Ciao Bella!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another instalment of Pink Tutu Travels! This week, I've been waltzing through the beautiful streets of Rome, and let me tell you, it's been a whirlwind of cobblestones, cappuccino, and culture.
This week has felt extra magical because I'm celebrating two exciting milestones: my 200th blog post, and my one-year anniversary of full-time tutu-wearing. To mark the occasion, I've chosen Rome as the perfect backdrop, a city steeped in history, romance, and of course, plenty of opportunities to showcase my favourite colour, pink!
But before I whisk you away on my Roman adventures, let me fill you in on what’s going on at the Pink Tutu HQ this week.
My week so far
I landed in Rome on Sunday after a delightful train journey through the rolling Tuscan countryside. Did you know that a trip by train can be the most stylish way to travel? I mean, have you ever seen a vintage sleeper carriage? Honestly, pure romance!
After settling in to my hotel, I had to head straight to the nearest vintage boutique! I found this little gem tucked away in a charming, cobblestoned alleyway - my kinda place! My nose twitched at the smell of mothballs and floral perfume as I sifted through racks of dresses, fur stoles, and shoes so beautiful they'd make Cinderella blush. (And what did Cinderella love? You guessed it: pink! Coincidence? I think not!) I nabbed the perfect vintage brocade dress for my evening out - I'll show you photos later, of course!
Monday was all about sightseeing. I strolled along the banks of the Tiber, soaking in the sights of the iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo and the majestic Castel Sant’Angelo. Later, I visited the Galleria Borghese. Now, if you're an art enthusiast like myself, you need to go to the Borghese Gallery - it’s one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. Just picture me twirling through the halls of the gallery, amidst Bernini’s masterpieces, my tutu swishing, feeling utterly inspired.
Tuesday: A Tutu-ful Symphony
I don't know about you, but Rome is just one giant stage for a grand performance. The streets are alive with the music of street musicians, the playful banter of locals, and the excited chatter of tourists. The rhythm of the city got me in a real twirling mood. In the afternoon, I headed to a street performance, where I was captivated by the artistry of a young street dancer. She wore a stunningly colourful gown and effortlessly transitioned between traditional Italian folk dances and modern contemporary styles. There’s nothing I love more than seeing a brilliant performance! It filled my heart with pure joy, a feeling that I carried into the evening.
Tonight, I had a delicious, authentic Roman dinner. Oh my, it was just incredible. Fresh pasta, delicious gnocchi, and a generous glass of local wine - pure indulgence! Then, I walked off my dinner by going to watch a local ballet company performing Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. My inner ballerina squealed with delight when the orchestra played the opening theme and the stage came to life with graceful ballerinas, dazzling costumes and dramatic lighting. It was just...divine!
Wednesday: Let’s Chat about Tutu Style
Speaking of costumes, let’s chat a bit about fashion, because of course I found time to squeeze in a bit of shopping this week. The boutiques in Rome are brimming with inspiration, but I found a gorgeous pink chiffon blouse and a delicate silver necklace in a little shop tucked away behind the Trevi fountain.
For this post's look, I decided to go for a "Rome by night" vibe. Think sparkling moonlight reflected off the cobblestones, flowing silk, and shimmering fabrics.
So, I paired a dazzlingly-sequined, black and silver top, with a fluffy pink tulle tutu (it's a new addition to my collection and I’m completely smitten!), a pair of high-heeled silver sandals and, of course, my signature pink ballet flats - just in case I want to kick up my heels for a quick pirouette! I also layered some silver jewellery for a little extra sparkle.
This is what I like to call “casual tutu” and it's a perfect balance between chic and whimsical! The secret is finding the perfect blend of pink, elegant tulle and sparkly accents. A touch of classic glam!
My tips for exploring Rome like a ballerina:
Here are a few tips for those of you who might be dreaming of a visit to this extraordinary city:
Don’t be afraid to explore: Rome is a labyrinth of charm and surprises, hidden around every corner. Take time to stroll through its alleys, discover hidden squares, and soak in the beauty of its ancient history.
Eat, pray, love: This city has some of the best cuisine in the world. Take time to sample everything, from pasta to pizza, and let your tastebuds journey through Roman delicacies!
Listen to the rhythm of the city: It's hard not to be captivated by the energy and rhythm of the streets, the chatter of the locals and the constant music. It's infectious, but in a beautiful way!
Remember your ballet flats: Whether you're twirling through the Roman Forum or exploring a new market, always wear your pink ballet flats. Because it's not just about comfort, it’s about remembering your ballerina spirit and carrying a touch of grace wherever you go!
Until next week, my lovely readers, I leave you with this: Life, just like ballet, is about dancing to the rhythm of your own heart. Embrace the journey, and twirl, jump, and spin your way to happiness! And always, always wear a touch of pink!
Ciao Bella!
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com *
* P.S.* This Wednesday is International Pink Day Don’t forget to wear something pink in honour of this joyful occasion! You could try a pink tie, a pink hat, pink gloves, a pink scarf or a pink lipstick! Whatever it is, join me in my mission to paint the world with pink! I will also post about this later in the week so remember to check back!
