Add A Touch of Barbie Glam To Your Life

Boomers and GenXer’s are all too familiar with Barbie. Barbie was a key part of our lives growing up. As modern empty nesters, we remember vividly our friends who had Barbie dolls during our childhood. We played with Barbie regularly, dressed her, practiced self-care and tucked her into bed at night. She was a big part of many little girls childhoods. And now Barbie is coming to life on July 21st in theaters near you. Barbiemania is everywhere and pink is the new “it” color. It’s a fun time to ride the Barbie wave and add a touch of Barbie glam to your own life!

Barbie Comes To Life

Today, Barbie is released in theaters. Sheer curiosity will send many of our generation to see real-life Barbie in the flesh– something we could only dream of as children. This new 2023 fantasy comedy movie is directed by Greta Gerwig and co-stars Margot Robbie as Barbie with Ryan Gosling as Ken. Great casting mixed with nostalgia will no doubt appeal to many Boomers and GenXers. Both Robbie and Gosling seem perfect for the parts. Marketing has been relentless. Let’s see if Greta Gerwig is able to preserve her image of Barbie in our minds or shatter it?

Barbie Is a Boomer

Barbie turned 64 this year, making her a Boomer. The iconic doll was first introduced in 1959 as Barbie, short for Barbara Millicent Roberts. She was an adult figured, 11-inch doll created by Ruth Handler, the first President of Mattel, then a family owned business. Her presence revolutionized the toy industry. She was a huge departure from the typical baby dolls on the market. In fact, she was specifically created to fill in the gap for older girls who no longer wished to play with baby dolls. Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, appeared two years later. Although Ken’s sales never took off like those of Barbie’s, it was fun for Barbie to have a male playmate. Ken always felt like an accessory to Barbie, not receiving as much attention or respect from either Mattel’s marketing or little girls for that matter. Maybe that was the point. It was all about Barbie and her world. Ken would have to fit into it. Little girls new it and ran with it.

Barbie Has Experienced Her Fair Share of Controversy

Over the years, Barbie has experienced her fair share of controversy. Despite high sales from the outset, Barbie offended many feminists, who saw Barbie as the wrong role model for young children. Her figure was unhealthy, unrealistic and inappropriate. She was materialistic. Her values were not always aligned with mainstream society. To fix that, Mattel gave her an image makeover. And with that, despite initial resistance, Barbie found her way into millions of homes and hearts over the years.

Despite her popularity, there has always been a love-hate relationship with Barbie. More criticisms have since emerged. Her unrealistic body has contributed to body image issues. The Barbie line was not diverse. She has been seen as too perfect and even too aspirational. Yet, she is also praised as breaking female stereotypes. She has shown the world that women can be independent, working professionals — a societal mantra that was not at all embraced when she was first launched in the late 1950s. She’s a college graduate, with over 200 careers under her belt. She encourages girls to go into STEM careers. Reach for the stars by becoming an astronaut. She’s been a surgeon and veterinarian. She has had a career in the arts as a fashion model and ballerina. She’s worked up the corporate ladder, was a presidential candidate and an Olympic athlete. Barbie is smart, independent, fashionable, pretty, lives in beautiful Malibu, loves to travel and isn’t afraid of expressing herself.

Childhood Memories with Barbie

So, while you may want to dismiss everything #Barbie and #Barbiecore, fond memories of your childhood keep popping up with every ad. Images of life’s simpler times emerge. Quiet times in your room chatting incessantly with Barbie. Easy playdates for hours with your neighborhood bestie and Barbie. Slumber parties alongside Barbie’s Dream House. Good times with pink everywhere.

But she was more than just the color pink. Barbie provided kids downtime, lighting up their imaginations. Daily moods were often reflected during playtime. She was an outlet for kids to privately voice their frustrations, anxieties or goals. Her relationship with Ken often mirrored that of parents … or perhaps what kids wished they had. Dress up was made easy with Barbie’s plethora of interchangeable outfits. Kids learned how to french braid with the Barbie Styling Head. They had her convertible, her clothes, her hopes, her dreams.

We all remember and miss those carefree days. So why not add a touch of Barbie glam to your life? It will bring a touch of whimsy, style, and sweet nostalgia back into your world.

Add Some Bold Barbie Glam

Here are some fabulous ways to add a touch of bold Barbie glam to your life:

• Fashion Forward: The fashion industry is all abuzz with Barbiecore pink. Embrace Barbie-inspired fashion with bright pink colors, playful prints, and chic accessories. Mix and match your outfits to create a fun and vibrant look that exudes confidence and style. Rock those pink pumps, sport some oversized sunglasses, and don’t be afraid to experiment with bold looks that embody Barbie’s confidence!

• Outdoor Fun Is A Must: Barbie lives in Malibu, so outdoor fun is a must! Think fun in the sun, outdoor entertaining, beach and pool time! Rock those pink sunglasses!

• Doll Up Your Space: Doll up your living space with some Barbie-inspired decor. Incorporate pink accents, cute throw pillows, and artwork with a touch of whimsy and charm to your home. A pop of color brings happiness every time you see it!

• Bold Barbie Beauty Easy: It’s easy to add a little bold Barbie beauty. Experiment with Barbie-inspired makeup looks. Whether it’s a bold pink lip or winged eyeliner reminiscent of her classic style, you’ll be channeling Barbie’s confidence and flair in no time. Experiment with vibrant eyeshadows to add a pop of color. Remember, it’s all about adding some fun to your own personal style!

Barbie Embraces Expression

Whether you love her or hate her, Barbie has taught us that expressing ourselves with our own individuality is what matters. Pursue your passions and let your personality shine. As modern empty nesters, this is a great reminder to dream big! By adding a little Barbie to your life, you will embrace the fun, playfulness, and nostalgia you once had as a kid with Barbie. So don’t be afraid to unleash your inner Barbie add a touch of Barbie glam into your life!