Ciao, darling darlings! Emma here, back from the heart of Milan with a blog bursting with pink and all things bellissimo! This week has been a whirlwind of tulle, train journeys, and of course, the magical world of ballet. As always, my trusty pink tutu has been my faithful companion, swirling around me as I explore the captivating streets of this fashion capital.
Milan, my love affair continues! This city has a way of weaving its spell, whether I'm stepping onto a grand, ancient stage or losing myself in a bustling marketplace. This week, the theme was undoubtedly "tutu" (with a pinch of "tram travel" thrown in!). Let me paint a picture, my dear readers, of what my latest adventure in pink was all about.
Wednesday's Whirlwind: A Day for Dance
Wednesday was a glorious day to be a ballerina! The crisp air had a hint of sunshine, perfect for a morning filled with pirouettes and pliés. I started my day with a class at the Teatro alla Scala - you can't be in Milan and NOT feel the buzz of this magnificent theater! Imagine, my darlings, the plush velvet seats, the grand chandelier, the whispers of history! The master teacher was a delightful gentleman with a passion for perfection (and an equally strong passion for pink, as we bonded over our shared love of tutu tutus!), inspiring us all to elevate our elegance.
After Class, It's All About Aperitivos and Shopping!
The midday sun painted a golden glow over the city as I stepped out of the theater, a spring in my step and a spring in my pink tutu. No trip to Milan is complete without some indulging, so I hopped aboard the sleek tram (Milan's tram system is one of my favourites, so sleek, stylish and speedy!). It whizzed us past stunning buildings, and vibrant streets full of charming shops overflowing with the most delectable treats and fabulously fabulous outfits.
Lunch was a treat – I indulged in the classic Italian "panino" at a little cafe. A crispy bread sandwich overflowing with fresh mozzarella, basil and sun-dried tomatoes was simply irresistible! Of course, I finished with a glass of frizzante Prosecco - one can never have too much bubbly on a Wednesday, right?!
The afternoon was dedicated to one of my favourite past-times: retail therapy! I confess, my purse took a slight beating. But, Milan has an unashamedly irresistible array of independent boutiques tucked down charming side streets. The vintage stores are simply fantastic for a truly unique wardrobe update (and of course I added several new, vintage pink tutus to my collection). My eyes fell upon a divine pair of cherry red stilettos which I simply could not resist. The shopkeeper, an elderly lady with a sparkling wit and eyes that held stories of a thousand fashionable nights, wrapped my purchase in a pink box. Oh, the magic of Milan!
Fashionable Fare & The Ballet Ballet!
That evening was a kaleidoscope of pink! Dinner was a beautiful spread of pasta, pizza, and fresh salads, in a small and lively restaurant, tucked away in a little cobbled corner of Milan. My beautiful red stilettos brought a little "cherry on top" of the already gorgeous meal!
The performance was what I'd been looking forward to all week. The Ballet company was simply incredible. They danced with a lightness and precision that captivated everyone. The sets were breathtaking. The lighting was brilliant! It was an experience I'll treasure for months to come! I always make sure I wear my pink tutu to a performance, as I think it helps my "performance" in the auditorium. It definitely made my friends laugh! I like to think I brought a touch of whimsy to the night, as a few audience members were wearing pink, thanks to me perhaps!
Travel Tips for Milan, in My Pink Tutu
As a frequent flyer (in pink!), I love sharing a few bits of advice to make your trip even more delightful.
- Embrace the Tram: Milan has an incredible tram network! It's a great way to experience the city, its bustling streets and impressive architecture. It's also much more fun than a tourist bus. Try using a day pass and explore.
- Food is Your Best Friend: You can't go wrong in Milan! Everything from street food to Michelin-star cuisine is fantastic. Do try a local cafe or bakery. The locals love them!
- Dress Your Pink! This is my personal mantra for Milan. Feel comfortable in a fabulous outfit. I love a good pink tutu!
- Bargain Hunt in the Backstreets: Those vintage stores hold the real gems.
- Shop for Treats!: Milan has so much lovely souvenirs to bring home. Look out for some special treats, whether it’s fashion accessories or luxury soap. I can’t wait to explore more of Milan's hidden shops on my next visit.
Pink-Tutu Musings
As I write this from my hotel room in Milan, looking out at the city's skyline twinkling with lights, my pink tutu has been carefully folded and tucked away until my next Milan adventure. But, it's just like me! It's ready for a brand new experience, full of color and creativity. This is exactly how I like to live my life, always ready for the next big adventure.
As my friends like to say: “Life in a pink tutu is always better, darlings!”
And so I say, goodbye from Milan, until next week when I bring you more pink tales from this incredible city!
With Love, Emma xoxo
P.S. I've added a few pictures of my trip to this blog post. I hope you enjoy them. They remind me that there's no place like Milan in a pink tutu!
