Wednesday, 1999-09-29
Helloooo lovelies!
This week, Pink Tutu is in Rome! squeals with delight I literally can't believe I'm finally here. Rome, the Eternal City, has been calling to me for ages, and this week I've answered the call, leaving behind my quaint little Derbyshire village for a whirl through this incredible, historical, and unbelievably stylish city.
The Journey
This is a bit of a departure from my usual travels - normally I'm whizzing around Europe by train, finding charming little boutique shops and antique markets on my way to some incredible ballet performance. This time, the train wasn't in the cards - I booked myself a little trip to Italy, with all the pizza and gelato that my heart desired!
My journey began bright and early from my quaint Derbyshire village, where my ballet-obsessed neighbour, Mrs. Crump, waved me off with a smooch on the cheek and an 'enjoy your Italian adventures!'
My flight was so much fun, all the air stewardesses were absolutely adorable in their scarlet uniform - it was just like being on stage! Then, poof! - just like that I arrived in Rome. The air itself feels electric - a mixture of centuries-old stone, jasmine, and sunshine.
Rome: My First Impressions
This city is so full of colour and vibrancy - you can feel the pulse of its rich history, which, as we all know, is something I thoroughly appreciate! It feels alive and exhilarating, full of surprises and a delightful mix of ancient beauty and contemporary cool. I can tell that this place is going to be my absolute favourite for exploring new stores, fashion, and discovering secret ballet studios hidden in charming courtyards.
What to wear? Of course, Pink Tutu Style
The Italians, of course, have their own signature style - bold and chic with an undercurrent of romanticism. I adore how they effortlessly combine modern pieces with vintage finds. To celebrate this, I've chosen a perfect Pink Tutu ensemble:
My Outfit: A Roman Rhapsody
Today, I've embraced the city's Dolce Vita energy with a pastel pink and black look, full of contrasts, just like Rome itself:
- A beautiful black lace and satin fitted top with a tiny little black bow.
- A vintage, black, flowy skirt that would have looked perfectly at home in an opera house (I picked this up from an amazing vintage shop near the Pantheon!)
- My signature, statement, tulle tutu, but this time, I've given it a glamorous makeover. I've embellished it with a sprinkling of tiny pearl-white flowers and glittery ribbons that catch the light - like twinkling stars against the moonlit Roman sky!
- Some fabulous little black heels, oh so comfortable (and practical, because lets face it, the cobbles in Rome can be a little challenging!)
My go-to vintage pink handbag, so stylish and spacious, just perfect for holding all my important treasures like my ballet notebook, my travel journal, and of course, my new guide to the best Gelato shops in Rome!
Rome's Ballet Heartbeat: My Ballet Adventures
I can't come to Rome without a visit to the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. It's an absolute architectural masterpiece - the kind of theatre that makes my heart sing! The history! The chandeliers! The gorgeous red velvet seats! They are planning to stage La Traviata later this week!
This evening I found the most beautiful, romantic ballet studio nestled in the back streets near Piazza Navona. The windows were open, and as I peeked in, I was transported to a world of graceful movement. This beautiful place is just bursting with a palpable love for ballet! And of course, my dearest, most darling tutus had to be brought along, and guess what, the owner, a beautiful woman called Giulia, thought they were the most charming things she'd ever seen! She even told me about an incredible, world-renowned ballerina who was teaching at her school, named Lucia! Can you believe it?! It's like I stepped into a dream.
Later this week I'm planning to pop in for a ballet lesson - I simply cannot pass up this opportunity! I can already hear the music in my heart and my tutu is eager to twirl!
My Roman To-Do List (Because Shopping in Pink Tutu is Essential!)
There is just so much to see and do! It's a feast for the eyes! It's no wonder that so many artists, writers and even, fashion designers, have found inspiration in Rome. But before we delve into the historical wonders, you know I must share my shopping discoveries - It's an absolute must on any Pink Tutu adventure!
Here's what I've got planned:
- Shopping in the Spanish Steps - Oh, the fabulous stores, oh the chic fashion! A beautiful vintage shop caught my eye with some magnificent, stunningly chic dresses! Imagine a black cocktail dress, a little tulle to make it flutter, and, yes, Pink Tutu making it unique! I'm on the hunt for an elegant evening gown for my opera performance.
- A visit to the Markets - This city's got markets bursting with authentic finds! I imagine picking up some delicious Italian fabric for my upcoming ballet performance outfit. I'm envisioning layers of fabric, silk, sequins, velvet, all things pink! (Of course, this outfit wouldn't be complete without my pink ballet shoes, just darling for dancing the streets of Rome.)
- A trip to a Vintage Boutique - There's just something magical about discovering hidden treasures in vintage shops.
Food, Glorious Food: Pizza, Gelato, and My Delicious Roman Treats
I can't go to Italy without exploring their gastronomic delights, can I? This country knows how to make good food with style and passion. I can see myself falling deeply in love with:
- The Pasta: A Taste of Heaven! I've had a taste of the delicious Roman cuisine, ah-mazing! Sizzling Spaghetti Carbonara, creamy Lasagne, and heavenly Rigatoni with ragu! *Oh, *perfetto!*
- A Slice of Perfection: Pizza! - So cheesy, so tasty! The wood-fired pizza here is legendary.
- The Perfect Dessert: Gelato - This heavenly frozen treat has the power to bring all my happy memories to life - I am picturing myself taking a break at one of Rome's picturesque piazzas, relishing a giant scoop of rich, creamy gelato with sprinkles and whipped cream, wearing my most beautiful Pink Tutu - because, how could I possibly live a fabulous life without it?!
More Pink Tutu Fun to Come:
This is just the start of my Italian adventure. More will be revealed as the week unfolds - with my own little pink tutu twists, because where there's a tutu, there's always something amazing happening!
Stay tuned for my adventures with ballet, fashion, food, and all the fantastical wonders of the Eternal City, my sweet readers. Until next Wednesday!
Ciao, bella!
Emma (The Pink Tutu)
www.pink-tutu.com
