I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world

5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock this summer's viral Barbiecore trend

C'mon Barbie, let's go party in pink.

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Photos of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on the set of the new Barbie movie have been breaking the internet this summer. They are rockin' everything we love about the iconic Barbie and Ken duo; from the costumes to the hairstyles — fans can't get enough.

While audiences will have to wait an entire year until the live-action movie hits theaters (the release date is July 21, 2023), the Barbiecore trend is already here.

What is Barbiecore? It is everything pink, sparkly and fun. On-trend types can make Barbiecore their own with style and sophistication or bust old Barbies out of storage for nostalgic campy inspo. Have fun and go full tilt with head-to-toe pink for the perfect 'fit, or add a pop of color with a perfectly pink bag, nails, or shoes.

Houston's legendary Lizzo is just one of the celebs jumping on the Barbiecore trend igniting her IG feed with lovely pink hair and a hot pink Valentino ensemble for the Los Angeles premiere of Lizzo's Watch Out For the Big Grrrls. Most recently, Jennifer Lopez stepped out in sky-high blush pink platform heels on a trip to the Louvre during her romantic Parisian honeymoon with Ben Affleck.

Locals don't have to be a celebrity to have fun in this Barbie-inspired moment. Here is a sampling of where to stock up on your Barbiecore essentials in Houston.

Jewelry
Pink + Diamonds = Barbie, and there is no better place to snap up pink bling than Post Oak favorite, Zadok Jewelers. Or head to popular local jeweler Brenda Grands for the Texas Druzy Necklace in Rose Gold. At either locale, stack rings, necklaces and bracelets for a maximalist Barbiecore look.

Clothing
So much pink clothing and so little time. Frock Shop consistently carries an array of fun dresses — whether out on a date with your own Ken, to the office or dressing up for an occasion — fans are in capable hands at this ultra-glam boutique. Fnd a more casual Barbie aesthetic at Marine Layer in Heights Mercantile — ultra cool pieces that fit and flatter.

Shoes
Channel your inner Barbie with a pair of pink kicks from River Oaks' finest Italian shoe store Clorinda Antinori. Made by hand in Tuscany, these shoes are elegant and timeless, making it easy to pop on a pair of wedges, flats or shimmery loafers. Go all Houston with a pair of pink cowboy boots and Lucchese in Highland Village delivers with their best-selling Gaby Two-Tone Boot in coral.

Nails
Pink nails are having a moment and clean beauty destination Paloma Beauty, known for its well-curated selection of safe products, is a hot spot for effortless mani-pedis. For those looking for pink nail art like Khloe Kardashian, Fizz Nail Lounge doubles down on big-impact tips.

Handbags
Houstonians Jodi and Jamie of JJ Olivier just dropped their line of luxury leather handbags, and we will be wearing the Carmalite Crossbody and the Minette Wallet with every outfit until further notice, thank you. CityCentre favorite, Brahmin, celebrated for their croc embossed leather handbags, has several styles in an irresistible shade of orchid pink metallic called Potion Melbourne. Snag one for a complete Barbiecore look.

Houston-born Lizzo is rocking the Barbiecore trend with pink tresses.

Lizzo/Instagram

Houston-born Lizzo is rocking the Barbiecore trend with pink tresses.

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POSH PICKS

Irish retailer Primark brings discount clothing to first Houston store

Photo courtesy of Primark

U.K. retailer Primark, brings its low priced, trend heavy fashion to the Houston market for the first time.

European import Primark is finally landing in the Houston area. Shoppers will be able to score budget-friendly finds at Katy Mills Mall when the fast-fashion giant, known for leaning into trend-forward clothing, opens its doors on Thursday, November 20.

The brand started in Dublin in 1969 under the name Penney's before switching to Primark to avoid competition with U.S. heavyweight J.C. Penny's as it expanded outside Ireland. Today, it operates in 11 countries with 470 stores worldwide, including over 175 in the United Kingdom. Its largest outpost in Birmingham is a massive 161,000 square feet covering five floors.

While the store can't compete with the U.K. version's size, coming in at 30,000 square feet, the prices more than make up for it. Shoppers can expect women's denim starting at $12, men's t-shirts at $5, and kids' sweatshirts at $8. For about the price of a family meal at the food court, shoppers can pull together looks for the whole crew. In terms of quality, price, and style, its biggest competitors are H&M and Zara.

primark Shoppers will line up at Katy Mills Mall as Primark opens its first Houston area store on November 20.Photo courtesy of Primark/Instagram

The Katy opening is Primark's third Texas location, following McAllen and El Paso, and is part of the company's expansion across the United States. New stores are rolling out in Illinois and in Grapevine next month. In a statement, Primark U.S. President Kevin Tulip said, "These vibrant retail destinations in Texas reflect the incredible demand we're seeing across the country for affordability without sacrifice. As we continue to grow, we remain laser-focused on delivering unbeatable value and fashion that fits every family's lifestyle."

To celebrate the grand opening, Primark will offer a weekend of fun, family-friendly activities, including live music, giveaways, and delicious treats for early-bird arrivals. Shoppers will find a full mix of women's and men's fashion, kids' clothing, accessories, homeware, and beauty once the doors open at Katy Mills on November 20.

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