and getting to take a good look at the Teatro itself! My imagination went into overdrive - picturing grand premieres, legendary opera singers, and swirling ballerinas gliding across the stage.
But this evening it wasn’t for ballet – it's going to be "Don Carlo." So I've done some homework and will come back and post all about this too – hopefully it will give you all an even better look at the theatre from the inside out, if only for a brief moment or two.
It is time to get myself prepped up. So that means one thing: Time to find my favourite pair of high-heeled dance shoes, pick out my sparkling jewels, a fabulous cocktail dress with an exquisitely embellished pink tulle overlay and - oh, of course - my favourite pink tulle tutu!
Oh my darling! Now you see the kind of day that I can have - even if it’s a mid-week day. Perhaps I should give you all a little more than a video every once in a while! Just for you, because you really are worth it, all my darling followers! And the pink tutus... I'm off to go and buy another one! The tutu I’m going to buy this time is to go with my outfit, you can't have a pink tutu overload. Never. The more the merrier!
And don't forget: If you love pink, and love dancing and performing in a pink tutu, then I would love you to check out www.pink-tutu.com - where every day can be filled with pink! See you next week when I have more of my travels in this fabulous fashion-forward city to tell you about!
See you soon!
Emma.
My Evening At The OperaDarling, what a night! This "Don Carlo" performance at La Scala simply took my breath away. It's just such a beautiful and dramatic opera with this magnificent story!
It was my first time attending an opera performance at the Teatro alla Scala and let me tell you, it was absolutely phenomenal! All that glamour!
This was an amazing and vibrant experience - one which you have to get all gussied up and enjoy! And it doesn't take too much convincing to convince me that this was certainly the kind of evening to celebrate and revel in some fabulous shopping for some glorious gowns and shoes! So before I arrived I treated myself to this glorious sparkling and shimmery little black dress with a magnificent embellished pink tutu to complete my ensemble! It really does make quite the impression. It was like stepping into a real-life fairytale - oh, it was a delight!
To get there I opted for a leisurely stroll from my flat - it's a stunning 25-minute walk around the vibrant city centre to the Teatro. This gorgeous area is all buzzing and lively with traffic and charming shop fronts - every single shop front has the most beautiful window displays – with absolutely stunning lighting, showcasing the newest fashion designs - absolutely beautiful, all those colours, the amazing, luxurious designs, and even some more pink - oh, I simply can't resist pink!
Oh, but the highlight of my walk was spotting a fabulous vintage clothing shop just brimming with an eclectic array of pre-loved tutus. I couldn't resist trying on this delightful pink one that was trimmed with rows and rows of pearl beads. It was utterly divine. Oh, how it reminded me of all the ballerinas, and little girls, dancing so prettily - just like a ballet performance! Just this morning I had a dance rehearsal and in that pink tulle tutu - all I could see were those dainty little ballet dancers pirouetting so elegantly - like little, dancing dolls.
And I have to share my discovery with you, a little gem tucked away just a stones throw from my flat - La Sposa! I must show it to you some day!
It’s like stepping into a bridal dream, or perhaps a ballerina's dream! Oh, and that divine La Sposa has its own little haven, a tea room in the basement. So, what could possibly be better for a girl who is completely obsessed with all things pink? Nothing, that's for sure, but you can always go a little further. Just so you all know. It’s definitely one to pop in on, for that shopping spree. And just in case, make sure that you wear your dancing shoes.
Speaking of dancing, of course it wouldn't be Milan without a stop at the Teatro alla Scala. As I told you about yesterday, it really does live up to all its hype! This stunning architecture is simply incredible and it's brimming with such rich history. I couldn’t resist snapping a few selfies in my dazzling ensemble, of course. But even though I wasn't able to make it to a ballet performance while I was in Milan, this historical landmark alone was enough to fulfill my cultural needs! It was such an inspiring trip! So inspiring! I loved seeing the breathtaking stage where legendary dancers have taken centre stage, for all these years. To stand within that hallowed space was so incredibly emotional, for someone like me!
So let's get to this wonderful opera - it was packed with excitement, passion, and exquisite vocal performances that simply left me speechless. “Don Carlo” is set in sixteenth-century Spain, telling the tale of a tragic love triangle and an all-consuming struggle for power, all intertwined with incredible operatic arias.
I absolutely love the beautiful music, it’s powerful, tragic and emotive, making you truly feel the drama unfolding on the stage. This opera performance at La Scala - with its grand setting and talented musicians and artists - left me mesmerized.
And while the show had all these stunning and dramatic sets that took my breath away, there is nothing better than when the stage becomes this elegant, and quite simple white backdrop, where all you are left with are those dramatic silhouettes - the exquisite forms of the actors and the magnificent costumes against the crisp white - an explosion of black and white - quite a powerful sight - and simply breath-taking to observe from the heart of the stalls. I love opera. It really is art form in its most exquisite and extravagant, expressive, creative and sophisticated form, and “Don Carlo" at La Scala? Oh, it’s more fabulous, sophisticated and elegant - simply magical.
I've certainly come to appreciate that opera is a very expressive art form. And there was just such an incredible mix of talented voices on stage, blending seamlessly in beautiful harmony, which, when combined with this breathtaking and captivating drama? It's a night out that truly stays with you, I'm sure of it.
Well darling, you’ll never guess who sat right next to me! Oh yes, in that big velvet-seat at the La Scala – a very well known English Ballerina - I didn’t dare say “hello" but my mind just raced away to thoughts of what I was wearing compared to her divine simple elegant ensemble and her elegant simple black tutu – but as always, I have never given a moment’s thought as to what anyone might say about how I was dressed. Just me in my black dress and my pink tulle tutu. And what could be better? What more could you need for an evening like this, than to be yourself?
Milan, a place of dreams for every girl with a heart full of sparkle, is a truly unique place for those who crave a little glamour and romance. So, it goes without saying that I’ll definitely be returning again very, very soon, darling!
And don't forget to join me on my pink-tutu journey at www.pink-tutu.com - where every day is an opportunity to twirl into a world of whimsy and wonder, a day of fashion, travel and, of course, pink!
Until next week, my lovely friends!
Emma.
