Ciao bella! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Rome post! As you know, I love travelling by train – it's so much more romantic and relaxing than flying. So this week, I took the Eurostar from Derby to Paris and then a high-speed train to Rome. It was such a smooth journey and I got to catch up on my reading and do some sketches for my next tutu design in my little notebook.
Now, let's talk about Rome! It truly is the most magical city – I mean, where else can you stroll down a street lined with ancient Roman ruins, sip a cappuccino in a piazza filled with street performers, and then find a chic designer boutique to indulge in a little retail therapy? It’s all just a stones throw away. Seriously, I’m head over heels for this place!
This trip is all about getting back to my roots – and I don't mean Derbyshire roots, even though the quaint English countryside is pretty amazing too! I mean, ballet roots! This week has been filled with everything that makes my little ballerina heart sing.
On my first evening in Rome, I made my way to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. It’s a grand old theatre that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. And the ballet performance I saw, Swan Lake, was just breathtaking. I was absolutely blown away by the ballerinas’ grace and artistry. You could just see the passion pouring out of every graceful step. And don’t even get me started on the costumes! It's definitely inspired me for my next pink tutu design!
Speaking of pink tutus… I may be a ballet enthusiast but my Rome shopping trip definitely wouldn’t be complete without finding some gorgeous pink outfits for the gram. I am absolutely loving Rome’s fashion vibe. You can wear something a bit more quirky here than in England and I just know I am going to get some fab photos in front of the ancient Roman sights – I’ll be posting the shots to Instagram all week, so follow along!
I’m all about being comfortable and feminine, so my perfect outfit here consists of a flowing blush pink silk dress, delicate lace detailing, some cute pink sandals and my little matching pink crossbody bag – all adorned, of course, with a fluffy pink feather boa for added flair!
However, there’s also the iconic Roman gladiatorial look that is definitely getting some playtime in my wardrobe this trip. For a chic casual look, a pair of chunky flatform sandals with ankle straps goes great with a flowing linen jumpsuit, my go-to choice for sightseeing during the hot Italian afternoons.
And let’s not forget a dash of romance! Rome, the city of love, demands a glamorous outfit, and that means something fab for an evening out. I have my eye on this gorgeous red sequin top with statement shoulder detailing and I’ll pair that with a white floaty skirt. Add some classic platform sandals and a small red clutch, and my look is good to go!
If I haven’t said it enough, I adore shopping here. Every corner offers a new opportunity to find a treasure! And of course, when it comes to finding stylish, trendy garments, the boutiques along Via Condotti and Via Frattina have it all. I am not a big brand person - it’s the design that really catches my eye. That's why I love searching for one-of-a-kind pieces in small boutiques and antique shops! I've already scored some unique accessories for my collection, including a vintage pearl necklace and some quirky little charm bracelets.
But this trip isn’t just about the glamour, darling! It’s also about discovering the rich history and culture of this magnificent city. Rome truly is the Eternal City. This week I visited the Colosseum – such an awe-inspiring piece of history and you just feel the echoes of ancient Rome coming back to life around you. And I wandered around the Roman Forum with a little pink sunhat perched upon my head and it was an absolute delight. It’s crazy to imagine just how busy these places must have been during their heyday – I guess it would have felt much like being in a packed ballet class!
The Trevi Fountain is another must-see. I found myself mesmerised by its grandeur and the magic of its stories. And I just knew I had to toss a coin into the fountain. Don’t worry, I did it with my left hand to ensure my return to Rome one day! It would be a sin to not go back and explore this fabulous city, wouldn’t it?
Another spot I visited was the Galleria Borghese. This beautiful gallery is a haven for art and sculpture. One of the must-see pieces was Bernini's ‘Apollo and Daphne.’ The way Bernini captures movement and emotion in marble is mind-blowing. The whole scene of Apollo trying to grasp Daphne as she’s transforming into a laurel tree just feels so graceful and tragic. It makes me think about the elegance of the ballerinas in ‘The Nutcracker’ as the Mouse King transforms the dancers into toys – the stories just come alive for me!
I ended my Rome day trip with an Italian ice cream (or gelato, as they call it here). Now, what’s the most fitting flavor in the world for a ballerina, if not strawberry?! It’s the perfect flavour to replenish all that sugar my body has used during my busy Rome day. And I also picked up a couple of miniature terracotta cherub figurines, they look fabulous nestled amongst the pink feathers on my desk at home.
Rome really does capture a slice of my heart and I just love that every turn brings a new and stunning view. This city will truly be staying in my heart for a very long time, I know. And who knows? I just might find myself here again on a ballet performance trip, to discover a new bit of magic!
That's it for this week, darlings! Remember to keep those pink tutus twirling and I’ll catch you on Wednesday! Until next time, remember that life is too short to not embrace a little pink sparkle in every step of the way!
Love, Emma xx
P.S. I'm excited to be heading to Spain next week! Stay tuned for Pink Tutu Spain! I will be sharing all the sights, sounds, and shopping adventures with you.
