Ciao, darlings!
Happy New Year! Can you believe it's already the 31st of December?! It feels like just yesterday I was bundled up in my pink bobble hat, hopping on the train from Derbyshire, with a suitcase full of tutus and dreams bigger than the stage at Covent Garden. And look at me now – here I am, in the heart of Milan, a city bursting with history, culture, and enough fashion to fill a thousand wardrobes.
Speaking of fashion, let's talk about tutus! It's not often you get to celebrate New Year's Eve in a city like Milan, wearing your favourite pink tutu, right? And that's exactly what I'm doing!
Milan's Magic
You know how much I love a good train journey. This time, I caught a beautiful high-speed train from Venice, and it was like travelling through a masterpiece – snow-capped mountains on one side, fields shimmering with frost on the other, and the sun painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. As I watched the landscape unfold, I couldn't help but feel a little bit like a ballerina twirling through a fantastical story.
And then, BAM! I arrived in Milan! This city has such a special charm - the bustling piazzas, the stunning architecture, and the delicious smells wafting from the countless trattorias. Everywhere you look there's something captivating - the Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a shopping paradise under a glass dome, the vibrant canals… Milan's a visual feast, and I can't wait to explore every corner!
Tutus in the Duomo?
My first stop, of course, was to get myself a gelato. It's a sin not to indulge when in Italy! Then, with my sugary fix sorted, I headed straight to the Duomo. The grandeur of this cathedral is almost overwhelming. It's not just a church – it's an intricate work of art, with its spires reaching towards the sky, marble statues, stained glass windows, and delicate carvings.
Now, I'm not saying I stood on the steps in my pink tutu and started to pirouette, but… well, let's just say I had a spontaneous flash of inspiration. This grand basilica is the ultimate expression of history and faith – how fitting it would be to create a breathtaking ballet performance right here! Just imagine… the majestic architecture, the echoes of music, and the soft rustle of a hundred pink tutus dancing amongst the marble columns. Could it be the most magical New Year's Eve performance ever?
Tutu Dreams
Okay, okay, maybe a ballet performance in the Duomo might be a tad… ambitious, let's say. But it doesn't hurt to dream big, right? Milan has an electric energy that fills you with creative sparks. It makes you want to dance, sing, express yourself – wear a big, beautiful pink tutu and scream "life is good!" from the highest rooftop!
That said, there's more to this magical city than grand architecture. I spent the afternoon wandering through the vibrant street markets, haggling for the perfect scarf (in pink, naturally!), trying my luck at winning a cuddly panda (yes, even the stuffed toys have a flair for the dramatic!), and of course, picking up a beautiful vintage lace tutu - an absolute bargain!
Fashion Fusion
Speaking of fashion, Milan is, without a doubt, a fashion haven! The streets are overflowing with chic boutiques, extravagant fashion houses, and, my personal favourite - street style! Milan's street style is bold, innovative, and above all, fun. I've seen so many exciting looks – from quirky floral dresses with a dash of punk rock, to oversized trench coats layered over perfectly tailored outfits. And let me tell you, the creativity of Milan's fashionistas knows no bounds.
So, what did I wear today, you ask? Well, let me paint you a picture: A bright, candy-pink tutu paired with a silk camisole and a vintage fur coat in a deep maroon - a dash of vintage glam mixed with a splash of fairytale magic! On my feet, sparkly silver ballet shoes - because you can't go wrong with a touch of glitter, especially on New Year's Eve. And of course, a feather boa, for extra pizazz!
Opera on a New Year's Eve
This evening, I'm taking in an opera performance at Teatro alla Scala – one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Imagine a majestic theatre, plush velvet seating, the incredible sound of voices soaring over the orchestra – it's almost like being transported into another time and place. I have to say, seeing an opera performance here is a truly unique experience. And the sheer beauty of the building itself is almost overwhelming.
And here's a secret: I'm going to be rocking a slightly more subtle, sparkly tutu, tucked under my beautiful emerald velvet coat, for this grand event. It's all about finding the right balance between a bold statement and elegance, and the right pink tutu will always be the key!
New Year's Eve: Milan Style
Later, we'll be celebrating the New Year's Eve with fireworks over the city, with my fellow tutu lovers! We're gathering in a hidden garden courtyard, nestled among the charming backstreets of Milan. There will be laughter, music, delicious Italian food, and of course, dancing - we'll be twirling under the starry night sky, the pink tutus glistening in the moonlight. It's going to be a truly magical New Year's Eve, and I can't wait to share it with you!
Tutus For Everyone!
Before I sign off, I want to remind you all: don't be afraid to express yourself. Be bold, be brave, be yourself. Embrace the tutus!
Here's to a new year filled with more tutus, more adventures, more laughs, and of course, more memories! And if you’re ever in Milan, be sure to come and say hi. We can twirl around the city together!
Until next week, stay sparkly, stay fabulous, and stay in your tutus!
**Yours always,
Emma**
P.S. Did I tell you about the amazing shoe shop I found on Via della Spiga? They had the most beautiful ballet flats in every shade of pink imaginable! I'm thinking of getting a few for my birthday!
