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I am not ashamed to say you’re looking at a former Barbie girl—whether it be in car rides, the bath tub, or even a trip to Ireland, I almost always had a gorgeous plastic lady in hand. More than the dolls themselves, I loved the fashion outlet they provided. I often created my own dresses by wrapping bandannas and strips of fabric into fabulous ballgowns, topping off the outfit with minuscule heels and the perfect hairdo. Of course, no formal attire was complete without an extravagant backstory as to where Barbie would be wearing her mini-couture gowns. I was a fashion designer, and my dolls were my runway models.
Even though I’ve long outgrown dolls, I get to relive my fashion designer glory days each winter by hanging up my collection of Hallmark Barbie Keepsake Ornaments, which are based on popular Barbie dolls. The detail on these ornaments is stunning, featuring gorgeous (often vintage inspired) outfits as well as intricate painted faces, sparkling hair accessories and bows, faux fur shawls, and even little pearl earrings. The fashion is impeccable, and if I could own each of these Barbie’s dresses, I certainly would!
This 2006 Evening Splendor Barbie was gifted to me during Christmas of 2006 as my first ever Barbie ornament, and I’ve been receiving a new ornament almost every Christmas since. (They appear in this post in the order I received them, not in the order they were released.) She is based off the vintage Barbie doll by the same name, and her gold cocktail dress and matching coat exude a timeless elegance. I always felt a special connection with this ornament because I have a turquoise coin purse that looks exactly like the one she carries. Now all I need is a gorgeous gold jacquard dress! If this outfit magically appeared in my closet (a Christmas miracle?!) I would wear it to a show at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, which is a bucket list item of mine.
This 2003 Celebration Barbie is a winter vision in white, and in my opinion, the ornament is much prettier than the actual Barbie doll. Her dress sparkles like the snow, and her luxe fur coat will keep her warm through all those blizzardy nights. Not to mention, her head is donned with a tiara because—duh—princess status. If only we all had extravagant winter balls to attend…sigh. But maybe some Christmas bride can wear this beautiful sparkling dress instead.
This 2004 Celebration Barbie looks like an Irish queen in this forest green gown. The sparkly design adds the perfect visual interest, and her voluminous long-sleeved shrug is the prettiest way to stay warm during those chilly holiday parties. Even Barbie’s long, blonde locks are gorgeously straight and pulled into a half-do with a matching green hair clip.
In 2009, Ballerina Barbie just finished her big debut and received beautiful white roses for her outstanding performance. Can we just take a moment to appreciate her incredible French-twist inspired hairstyle? Where can I learn to do that??
What am I wearing? Oh, don’t mind me, I’m just channeling my inner Barbie. This classic black asymmetric gown with beaded details was a hand-me-down from my cousin, which I got tailored to wear to prom in May (I even wrote a post about my first tailoring experience and this dress). While I don’t own a white fur stole, I borrowed this crème scarf from my mom instead and wrapped it around my shoulders. My black gloves, which I bought for my Audrey Hepburn Halloween costume, proved the perfect accessory, as well as some classy pearls and a sparkly hair piece. Let’s just say, I’m a firm believer that you’re never too old to play dress up.
The 2011 Peaches N’ Cream Barbie wears a summery sundress and fun ruffle shawl. I think Barbie’s peach-colored maxi would make the perfect look as a wedding guest, and even better considering the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year is Living Coral! I just love all the summery and warm vibes this dress radiates.
The 2010 Movie Mixer Barbie is ready for any Hollywood cocktail party. How gorgeous is this baby pink wrap-around dress? If light pink colors didn’t wash me out, I would wear this look to a homecoming dance or other formal in a heartbeat.
The 2012 Celebration Barbie is a vision in cherry red and the absolute epitome of holiday style. She looks just like a perfectly wrapped present!
The bubble style dress that the 1999 Gay Parisienne Barbie wears was popular in the late 1950s, and while I’m not sure it would be the most flattering style on all figures, I absolutely love the vintage shape and polka dots. Let’s not forget to mention the beautiful blue birdcage hair piece!
The 1995 Solo in the Spotlight Barbie was the inspiration for my outfit today. I absolutely love the sparkles, the glamor, the structured ruffle on the bottom, the rose detail…I adore it all. This is my dream dress!
It sure would be an enchanted evening in 1996 Enchanted Evening Barbie’s pink gown. Her dress looks like a longer version of the Movie Mixer Barbie’s cocktail dress seen earlier, and the rosette detail at the waist is the perfect addition to this gorgeous dress.
The 1998 Silken Flame Barbie ornament screams Jacque-O vibes with the pillbox hat and her 60s bubble hairstyle. Her coat is red velvet and the skirt of her dress is supposed to be a white satin.
I hope you enjoyed seeing all these beautiful and vintage Barbie fashions as much as I do! Do you have any ornament collections? Which look is your favorite, and would you wear any of these dresses?
Have a wonderful weekend! I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
Black Beaded Asymmetric Gown: hand-me-down, $58 to tailor // Crème Scarf: borrowed // Black Pleated Heels: DSW, $40 // Black Gloves: Amazon, $15 // Shoe Clips: Amazon