Attention Nancy Drew Fans!

Hello! I just wanted to offer you the very 1st invitation to my new Nancy Drew inspired blog! Yes, as most know I’m a true blue Nancy fan, so in honor of the girl super sleuth & her 80th anniversary, I’ve created Nancy’s Notebook! I do hope you’ll stop by for a visit & mystery-filled fun!

Click here to visit Nancy's Notebook!

Most Cordially,
-Bess-


P.S.: Yes, I do know it’s somewhat silly of me to still be such a Nancy fan, but hey, that’s me for ya! =)
P.P.S.: I'm so looking forward to Bramblewood Fashion's Modest Fall event starting tomorrow!  Check back here then for my ensemble + click the sidebar link for more info!

Nancy Drew, I Love You!

When I heard that my good pal & sis in Christ - Grace - over at “From the Desk Drawer of a Young Writer,” was having a “Nancy Drew Inspired Blog Party” I got excited (to say the least=). So, taking a short break from Purity & Romance posts (only sort of - cause Miss Drew is a great model of modesty & purity), here’s a post in honor of that timeless “titian-haired" detective girl. Oh, & don’t forget to join Grace in her fun Nancy Drew event extraordinaire (see the link below)!
Join Grace’s Drew Party Here: http://fromthedeskofayoungwriter.blogspot.com/

Yep, I’m a true Drew fan! What can I say, I devour the books, pretend my car is a little blue roadster, carry a mini flashlight in my purse (just in case), & keep my eyes open for mystery! No, I’m not crazy! And, yes, I’m serious! Here’s the top 5 reasons I love Nancy:

1. She’s smart. (Nancy can solve the most perplexing & baffling of mysteries. She cracks secret codes & uncovers hidden motives! She’s a genius!)

2. She’s super thoughtful. (If ever anyone needs a hand, Nancy is there! She goes above & beyond!)

3. She’s independent! (Cruising around solo in her automobile is fine with Nancy. She doesn’t chase after boys (like this recovering ex-boy chaser=), & dreaming about males is not on her sleuthing agenda. Nance doesn’t even need a gaggle of friends to uncover a major clue, but she does have a faithful & true circle of pals who are always ready to help.)

4. She’s a girl who likes to eat! (The books always describe in detail Nancy’s meals & snacks. How many books with girls as the main characters do that? Nancy has a healthy appetite & enjoys a well prepared spread. Don’t go sleuthing on an empty stomach!)

5. She goes to church. (Many of the books make references to Nancy going to church. She’s got great values & knows what’s truly important! =)

Need I say more? Nancy Drew, I love you! My name should be Nancy instead of Bess! =) (Bess & George (this George is a girl=), are 2 of Nance's greatest chums!)

Oh yeah, click below to see my older Nancy Drew inspired posts!
http://bessbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Nancy%20Drew

-My Nancy Picks-

Magnifier Glass Necklace - www.modcloth.com - $15.99

Op Plaid Roll Cuff Tunic - www.walmart.com - $9.00
Black Fedora Hat - www.kmart.com - $5.99

"Lock It" Necklace - www.modcloth.com - $16.99

-Some Nancy Polyvore Fun-

Here's some clips (+ a song from Relient K of all groups) from the old Nancy Drew movies with Bonita Granville as Nancy. I've seen all 4 of these flicks from the late 1930s, & simply love em. So good, clean, funny, & fun. I recommend em!

Bookish Fashion Delight: Nancy

Oh, Nancy! What a super sleuth you are!

The Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene

BOOK 1-
The Secret of the Old Clock

What I've donned (left):

sweater set - vintage - (this used to be my aunt's)

gloves - vintage - (from my grandma=)

tweed skirt with pockets - To The Max - (thrift store!)

brown tights - (Dollar Tree)

Black Flats - (Walmart)

Old Clock - (it's a mystery...=)

What I've donned (below):

yellow wool blazer - Paul & Joe For Target - (thrift store)

blue scarf - vintage - (my mom's)

white button down shirt - French Toast - (Target - Kid's Dept.=)

yellow sweater vest - WeatherVane - (thrift store)

trousers - Old Navy - (Old Navy)

oxfords - Timberland's - (thrift store)

shoulder satchel (clue kit=) - Mondani - (thrift store)

Nancy's Sleuth Kit:

Nancy's Accessories: gold detective hat necklace - (yard sale); Counter-Top Culture necklace - (made by me - see tutorial here: http://bessbag.blogspot.com/2010/03/tuesday-tutorial-countertop-culture.html); Nancy Drew bag - (I got this for my birthday, but sadly have never carried it yet! It's not too sturdy or large, but I love it anyways=)

Drew Clue:

-Did you know Carolyn Keene was the pen name of a whole set of authors who wrote the Nancy Drew stories!

A while back the wonderful Ashley over at Bramblewood Fashion, created a Nancy Drew Fashion post that was mysteriously comissioned by one of her readers. Well, I was that reader! Ashley did an amazing job (I especially love her Polyvores=)! Click the link to see the post: http://bramblewoodfashion.blogspot.com/2010/02/nancy-drews-style.html

Oh, I love Nancy! She's a real go getter!

To see some Nancy Drew clips & more scroll down to the bottom of Bess' Bag & click play on my Nancy Mixpod. (CLUE: Turn off my main Mixpod 1st!)

Tuesday Tutorial: Countertop-Culture Necklace

“Hmm… Funny name,” you may be thinking to yourself right about now, but these necklaces are actually made from countertop samples! This little adornment can actually be created for next to nothing (if you use things from your stash =), & there’s something very counter-culture about that.

Here’s how you make em’:
1. Go to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s & pick up some countertop samples in colors you so desire. This part is sort of a Nancy Drew-ish challenge – to go into the hardware store & look like you’re there in hopes of making some home improvements. =)

2. Next, decorate your necklaces with whatever you want (or have on hand =). I used various beads, rhinestones, stickers, & paper cutouts from magazines (use a glue stick for these).

3. Next, loop a ribbon through the hole in the countertop sample & tie a knot at the end. I didn’t measure my ribbon, but just experimented with it before I made the final cut. All my “Countertop-Culture” necklaces I’ve made so far have been the kind you just slip over your head, but you could use a jewelry clasp & make them with a shorter ribbon. Using jewelry supplies, I attached a bead to some of my necklaces through a link on the ribbon, also.

4. Lastly, wear your frugalista creations with a secret grin (no one has to know you’re wearing a countertop sample, but I kinda like to share (sometimes)).

And, yes, I made a Nancy Drew one... I'll clue you in a little, if you're a Drew fan, too, check back in the next few days...