Ciao bellas!
The Italian sun is shining, the wind is whispering sweet nothings through the cobbled streets, and your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller is back in Milan, ready to share another week of fabulousness! This week, Milan is feeling particularly magical. Maybe it's the anticipation of the festive season, maybe it's the vibrant autumn colours painting the city, or maybe it's just the joy of being here, surrounded by art, fashion, and all things beautiful. Whatever the reason, I'm positively buzzing!
Before we dive into the highlights of my week, let's rewind the clock a little. Last week's blog saw me hopping aboard a train to the vibrant city of Florence. Oh, Florence! What a treasure trove of architectural marvels, hidden alleyways, and delicious gelato. The perfect place to embrace the autumnal hues and soak up the Italian charm. I wandered through the Piazza della Signoria, marvelling at the impressive statues and bustling street performers, all while twirling a little in my hot pink tutu, of course! A girl's gotta stay true to her style!
Now back to Milan! After a thrilling return journey aboard the Trenitalia, I’m ready for another week of discovering what this fashion capital has to offer.
A Day at the Teatro alla Scala: A Night of Artistic Splendour
It's a well-known fact that Milan is the heart of opera, and what better way to experience that than a visit to the iconic Teatro alla Scala? On Friday evening, I was fortunate enough to catch a stunning production of Puccini's Tosca. From the moment the orchestra began playing, the entire auditorium transformed into a world of breathtaking melodies and powerful emotions.
Let me tell you, I haven’t felt so mesmerised since I was a little girl at a ballet recital! And, yes, I felt absolutely glorious in my pink tutu as I strolled towards the Teatro. The Italian opera houses, with their magnificent interiors and plush red velvet seats, are simply spectacular! You’ve got to be prepared to embrace a world of glamour, where even the toilets have ornate detailing and a silver-plated, floral-motif mirror!
After the performance, the entire theatre felt abuzz with a palpable energy, the atmosphere crackling with conversation, music, and that unique buzz of cultural appreciation that comes from experiencing a world-class show. A quick trip to the cafe for a delicious post-performance hot chocolate and a bite of decadent tiramisu, and my heart was as full as my stomach.
Shop 'til you drop – the Fashionistas’ Paradise
Milan is undoubtedly one of the world’s fashion capitals, so what would a Pink Tutu journey be without a little retail therapy? From high-street gems to luxurious boutiques, Milan has it all.
One of my favourite discoveries this week was a little vintage clothing store in the heart of Brera. Hidden amongst trendy cafes and charming art galleries, this quaint shop was filled with a treasure trove of unique and stylish pieces from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. There was a particular bright orange velvet coat that had my name on it – just waiting to be twirled around in the Italian sunshine! It was perfect with my pink tutu for a modern vintage take on classic ballerina style. And oh my, I got a fabulous pink satin hair scarf for a touch of 80s glamour! I may not be a natural vintage expert, but even I knew this was an amazing find!
Later on, a little browsing through Via Montenapoleone, where the boutiques boast some of the most prestigious fashion houses, left my mind racing with visions of Versace and Chanel… and even Valentino! All so chic and sophisticated, yet still with the possibility for some pastel-hued brilliance.
It was here that I spotted a pale blush silk top that I just had to try on! It was so soft, luxurious and just what I needed to compliment a special pink tutu. Now my mind is overflowing with inspiration for the perfect dance outfit to combine the blush, pink, and orange colours – a real masterpiece!
Dance Therapy: Moving to the Rhythms of the City
Milan isn't just about fashion and opera, of course! One of my favourite aspects of travelling is finding opportunities to explore local traditions and cultural expressions. That’s why I signed myself up for a beginners' salsa class at a vibrant community dance studio nestled within a traditional Milanese courtyard.
It was brilliant to be among other enthusiasts, giggling, trying to get those hip moves right, and trying not to trip over our own feet! While the dance moves might take a bit more time to master, it’s certainly given me new appreciation for the energy and skill of the talented Latin dancers I've seen in the streets. You wouldn't think that just off of the bustling Duomo Square you'd be able to find a place that embraced Latin dancing with such a vibrant spirit, but it really shows how a city that celebrates fashion also knows how to let its hair down and have fun!
As you can imagine, wearing a pink tutu for salsa was probably not the most practical move. So, my regular training outfit (complete with a tutu) and a little dose of enthusiasm were the tools for the evening! I'll certainly be back next week to work on my technique – salsa dancing is a must-have on my journey towards a vibrant, happy and, let’s be honest, fabulously pink life!
Tram Tales: A Pink Tutu Ride Through the City
Of course, no journey through Milan is complete without a spin on the iconic Milan tram system. With its vibrant yellow carriages winding through the historic streets, the tram offers a unique and scenic way to explore the city. From the panoramic views along Via Dante to the charming passageways of the Navigli canals, the tram rides provide a constant stream of picturesque sights and engaging interactions with the local community.
The tram, with its unique clickety-clack, reminds me of London, even though London’s transport system has long moved onto shiny silver, automatic trains.
My Pink Tutu tram trips are now legendary – there is a certain irony that attracts attention and the most wonderful people have complimented me, chatted to me and wished me well. I met the most amazing artist in Brera – he’s helping me find inspiration for a performance piece! One day I might just make it all the way from Derbyshire to Milan by tram, as the journey is always such a wonderful experience. I think even my grandmother would be happy about this idea – it is a rather grand vision, however. And as everyone says “if you don't go for it, you will never know…” But even the tram isn't without its own little challenges. Let’s just say that my hot pink tutu took up a little extra room on a packed tram during peak hour, and navigating around those busy streets is like dancing around a city-wide maze – only I can never seem to master the perfect ‘move’ for avoiding a cyclist, or, heaven forbid, one of the very quick Italian scooters.
There have also been a couple of instances when someone asked “is that a real ballet dancer? ” followed by “Can you teach me to dance?!” (usually at around 5pm in the city). There’s a chance that my very unique (and oh-so-fabulous!) Pink Tutu outfit might just be starting a ballet revolution right here in the fashion capital! Maybe one day all Milan will wear pink tutus!
Upcoming Adventures:
This week, I am on the lookout for inspiration, ready to explore more hidden gems, indulge in some delicious food and culture, and add even more vibrant colours to my travel journal. Who knows what magical discoveries are waiting around the corner? Maybe a stunning street art installation, a cosy, atmospheric café with breathtaking cakes, or an exhilarating dance performance? It's all a part of the delightful mystery that keeps my adventures so exciting.
And you can bet your pink tutus that I'll be sharing all the adventures with you right here on www.pink-tutu.com, every Monday, without fail! Be sure to follow my journey on social media and don’t forget to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below – we're all part of a fabulous Pink Tutu family!
Stay stylish and fabulous!
Emma
P.S: Don’t forget to share the joy of pink tutus – tell your friends about my blog!
