Wednesday, 2023-09-06
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, reporting live from the fashion capital of the world, Milano! 💖 This week, I'm dipping my toes (and my twirling tutu) into the vibrant streets of Italy. I'm just bursting with excitement to share my adventures with you!
Now, before we dive into all the glamour and glitter, let's take a moment to appreciate the journey. I love a good train ride, don't you? There's something so magical about watching the countryside zoom by. Plus, it gives me ample opportunity to practise my pliés and pirouettes – you never know who might be watching! 🩰
Speaking of magical, arriving in Milan was truly like stepping into a fairy tale. The grand architecture, the bustling squares, the charming cafes – it's like stepping into a movie set! But before I succumbed to the lure of gelato and designer boutiques, my mission was clear: to see some amazing ballet!
My Wednesday began at the Teatro alla Scala, a truly stunning building. As I walked through the grand doors, I felt a rush of inspiration – it’s no wonder this theatre has seen countless ballerinas grace its stage. Tonight, the program featured "The Sleeping Beauty." You know, Tchaikovsky's classic tale – a story I’ve always loved! I twirled my way through the opulent foyer, pausing for photos in front of the exquisite murals, feeling very much at home in this atmosphere of exquisite elegance.
And, let's be honest, every ballet needs a glamorous pre-show outfit, wouldn't you agree?
Today, I chose a chic and slightly quirky number. A powder-pink A-line skirt with a whimsical floral pattern that reminded me of a blooming rose garden, and paired it with a simple, sophisticated ivory top, cinched at the waist. A little touch of sparkle was a necessity - a delicate, sparkling gold belt that whispered "ballerina" without shouting. And, of course, the pièce de résistance, a deliciously frilly pink tutu! 🎀
I’m convinced there's magic in a pink tutu. It instantly puts you in the mood for something grand, beautiful, and full of grace! After all, every day should be a celebration of elegance and style, even if it’s a day at the opera! I swear, when you wear a pink tutu, people just smile! They light up!
The performance at Teatro alla Scala was breathtaking! I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but I can say that the choreography was incredible. I absolutely loved how the ballerinas brought Tchaikovsky's music to life. It was truly a testament to the power of dance. I find that no matter what country I’m in, ballet has a language of its own, a universal language of artistry, movement, and grace that resonates across borders!
And afterwards? Well, what better way to end a magical evening of ballet than with a decadent meal in one of Milan’s charming restaurants? It felt like a true princess moment. And, I'm a huge advocate of the fact that we should all live life like princesses! Or maybe we'll all just rock the pink tutu? 🤔
Speaking of royalty, I know that one of the best parts about travelling is the journey. The joy of finding little cafes tucked away down quiet lanes and streets, discovering a cute little bakery around the corner or just the thrill of an unmapped streetcar adventure. I can assure you that there is an absolutely stunning streetcar system in Milan, which, in my opinion, adds to its charm and romance. So after the opera, I made my way to one of Milan’s favourite neighbourhoods - a beautiful area called Brera. The charm of its architecture, cobblestone streets, and hidden alleys reminded me so much of the heart of London.
After a quick stroll through the maze of charming back streets and alleyways, my journey took me on a ride through the enchanting Brera District! The narrow cobbled streets of the Brera neighbourhood have long held the heart of the city, from painters and poets of yore to fashionable artists of the modern day! This was, for me, the real beauty of Milan – to be on foot, just roaming, and allowing the beauty and majesty of the city to wash over me! And, for me, that often involves searching for my absolute favourite thing: a beautiful boutique.
And guess what? In the midst of this treasure-trove of design, I stumbled upon a delightful little boutique full of feminine frills! Just what every princess needs to make a day even more spectacular. 👑 And you can imagine, I felt a little squeal when I discovered this adorable pink tulle skirt, just bursting with frills and lace! Oh, my dears! It practically sang to me - "Pick me! Pick me!" It was just like something straight out of my ballet costume dreams! Of course, it was love at first sight, so the adorable shop assistant tucked this new sartorial masterpiece in my bag! I cannot wait to twirl in this skirt. You all know how I love to accessorize - so now it’s back to London for some fun shopping for the perfect accessories to go with it!
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a fairytale princess costume, then this is the place! It was just full of adorable lace and frilly pink tutus, whimsical silk blouses, and elegant velvet dresses! I wanted it all, to be honest! My fingers danced across silk scarves, I gazed in wonder at handmade floral brooches, and, after a whirlwind of joy, I settled on a delicate floral necklace - the perfect piece to compliment my newest pink tutu creation! I can already see myself strutting through London with this necklace, with that elegant ballet grace I have developed! 😉 Maybe a London blog post about accessorizing my new outfit? We'll have to wait and see!
As much as I love the glamorous side of Milan, it's the simple things that truly capture my heart. The friendly locals, the delicious smells wafting from trattorias, the sound of laughter echoing through the streets – it’s a sensory overload, in the best way possible. There is just such a joyous energy to this city! And the food! You guys know I love good food - and there is such incredible, vibrant street food to try, along with a whole lot of lovely restaurants! This trip will definitely go down in the record books as a culinary adventure!
I spent the afternoon just wandering around Milan's cobblestone streets, trying new pastries at every corner, sampling all sorts of treats - delicious! It’s just one of those things I love doing while on a journey – trying the new! But, I cannot let you go without sharing my top two tips on how to get the most out of your time in Milan!
Firstly: Embrace the tram! Seriously, it's the perfect way to get around, soak in the sights, and really feel the city’s vibe! And you can people watch too! You can’t beat watching Milan locals going about their day – a definite opportunity for a ballerina to people watch. And, let me tell you, it's full of fabulous fashion! A wonderful place to watch the world go by – especially if you love ballet and fashion like I do. I’m convinced that there’s just an elegance in the air of the people here that reminds me of ballet dancers - they’ve got that unique kind of effortless chic that is almost balletic in itself!
And secondly: Don't forget the gelato! 🍦 This is a must, and a rule that applies everywhere I travel! I love trying out all the different flavours - pistachio, vanilla, hazelnut, you name it! Each flavour tastes different to the other and there’s a joy in sampling them and finding a personal favourite.
But my dearest friends, it's time to bid farewell for this week. Milan has truly captured my heart, and I know I'll be back for more adventures in the near future. Until then, remember:
Wear pink tutus, dance with abandon, and let your dreams take flight! 💖
Until next week, my dears,
Your Tutu-Wearing Friend, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
