WWNDW (What Would Nancy Drew Wear)?

If any of you are half as literary-nerd-ish as me, you remember the fictional detective-heroine Nancy Drew. I vividly recall waiting not-so-patiently for my Mom to come home from Costco trips with a coveted 6-pack of the yellow-spined books. I devoured them and she willingly supplied them for me even though I stayed up all night reading about Nancy's adventures.

I remember her trekking around with gypsies, discovering things hidden in old clocks, canoodling with her goody-two-shoes boyfriend Ned and socializing with her best gal-pals. I desperately wanted to be as smart and courageous Nancy Drew when I grew up.

Well, now that I've grown up I find myself neither as courageous nor curious as Ms. Drew, but instead day dreaming about what my favorite childhood character would have been wearing during all of those adventures I remember so well! Here's a few things that rang-Drew to me.:)

For sleuthing, Nancy is often pictured in a day dress or pencil skirt, which seems like it would be a little uncomfortable, but she is nothing if not classy. So, I put together this modern version of a plaid skirt with an Emersonmade (more on them later) cashmere sweater. Emerson just happens to be the name of the college where Nancy's boyfriend Ned attends. What a coincidence!

Items:  J.Crew - Gilded plaid pencil skirt, $178, Opaque Tights, $13, Pedro Garcia 'Emelyn' Pump, $495, Women's jewelry - necklaces - Northern lights necklace - J.Crew, $100, Cloche To Me in Charcoal, $40, EM Clothing Line

Another detective work look combines this lovely A-line skirt with a printed button-up and striped cardigan. I think a modern day Drew would be a little more adventurous with her patterns than the 1950's illustrator was.:) I also added a pair of leather boots for the more "gritty" cases and a classic prepster staple, a headband.

Items: Women's sweaters - merino - Merino rayé cardigan - J.Crew, $80, Homestead Denim Skirt, $88, Romantic Nature Headbands, $18, EM Clothing Line, Urban Outfitters | Fashion Rules!

For a night out with Ned, that could easily lead to Nancy chasing down a clue, I chose this beautiful red crepe dress paired with a sleuthing must-have, the trenchcoat.

Items: Dress Shop - Wear to Work - Nordstrom, $228, Women - wool - Wool-cashmere icon trench - J.Crew, $325, BP. 'Maddie' Pump, $60, San Diego Hat Co. Beret with Bow, $34

Nancy often has to interview suspects or witnesses and I figured this sweet sweater skirt would be a perfect and comfortable look for the long hours of chit chat. A silk blouse sharpens the look, and some pretty rose earrings soften it right back up. A more romantic look for the girl-Sherlock, but I think she could pull it off!

Items: Culmination Blouse, $88, Marston Sweater Skirt, $98, All Aboard Heel | Mod Retro Vintage Heels | ModCloth.com, $200, Buttercup Posts, $18

What do we think? Worthy of a modern-day lady detective?

I think I'm going to go dig out some Nancy Drew books...