Hello my darling darlings! It’s Emma, your pink tutu-wearing guide to the world of frills and fun, and this week I’m twirling my way through the streets of Vienna, the City of Music! ?
This week’s blog post is a little different, it’s not just about ballet, although of course, ballet is a huge part of my life! I love the elegance and grace of ballet. My inspiration for ballet came from watching the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House. As soon as I saw that graceful flowing movement of the dancers I wanted to dance and float just like them, to twirl and soar around a stage and I still want to do it to this day, even as I'm writing this from the cafe overlooking a charming square.
So yes, we’re exploring the vibrant cultural scene here in Vienna. However, you won’t find me in any fancy gown this time (although I've tried on a few!). This week I've found myself falling in love with a totally different kind of chic – Vienna's laid-back, sophisticated style.
Remember how I mentioned I wanted to be a ballerina from an early age? Vienna is just the city to make your ballerina dreams come true! Ballet is so ingrained in the city’s soul that you feel it practically pulsing through the cobblestone streets. The music is a constant, whether it's the majestic sounds of the Vienna State Opera or the whimsical melodies that drift from street musicians playing violins. And you don’t even have to venture inside a theatre to catch the magic! On Friday nights I joined a walking tour of the Vienna State Opera, which told me some really interesting facts about the history of the Opera House! It's always good to get behind the scenes when possible and discover all those fascinating secrets, not just to see the costumes on stage but the costumes which didn't make it to the stage. The walking tour was so fascinating that I’m already planning my next Vienna trip!
I love to make people laugh so it wasn't just ballet, the other reason I came to Vienna was to watch an incredibly fun traditional musical on Friday evening, featuring incredible costumes. It was an incredible opportunity to experience a part of Vienna's rich culture that few outsiders know about and that's what my readers have come to expect. After the show I just had to have some schnitzel, the best way to celebrate a successful evening out! This is my life; exploring the world, finding the hidden gems, and, of course, writing about them for all of you, from my tutu to yours!
Anyway, back to Vienna.
Exploring The PastI love old architecture so I took the tram out to see the glorious Schönbrunn Palace on Thursday. Its majestic gardens are like something out of a fairytale, perfectly landscaped with fountains and sculptures - just a perfect day. The architecture is a masterpiece; a true testament to Austrian craftsmanship and I tried to imagine how it would have been to have been there at the height of its splendor! Imagine having tea in those opulent gardens surrounded by beautifully manicured floral arrangements and wearing a gorgeous tulle gown!
So, what do I do on my trip to the Austrian capital to bring out that inner diva? I explore Vienna through the rose-tinted lens of fashion, of course.
I love clothes shopping - and this city is like a sartorial playground. On Wednesday I spent hours lost in Vienna’s most gorgeous fashion district.
I did of course have a quick pit stop at the beautiful Hofburg Palace to have a little coffee and cake. As I sipped my Viennese coffee in this palatial setting, I knew I was right in the heart of the City of Music. Vienna’s imperial past and contemporary fashion just made such a unique mix, that only Vienna could produce! You couldn't do that anywhere else in the world, well I'm not sure you could. It's really something else to experience and what a treat it has been to be here.
Vienna doesn't only have stunning palaces, the streets are packed with stunning cafes and pastry shops. Everywhere you look you see fantastic fashion and amazing food, this is what a luxury break is all about! I am in love with this city and I’ll tell you a little secret – it's almost as if they've sprinkled a touch of magic dust over it. Everything seems brighter, happier, more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. This must be what Vienna does to you; you simply can’t help falling a little bit in love.
Where Tutu & Fashion MeetNow, when I think about a fashion statement in Vienna I think of tulle! As much as I love a classic black outfit or a sophisticated dress, nothing quite takes me back to a time of opulence and elegance like tulle, particularly pink tulle. Yes, it might sound unusual but I felt like the only person not in a tutu! Everywhere I go in Vienna I think about the tulle dresses that my ancestors probably wore! It’s not just me who is fascinated with Vienna's unique historical style.
There are so many opportunities to explore fashion in Vienna and on Sunday I took a chance to see fashion that’s way ahead of its time, as the designer fashion boutiques around the city have been displaying all sorts of exciting new ideas for the spring fashion collections for next year, and guess what – there are more tutus! It's true I just love seeing tutus in any design but in Vienna it’s another level!
The designers, many from around the world are displaying collections that are daring, whimsical and even practical and I have already found some real fashion bargains in the sales - a little secret: there's never a sale without me around! The bargains were so good I have filled my suitcase so I will have to buy an extra suitcase to get my bargains home with me.
After I’d finished exploring the world of fashion it was time to have a Viennese hot chocolate - delicious! - which made me feel warm and relaxed. If it's possible to become any more chilled out than you are!
I did not travel to Vienna in the same way I usually do. This week I travelled on an elegant train - in style - to explore some of the incredible history and architecture outside of the city on Saturday and discovered what Vienna had to offer beyond the famous palace. It was a whirlwind weekend with history, shopping, music and food and my favorite thing, seeing other people wearing pink tutus! It felt so special and exciting as if I’d found a lost piece of my fashion past. It also made me realise how important it is for me to follow my heart, and my inner tutu! It is about letting that little girl, the one who dreamed of wearing a pink tutu and being a ballerina shine through and let her dreams run free! It doesn’t have to be anything specific - you can let your dreams take you to amazing places!
The whole city feels magical!
So thank you for following me, as you can see this week was full of inspiration, not only about ballet, and Vienna will always hold a special place in my heart. And, yes, I still managed to squeeze in some ballet – the ballet shows were a treat, and it was all very exciting because on Thursday the ballet dancers did a waltz as part of their ballet performance. The Viennese Waltz, which they call “Viennese Style Waltz”, which involves a set of technical movements and foot positions, as they waltzed the music sounded like the heart of the city. The costumes were, of course, absolutely amazing, in shades of pink, gold, and ivory with all the classic ballet detailing – what can I say, a girl loves to dream.
Toodles for now, and don't forget - never underestimate the power of a pink tutu.
Until next time, lovelies! ?
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
