Ciao Bella! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Milan! This week's blog is brought to you straight from the bustling streets of Milano! Oh my goodness, the energy here is just intoxicating! The sun is shining, the gelato is calling, and I'm completely besotted with this fabulous city!
Now, as you all know, Milan is practically a synonym for style, fashion, and well, a whole lot of pink! Speaking of which, I've got this exquisite blush pink tutu on, and you won't believe the compliments I've been receiving! Honestly, people just can't get enough of it. My aim is to inspire the world to wear pink tutus, and with each journey, it feels like I'm one step closer.
But enough about tutus! This week's been a whirlwind of beauty and adventure! I arrived on Monday morning, having caught the most glorious train journey from Venice. Imagine miles of stunning Italian countryside flying by, with sunshine glinting off vineyards, and the air filled with the scent of olive groves.
And as soon as I set foot in Milano Centrale, I was hit with the magic of this place! It was bustling with energy, full of the chatter of excited locals and tourists alike. And it just felt...sparkly! That's the best way to describe it.
My first port of call was to my lovely Airbnb apartment. It's in a quaint little cobbled street tucked away just off Corso Buenos Aires. My window overlooks a beautiful little courtyard filled with fragrant bougainvillea and bubbling fountains.
That afternoon, I went on a tram ride around the city. Honestly, I just couldn't get enough of the architecture. From grand Art Deco buildings to gothic churches, every turn unveiled another masterpiece. I just kept scribbling away in my journal, trying to capture all the details of these stunning buildings. It was just impossible to not feel inspired.
I made my way to the heart of the fashion district and found myself browsing in some of the most exclusive boutiques in the world! The sheer scale and quality of the designer garments was astonishing.
And of course, no trip to Milan is complete without indulging in some gelato. The combination of rich, creamy flavours and crunchy textures made my taste buds sing! I went for a decadent scoop of pistachio and raspberry, topped with a generous sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a dollop of whipped cream. It was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!
My evenings have been a kaleidoscope of ballet and opera performances! This week I saw the most breathtaking performance of Swan Lake at the Teatro alla Scala. The grace and beauty of the dancers was truly spellbinding, and I found myself completely transported to another world. I loved seeing how different audiences express their emotions after performances, here it is a standing ovation for everything and anything!
You know what? Milan has this incredible ability to make you feel incredibly sophisticated. The energy is buzzing with the pursuit of art and beauty. It's contagious. I can already feel myself walking a little bit taller, a little more stylish!
Tonight is another ballet show, but tomorrow I'll be attending a fantastic fashion event hosted by an amazing local designer. I've been looking forward to it for weeks, and you know I'll be showcasing my love of pink!
This week's blog would be incomplete without mentioning my absolutely sensational lunch yesterday at Trattoria Mario! They say it's one of the best traditional restaurants in Milan, and let me tell you, the pasta was phenomenal! Every mouthful was a burst of flavour, and I was practically licking the plate clean.
Honestly, Milan is such a delicious blend of the modern and traditional, and I just know this journey will inspire me for many more Pink Tutu blog posts to come.
And you know, the best part of it all? It all started with my dream of spreading a little bit of joy and whimsy wherever I go! And a little pink tutu certainly helps! So, if you see a pink tutu bouncing through Milan, it's just me, spreading a little bit of ballerina magic around the world.
Catch you next week, darlings!
Love, Emma
xxx
P.S Don't forget to visit Pink Tutu on www.pink-tutu.com for all your ballet and fashion news!
Fashion Update - My Pink Tutu Wish ListNow, we've all got a little wish list tucked away in the back of our minds, right? For me, this week, it's all about those gorgeous, sophisticated pieces I've spotted in Milan! Here are a few pieces that I've fallen head-over-heels for, and that I'll be on the hunt for soon!
- A vintage pink scarf
As a ballerina, you might be thinking, why a scarf? Well, let me tell you, a simple silk scarf is an absolutely fabulous accessory! Wrap it around your hair, tie it around your bag, or drape it across your shoulders for that chic Italian look. I found this exquisite, delicate vintage pink scarf that would look absolutely sensational with my blush pink tutu.
- A pair of chunky statement earrings
Oh, you know I adore my jewellery! This week, my eyes were drawn to some truly spectacular statement earrings, and my absolute favourite was this pair of chunky, geometric silver hoops. They would go so perfectly with a simple black dress, a romantic flowy top, and obviously, with my gorgeous tutu.
- A stylish straw hat
A stylish straw hat is a must-have accessory in the summer months. I'm thinking of something that would look fantastic paired with a floaty sundress and my pink tutu, of course. The Italian summers can get quite hot, and this hat would be the perfect way to shield my face from the sunshine! I found this amazing wide-brimmed hat, that I think would look absolutely amazing paired with my pink tutu.
- A sleek pair of designer ballet flats
Yes, of course I'm all about those exquisite pink tutus, but I need some fabulous footwear to complement my outfits! I absolutely adored this pair of sleek black ballerina flats with a delicate pink bow. They would be perfect for wandering through Milan's charming cobbled streets or taking in a ballet performance!
- A chic black handbag
A chic handbag is always essential! For Milan, I wanted a classic, stylish black handbag with a modern twist. I discovered this absolutely breathtaking, minimalist leather handbag. Its timeless elegance would go perfectly with any outfit, and I can't wait to show it off while I'm in Milano.
So, these are the beauties on my list! If you see anything else that you think I should add, let me know!
Milan's Culinary DelightsYou can't talk about Milan without mentioning its delectable food scene. Seriously, this city is a haven for food lovers. And let's face it, this ballerina needs to keep her energy levels up for all those twirls!
This week I've been on a quest to discover the most authentic and delectable treats that Milano has to offer. And oh my, what a delicious adventure it's been.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Risotto alla Milanese: It wouldn't be a trip to Milan without tasting this traditional dish. It's made with saffron, giving it a beautiful golden hue, and is infused with rich, creamy flavours. I tried it at this wonderful, family-run trattoria in the heart of Milan, and the chefs make it with their secret recipe, and they don't even put it on the menu! You have to know to order it! I loved the rich and buttery flavours of the risotto, paired with the light and airy textures. It was the perfect comfort food.
- Ossobuco: This dish is truly iconic to Milan. It's a slow-cooked veal shank, tenderized to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The creamy polenta and robust red wine sauce made it the ultimate dish for the cold Milan nights!
- Panettone: I have to mention this incredible festive dessert! This fluffy, sweet bread studded with raisins and candied fruit is an absolute must-try during Christmas time. But believe me, it's also delicious to try year-round! I've discovered the most amazing bakery on Via Moscova where they have the most stunning variety of panettones to choose from.
- Gelato: Of course, we can't forget gelato! This sweet, creamy treat is a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day in Milan. I went to this little gelato shop just off Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and had a taste of their incredible selection of gelato. They had flavours like hazelnut, coffee, ricotta, and fig, but the one that stole my heart was their pistachio. You really can't get a better pistachio gelato in all of Milano, or Italy for that matter!
Now, if you are anything like me, then budget-friendly travels are absolutely key! Luckily, Milan has a whole load of beautiful, free things to see! Just like the lovely Derbyshire countryside I call home, I like to enjoy myself without breaking the bank! Here are just a few tips for making the most of Milan without spending a fortune!
Explore the free attractions! Milan is blessed with some incredible museums, gardens, and cathedrals that don't charge a penny! I would definitely recommend visiting these beauties!
- The Duomo: Milan's magnificent cathedral, which is awe-inspiring!
- Parco Sempione: This beautiful green space offers an oasis away from the city's hustle and bustle, it's an amazing place to wander!
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: It's like a beautiful grand arcade that will leave you breathless! Don't forget to toss a coin for good luck while spinning around on the bull mosaic.
Discover the city's free museums. There are many fantastic free museums around Milan, but you might have to choose one or two. I was lucky to catch a free day at the Museo del Novecento. If you're into art and history, I highly recommend it! Be sure to check each museum's website for free entrance days or special offers!
Have lunch or dinner on a terrace. I found these fabulous places with the best views over Milan, and a really lovely atmosphere! A simple panini or plate of pasta in one of these romantic outdoor dining spots could be just as delightful as a fancy restaurant. And the price tag is definitely friendlier. If you catch a clear evening, you'll have an absolutely sensational view of the Milan skyline.
Take a walk! Milan is a city meant to be discovered on foot! Meander along the enchanting cobbled streets and let the charm of the city reveal itself to you. And don't forget to grab a delicious coffee from one of the local cafes. I like to make my coffee last a little longer by bringing a book with me to enjoy the city from a beautiful bench. And sometimes a street performance pops up to liven things up a little!
Don't worry, all my Pink Tutu followers! Here's the lowdown on how I plan to make it to this lovely Italian City.
- Travel by train - Milan is fantastically well-connected via train. It's a dream for train journeys from cities all around Europe. I took the sleeper train from Venice and arrived refreshed and ready for more adventures!
- Learn a few Italian phrases. Learning just a few basic phrases in Italian can make a big difference! Don't be afraid to say 'ciao' or 'grazie' to people. Locals will appreciate it, and it'll help break the ice!
- Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes! I swear, this city was built for exploring, and that means doing a lot of walking.
- Always carry a bottle of water.
- Don't forget your camera I just know that I'll have to capture the magic of this beautiful city, so make sure you have your phone or a camera to take all the amazing pictures. But my favourite way of capturing things is in my journal, and there's just nothing like an original hand-drawn sketch.
I'm signing off for this week. It's been such a pleasure sharing these adventures with you, but as they say, in Italy "il dolce far niente" is just waiting to be enjoyed. Until next time, dear readers. Stay beautiful and happy!
Love, Emma
xxx
P.S I can't wait to share more fashion finds with you! Have you found any great Milan-inspired style additions? Leave me a comment below with what you've been shopping for!
