2022-12-14
Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, back from a whirlwind Wednesday in Milan. Today’s blog is dedicated to you, my fellow tutu-loving friends, as we journey through the streets of this fashion capital with the magic of dance guiding our steps. Let's dive into the delights of the city that breathes art, fashion, and of course, ballet!
First things first: you know I love to start my day with a ballet class. I found a lovely studio nestled amongst the cobblestone streets. The floor was polished and bouncy and I simply floated in the movement as I was reminded once more about the exquisite beauty and pure grace of this art. After class, I couldn’t resist slipping into a cafe and indulging in a creamy latte and a brioche. I think everyone needs to allow a little indulgence, don’t you agree? It was delicious, served in a pretty pastel pink cafe in a cobbled alleyway, making for an absolutely divine photo op, of course. My Instagram followers were utterly obsessed with that snap - we’re a family of pastel pink-lovers over there!
As afternoon descended, I hopped on a vintage tram, the type that rumbles along the tracks and reminds you that sometimes the old ways are best. And that journey was simply enchanting. It meandered through streets, each corner revealing a piece of art: from stunning architectural gems to hidden murals whispering stories of a bygone era.
Now, this is what Milan is famous for - the world of high fashion! I confess, it’s been a little hard to keep up with the fast-paced world of fashion. I’ve noticed the shift in the style over the past few weeks and it’s made me re-evaluate my own closet and what is truly a "classic". I love looking for the new trend items, which, coincidentally, have really lent themselves well to my tutu aesthetic! This is what is most appealing to me: the perfect pink tulle skirt in the window at Dolce & Gabbana would pair so beautifully with my new silk satin cardigan, and I even snagged a black velvet top for a special event in January. But that's another story for another day! I will confess - my credit card did get a bit of a workout!
The final event for my Milan Wednesday involved the most magical element: a performance at the Teatro alla Scala. Let me tell you - the whole experience was incredible. Imagine it, a glorious theater with elaborate chandeliers and plush velvet seats, bathed in the warm glow of the stage lights. The show was an amazing contemporary ballet piece, filled with movement that made me wish I could rewind and watch it again. They had created an immersive soundscape that echoed through the space and just… blew me away! I danced along in my seat - even in my pink tutu! My friend Fiona told me it looked adorable but let’s be honest, there was a tiny bit of self-consciousness.
I'm already making plans for my next visit to Milan! It’s one of my favorite places to soak up the cultural vibes and embrace the art of living well - especially in a beautiful pink tutu. I promise I'll let you know all about it! In the meantime, let me know what your favourite place is in Italy and why - I'm always looking for new inspirations for my future travels.
And remember, everyone deserves to wear a pink tutu, even if it's just for one day.
See you next Monday, darlings! Until then, stay twirling!
A little bit about Emma:
As some of you know, my name is Emma and I am a dancer. I come from a little town in Derbyshire, England - far from the sophisticated Milan. It is said, my heart belongs to ballet. Ballet has brought me to every corner of the world. I have learned to travel cheaply and to really look for those small, enchanting corners of the world that just don’t show up on the tourist maps. I love fashion, I love shopping, but my absolute passion in life is seeing my favourite dancers. The ballet is the true magic. The show is what I live for and, really, the most beautiful ballet experience you will ever have is seeing your very first show, live, and from the front row of a theatre.
Why I Love to Travel with My Pink Tutu:
I get asked this question all the time and I truly think it’s a philosophical one! The pink tutu for me represents a playful approach to the world - a refusal to take ourselves too seriously and a way of celebrating all that is beautiful, charming and exciting. There's something about that light, billowing tulle and the way it spins and swirls in the wind that embodies a sense of wonder and freedom. And then of course, it matches every shade of pink on every shop in Milan. I often say that you never know when a ballet show will appear out of nowhere and having the tutu in tow is something that makes me prepared to turn anything into an opportunity for joy.
Milan Must-See Locations:
- Teatro alla Scala: The home of the famous La Scala opera house. Every ballet dancer I have met wants to grace this stage and experience this venue. It’s just pure magic. Book your tickets in advance!
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This magnificent, grand shopping mall - they call it "a shopping cathedral!" It’s a masterpiece of architecture, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate mosaic floors and some serious shopping! Be sure to twirl right around the centre to capture the best light and view.
- The Duomo (Milan Cathedral): A massive Gothic cathedral with a stained glass windows that bring this edifice alive.
- Castello Sforzesco: A large medieval fortress filled with a museum and art exhibits, It's beautiful!
- The Pinacoteca di Brera: an art gallery.
Naviglio Grande: This canal is alive at night. It has bars, restaurants, boutiques and street performers, all offering the magic of a beautiful canal experience.
The Milan Travel Guide (For Pink Tutu Wearers)
For every fellow dancer who is taking a journey to this stylish city, here’s what you will find is useful!
Packing
- Light and flowy fabrics. Be prepared for anything. Think about light materials that work on trams, trains, cobblestone walkways and at outdoor performances!
- Layer up - the days in Milan can start cool and become quite warm so layering makes a real difference, as does an efficient, but stylish bag!
- Pink tulle, naturally : Your pink tulle skirt can do double duty: it looks great with a nice black knit cardigan for daywear and a pair of heels for the evening. And be prepared for photos at the most fashionable locations - there's nothing like a pink tutu to stand out against a background of the Duomo.
Things To Do:
- Get Your Shop On! : Go Shopping and soak up the energy of one of the fashion capitals of the world! My favourite place for affordable pink tulle skirts in Milan is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The perfect mix of high-street and designer labels to have you saying, "Ooh la la" at every turn.
Best Places To Grab A Latte:
- The Café Bar*: This one's on the ground floor of the Galleria. And trust me, every blogger will have had a picture in this spot so go for it, but try and avoid the big groups.
- Starbucks (yes, it counts, in this case!): The corner of via Torino and Via Silvio Pellico,
Dining
For the foodies out there, this is what Milan offers for all types:
* Panino Giusto: a fantastic spot to have a quick and delicious sandwich. Try the "Classic". It's heavenly.
* Gusto: The absolute finest cuisine from the world’s greatest chefs - Michelin star restaurant for a true culinary experience, a truly spectacular choice! It’s located near the Galleria,
* Peck: An epicurean haven for delicious gourmet cuisine - their desserts are legendary and you can spend a lovely time gazing through their window of artisan produce. I recommend booking in advance to guarantee yourself a table.
* Getting Around* - Walk It Out!: Explore this beautiful city. There’s just so much to discover, so wear comfortable footwear! It's a delight to roam through the cobbled streets, especially near the Castello Sforzesco, and admire the architecture, as the sun shines on all the beautifully crafted sculptures. - The Milan Metro (the 'metropolitana' is efficient) and well worth the time, I recommend getting a multi-journey card! - Vintage trams! These charming old trams make an excellent choice for travelling through Milan, for photos, and they allow you to soak up all the atmosphere in a rather glamorous way. It’s one of my favourite travel tips!
Final Words of Encouragement: - Pack Light: Keep in mind, Milan is one of those European cities where a small suitcase can get you everywhere. - A positive attitude: Go with the flow and don't worry too much about the small stuff - you’re in Milan! It's easy to make friends, so be confident!
I’m off to start planning my next adventure… stay tuned and make sure you check in with me on www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next week,
Emma
