Ciao bellas!
Emma here, writing to you from the heart of Milan! Can you believe it's Wednesday already? Time just flies when you're in a city this beautiful, vibrant and stylish.
This week in Milan has been an absolute dream. I arrived on Sunday and have barely stopped since! Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Milan without a visit to the Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Opera House). This legendary building is the embodiment of elegance and history.
This trip is actually partly funded by my latest ballet performance - I got the chance to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy in a production of The Nutcracker in Derbyshire (don't tell anyone, but my costume was a very particular shade of pink!). The fees from that allowed me to splurge on this little jaunt to Milan, and I've been trying to make the most of it!
This week has been a whirlwind of amazing sights, delicious food (Milan, you are the pasta queen!), and enough fashion inspiration to keep my head spinning for months. I'm starting to think it should be renamed La Città Rosa, which means The Pink City. There’s just something about the way this city makes me feel, and it seems to have embraced pink too. Every street corner has some fabulous colour!
Fashion and Frills
So, first things first, the fashion. Milan is THE city for it. Think catwalks, sleek stores, stylish boutiques, and enough gorgeous garments to fill a whole new wardrobe (and I have one of those already!). I have to say, I've fallen in love with the classic elegance that runs through Milanese fashion. Think silk scarves, classic coats, tailored trousers, and killer heels. Oh, and don't forget the accessories – statement jewellery and elegant bags are always essential in Milan!
Speaking of bags, I finally decided to treat myself to a beautiful new bag! It's a soft leather, blush pink tote, perfectly roomy enough to carry my ballet shoes, tutu, and other essentials (including a bag of pistachio gelato – it's a Milan necessity, trust me!). It felt a little decadent, but it's a lovely reminder of my trip. I found it tucked away in a little, charming boutique just off Corso Buenos Aires - my favourite shopping street for exploring. I love browsing through the vintage stores, you never know what treasures you might find!
Tram Adventures and Ballet Bliss
While I've certainly been indulging my inner fashionista, I haven't neglected my ballet fix either! Let’s be honest, every city needs a little dose of dancing, right? And there's something so magical about seeing a performance in a different country, a city known for its rich artistic heritage. It felt a bit like stepping back in time to witness ballet's grandeur. The performance I saw, “Romeo and Juliet,” took my breath away. I've never seen so much passion and beauty displayed in a dance performance before.
I've also found time to fit in a few ballet classes, something I always try to do whenever I travel. It's the perfect way to get to know the local dance scene, connect with other dancers, and stay on top of my technique. The dance studio I found in the Navigli neighbourhood is actually quite amazing – the studio has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a canal. You can see gondolas gliding past, just like in Venice, but you don't get the pesky pigeons.
To get around the city, I’ve embraced Milan’s public transport system. Riding the tram has been a fun experience. The locals seem to glide past, effortlessly cool. The trams themselves are vintage-style and quite elegant, not to mention eco-friendly (always a good thing, in my book!).
Eating my way through Milan
And of course, no trip to Milan is complete without trying the delicious food! So far, I’ve sampled an insane amount of pasta (including some absolutely dreamy carbonara!), the most divine pizza (oh, the mozzarella!), and I’m on a mission to try as much of the local gelato as I can (there’s a hidden gelato shop in the Quadrilatero della Moda, a true hidden gem!) It’s all so tempting! The smells that drift out from the food stalls alone are enough to make your mouth water! It’s a good job I always carry my pink (naturally) tote bag!
But the real highlight was finding this little gem of a cafe in the Brera district. It was tucked away in a charming little alley, decorated with fresh flowers and vines. I ended up ordering the most divine, light salad with goat’s cheese and artichokes and drank some limoncello. The cafe’s name? “Rosa’s Cafe.” Seriously! Do you think there's a theme here? I think it was fate.
Milan by Night
I’ve been out exploring the city by night, too. There’s a real buzz in the air. I have to say, the way Milan looks at night with all the twinkling lights, makes me think the pink lights were installed to match my vision! From the magical Duomo with its intricate details, illuminated in soft lights, to the vibrant Piazza del Duomo filled with tourists and locals, everything about the city felt utterly charming at night.
The vibe is pretty exciting and there are lots of little restaurants and bars bustling with people enjoying the Milanese nightlife.
I did a walking tour of the city’s famous fashion district, which was an incredible way to get up close with some of Milan's most iconic architectural buildings, shops and designer boutiques.
I saw the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the spectacular shopping arcade that's full of top-notch fashion designers. This was definitely an I-must-try-and-see-it moment! Even just looking at all the intricate glass windows and the gorgeous décor had me feeling giddy and glamorous!
Milan truly has something for everyone, from high fashion to classic elegance, delicious food and a rich history. Oh, and I can’t forget the beautiful music, especially around the Teatro alla Scala, which has been hosting operas, ballets and concerts for centuries!
As I sit here in my hotel room, sipping a glass of prosecco, I can't help but smile at the thought of the past few days. Milan has filled my senses with vibrant colors, delicious food and endless fashion inspiration! But you know what? Nothing really makes my day like spotting a fellow pink tutu lover out and about. That little spark of colour and joyful femininity. I have a hunch this beautiful city has more pink in store for me, but that's a story for another time...
See you all next week on the Pink Tutu website! And remember, don't be afraid to let your inner ballerina shine, in a beautiful, joyful, and fabulously pink tutu.
Keep it sparkling, Emma xo
