Ciao, Bellas!
The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the scent of freshly brewed espresso fills the air... Ah, Milan, you're a dream come true!
This week, I'm back in my favourite Italian city for another whirlwind tour, crammed with tutus, ballet, and, of course, an absolute abundance of shopping. Remember that time I said I was trying to save up for a new pair of sparkly pointe shoes? Well, I think Milan is working some magic, because I just have to grab a new pair of Valentino heels to match the perfect new pink tutu I found.
Travelling in Style:
This time around, I'm experiencing Milan's public transport in all its glory! My journey from Derbyshire to the heart of this fashionista haven began with a picturesque train ride, my trusty pink suitcase packed with all the essentials: tutu (naturally!), a bevy of bright pink lipsticks, a handful of diamante headbands, and enough sparkly accessories to adorn the entire Teatro alla Scala!
I landed in Milano Centrale with my usual flamboyant flair – think twirls, jumps, and a sassy wink to the charming gentleman in a bespoke suit who seemed utterly bewildered by my pink tutu and overflowing enthusiasm.
The trams in Milan are truly something else. Their elegance and history make them almost a work of art. Imagine a vintage, cream-coloured carriage, windows that gleam like polished diamonds, and that distinct, melodic dinging sound that announces each stop. I haven't just been taking the trams; I've been riding them, turning every journey into a ballet performance! Let's just say the other passengers weren't quite as accustomed to my signature "grand jeté" across the aisle.
Milan Ballet Extravaganza:
Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a ballet extravaganza. Today, I'm savouring the exquisite beauty of Giselle. This iconic story about a young woman who dies of heartbreak, transforms into a supernatural being, and returns to torment her beloved, is captivatingly staged here. The ethereal dancing, the exquisitely crafted sets, and the emotional power of the choreography transported me straight into a world of dreams.
You see, for me, the ballet isn't just about graceful movements and perfect pirouettes; it's about stories woven into dance, about emotions portrayed through every gesture, and about finding a shared connection with the audience.
Speaking of connections, I had a wonderful encounter with the leading ballerina, Maria. She’s simply phenomenal! After the show, I took a deep breath and gathered all my courage to approach her. She was so kind and even offered me a backstage tour! Her passion for ballet was inspiring, and I discovered we share a love for antique jewellery and vintage dresses – turns out she's quite the fashionista herself!
A Tutu Paradise in Milan:
I've spent the last few days navigating Milan's vibrant streets, embracing its charming cafes and stunning architecture. And of course, there's the shopping! I haven't been disappointed.
One shop in particular caught my eye. The sheer pink curtains, adorned with shimmering glitter and framed by glittering shopfront lights, was enough to draw me in like a moth to a flame. There, in the middle of a wonderland of tutus and sequins, stood a young designer, Paolo.
I swear, the minute I stepped into his workshop, it felt like I was transported into a tutu fairytale! There were tutus everywhere – tulle mountains, piles of glitter, and racks upon racks of shimmering fabric in every shade of pink imaginable.
Paolo, with his mischievous twinkle in his eye and his passion for all things pink, crafted a masterpiece just for me. A cloud-like pink tulle tutu, adorned with hand-stitched Swarovski crystals, and finished with delicate, shimmering feathers.
I felt like a real-life ballerina princess, ready to grace the stage at La Scala!
Milan, you’re magic:
Of course, a pink tutu wouldn't be complete without a matching ensemble.
I found myself indulging in the luxury of vintage boutiques tucked away in charming alleys, unearthing treasures like a vintage silk blouse in the softest blush hue and a pearl-encrusted headband that practically sings "pink elegance"!
I love how each vintage piece feels like it holds its own unique story – like whispering tales from bygone eras and reflecting a bygone elegance. Milan is definitely the perfect place to indulge this vintage passion!
Pink Tutu Power:
Throughout my adventures, I've made sure to wear my pink tutu proudly. It’s a beacon of joy and an invitation for conversations with strangers, leading to delightful discoveries and friendships. I even managed to convince a local café owner to let me use his café as a backdrop for a photo shoot in my favourite tutu – a pink symphony!
With each twirl and every photo, I feel a surge of joy, knowing that I'm spreading a little pink magic throughout Milan, and hopefully, beyond! I genuinely believe that everyone has a bit of a pink tutu inside them. It’s all about embracing your inner sparkle, expressing your own unique style, and adding a touch of whimsy to the world!
Stay tuned, Bellas!
I’m going to spend the rest of this week immersing myself in more of Milan’s vibrant energy. More shopping, more ballet, more delectable Italian cuisine, and who knows, maybe even a little pink-tutu-themed flash mob?
Make sure to join me at www.pink-tutu.com for my weekly updates. And remember, every day is a chance to put on your pink tutu and dance!
With love and a twirl,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to follow my pink-tutu adventures on social media! I'm on Instagram @PinkTutuEmma, Twitter @PinkTutuBlog, and Facebook @PinkTutuAdventures.
Fashion Notes:
Outfit Details:
- Custom-designed pink tutu by Paolo, Milan
- Vintage silk blouse in blush pink, Milan vintage boutique
- Pearl-encrusted headband, vintage Milan boutique
- Pink glitter eyeshadow, MAC Cosmetics
- Pink lipstick, Chanel Rouge Allure
- Pink high-heeled ballerina flats, Zara
- Swarovski crystal bracelet
This Week's Picks:
Pink-Tutu inspired hair: You don’t need a ballerina bun to get the look. Try a whimsical side braid with a pink ribbon, a loose ponytail with a sparkly headband, or add some pink highlights for a touch of colour.
Pink shoes, not just for ballet! Let’s embrace pink in footwear beyond the stage. Look for elegant pink heels for evening occasions, vibrant pink sneakers for daytime fun, and bold pink sandals for summer adventures.
Embracing your inner ballerina: Don’t limit the tutus to the ballet stage. Try a pink tutu-inspired skirt for a picnic, a ballerina-themed dinner party, or a night out with your girls. Embrace the playful side of pink and tutus – let your creativity run wild!
Food & Drink Notes:
Delicious Milanese Espresso: Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed Italian espresso, especially enjoyed at a charming Milanese café with an even more charming barista who always serves it with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Gelato heaven: Milan offers a dizzying array of gelato flavours, each one more enticing than the last. But you know me, pink is my go-to. This week I enjoyed a deliciously pink "Fraise" gelato (that’s strawberry, in case you were wondering). Oh, so creamy, so smooth, and bursting with that perfect strawberry flavour – my heart sang!
Aperitivo time! There’s just something so alluring about Milan’s aperitivo culture – savouring the sunset hours with a glass of sparkling prosecco and an array of tasty snacks, it’s like a ritual designed to unwind, relax, and connect with loved ones, friends, and even the people I meet in a cute coffee shop or the bustling, vibrant train station.
Ballet Insights:
Giselle's Unforgettable Grace: I'm still swooning over the emotional journey I took through Giselle. There's a depth and beauty in classical ballet that never fails to inspire me. I love that Giselle blends intricate footwork with heart-wrenching emotions, resulting in a powerful performance.
Behind the scenes at La Scala: My backstage tour with the lead ballerina, Maria, offered an exclusive glimpse into the dedication and artistry behind every performance at this iconic opera house. The energy was electric, the craftsmanship was astounding, and the whole experience gave me goosebumps – I felt like I was literally stepping into a dream world!
Finding Inspiration Everywhere: Whether it's watching the masterful techniques of a professional ballet company or finding creative inspiration from street performers twirling to their own rhythm, I find myself embracing the beauty and expressiveness of ballet, wherever I go, in whatever form.
Pink Tutu Milan – See you next week!
