Pink Tutu Rome: #813 - A Roman Holiday (and a Spot of Shopping!)
Ciao, darlings!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Rome post! This week, I'm swirling and twirling through the Eternal City, and let me tell you, it's been utterly magical. I mean, just the thought of a city named after the goddess of love and beauty – how could it not be fantastic?!
After a delightful journey by train from Florence (train travel, oh, it truly is my weakness – there's something so wonderfully romantic about it), I found myself standing in the middle of Rome, with a giant pink tutu bouncing around me like a flamboyant cloud. Of course, I didn't wear it on the train - I try to be discreet and let the locals adjust to my vibrant fashion sense in stages. However, my new Rome pink tutu (a vintage find from a vintage shop on Via dei Condotti!) is definitely going to be making an appearance in my Instagram feed soon, and, more importantly, it'll be gracing the stage this weekend when I perform at a charity event near the Spanish Steps.
Speaking of the Spanish Steps, let's just say I was utterly enthralled. This gorgeous cascade of travertine marble leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church is just spectacular. And of course, a stylish girl like myself had to find the perfect place for a little photo op.
I managed to grab a cheeky selfie with a rather dashing Italian street artist who, for all his bohemian airs, actually ended up being quite a decent conversationalist. We talked about everything from his love of vintage (he actually told me a hilarious anecdote about how his grandma used to make tutus for him when he was little!) to the sheer magnificence of Rome. We bonded over the sheer delight of the city – all those cobblestone streets, grand piazzas, ancient ruins, and breathtaking churches. The vibe here is just incredible; it's like a mix of history, beauty, and that certain je ne sais quoi that just oozes European chic.
Speaking of "chic", no trip to Rome is complete without a good dose of shopping therapy. You could say I am, perhaps, slightly obsessed with clothes, especially the kind that are pretty, feminine and of course, have a healthy dose of pink – what else?! And let me tell you, the shops in Rome are truly delightful. I've already found a fabulous pair of scarlet red ballerina shoes with a sassy red feather, a sparkling pink sequinned blouse that will look utterly divine with my new tutu, and, my personal highlight, a magnificent vintage pink feather boa that, I believe, is destined to grace my stage presence for the ballet performance this weekend.
Speaking of which, I'm just as excited to be performing as I am to see all the amazing Roman sights. I can’t wait to share some magical moments on stage and bring a little bit of pink tutu magic to the beautiful Italian capital. I'll be dancing to some classic Italian music and even attempting a little bit of choreography in the style of Swan Lake - because, you know, it’s all about keeping it glamorous and always graceful.
One of the main things I love about my travels is meeting interesting people and, this week, has certainly been no different!
I bumped into this adorable elderly Italian gentleman at a cafe, sipping espresso and reading Dante's Inferno in the sunshine. He told me the most wonderful story about how he met his wife at a ballet performance, all the way back in 1949. They'd been together for over 70 years.
He told me about how his wife had fallen in love with a ballerina – one who wore a particularly magnificent pink tutu that would forever be imprinted in his memory. It was such a beautiful moment, it felt like a true story out of a novel – love and ballet, so perfectly intertwined. It certainly fuelled my own desire to bring more pink tutus to the world, making memories, inspiring love, and perhaps even reminding people that sometimes, you just need a little bit of extra sparkle in your life!
This week's blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning some of the amazing sights I've already seen. Let’s just say I've been doing a bit of historical sightseeing (it wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu blog without a touch of culture, right? ).
The Colosseum, oh, the Colosseum – it’s just awe-inspiring! This monumental arena, filled with such ancient history, gave me a bit of a twirl. I imagined the gladiators fighting, the crowds cheering – and I felt a tiny pinch of longing for the day I might get to dance there (fingers crossed!)! I had my tutu-style selfie moment in the grand square, making my way over to see the Roman Forum, with its crumbling pillars, mosaics and forgotten secrets.
Now, I wouldn't be a true ballerina if I wasn’t completely obsessed with fashion. And my next destination is the must-visit of the fashionista, Via Condotti, home to designer shops and boutique brands galore. There’s something utterly glamorous about this street, which runs through the heart of Rome – the sheer luxury and sophistication that permeate every corner!
Just wandering along and gazing in the window displays makes me feel all swoony! But my true indulgence is finding a little bit of pink tutu inspiration and finding vintage stores with charming little treasures - and this, darling, is a true pink tutu journey!
So, my darling followers, stay tuned for more updates from Pink Tutu Rome. Next week, I'll be venturing out to explore the Vatican and maybe, just maybe, I'll be finding some more stunning outfits to add to my ever-growing pink tutu wardrobe!
Ciao for now, and don't forget to keep it sparkling!
Your friend in pink,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out the Pink Tutu blog on Wednesdays and join the community on our Instagram @pinktutuemma! And be sure to leave a comment with your favorite pink tutu outfits. Let's talk fashion!