Ciao Bella! It's Wednesday again, and that means it's time for another Pink Tutu Rome post! I’m absolutely buzzing, because I’m currently sitting in a charming little cafe in the heart of Rome, sipping an iced cappuccino, and soaking in the sights, sounds, and incredible energy of this truly breathtaking city. This week has been full of surprises and wonders, and I'm itching to share it all with you!
Remember those days, way back in my Derbyshire childhood, when I would stand at the mirror, my tiny ballerina body adorned in a pink tutu, dreaming of a magical land where everyone danced and twirled? Well, that little dreamer within me is definitely squealing with delight right now because Rome is just that magical.
This week has been one of those epic journeys where every corner turns into a masterpiece. We landed in Rome on Sunday morning, fresh off a wonderful performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. As you know, dancing pays the bills (and the train tickets!) and it always brings me back down to earth with a gentle reminder of how fortunate I am. Travelling by train gives me time to catch up on all those things that seem impossible while I’m on the road – writing my blog, browsing online fashion stores for the next big tutu addition to my wardrobe, and of course, planning my outfits!
Now, I wouldn’t be a true Pink Tutu girl if I didn't kick off my trip with a spot of shopping! We started our journey in Rome by checking into a fabulous hotel right near the Spanish Steps. I'm not going to name it because I want to keep a little secret stash of gems all to myself! (Besides, it was truly a gem of a place, decorated in all shades of blush and pink, making me feel like a real princess. How did they know?) We dropped our bags, and then I wasted no time - I was straight to the Spanish Steps, dodging paparazzi, but not the adorable Italian fashionista ladies - you know, the ones with the immaculate “just stepped off the catwalk” vibe. You really wouldn’t believe the eye candy on those steps, it's enough to make your head spin! But hey, that's why I'm packing my trusty camera – for capturing those moments of chic inspiration.
I have to admit, my initial thought was, "OMG, my camera roll is about to explode with the sheer amount of fashion inspiration!" I spotted one girl in a blush pink lace dress, her hair perfectly messy in the most stylish way, accessorized with a vintage pink handbag - and the whole outfit had a romantic bohemian air that left me mesmerized. Another one, strutting by, was a total stunner with a perfectly tailored charcoal trouser suit paired with a bright coral pink satin scarf that somehow managed to make even a basic suit look like a work of art. And of course, every lady had those effortless, barely-there makeup looks that seemed like they took no time at all (I wonder if they know a magic secret?)!
Anyway, let’s just say that shopping spree had me walking on air - both literally and figuratively! My bags were filled with gorgeous pink things - from a stunning silk scarf in a faded pink print, a vintage beaded clutch perfect for a gala performance, to the most perfect pair of ruby pink ballerina flats that matched the colour of my lipstick! (Trust me, pink lipstick is a MUST when you’re in a city as glamorous as Rome.) The ladies in the shops all swooned at the sight of my pink tutu. It’s starting to catch on here!
After all the excitement, I decided it was time for some sightseeing, so I hit the Colosseum, that huge arena! Imagine all the gladiators and performances that happened right there! You can feel the history, the echoes of the roaring crowds! You’d be surprised at how well my pink tutu stood out against those Roman ruins! I had so much fun getting some cool photos - even the guard winked at me! I am really thinking that a pink tutu is the best accessory for all your adventures. I always tell my friends - "Never underestimate the power of pink! You could be dressed in a potato sack, and a bright pink tutu would make you look like you stepped off the set of a fairy tale!"
Dinner on Tuesday night was a delightful affair. The first time I saw the restaurant, my jaw hit the floor! It was like an old world palazzo that felt like it was out of a romantic movie - ivy crawling up the walls, arched doorways, and even a tiny fountain in the courtyard. It’s the sort of place you would imagine royalty sipping wine and chatting away until the early hours. Our table was on a tiny terrace, right under the twinkle lights, and everything from the fresh seafood pasta to the Italian wines felt magical.
Now, I'll be honest, my love for Italian fashion (especially vintage styles and those stunning little dresses) made my visit to Rome’s Vintage Market even more exciting. I got so caught up in the hunt that I could barely remember what day it was, but what I found - OMG! – I snagged a vintage 1950s dress in a vibrant magenta pink - it’s the most gorgeous shade! It's the type of dress that instantly makes you feel confident and ready to take on the world!
As for this Wednesday, I’m up early for a day at the Vatican City. I've heard the architecture and art there are unbelievable! So naturally, I've got my pink tutu prepped for that grand occasion! The sheer awe-inspiring beauty of this city has got me dreaming of big plans, and maybe just maybe, getting everyone wearing a pink tutu... who knows?
I'll let you know all about my Vatican City adventure in next week's Pink Tutu Rome post!
Until then, keep your dreams big, your smiles brighter than sunshine, and don't forget the pink tutu. It's a symbol of happiness, positivity, and the sheer magic that exists in every moment, even the tiniest one!
Ciao!
Emma x
