Since she first solved the Secret of the Old Clock in 1930, Nancy Drew has inspired girls everywhere. Who could forget the girl with strawberry blonde hair, a baby blue roadster, and a knack for solving mysteries? Nancy Drew has been solving cases with nothing but a notebook, courage, intuition, and sometimes a little help from her best friends, Bess and George.

The previews to an upcoming Nancy Drew movie horrified at least one avid fan. It depicted Nancy as a dowdy, friendless brunette. Nancy has been blonde for over seventy years! Who gave Hollywood the right to make such a drastic change to America’s favorite sleuth? From the start, Nancy Drew has kept up with the latest fashion trends and been popular without compromising her own personality. She updated her notebook to a laptop complete with WiFi and exchanged her dresses and hats for designer blue jeans. Nancy continues to prove that it is possible to be both beautiful and bright. The character of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde is essentially a counterfeit of Nancy Drew. Imitation is, after all, the greatest form of flattery.

Of course, girls of all ages admire Nancy Drew for more than just her fashion sense. She may have changed her style with the times, but Nancy is still loyal, brave, considerate, passionate, philanthropic, strong, and smart. She never turns down an opportunity to help someone and never asks for recompense. Her resplendent character as well as the lessons she continues to teach girls about believing in oneself and helping others make Nancy Drew timeless.