Hehe. :grin: Yeah, I like to make my own costumes, too. I think costumes are extra beautiful when they have your own special touch. I love that your daughter is "spoiled" in this way. It's good, clean fun and a great bonding tradition!
So far, I've found a selection of trinkets from around the house to put in the sleuth kit (iPod, mini tape recorder, digital camera, a notebook I'll scrapbook into a clue book, a paint brush that I'll make into a fingerprint kit along with a container of flour "fingerprint dust," magnifying glass, carabiner and rope, mini maglite flashlight, electronic dictionary I'll label "decoder," an envelope I'll label "Top Secret," measuring tape, a little mini purell bottle for extra messy missions, and I know I have a compass around here somewhere... That just leaves a little tin for my "snacks" if I feel like adding that touch).
I also put my outfit together from things I have already using a pleated skirt I made with my Harry Potter costume from last year, a cardigan I'll wear over my shoulders, a button-up shirt, and a sweater undershirt. I'm going to wear a belt around my tops for an added retro/finished touch, and for shoes I'll wear either a pair of boots or penny loafers. I'm about to start knitting those knee-high socks with some leftover yarn I have, and if I don't choose to use a bag I already have, tonight I'll get a little sleuth kit fabric to whip that into shape (I'll use some of DH's leftover plastic sheeting for reinforcement/shaping and add little holders for the items).
If anyone is interested, I found a great video online where Emma Roberts discusses her sleuth kit (
link!). You can also find it in the
Nancy Drew (2007) DVD extras. Aside from that bag, you could also use a box or a hand tote filled with goodies... Nancy's kit has varied from time to time (I just happen to adore the 2007 film kit). And if you're playing Nancy Drew in general like me, be sure to read some of the books and check out the Bonita Granville classic films for inspiration (and just plain fun!)! And for shoes, I think Oxfords (saddle shoes) or Mary Janes would also work exceedingly well, depending on your outfit.