Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina, bringing you another installment from the beautiful city of Vienna, the heart of waltz and schnitzel! As always, I'm sharing all the fashionable, fun, and fabulous experiences I've had this week.
Today, Wednesday the 26th of September, is the day I grace your screens with my blog. And let me tell you, this week has been a delightful dance of discovery. The streets are abuzz with autumn's gentle chill, and the air smells like spiced pastries and history. Ah, Vienna!
A Day at the Opera House:
My week kicked off with a spectacular treat: a trip to the Vienna State Opera. I was invited to attend a special performance of La Traviata, which is, for anyone who doesn't know, one of my all-time favourite operas. I must confess, the elaborate costumes, the powerful vocals, and the sheer theatricality of it all completely transported me. The stage was bursting with romance, drama, and of course, a captivating dose of those Pink Tutu vibes - just the sheer vibrancy of the colours, the elegance of the movements, it was pure magic!
I think you can guess how this experience made me feel... like I wanted to dance myself, like I wanted to spin around the stage and feel the music running through me. That's the thing about classical music and ballet – it can truly set your soul alight. And Vienna, it turns out, is a fantastic city to ignite those flames.
Shopping Splendour & A Fashion Faux Pas (or Maybe Not?)
My trip wouldn't be complete without a spot of shopping. Now, you know how I am: always looking for something new and exciting to add to my wardrobe. But Vienna, my dears, is a shopaholic's paradise. I stumbled upon this exquisite shop, tucked away in a cobblestoned street, filled with vintage jewellery, lace, and some truly stunning silk scarves – the colours! Swoon. I emerged with a new favourite piece to add to my collection: a dainty, antique brooch that perfectly captures the city's classic charm.
I also made the rather daring (for me) decision to venture into a little boutique that specialises in contemporary, avant-garde fashion. It was like stepping into another world: flowing fabrics, intricate patterns, and some very unusual combinations. It was truly an eye-opening experience, and whilst I didn't leave with any major purchases, it gave me a lot to ponder for future ensembles. After all, we must always strive to push the boundaries, and what better way to do it than through fashion?
Of course, no shopping trip in Vienna would be complete without finding a traditional Austrian Dirndl. This darling piece of folk wear is all about delicate lace, beautiful embroidery, and charming puffed sleeves. It was difficult to choose my favourite as they are just all so delightful! I was in heaven with their colours, textures, and playful details. My ultimate dilemma was whether to go with a vibrant green, a fiery red, or maybe even a delicate blush pink - I’m afraid I couldn't resist and bought three!
But in a shocking twist, my Vienna fashion faux pas involved… a tutu! Now, I know it sounds strange, but while walking through the heart of Vienna, I happened upon a rather interesting display in a shop window: several tutus in various shades of pastel pink! It was like destiny, my friends! And of course, I had to get my photo taken with them. Imagine the scandal! I'm pretty sure some people thought I had lost my mind.
I had to laugh because I was trying to explain in my broken German that my tutu was the perfect match to my pink Vienna adventures! Luckily, my kind German lady shopkeeper giggled with me and I believe even agreed with me! This city embraces a spirit of individual expression and creative freedom, much like myself!
Whimsical Adventures on Horseback:
My love for horses knows no bounds! So, naturally, I found myself at the Spanish Riding School, Vienna's world-renowned equestrian center, for an incredible display of horsemanship and elegance. The Lipizzaner horses are simply breath-taking; their grace, power, and training are an absolute joy to behold. Watching those riders weave their horses through a series of precise movements felt like witnessing a breathtaking ballet on horseback – a unique and memorable experience.
In fact, I had to hop on a horse myself, though not a Lipizzaner of course! After enjoying the graceful beauty of the Spanish Riding School, I ventured a little further afield to a beautiful stable tucked away in a valley on the outskirts of Vienna. I spent the afternoon trotting through verdant fields, enjoying the crisp air and feeling utterly connected to nature, a perfect blend of elegance and freedom.
And wouldn't you know it, even though I am far away from home, even in Austria, people love my pink tutu! The locals laughed when I tried to speak German, and with the cutest twirl of my pink tutu, I just laughed right along!
Vienna's Ballet Heritage:
Vienna has an illustrious history when it comes to ballet. The city played a crucial role in the development of the waltz, the quintessentially elegant dance form. I spent an afternoon wandering through the Hofburg Palace, soaking in its historic charm. I delved into the history of Viennese ballet, its evolution, and the significant roles of composers like Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart. I’m planning on heading back to the opera house in the next couple of weeks to see a performance of the ballet "Swan Lake," but in the meantime, my head is spinning with excitement at the upcoming spectacle of it all.
Of course, my pink love didn't go unnoticed, my travels even inspired a local artist to create a custom tutu design with some amazing Viennese swirls. I am very excited to pick it up and dance with it, right here in the heart of Vienna, at the Stadtpark. I believe it’s truly the place to do it, surrounded by beauty, life and energy, much like the beautiful spirit of Vienna itself!
I truly believe there is no other place like Vienna, where history meets fashion, elegance blends with modernism, and even a whimsical pink tutu can find its place within this city's unique blend of cultures and artistry.
That is, for now, a whirl of my Vienna week, stay tuned, my dears, and follow me on my exciting journey through the rest of Austria and all its magical delights, where hopefully you’ll see more pictures of the spectacular countryside! And as always, I'll be right here next Wednesday, with more Pink Tutu Vienna, adventures and inspiration.
Until then, stay sparkly and be kind!
Emma x
