Ciao bella!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu ambassador, writing to you from the fabulous city of Milan! This week has been a whirlwind of ballet, shopping, and of course, plenty of pink. As you all know, I live for these little trips, finding joy in the everyday and spreading a little tutu magic wherever I go. Today I’m going to tell you all about my Milan adventure so far…
Train Travels and Tram Triumphs
It all began, as always, with a train journey. There's something truly magical about stepping onto a train, knowing you're heading somewhere new, somewhere exciting. This time it was the Eurostar from London, with its chic interior and impossibly smooth journey.
Arriving in Milan, I knew the best way to explore this fabulous city was on the tram, so I headed straight to the station and purchased my ticket. The tram system here is truly impressive – fast, efficient and utterly delightful. Every ride felt like an opportunity to observe the vibrant life of the city unfolding around me.
First Impressions of Milan
Milan’s a place that captivates you the moment you step onto the streets. The grandeur of the architecture, the beautiful parks and gardens, the charming cafes, all create a symphony of delights. From the moment I arrived, I felt this buzzing energy – it’s a place that truly embraces fashion, beauty and art in all its forms.
A Touch of Pink in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan is a fashion capital and no trip here is complete without a visit to the breathtaking Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glass-roofed arcade bursting with designer boutiques and upscale eateries. Stepping into this historical gem was like entering a timeless world of elegance. It was so exciting and definitely a highlight for me.
Now, I'm all about finding pink gems, even amidst the designer giants. It wasn’t long until I discovered a shop with a window display featuring a glorious pink dress. I just knew it would look fantastic on me and would compliment my tutu so perfectly, which of course, is an absolute must when choosing outfits. The fabric felt divine on my skin – so silky smooth and elegant, like a dream!
I spent hours wandering through the galleries, absorbing the beauty of the architecture, marveling at the extravagant window displays and secretly hoping for an inspirational flash of inspiration.
* Ballet Dreams Come True at La Scala*
On Tuesday, I made my way to La Scala, a breathtakingly grand opera house renowned for its history and impeccable acoustics. The iconic building is a sight to behold – with its ornate façade and statues of mythical figures.
Walking inside, it was like entering another world entirely, one where time seemed to slow down. The velvet seats were sumptuous, the chandeliers dazzling and the overall atmosphere incredibly inspiring. The theatre has so much history to it; imagine all the legends that have walked through its doors over the years.
Tonight’s show, "Giselle", was utterly breathtaking, an emotional roller coaster of breathtaking grace and expressive movement. Each pirouette, each grand jeté seemed to be an embodiment of human emotion – love, sorrow, despair, and hope.
After the show, the feeling in the theatre was magical; you could tell everyone was enthralled by the story told through ballet. The applause echoed through the theatre, a powerful wave of admiration and appreciation for the art of dance. There were even a few tears shed – that's the beauty of ballet, its power to touch us in ways that words can't.
I couldn't resist spending a moment in the grand foyer afterwards, allowing myself to be swept up in the post-show buzz. I couldn't help but notice the twinkle in people's eyes, the shared appreciation for an evening of pure artistry.
Pink Tutu Inspiration in Brera District
Milan is also a place full of hidden artistic treasures and quaint corners waiting to be explored. I decided to wander through the enchanting Brera district, with its cobbled streets lined with art galleries, artisan shops, and charming cafes.
The bohemian atmosphere of the Brera district was a feast for my senses. Each corner seemed to reveal a new piece of history, from the historic architecture of the churches to the captivating paintings housed in the Pinacoteca di Brera.
But it was a small independent boutique I stumbled upon that truly stole my heart. Hidden away on a narrow side street, its windows displayed a collection of quirky, colorful dresses and skirts that instantly captivated me.
It wasn’t long before I discovered my next must-have pink accessory, a bright pink floral scarf. It reminded me of a flower meadow, a reminder of the bright sunshine that I enjoy so much. I instantly felt inspired to create a whole outfit based around this piece of colourful joy and imagine all the possibilities this new addition could bring to my dance wardrobe.
Finding Pink Bliss in Parco Sempione
Later that evening, I decided to soak up the warm Milanese evening in the expansive Parco Sempione, one of the city's green lungs, and an idyllic spot to unwind.
The park is home to several landmarks, including the stunning Sforza Castle and the Arco della Pace. It’s the perfect place to relax and people watch, and the best thing about the park was all the families and children running around, creating joyful noise in the soft, green space.
As the day drew to a close, I felt a sense of overwhelming joy, a sense of belonging to this city full of life and inspiration. The sounds of children laughing echoed in my ears as the golden rays of the sun stretched across the city, making everything shimmer.
It was a day full of amazing encounters and magical memories and there’s just something about being surrounded by all this incredible energy that makes my mind spin with creative inspiration.
What’s next?
For me, the excitement doesn’t end there, in fact, it just gets better from here on.
On Wednesday, I’m heading to the renowned Teatro alla Scala to watch a special production of the “Sleeping Beauty”. It's said to be a truly spectacular performance and I'm absolutely buzzing about getting lost in the world of the fairy tale once more. I’ve even got a new outfit planned for the evening – a shimmering pale pink tulle skirt and a flowing white silk blouse.
I know it will be another evening to treasure.
As for my days out, I'm already planning my next shopping adventures. It’s hard to resist Milan’s lure of gorgeous boutiques, but I do have a strict dress code. No item will be bought if it doesn’t compliment my pink tutu… even though I have enough pink tutus for the rest of my life!
And, as you know, the more beautiful places I see, the more places I can share with you all, as you journey with me through these pink adventures.
Ciao for now,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
