Hello lovelies! 💋 It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, writing to you from the dazzling city of Milan! I can't believe it's already Wednesday – the week has flown by, probably because I’ve been so busy exploring every nook and cranny of this Italian gem!
This week’s Milan post is all about embracing the charm of this fashion-forward city and indulging in its beautiful blend of old-world glamour and modern elegance.
Oh, and let’s be honest, what trip to Milan would be complete without some serious tutu shopping?! 🛍️
I must admit, as I sat on the train arriving in Milan (love that smooth Italian rail service!), I couldn’t help but feel that unmistakable twinge of excitement that only travelling brings. It’s the same thrill I get every time I step onto a stage for a ballet performance, and maybe that’s why I love the feeling of taking the stage of the world by storm through travelling – both experiences feel like a glorious adventure.
Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a little Teatro alla Scala action! This week, I snagged some incredible tickets for the performance of Swan Lake – my all-time favourite ballet! 🦢 And let me tell you, it was absolutely spellbinding. The performance was breathtaking, the costumes exquisite, and the energy in the theatre was truly electric. There's something magical about experiencing ballet in a theatre with such history and grandeur.
After the show, my dear friend Lucia – a fellow ballet fanatic I met on one of my previous trips – treated me to dinner at a charming little trattoria near the theatre. I had the most delicious pasta carbonara and even convinced Lucia to try a glass of my favourite Italian rosé! It was the perfect end to a fantastic evening. 🍷
One of the most amazing things about Milan is how easily you can find little pockets of magic in the most unexpected places. This city is overflowing with art, culture, and of course, FASHION!
My morning walks usually start with a cappuccino and croissant at a bustling café near the Duomo, the breathtaking gothic cathedral that's Milan's iconic landmark. After a stroll around the nearby park, I hit the shops, seeking out the perfect pink tutu to take home with me. And believe me, with the sheer number of designer boutiques and department stores on offer, finding the ideal pink tutu to complete my wardrobe is truly a delightful adventure!
I'm a sucker for the chic vibe of Milan's upscale shops. There’s a certain magnetism to their beautifully curated windows, tempting you to discover the treasures within. I spend hours browsing – you could easily lose yourself for days amongst the vibrant clothes, bags, shoes and even pink ballet shoes that fill the streets and the beautiful grand avenues!
But it’s not just the designer brands that I love – Milan also boasts a treasure trove of independent boutiques and vintage shops tucked away in quaint corners of the city. Last week, I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a shop selling vintage fashion that reminded me so much of my Granny’s sewing box filled with her beautiful vintage dresses and lace fabrics. It was so nostalgic!
One of my favourite activities this week has been hopping on the trams and venturing further out to explore the local neighbourhoods. It’s a fantastic way to get a true feel for Milan, as opposed to just the touristy areas. You get to see how locals live, and witness their daily routines. You’ll be surprised at the little surprises tucked away just outside the main hubs!
My most recent adventure took me to the Naviglio Grande Canal, a beautiful waterway that winds its way through the city. This area is a beautiful mixture of canal-side cafes and restaurants, boutiques and independent shops. I bought a little painting of the canal for my apartment – a beautiful reminder of the trip, I think it’s quite the Italian masterpiece! I just had to find some pretty pink bows and pink beads to accessorize the frame for extra pizazz – nothing’s quite as fabulous as pink, right?!
Talking about vibrant hues and bold colors, the Italian passion for fashion, style, and all things beautiful extends far beyond just the shops. It seeps into every corner of life, like a vibrant splash of colour.
Every cafe is decorated with delicate florals and elegant lighting, the restaurants boast elegant décor and meticulous tablescapes, and even the locals seem to ooze a natural sense of effortless chic, whether they are stopping for an afternoon espresso, or rushing off for a busy business meeting.
Milan feels like it’s infused with the vibrancy of fashion and colour - even the walls of some of the grand old buildings are splashed with colourful murals! The Italian love for beautiful design has a sense of whimsy and elegance – and I must admit, this little pink tutu wearer loves to absorb it all.
Now, onto the very reason you’re all here: a touch of pink, a pinch of tutu, and an injection of girly fun! Let’s discuss this week’s pink-tastic sartorial choice – an absolutely stunning pastel pink tulle skirt! Yes, I’ve finally discovered a boutique that carries tutu skirts, I’ll just say I’ve become a little obsessed with tulle. The way it swirls around me as I walk, feels like a beautiful, elegant pirouette.
And guess what, lovelies? The staff at the boutique thought it would be fabulous to have me perform a mini ballet routine right there on the street in front of the boutique for them! I don’t know how, but my fellow shoppers loved the little impromptu performance – who knew you could do ballet in the street of Milan?! 😂
Of course, no pink-tutu adventure is complete without a touch of Milanese flair. This week, I've added a statement gold necklace to complement the sweetness of the pink tulle. The perfect way to complete the look and accentuate the city’s elegant aesthetic!
You all know that finding a perfect pink tutu is almost like an art form in itself, requiring a little bit of dedication, patience, and, let’s be honest, a touch of pixie dust! But let me tell you, finding a pastel pink tulle skirt in the heart of Milan, felt like winning a lottery ticket. I’m ready to put it on repeat in my life for the foreseeable future.
My Milanian friends told me it’s pretty much impossible to explore Milan fully in just one week, but I think I’ve done pretty well – just don’t tell my friends I said that. 😊
But hey, this isn’t a goodbye - it's a see you soon! I’ve got so much more to explore and share with you – including all the pinkest, tutuiest, most magical moments Milan has to offer. Next week’s post, you guessed it, will be even more fabulous with even more pink and tulle – be sure to subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already, you don't want to miss a single post! 😉
I'll be signing off for this week but, be sure to join me on www.pink-tutu.com each Monday for a new adventure in Milan! Don't forget to tag your pink-tutu outfits with #PinkTutuMilan and send me your fashion pictures from around the globe.
Until next week, embrace your inner tutu-wearing goddess and sparkle on! 💖
Ciao bella! Emma 💋
