Ciao bella! Emma here, back from my Italian adventures.
Wednesday the 25th of May, my fellow tutu wearers, saw me arriving in Roma – the Eternal City. Now, I have to tell you, as much as I adore a good London ballet class, stepping onto the cobbled streets of Rome, the energy was buzzing! Like, imagine your favourite ballerina taking her bow on opening night, except that, it was happening all around me, 24/7. This city just pulses with life.
Rome – A Feast for the Senses
After an admittedly chaotic journey (but did you see my darling pink trolley case? Just the right touch of pink glamour to navigate the throngs of the Gare de Lyon!), I arrived at my hotel. Let's just say, it was the sort of quaint, cobblestoned Italian charm that only pictures could do justice.
My first instinct, of course, was to find the nearest coffee shop. It's just as well that I do have a knack for finding the good stuff! A tiny, little, perfectly tucked-away corner cafe was the first thing I discovered. Imagine sipping an espresso while a fountain danced in the corner, a local family enjoying their lunch, and a handsome stranger (wearing a tartan scarf! How delightfully unexpected) with his dachshund... honestly, my dear, It's the kind of scene you'd normally find only in romantic comedies!
Speaking of romance... that evening, I found myself seated in the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. Now, if you're like me, you know that nothing, NOTHING beats a ballet under the Italian sky!
Ballet Under the Italian Stars
The ballet that night, La Traviata, told the tale of a beautiful woman, a story of sacrifice and passionate love. The costumes, oh my darling, you have to see them! Velvet, lace, and swirling hues of crimson and gold… and did I mention feathers? They practically took flight themselves! As the curtains fell on the last scene, my heart just swelled, you know? I couldn't have asked for a better welcome to Rome.
The Next Day - A Walk in the Forum & A Shopping Spree!
The morning dawned bright and sunny, so I decided to explore the Colosseum. Now, history buffs, prepare yourselves for this… it was an incredible sight! To think, gladiators fought and emperors watched just steps away… The air seemed to hum with forgotten energy.
That evening, after a light, healthy (ish, a delicious gelato just had to happen) dinner, it was time for shopping, and oh darling, you won’t believe what I discovered. Tucked away in a side street was the most divine boutique. Just bursting with lace, chiffon, and silk, each garment with a subtle flourish of Italian whimsy… It reminded me of a ballet tutu shop that could fulfill every dream. My purse (a charming vintage find, of course!) cried out, “We must buy something!”.
And buy, I did!
The most exquisite, vintage-inspired hat. (It's all the rage in Rome – imagine it with a pink tutu, darlings!)
A stunning lace dress with floral embroidery… just picture it for an upcoming summer soirée.
And lastly, a a small beaded purse in pink - I had to, darling. The shade was simply perfect for this new collection of tutus I'm thinking of for my performance this weekend at the little theater back in Derbyshire.
Pink Tutus and Italian Delight
This whole Italian adventure, every moment, was truly magical. Even the simplest act of getting lost in a street maze, stumbling upon a hidden bakery with the most heavenly pastries… everything was an enchanting, theatrical performance!
And if there's one thing that really stuck with me, it's the effortless elegance of Rome's women. They have this incredible style that is both timeless and bold, just like a beautiful vintage dress paired with a new piece of contemporary jewelry, and that, my fellow pink tutu devotees, is precisely why I'm hoping to see you all sporting pink tutus at your next adventure!
Don’t forget, stay tuned next Wednesday for my next Roman adventure. I'll be sharing tips for finding the best cafes, a guide to my favourite boutiques, and maybe even a few secrets about how to unlock the magic of this enchanting city. Until next time, keep your hearts filled with pink-tutu inspired joy and the desire to dance.
Yours truly,
Emma
xxx
