Ciao, darlings!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu blog post! This week, I'm bringing you straight from the heart of Rome, Italy. Oh, my goodness! Can you believe it? Me, in Rome! I feel like a little ballerina twirling through ancient history and breathtaking beauty. I feel like I'm actually living in one of those classic romantic comedies, except in my story, I'm always going to be wearing my favourite pink tutu!
My Rome adventure started on Tuesday, after an exciting, magical train journey across Europe. I adore train journeys, they offer a chance to lose myself in a book, have a cheeky little nappy (it’s just a big posh toilet, you know) and watch the scenery whizzing by. And you know, train travel isn't all that different to the ballet in a way! It's a form of performance in itself! Watching the world go by as it disappears in a flash. Each moment so beautifully fleeting.
Speaking of magical journeys, just before arriving in Rome I realised the tutu situation was a tad dire! I’d packed two of my favourite tutus in my suitcase, but as it happens, they're just a tad impractical for the hot Italian summer! You just can't wear a proper ballet tutu while sightseeing in 30 degree heat! What a drama queen am I?! Luckily, as always, fate was on my side! The shop in the Gare di Roma Termini was packed full of the most delicious, beautiful Italian fabrics! I’m now the proud owner of a gorgeous blush-pink silk, the most beautiful fabric you can imagine. The saleswoman, a darling of a woman who reminded me of my Auntie Gladys, had just bought some gorgeous fabric to make a wedding dress! Well, it just so happened I needed some gorgeous silk too. Coincidence? I think not! She is my Italian fairy godmother and I’m thinking, why don’t I ask her to sew my fabric into a Roman inspired, flowing, super lightweight tutu? It could be my new iconic look! Oh, the possibilities! Just wait for the Instagram posts, my lovely followers!
So, Tuesday afternoon was dedicated to settling into my adorable, little boutique hotel, in the heart of Rome, and it was the perfect place to plan my next few days in the city. It was so quintessentially Roman, with tiny balconies overlooking the cobbled streets and little potted palms like something out of a film. As soon as I’d unpacked my bag, I just knew that this trip was going to be extraordinary!
Now, Wednesday, the day we are in, I just spent an hour (maybe more - who’s keeping track when you are having this much fun!) wandering around the city’s amazing shops. You would think the shops would be brimming with designer brands and fancy boutiques, right? And don't get me wrong, there are plenty of those! However, my real favourites were the independent little stores crammed into the alleyways. All these amazing local artisans were selling exquisite handmade clothes, homeware and delicious local cheeses and hams! One stall even sold real Roman-made shoes! I have to be honest, though, those Italian guys have really short toes! I was worried about how a Roman sandal might look on my, uh, rather large (but still beautiful, in my opinion) feet!
A little history interlude: I feel obliged to write a bit about what Rome means to me and my little ballet world! Firstly, it's a place brimming with history and culture. For centuries, it has been an amazing centre of culture. Even now, there's just such an intense artistic atmosphere here! It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but so captivating and inspiring. So many ballerinas over the centuries have graced the stages of the Italian theatres. Think of La Scala in Milan and Rome’s Opera house in Rome – what magnificent spaces to perform. I must confess, I feel such a connection to these beautiful places, places I can imagine some of my idols dancing on stages illuminated with dazzling chandeliers. The air feels like it's filled with a hundred years of applause. Oh, my!
Speaking of dancing, we are definitely having a day of rest. My body was feeling a bit overworked and under the Tuscan sun today, so I decided on a leisurely afternoon! So after a delicious (and rather expensive) slice of lemon cake with whipped cream and my favourite iced mocha, we are back in the boutique hotel enjoying the sunshine. I’m just about to enjoy a hot bath to soothe my tired little ballerina feet, you know, just a relaxing day at home. That said, I'm looking forward to indulging in some pasta and Italian red wine in a tiny restaurant hidden down a little cobbled alley. Just imagine, me, dressed in a new pink silk tutu with flowing, swirling material with my pasta and vino! How romantic.
Fashion tip for Wednesday:
The best look is a bright summer dress with a chunky scarf in bright pink and maybe a dash of black. Add your own style by including a bit of jewellery. I suggest some large silver bangles or something bright and colourful. Think earrings, necklaces. Think of how those Roman goddesses looked!*
Well, my lovelies, I hope you are enjoying your Wednesday. Until next week! I am off to indulge in some Italian delicacies, some more sightseeing and maybe, just maybe, a romantic interlude with a delicious Italian gentleman who can tell me all about the local ballet school! Now that would be perfect!
Love, Emma xx
P.S. Make sure you check out my Pink Tutu shop to get all the fabulous accessories you need to take your own Roman holiday outfits to the next level! There’s still time to order in time for your holidays too!
I know Emma loves shopping so let’s plan a Friday visit for her to the Roman Forum. Let’s explore with her in 800 words including shops, and interesting items she might like to see and/or purchase and include some Roman history for background:
The Roman Forum: Where History Meets FashionIt's Friday! The day of exploring and adventure, and after my restful Wednesday and my fabulous shopping spree on Thursday, I was excited to be exploring one of the most significant sites in the ancient world - the Roman Forum!
Now, my fellow pink tutu lovers, don't let the ancient ruins fool you. The Roman Forum is more than just a collection of dusty old stones. I find history utterly fascinating, and just wandering the ruins here I feel such a strong connection to this historical powerhouse, to all those grand people, the Emperors and Empresses, the noble women of Rome - who once lived in a time of such power and majesty!
The Forum wasn’t just a forum either. It was, you could say, the city centre. Back in its heyday, it bustled with activity. Think shops, temples, courts of law, and bustling markets. And now, you see all these crumbling buildings, magnificent in their ruin, giving glimpses of how grand the city once was.
Before our history lesson - we need a bit of wardrobe shopping. Now, every girly girl knows there are some gorgeous pieces of clothing in the shop windows here in Rome - from luxurious boutiques in Via Condotti with designer shoes, bags and suits galore. So, we have just purchased my new Roman tutu - that blush-pink silk - now we need some new ballet shoes.
Imagine yourself twirling on a Roman stage. You want your dance shoes to be extra special! So for the best possible Roman look - the footwear needs to be something incredible, something authentic, but in keeping with the beautiful and ancient spirit of the forum. Think handmade leather slippers, woven sandals, perhaps something inspired by ancient Roman gladiator sandals, you know, with those thick straps and gorgeous details? But then think how these gladiators must have been moving, that amazing walking, running, and fighting technique! We should have a tutus and gladiators performance! That would be the best show ever! Anyway, my point is - think of beautiful leathers with rich Roman colours and exquisite details. It's time for some shopping!
Off to the Forum…
Before stepping onto the Sacred Way - I mean the main avenue - you need to take a peek into some of the little shops here in Rome. They have some wonderful bits and bobs you can use to create the most fabulous Roman look. The perfect accessory for my Roman tutu! Just like my fashion idols in their glorious period dramas, you need a stunning headscarf - I’m picturing silk, or maybe even wool, and something vibrant, think burgundy and orange tones! A bit of sparkle is also great for Roman looks. What do you say to an intricate beaded headband or maybe a necklace with a gold or bronze medallion? A few small earrings - like some little Roman coins. And think of all those stunning Roman glass trinkets! Imagine adding a chunky bracelet that reflects Roman glassmaking, it might be silver or even golden - or better yet, with some vibrant green and blue stones - it just screams 'gladiator' to me. I'm going to look for a beautiful leather belt with a small buckle. You need to have a stunning outfit when you’re walking around these beautiful ancient spaces, to add just that bit of 'Roman grandeur'. This really needs to be the last shopping trip before my performance. I have to find all these little trinkets now. Let’s go shopping, come with me.
As we wander through the forum - you can feel the magic! The crumbling temples and forums all remind you of just how important it once was as a city, a spiritual centre, a centre of trade. The history is just all around you - it’s really quite intoxicating! And look over there - the Temple of Saturn - imagine this place teeming with traders! Now imagine the Forum teeming with people, bustling with activity - I wonder what kinds of fashion trends we would see. You know that Roman fashion had some amazing ideas - togas and tunics with beautiful fabrics, embroidery - it was simply incredible.
The Palatine Hill is also breathtaking. It's a great place to relax after your forum wander, or even sit and do some sketching. I do love drawing a sketch now and again. As I’ve learnt on this journey, Rome is a city for artists, and art is something we have been surrounded with since the beginning! What was Rome like then, and who were all the wonderful people who have lived here?
Rome has such a glorious history, it has its dark moments, and I do like to delve into that side too. We know of those gladiatorial games, you know the arena? Well, imagine those huge crowds and those gladiators! It’s a side of history that we must never forget. A place where gladiators had to prove their worth in the ultimate test of human will. What strength, and what courage. The Roman forum was a city centre but also a spiritual place where citizens worshipped the gods of Rome. Some were great lovers of life and great drinkers and party animals! Now you can imagine that, they knew how to have fun. It wasn't all about battles and battles to the death, we need to think of how those people lived - their families and children, they had to care for them.
Roman inspiration - fashion tip for Friday:
- A tunic and a fabulous tunic top are all the rage this year. And here we are surrounded by Roman history, just look around. Find yourself a stylish fabric like a heavy velvet, some soft cotton or some luxurious silk - a tunic top looks wonderful on any figure, a bit like a mini-tutu really. Remember to keep it elegant and think about some accessories like belts or long, gold chain necklaces. You don't need to look like you’ve just stepped out of the Forum. A chic modern twist can make it look more contemporary! If it’s a little chilly think of some extra pieces like a long, hooded shawl or cardigan. For your Roman day trip - remember your walking shoes, or a fabulous pair of gladiator sandals!
I just need to find that perfect Roman dress... so stay tuned!
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