Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, reporting live from the magnificent city of Milan, Italy! This week's adventures have been positively magical, filled with glamorous ballet, dazzling fashion, and of course, an abundance of pink! I can’t tell you how excited I was to hop onto the sleek Italian train that brought me here, the rhythm of the wheels against the tracks already making me want to pirouette. And now I’m ready to share it all with you.
So grab a cuppa, slip into something sparkly, and let's embark on a whimsical journey through Milan!
A Parisian Pink Dream
I arrived in Milan on Tuesday, feeling as vibrant as a spring crocus! It’s my first visit to Italy since my wonderful trip to Rome a few months ago and I’ve fallen utterly in love with this charming country. This week I have to admit to being particularly smitten with the gorgeous, fashionable city of Milan. Everything from the cobbled streets to the chic cafés and even the vintage trams has a touch of Parisian flair – oh, how I love Paris, I have such fond memories there and I'd be happy to visit again. You can’t come to Milan without being wowed by the sheer scale of the incredible fashion scene here and the elegance and charm of the locals – oh, the clothes, the shops and of course, all the people wearing a gorgeous selection of fashion and fabrics – you can’t beat Milan’s unique blend of creativity and couture.
It was time for me to do what I do best - shopping! Milan's shops are pure delight - I lost myself for hours exploring hidden alleyways packed with vintage treasures. A particularly beautiful little boutique caught my eye, with rows of the most gorgeous vintage fabrics and trim. I snagged a delightful selection of floral lace, soft velvet ribbon, and exquisite sequined fringe - perfect for transforming my pink tutu into an even more fabulous masterpiece!
A Royal Encounter at the Teatro alla Scala
Later that evening, I found myself nestled in the opulent plush velvet seating of the Teatro alla Scala. Milan’s most prestigious opera house – talk about grand! This iconic venue felt absolutely steeped in history, and every corner was filled with elaborate sculptures and glittering chandeliers that sparkled with a thousand twinkling stars. I felt like I’d been transported straight out of a fairy tale! It really felt like an honor to be in the same space where countless musical legends have performed, and for once I felt completely overwhelmed. My goodness! A full and completely mesmerized ballet fan was certainly in residence.
That night was a treat, showcasing the exceptional talent of the Teatro alla Scala's ballet company. I was transported by the sheer beauty and emotion of their performance – I dare say, my eyes were misting over a couple of times, it was that poignant. The graceful leaps, the exquisite footwork, and the raw emotion on the dancers' faces - it was truly inspiring!
Milanese Chic and my Tutu Debut
The next morning, I decided to embrace the stylish atmosphere and head out in a brand new look, showcasing my love of fashion – my favourite of course! A vibrant shade of pink silk midi dress flowed over my favourite tutu with its layer upon layer of ruffled pink net - and a pair of glittering pink heels that complemented the intricate embroidery around the tutu skirt's hem - my favourite of all – oh, the details! Feeling fabulous and a touch of pure joy – it is hard to contain it all you know, I took the tram through the charming back streets to enjoy a leisurely café au lait at a streetside café with the locals. You really can’t beat those little cafés.
Finding Magic at a Vintage Market
It is always an absolute delight to explore local markets – you never know what treasures you’ll discover, that’s what I like! And Milan certainly didn't disappoint. On Saturday morning I headed to a sprawling vintage market - a glorious riot of colour and history. I’m absolutely delighted with my finds - a shimmering silver ballet slipper purse and a silk vintage scarf with the most exquisite floral print. What am I going to use it for? I can't imagine yet - but it is just lovely and was a genuine bargain at 5 Euro. They will surely make some wonderful additions to my personal style and my dance wardrobe, especially for a performance next week at the local library - oh! I am so excited! I always enjoy being a performer in the local communities.
Back in Time: A Journey through History
It felt only natural that while I was in Milan I’d want to spend time discovering the historical significance of this beautiful city. And I was completely spoilt for choice – the incredible gothic architecture of Milan Cathedral, a tour through the impressive grandeur of the Castello Sforzesco, the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's oldest shopping mall, that houses everything from jewellery shops, art galleries, cafés and the most spectacular glass and iron domes. But it’s the Duomo - the Milan Cathedral – that is my favourite and I will absolutely be back.
It’s incredible to think about how much of Milan's history is interwoven with art and creativity and this, of course, includes its dance heritage. From its ballet theatres to the famous artists and studios, I truly felt the inspiration buzzing through every corner! And I, of course, brought my little travel tutu along for all of it, spinning with delight as I toured all the stunning sights. As always, it attracted attention from everyone.
Food, Glorious Food - Milan’s Culinary Delights
As I always say - it wouldn’t be a travel adventure without exploring a new country’s food and I certainly had a treat waiting for me in Milan - the incredible range of food in this bustling metropolis really has a very special place in my heart - and let’s not forget, it was not a trip to Milan without savouring delicious gelato at least three times a day! You are most definitely spoilt for choice! I treated myself to a delightful dinner at the oldest trattoria in the city – the charming and rustic setting with exposed brickwork and antique furniture felt like I was back in a bygone era. The rich smells from the kitchen, and the buzzing atmosphere that included people of all ages really felt very special and certainly added to the flavour of the delightful authentic cuisine.
The Magic of Milan and a New Pink Dream
So, there you have it! My first trip to Milan and what a wonderful adventure it was! The elegance, the fashion, the food – it really is something else – I just felt totally enchanted with the city! A week ago, I felt an excitement, not quite sure how I could top my previous trip to Paris but then my pink tutu was in Milan and well, what can I say! The energy in the city, its architecture and the ballet, I felt totally in my element, this place has certainly captured a little piece of my heart. I had so many little adventures.
I feel like my pink tutu and I had the most magical week and I will definitely be coming back! There is always so much to discover. As for you, darlings, my favourite tip for travelling the world in a pink tutu? Don't be afraid to let your own magic shine through. It is more beautiful and enchanting when you let it shine.
Until next week, Keep twirling in that pink tutu!
XOXO
Emma
