I recently celebrated a birthday with mini break out of town.  While the trip was delightful, curating the costume changes turned out to be the trip from hell.  Demonic forces seemed to have their grasp firmly around my birthday outfit choices, as every option was riddled with gremlins.  Each garment that came into my possession turned out to be haunted in some capacity.  Be it false advertising on the part of the seller (what a difference two inches in the waist and four in the bust makes), or a seamstress sent by the devil herself.  You’ll never know true sorrow until a tailor butchers your vintage frock in every perceivable direction, rendering it unwearable and evoking sickness each time it crosses your gaze.  I like to believe there is a special place in Satan’s inferno for such offenders.  Luckily, I had an emergency gown and cocktail dress. As a last minute thought I grabbed a bag containing a black polka dot Gunne Sax dress I had yet to wear.  I really wanted it in red, but the black one presented itself at a price I could not resist, so I had to make it mine.

It’s always a nice thought to believe that you will find something to wear while on vacation, but all too often this is not the case.  But, it’s a nice little thought to have in your head.  A beautiful little dash of optimism to splash upon the ongoing dumpster fire of a last minute outfit planning disaster.  While I did not find anything to complement my birthday attire, I did pick up some random gems from a few consignment shops.  It really pays off to have the time to look at every last garment on a rack.  My boyfriend may find it tedious, but I find it ideal.

Inadvertently stumbling into Barbiecore by virtue of my endless love for Betsey Johnson, I wore an all pink ensemble for my birthday dinner.  I love the concept of creating a monochromatic fashion experience by utilizing various textures.  Devising the perfect fit is a lot like decorating a cake.  There should be layers and dimension and glittery things sprinkled about the confection. With a deep fuchsia, strapless pleated Betsey at the center, I tucked a light pink crinoline under, and covered it with a pink and purple animal print Sonia Rykiel cardigan. I walked it around on a pair of aurora borealis crystal platforms, accented by metallic pink socks. I didn’t see any other Barbie Girls on my night out, but then again it was a Tuesday.

From cottagecore to clowncore it seems there are hives built around every conceivable niche. Barbiecore seems to align nicely with the Y2K resurgence and I predict we will continue to see it cruising the streets well into the 2023.  As for me, I’ll continue being a Barbie girl when the occasion calls for it.  What are the odds we can convince my boyfriend into a new paint job for the Jeep?   Pink is so hot right now.