• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Houston First
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

IT'S A BARBIE WORLD

Come on Barbie, let's go party: Houston's ultimate guide to fashion, food, and fun celebrating summer's hottest movie

Gabi De la Rosa
Jul 18, 2023 | 3:10 pm

Houston fans are gearing up live out their Barbie and Ken goals in anticipation of this year's biggest blockbusters.

As we know, Houstonians love a good themed event and plenty Barbie-fied action awaits. Look for pink food and drink specials just about everywhere. Fans can get cupcakes, cocktails, and even Barbie-themed gelato throughout the month.

Of course, Barbie and Ken wannabes can expect fun Barbie-themed events going on across the city. And no Barbiecore happening would be complete without those hot pink looks (we were the first in town to showcase those last year). Get ready for weeks of pink-filled fun, as we've curated the ultimate list of Barbie-approved events, fashion finds, and food/drink options in Houston.

Barbie eats and drinks

8th Wonder Brewery

Mattel meets Montrose at 8th Wonder Brewery. The EaDo brewery features their Montrosé, a rosé style sour perfect for Barbie fans and moviegoers. This limited-release brew can be found in a pink can at select retailers, some HEBs, and 8th Wonder. The beer is tart, bright, and elegant - a perfect pairing for triple-digit heat.

Axelrad

Axelrad is the Midtown dream bar for Barbie enthusiasts. Those planning to see the summer blockbuster can stop into Axelrad between July 21 and August 4 for the Barbie Girl, a vodka-based cocktail featuring passion fruit, watermelon, and lemon.

Brasserie 19

Brasserie 19 is celebrating the release of Barbie the movie with an extra pink Sunday Funday. Food and cocktail specials will include pink Berry Madeleines with a White Chocolate Sabayon, a Barbie Cosmopolitan and Beyond The Pink cocktail.

Citizens of Montrose

The brand-new Australian café has the ultimate dish in honor of the film. The "Margot Robbie (Barbie bowl)" consists of dragonfruit, orange, lemon, and agave, topped with apple, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, and bee pollen. It is a hot pink color and surely something Barbie (or Margot Robbie) would enjoy. The actress is from Australia, adding another great touch to the Aussie café. Pair it with a Velvet Latte for the perfect pink pairing.

Crave

Cupcake lovers can indulge in the new, never-been-done-before cupcake flavor: a soft, yellow birthday cake cupcake topped with a buttery, sweet strawberry frosting and decked out with pink and yellow sprinkles - from July 10 through July 30. In addition to the special cupcake, Crave will also have a limited edition Malibu Dream Chiller - an ice-blended strawberry frosting drink topped with whipped cream and pinktastic sprinkles.

Le Jardinier at MFAH

The Bastion Collection's Le Jardinier at MFAH has introduced a bright pink seasonal dessert that is part of the new summer Seasonal Expression menu. Crafted by Pastry Chef Tiffani Ann Gkaris under the leadership of Michelin-starred Chef Salvatore Martone, the fresh delight includes Strawberry Mousse, Crème de Citron, and Mint Gelee. Like all of the selections on Le Jardinier's menu, this beautiful presentation not only pleases the eye but also the palate.

Kirby Ice House

Let's toast to a summer filled with pink-tinted memories at Kirby Ice House, Houston's go-to bar for refreshing libations. Grab your girl gang and swing by to sip on the Kirby Skinny Frose, a drink that perfectly complements the launch of the iconic Barbie movie. Guests can take advantage of the specials on Wednesday at the Kirby Ice House in Memorial or Thursday at the Upper Kirby location, when this Barbie-themed drink will be only $4.

Mandito's Tex-Mex

Celebrate the release of the new Barbie movie with Mandito's delicious pink cocktails. For the perfect light pink refresher, check out their Mexico City Gin and Tonic. For those craving something more classic, try their Paloma. Looking for something even more Barbie-themed? Try the perfectly pink Hibiscus Paloma with a hibiscus salt rim.

Marmo

The ultimate way to live like Barbie is with a pink cocktail. Try Marmo's handcrafted hot pink cocktail, the Sprezzatura featuring Reyka vodka, Campari, pineapple, raspberry, and a splash of prosecco.

Monkeys Tail

Known for its fun and cocktails, the summer cocktail that stands out in Barbie's world: the Basil Sandia Gimlet. Gin, rum, watermelon juice, lime, simple syrup, and basil make this the most refreshing drink for summer.

Ojo de Agua

Get dolled up before seeing the blockbuster hit in theaters, and stop by Ojo de Agua for the perfect accessory: a bright, fuchsia-colored cocktail. In the posh River Oaks District, Ojo de Agua serves a Dragon Fruit Margarita made with rosé, dragon fruit, and lime. After a cocktail, walk to ROD's iPIC theater to see Barbie on the big screen.

The Waffle Bus

The Waffle Bus is blending its trademark sweetness with a Barbie twist. Available at both brick-and-mortar locations (Heights and Montrose) on July 21 only, the Think Pink Waffle (freshly baked waffle, sweet cream, caramel, fresh strawberries, strawberry pink whipped cream, topped with pink sugar crystals) is the perfect treat to celebrate the premiere of summer's hottest movie.

Barbie-themed events

Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

Hop in and ride to the world's first two-screen rooftop movie theater. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown is excited to announce the screening of Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

Tickets are available July 20 through August 9 and include a special new ticket type with a Barbie-inspired pink hard seltzer.

Outschool

Known for its wide range of fun classes, Outschool brings Barbie fun to kids this summer. They have live, online class options for kids to explore, including Barbie Fashion Design, Barbie Story Time and Show & Tell, Barbie Makeup play time, and more.

Barbiecore fashion

Let's get down to what matters: Barbie-approved fashion. We have curated a list of fashionable items in the icon's signature pink pallet for those throwing a Barbie Dream House fete, heading to the movie premiere, or just rockin' the Barbiecore vibe. After all, in a world where you can be anything, why not be someone dressed in utter pink perfection?

Fossil

The limited edition Fossil x Barbie collab is for those who like bling. The double-wrap leather strap is decked out with nostalgia charms that will deliver a dose of Barbie into every outfit. Available at Nordstrom and Fossil.

Glitz and glam on your wrist in this double wrap watch from Fossil. Photo by Fossil

Hemline

Trade in the comfy tennis shoes for these cute pink heels from Hemline Woodway. Dress them up for a Malibu Dream House party or just about any occasion.

Dress up or down in these versatile Mylo heels from Hemline Woodway. Photo by Mylo

Jentry Kelley

Move over, Ken; Barbie is taking the wheel. Houston makeup maven Jentry Kelley relaunched one of her signature colors, Barbie Car, just before the movie premiere. The sheer lip gloss is ultra-flattering on almost anyone, with a subtle hint of pink.

Jentry Kelley relaunched lip gloss Barbie Car just in time for the movie premiere. Photo by Jentry Kelley

Kendra Scott

Inspired by positivity, individuality, and inclusion, the latest collaborative Barbie x Kendra Scott collection features several classic Kendra Scott silhouettes in classic Barbie hot pink colors. The capsule collection includes three necklaces, two bracelets, and four earrings.

Like last year's collection, Scott is working with the Barbie Dream Gap Project, a global initiative that supports Girls Inc.'s mission to empower a new generation of leaders. For every Barbie x Kendra Scott Emilie Stud Earrings purchase, Kendra Scott is donating 20 percent of the purchase price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project.

For every Barbie x Kendra Scott Emilie Stud Earrings purchase, Kendra Scott is donating 20 percent of the purchase price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project.Photo by Kendra Scott

Lele Sadoughi

Made to perfectly accentuate the eponymous brand's earrings, headbands, and sunglass chains, these heart-shaped beauties look good and ensure UVA/UVB protection. Let's go, Barbie.

Pink accessories? Yes! Especially these heart glasses by Lele Sadoughi. Photo by Lele Sadoughi

Love Shack Fancy

The brand's signature Natasha Dress returns in 100% polka dot dobby cotton. This easy frock features double-ruffled flutter sleeves, front and back ruffles, and an elastic waist. Intricate custom lace panels are inset and trim the skirt's flounces.

LSF never disappoints with their signature ruffles. Photo by LoveShackFancy

Milano Nail Spa

The newest location of Milano Nail Spa in the Galleria at 5000 Westheimer Road, Suite 610, invites fans to immerse themselves in a Barbie world! The talented technicians have you covered, from the vibrant colors inspired by the film to glitters to any design you wish. Taking the festivities to new heights, Milano Nail Spa – Galleria exclusively carries the OPI x Barbie Collection. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail while getting pampered like Barbie.

Milano Nail Spa is offering the ultimate in Barbie-tastic nail colors. Photo by Duc Hoang

Nordstrom

Recreate Barbie magic or turn every head in the room in the Andy Sequin Strapless Jumpsuit by Dress the Population. Accentuating all the right curves, it features a sweetheart neckline and wide legs.

This jumpsuit is everything Barbie would love and more. Photo by Dress the Population

YSL

A bright pop of color and luxury are Barbie-approved closet staples. YSL doesn't disappoint with a classic silhouette and a fun color. Available at YSL or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Add a luxe vibe to any outfit with this YSL bag. Photo by YSL

Barbie movie Ken Barbie car

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

It's time to roll out like Barbie and Ken, Houston.

barbiecore houston barbie movie houston
news/entertainment
popular
news

most read posts

Boutique Houston hotel steps up with 4 new suites, antiques shop, and more

Celebrated Houston chef opens Midtown restaurant and more top stories

4 Houston restaurant closings to know: Doughnuts, schnitzel, and Dogwood

Movie Review

An all-star cast delivers clever laughs in new comedy The Invite

Alex Bentley
Jul 10, 2026 | 2:30 pm
Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton in The Invite
Photo courtesy of A24
Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton in The Invite.

Once upon a time, well before scandal embroiled him, Woody Allen made great comedies aimed at adults. That type of film — which is different from the raunchy, R-rated comedies of the 21st century — has fallen out of favor in Hollywood, but as the new film The Invite proves, when done well it can be as funny as anything else out there.

Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) are an unhappily married couple living in San Francisco. As we meet them, Joe has arrived home to Angela preparing for a visit from their upstairs neighbors, Hawk (Edward Norton) and Piña (Penélope Cruz), who have moved in relatively recently. Their impending arrival starts a new round of arguing between Joe and Angela, something they can barely contain once the other couple comes to their door.

What proceeds is a getting-to-know-you process that is mostly awkward as Joe and Angela continue sniping at each other while Hawk and Piña put in their two cents in a much calmer manner. A sticking point between the two couples — the loud sex Hawk and Piña have on an almost nightly basis — turns the film on its head with an unexpected invitation.

Directed by Wilde and written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the film is a fast-paced chamber piece that takes place almost entirely in Joe and Angela’s apartment. Wilde, the writers, and the actors speed the story along not with action but through almost non-stop dialogue that often has the characters overlapping each other’s lines. The rapidity of the speech fuels the humor of the situation and establishes the differing personalities of each person.

Sex is very much top of mind for each of the characters for most of the film, but the filmmakers approach the topic in such a way that it never feels salacious. Each of the characters is a rational adult who can talk about sex in a mature manner while also acknowledging their unique feelings on the matter. And it’s the discoveries each of them makes along the way that brings about the most comedy.

But, like any comedy for adults, the film also has a dramatic tilt to it, and Wilde edges the story back-and-forth between the two tones extremely well. Joe and Angela fighting is played for laughs at times, but the sadness of their relationship comes through loud and clear. Hawk and Piña are much more intimate with each other, but the funniness of their openness is juxtaposed with a depth that arises through their conversations.

In the 2020s, Rogen has managed to make the transition from goofy stoner to stoner with real acting chops. In a stacked cast, he is the one who sells every moment the best. That’s not to say that Wilde, Norton, and Cruz don’t measure up, though; each of them inhabits their respective roles magnificently. The four actors play off each other as if they had been working together for years.

While The Invite will likely play better to those who have experience with long term relationships, its insights — and occasional bawdiness — make it a comedy that can be appreciated universally. With four actors at the top of their games and a razor-sharp script made even better by some well-done improv, it proves that you don’t need to go low to get great laughs.

---

The Invite is now playing in theaters.

movies film
news/entertainment
popular
news
Loading...