Ciao bella! It’s Wednesday, the 28th of June, 2028, and I'm sitting here in my favourite cafe, tucked away on a quiet side street in Milan. The sun is streaming in through the window, casting a warm glow on the cobbled streets, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of freshly baked croissants and blooming wisteria. It's a perfect summer's day, just waiting to be filled with ballet, shopping, and a little bit of Italian sunshine!
This week’s Milan adventure has already been a whirl of tutus and tiramisu! I arrived on Monday morning, the train journey a blur of Italian countryside and charming towns whizzing by the window. My suitcase was, of course, packed with the perfect blend of tutus, ball gowns and chic Italian staples for my Milanese escapades. The best part about travelling? Matching my outfits to the city! For the train journey, I chose my vintage Parisian chic number with its blush pink tweed skirt and matching beret, a touch of French flair to complement the French-inspired architecture we were passing. I always try to bring a little bit of Pink Tutu flair to my travel looks, after all, spreading the joy of pink tutus is my mission!
Speaking of mission... did you know the #PinkTutuRevolution is taking over the world? My mission, ever since I swapped my Derbyshire countryside for the bright lights of London, is to spread the message that life is just more fabulous in pink. I firmly believe a little pink tulle goes a long way to sprinkle joy onto the everyday, be it a cheeky flash of pink ballet shoes peeping from under your skirt or a fully fledged tutu twirl down a bustling Milanese street. I always receive so much love and laughter when I go for a twirl on my travels, and let me tell you, the joy it brings to my heart is enough to fuel my pink tutu crusade for weeks!
Milan, as you may already know, is the heart of fashion. From its towering catwalks to its opulent boutiques, it oozes style and glamour. For my first foray into the fashion heart of Italy, I chose my bright pink tulle ballerina skirt paired with a crisp white blouse and classic black pumps. It was a timeless silhouette, playful but sophisticated, perfect for strolling through the labyrinthine streets of the city centre and catching glimpses of the breathtaking Duomo.
After my wander through the city, I indulged in the ritual that makes my heart truly sing: a ballet class at the prestigious Milan Ballet Academy! It was a beautiful studio bathed in natural light, filled with graceful ballerinas twirling through their paces. There's nothing like sharing a love for ballet with like-minded souls from across the globe. I even met a beautiful ballerina from Russia who took a keen interest in the Pink Tutu movement. You’d be surprised how many people love the idea, they just need a little nudge and some pink tulle to unleash their inner ballerina!
Of course, no Milanese trip would be complete without a feast of food! We ended the evening at a small, family-run trattoria just a stone’s throw from my apartment, sated on delectable plates of fresh pasta, a creamy gorgonzola risotto, and the freshest bottle of wine the waiter recommended. The atmosphere was vibrant, full of animated conversation and laughter, a perfect blend of traditional Milanese charm and friendly warmth.
But the most extraordinary thing that happened this week was finding a hidden gem - an antique costume shop! It was a tiny shop hidden down a cobbled alley, filled to the brim with stunning costumes, feathered boas, sparkly sequins, and a collection of antique tutus that brought me to my knees. Imagine, a beautiful tulle number from the late 1800s, soft layers of lavender and white, with delicate embroidery and a delicate dusting of sequins. I purchased a vintage Parisian-style ball gown for an upcoming performance at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, just as soon as I arrive back in London. There’s just something special about the way those old fabrics feel against your skin, a sense of history and glamour intertwined.
Oh, and did I mention? Tomorrow, I’m taking a guided tour of La Scala Opera House. This iconic theatre is a temple of opera and classical music. The intricate detail and the story it holds within those walls have me practically vibrating with excitement! Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a photo op in front of this majestic architectural wonder.
This blog wouldn't be complete without some travel tips for all you lovely Pink Tutu readers. For those of you looking to experience the beauty of Milan, I’d recommend exploring the city via its tram network. It’s an economical and easy way to navigate the bustling city and the best way to soak in the atmosphere of local life! As for navigating your way around Milan's chic boutiques and local shops, remember: if you're in doubt, always err on the side of pink! I swear, a dash of pink goes with anything, even that fabulous vintage-style shopping bag from the local market that will surely end up on my next Pink Tutu vlog.
I have so many adventures ahead of me this week, including a magical evening at the opera. I am already dreaming of grand sets, vibrant costumes, and the dramatic spectacle of it all. It’s all a bit much for a girl from Derbyshire, but with a pink tutu and a passion for life, the world feels like my dance floor! I’ll share more next week.
Until then, my dears, wear your hearts on your sleeves and twirl with joy! ??
Love, Emma ?
