Ciao bellas!
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another Pink Tutu adventure! This week, I'm whisked away to the heart of the Roman Empire: Rome! Oh, I just love the dramatic grandeur of this city! The imposing architecture, the sweeping views from the hills, the sheer history in every cobbled corner… It’s a complete fairytale, darling! And what could be more fitting than to be experiencing it all with a Pink Tutu in tow? It’s truly living my best life!
Now, if you've been following my blog, you know I funded this trip by giving a truly spectacular performance for the Derbyshire County Ballet. You know me, I always push the boundaries and this time, I channeled my inner prima donna in a gorgeous emerald-green silk costume. The audience was in raptures, darlings! They absolutely loved it, and my purse is definitely feeling a lot heavier because of it! It was totally worth the rehearsals.
And as always, the train journey itself was an adventure! I wore my signature, oh-so-lovely pink and floral-patterned dress with a matching hat – absolutely perfect for enjoying a delightful book in first-class. But you know me, it wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu trip without some gleaming, metallic pink sandals and, of course, the Pink Tutu itself. Just imagine the delighted stares I got as I sashayed through the carriages, reminding everyone that the future is pink! And if it takes a little sparkle and twirls to make the world a brighter place, then bring on the tutus, I say!
Roman Day 1: An Artful Promenade
Now, after settling into my lovely hotel (it's adorned with blush-coloured roses, just imagine my delight!) I knew there was only one place to begin my Italian adventure: the Colosseum. Imagine a grand stadium, towering high above you, holding echoes of gladiatorial combat! It was awe-inspiring, simply breathtaking! I imagined all the passionate gladiators in their colorful outfits (yes, I'm sure the Romans embraced a touch of vibrancy!), the roaring crowds, the tension in the air. You could practically feel history pulse through the stone! I must confess, I felt a little bit like a Roman princess myself in my tutu, and the sight inspired me to twirl with the grace and poise of a true ballerina!
Naturally, I had to document this spectacular moment with a quick photo shoot! Oh darling, imagine how magnificent I looked against the ancient backdrop, the setting sun casting a golden glow on my pink tutu, and my own graceful silhouette mirroring the ancient ruins. Truly, Rome knows how to provide the perfect Pink Tutu moment!
Afterwards, I found a quaint little Italian restaurant in a side street near the Colosseum, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, and indulged in a delightful plate of pasta carbonara. I even caught a glimpse of a lovely ballet studio, with the dancing silhouette of a dancer practicing behind the window. How delightful!
Roman Day 2: Fashion Finds & Delicious Delights
Now, I couldn't come to Rome without indulging my inner fashionista. The streets are filled with beautiful clothes shops and boutiques! The Italian flair for design and craftsmanship is simply phenomenal! I couldn’t resist picking up a couple of pieces, like this exquisite ivory silk scarf with delicate embroidery and this absolutely breathtaking lavender-hued lace blouse with intricate, flowing details. I paired them with a vintage silver locket I found in a little antique shop tucked away in one of the city's side streets. I feel like an Italian countess in these new purchases, ready for an afternoon in the gardens!
Of course, it wasn’t all shopping and sightseeing! I took a delightful little boat trip down the Tiber River. It was utterly romantic, darlings! I felt like I was floating through time and history, the ancient buildings lining the riverbank like a procession of centuries past. The evening was capped off by a magnificent, gourmet Italian feast!
The chef even incorporated pink-tinted cherry blossoms into a dessert to make it feel even more like a fairytale experience, so perfectly in line with my Pink Tutu philosophy. Oh, the way he incorporated the pink cherry blossoms! You see, I can always see a Pink Tutu theme even in the most unexpected places, darling!
Roman Day 3: The Artful Escape
The third day of my Roman adventure brought me to the incredible Vatican City! It's one of the world’s most famous tourist spots, but for a ballet aficionado like me, there's another reason to be entranced. This iconic, awe-inspiring place houses the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, home to the magnificent frescoes of Michelangelo. Oh, how the grand scale of his paintings reminded me of my own ballet dreams and the majestic, boundless energy I feel when dancing.
Imagine, all those figures depicted, bursting out from the ceiling, reminding me of a ballet performance and the drama that we convey. It was as though Michelangelo captured the magic of a live performance onto the walls! Of course, the whole visit called for a twirl in the Sistine Chapel itself (very discretely, of course, I wouldn't want to offend anyone!). Oh darling, imagine a pink tutu ballerina in front of a scene depicting the Creation, it's quite simply a magical scene!
The evening ended with an inspiring visit to Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. This stunning opera house brought together an intoxicating blend of architecture and music. The intricate decorations and the grandeur of the building felt incredibly glamorous, perfectly encapsulating the excitement and energy that’s all around in this magnificent city. I was entranced! And while I had hoped to catch a performance, I'm saving that for a special trip planned in the autumn, darling. Stay tuned for an exciting post later on about that spectacular ballet!
Pink Tutu Musings: Fashion in Rome
Now, as I wrap up my Roman sojourn, I must share my fashion inspiration from this incredible city! I'm utterly obsessed with Italian style, darling. You know, it's all about chic simplicity and impeccable tailoring, while maintaining an elegance that is understated and timeless. The Italians truly understand the importance of looking fabulous yet comfortable at the same time! They do classic elegance so well. They create looks that are effortless yet completely refined. You see, my love for a good pink tutu can easily translate into any elegant fashion situation, a tutu doesn’t need to be worn every day.
There’s this confidence, this sophistication that resonates from their outfits. This kind of confidence and charm - it's simply infectious. I’ve even adopted some of this sophistication for my own style, I find myself drawn to timeless colours like black, white and navy combined with bold accents, like pops of red or a little touch of my favourite hue: pink, naturally. But even in this subtle touch, you can still channel the joyful Pink Tutu vibe.
Now, I know some people think I'm crazy, wearing a pink tutu all over the world. But honestly, darling, I think it’s incredibly empowering to embrace who you are, to celebrate individuality, to embrace life and express yourself with joy! A Pink Tutu is a symbol of that kind of joy and carefree abandon, and why wouldn’t I wear it while exploring the world?!
I am beyond delighted to have shared this week in Rome with you, my darlings! Keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com, my fashionista blog! Next week, I’ll be off to Vienna to experience the wonders of the Wiener Staatsoper – stay tuned! Until then, twirl your worries away and keep spreading that Pink Tutu spirit!
Ciao for now, darlings!
Emma
