In the 1st grade, my best friend Katie and I played with our Barbies together every day. You see, by some magical coincidence my family rented the home next door to hers while our real home was being renovated. Which meant, there was seemingly no end to our time spent managing Barbie’s social calendar. Every day there was another pool party, followed by a workout, then a Corvette cruise over to the beach – perhaps even finished off with a dune buggy ride. Not to mention the A list parties she attended. Katie and I had to work overtime to punch even the minimum of holes in Barbie’s proverbial dance card. But that’s the thing about Barbie. She’s on the move. A thoroughly busy, modern woman. In today’s world she gets a bad rap for her unattainable body measurements and privileged lifestyle. But, what some seem to miss about Barbie is that she has always owned her image. Unapologetic about her love of pink, inappropriate office attire and refusal to take a last name. Speaking of, how about that long relationship with Ken that she is uninterested in defining? Yes, it’s clear she is a gal with her own agenda. And we are here for it. Especially when it comes to fashion.
In the upcoming “Barbie” movie set to debut on July 21, the director Great Gerwig imagines a life for Barbie in a ‘real world’ outside of Barbie Land. Not unexpectedly, in the real-world Barbie is ridiculed for all kinds of things (especially her wardrobe). Through it all she manages to stay true to herself and trust her instincts; fashion and otherwise. Always exemplifying a woman who marches to the beat of her own drum.
Drawing inspiration from the movie and Barbie’s enduring sense of fun, let’s imagine how we might channel our inner Barbie throughout the years.
20’s Barbie
Barbie Neon Sign, Etsy
Chateau Mini Dress, Pronto
Barbie™/ Kendra Scott Gold Pearl Charm, Kendra Scott
Amina Muaddi Bag, UAL
Palm Tree Heels, Elizabeth Chronicles
Miranda Heel, Pronto
30 & 40’s Barbie
Carnival Proteus Fleur x Chairish, Fleur Home, Alexa Pulitzer/Bene Bag, Febe
Giambattista Valli Dress, Pilot/Powell
Headband, Lele Sadoughi
Tuxedo Romper, Saks
Cult Gaia Ostrich Feather Bag, Neiman Marcus
Open Heart Earrings, Bloomingdale’s
I.N.C. Lace Up Heels, Macy’s
50’s & 60’s Barbie
Alice and Olivia Slitted Pants, Saks
Alice and Olivia Silk Top, Saks
Darling Long Earring, Pronto
Caddis Sunglasses, Similar styles at By George at the St. Vincent Hotel
Cult Gaia Sandal, So SuSu
JW Anderson Bag, Joseph
70 & 80’s Barbie
Iris Setlakwe Suit, Ballin’s Ltd
Fireball Pearl Necklace, Rau Antiques
Prada Twill Scarf, Saks Fifth Avenue
Pink Sapphire Ring, Lee Michael’s
Prota Fiori Mules, Saks Fifth Avenue
Magda Butrim Satin Pearl Bag, Moda Operandi
Sale Picks:
July 20, 1 p.m.: Unreserved Auction, online only, Neal Auction
Ongoing: up to 50-75%, Weinstein’s
