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Talbots; Lilly Pulitzer; Kate Spade; Zappos
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see the new Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, which debuts in theaters July 21.
Director Greta Gerwig is sure to have put a visually dazzling, playful spin on the iconic dolls’ ’60s-era romance (which always left me wondering why Barbie had “real” hair while Ken’s was plastic — what did she see in him?).
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Ryan Gosling (left) as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie in "Barbie."
Warner Bros. Pictures
Barbie and I go waaaaay back. I was born in 1957, and she arrived two years later. I think we first met when I was about 4. I’ll never forget it: She was wearing a striped, black-and-white, strapless swimsuit that showed off her impossible curves, and her blonde hair was pulled back in a high ponytail. Don’t even get me started on the kitten heels! It was love at first sight.
To this day, I associate Barbie with such a happy, innocent time in my life. Our family owned a cute, baby-blue VW bug. My bedroom had pink daisy-printed wallpaper and a mirrored dressing table. The Beach Boys ruled the waves, both on and off the radio. We ate Swanson fried chicken TV dinners while watching one of three channels, and drove to Dairy Queen once in a while as a special treat. All seemed right with the world.
Was it in the ’70s, when I was a teenager, that the Barbie doll became synonymous with the color hot pink? It occurred to me back then that her manufacturer, Mattel, was trying to tap into little girls’ preferences and desires by branding it as Barbie’s favorite shade. In retrospect, it was a brilliant — if gender-stereotyping — marketing move. The vibrant hue still signifies femininity, power and, well, hotness!
So now that we are older and wiser (and perhaps feeling hot), let’s celebrate all things pink: watermelon, bubblegum, champagne, lipstick, seashells, diamonds, flamingos, peonies, cotton candy — and Barbie!
How to wear it
Just to be clear, you don’t want to actually wear pink from head to toe like Barbie does. One or two pieces per outfit, tops! You could dress tonally — for example, by pairing a shell-pink tee with pants in a deeper color such as watermelon — but then keep your accessories neutral. Shades of pink pair beautifully with navy, white, olive green and khaki. Combining pink with other pastel shades can be a bit tricky for a mature woman. And steer clear of pink rosebud prints, gingham and eyelet. Too girlie! But add a pair of bubblegum-colored sandals or a fuchsia shawl to an all-white outfit and watch it pop!
Left to right: Old Navy V-Neck Ruffle-Trim Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit for Women in Raspberry Tart ($23, oldnavy.gap.com); AQS Leia 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses in Pink/Black ($40, nordstromrack.com); Cabana Life Coral Geo Off the Shoulder Dress ($132, cabanalife.com)
Old Navy; Nordstrom Rack; Cabana Life
Pretty in pink
Can’t you just see us lounging poolside at the Dreamhouse listening to the transistor radio?
Left to right: Talbots Poplin Patio Skirt - Dotted Damask in White/Aurora Pink ($139, talbots.com); Good American Always Fits Plissé Pants in Pink ($99, anthropologie.com); Chico’s Linen Off-Shoulder Cutwork Top in Bahamian Pink ($70, chicos.com)
Talbots; Anthropologie; Chico’s
Tickled pink
Serving Grasshoppers and pigs in blankets on the patio in the late afternoon?
Left to right: Aqua Athletic High Rise Multi Contrast 7/8 Leggings in Lilac ($68, bloomingdales.com); J.Crew Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater in Vivid Fuchsia ($128, jcrew.com); Keds Kickback Canvas Women’s Shoe in Neon Pink ($60, zappos.com)
Bloomingdale's; J.Crew; Zappos
Pink ladies
Tooling around Malibu in a jazzy Corvette convertible with Skipper riding shotgun?
Left to right: Lilly Pulitzer Waterside Earrings in Kitschy Coral ($58, lillypulitzer.com); AK Anne Klein Women’s Sleeveless Square Neck Solid Fit and Flare Midi Dress in Pink Pansy ($77, belk.com); Steve Madden Lilah Sandal in Hot Pink ($80, zappos.com)
Lilly Pulitzer; Belk; Zappos
In the pink
Rendezvousing with Ken for a hot date (despite his unfortunate hair and strangely featureless body)?
Left to right: Paula & Chlo Tassel Trim Cotton Cashmere Topper in Malibu Pink ($98, paulaandchlo.com); Ann Taylor The Eva Easy Ankle Pant in Pink Charm ($98, ann taylor.com); Kate Spade Gemma Crossbody in Deep Hibiscus ($79, surprise.katespade.com)
Paula & Chlo; Ann Taylor; Kate Spade
Pinky promise
Meeting up with BFF Midge for a girls’ night at the local watering hole to confide about Ken problems?
Barbie has gone through so much in her long life, from breaking up with Ken to being a model, a teacher, an aerobics instructor and an astronaut! Over the years, she’s sported many different fashion trends and hairstyles, as well as experiencing some significant bodily changes. Haven’t we all?
Bravo, Barbie! You’re my girl! Keep reinventing yourself and helping us to do the same!
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