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.

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

WarnerBrothers/Facebook

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

beauty

be well

3 hot wellness studios move swiftly into new Heights development

Courtesy of Radom Capital

The Swift BLDG is expected to open in late 2026.

A new mixed-use development in the Heights has announced its next round of tenants. Three wellness businesses are coming to The Swift BLDG, Houston developers Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners’ project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant that’s located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.

They are:

SweatHouz, a contrast therapy studio
Strong Pilates Studio
The Skin Clinic, a Houston-based aesthetics and skincare destination

Scheduled to open in winter 2026, SweatHouz will offer infrared saunas, cold plunges, and other protocols to improve a person’s well-being. The protocols are focused on areas such as athletic recovery, reducing stress, improving circulation, mental health, and longevity. In addition, it will offer a beauty bar equipped with Dyson hot tolls and a beverage station stocked with different waters.

Building on the success of its Katy location that opened last year, Strong Pilates Studio will occupy 2,500 square feet in the Swift BLDG. Using Rowformer and Bikeformer machines, customers have the opportunity to take classes in Strong Body, Strong Loaded, and Strong Pilates-Only. It’s expected to open in the fall.

“Our method blends strength, cardio, and reformer-based training into one, delivering real results in just 45 minutes. This isn’t just Pilates — it’s a new standard for fitness in Houston. And a community that sweats together stays strong,” franchisee Mona Hussein-Zaki said in a statement.

Currently located in M-K-T, the Skin Clinic will more than double its footprint by relocated to the Swift BLDG. The clinic’s services focus on skin health and rejuvenation. It also expected to open in the fall.

“The response from this community has been incredible, and Swift gives us the room to grow into what our patients have been asking for: more space, more services, and the same patient-centered care that got us here." founder Kelli Nwuli said.

All three businesses join previously announced tenants such as Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, premium juice bar Leemoo, Merit Coffee, and Houston Tex-Mex staple Escalante’s.

On track to open to the public in fall 2026, The Swift BLDG will offer more than 30,000 square feet of office space along with 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail tenants. The two companies previously partnered on M-K-T, the Heights mixed-use development that’s near the Swift project. Radom is known for a number of other Houston developments, including the Montrose Collective and the historic Tower Theater property and its adjacent buildings.

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