Barbie turns 50!

Today is the big 5-0 birthday for Mattel's iconic doll, Barbie. And since I've always been a total girly-girl, having a pretty impressive collection of the dolls growing up, hearing the hype about Barbie's big bash (rumor has it the Malibu dream house will be abuzz with celebs strutting the pink carpet outside) made me a bit nostalgic for afternoons spent surrounded by Barbies and my imagination.

There's no doubt that Barbie has been a controversial figure in the toy market since her inception in 1959. Sears apparently first refused to sell the doll because of her prominent breasts and sultry face. Feminist critique also changed the course of Barbie's life, from a stewdress to a pilot (just two of her 108 careers!), and in 1992 Mattel widened her waist to bring her proportions to a more "realistic" standard.

And while she may still be a "woman" of controversy (First year women's studies classes still talk about how, if Barbie was a real woman, she would not be able to stand because of her enormour breasts, tiny waist, and lack of body fat - yes, studies have been done!), there's no denying her place as a pop culture icon that has shown up in everything from make-up (last year MAC cosmetics ran a Barbie campaign) to music (remember, Aqua's 'Barbie Girl'?).... But perhaps most importantly, Barbie has been a source of fun and imagination for girls who not only idolized her, but also for those who have been known to give Barbie a mohawk or a homemade pen tattoo.

So here's to 50 more years of pretty plastic heels, dream houses, and infinite career possibilies, happy birthday Barbie!

xo, jessalynn