Mystery #11: Claudia and the Mystery at the Museum
This isn't a recap blog, but I often talk a little bit about plot in my book entries. Don't expect much of that for the mysteries. I really dislike them, and I've talked about why in past entries.
That said, I'm glad I got my hands on this one. Not because of the plot (it's stupid). The cover, however, more than makes up for the detective-y hijinks. And we get FOUR Claudia outfits. They're all amazing.
1. "I love to put outrageous outfits together, and I hate looking like everyone else. I mean, I do wear trendy clothes, like leggings and big slouchy socks and Doc Marten boots, but I always add my own touches so that I stand out from the crowd. For instance, earrings I've made myself, or a big belt that I found in a thrift store. I also like to play around with my hair. One day I'll wear it in a French braid, and the next day it'll be in a ponytail on the top of my head.
That Sunday, my hair was in a long braid hanging down one side of my head [hey! Me too! Right now!], with red ribbons threaded into it [oh. Damn. Bested again.]. I was wearing a red-and-white striped shirt that hung down almost to my knees, red leggings, and black high-top sneakers. Even though I wasn't planning on going anywhere that afternoon, I had put some thought into my outfit. That's just the way I am."
2. "I had dressed up a little, in pink lace leggings and a long black sweater. My hair was tied back with a pink ribbon, and I was wearing pink ballet-type flats."
As seen on the cover!
Related: wise words from Blair Waldorf. Yeah. Honestly, Kishi. And while we're on the topic of Gossip Girl, I watched a season 4 promo and got all excited (smut! babies! fashion! petty bitchiness! Chuck Bass!), even though I totally know better. I refuse to fall for the CW's shenanigans this time. Your fancy trailers and excellent font choices can't fool me, Schwartz.
3. "'Forget about the mystery! [Seriously, word.] This will be my first formal party, I'm going to meet a famous artist - and I have no idea what to wear!'
'You look nice in what you have on now,' said Kristy. 'Why don't you just wear that?'
I looked down at myself. I was wearing a pair of bright red leggings topped by a white man-tailored shirt and a vest that used to belong to my father. Only Kristy would think my outfit qualified as 'formal'."
3½. (closet search) "Stacey pulled out a black velvet dress. 'How about this?' she asked.
I shook my head. 'Boring,' I said.
She nodded and threw it on the bed. 'What about these silk pants?'
'Are pants okay at a formal party?' asked Mary Anne doubtfully. 'You don't want to look like a kid who doesn't know how to dress.'
'Ditch the pants,' I said immediately.
Stacey pulled outfit after outfit out of my closet. I have a lot of clothes, but nothing seemed right. Most of them are fine for school, or even for special events like dances or parties. But nothing looked right for a party like this one. A grown-up party.
'You look terrific in this,' Stacey said, holding up a bright blue sweater-dress.
'Thanks,' I said. 'But it's not right, either.'
'Do you think I could borrow it?' she asked."
Focus, Stacey.
4. "'What's this?' Stacey asked, reaching into the back of the closet and coming out with a long, silky pale green robe embroidered in gorgeous colors. . .
. . . I took off my vest and shirt, and slipped on the kimono. The silk felt soft and light against my skin. It seemed to float around me. I tied the sash (which Mimi called an 'obi') around my waist and stood up straight.
'Wow,' said Mary Anne softly.
'Awesome,' said Stacey. 'You look totally awesome.'
I walked to the mirror to see for myself. The green and blue colors of the kimono set off my black hair, and the long, fluttering sleeves looked romantic. For half a second, I saw Mimi's face instead of mine in the mirror, and I felt tears come to my eyes."
Spoiler alert: the janitor did it. There you go. That's the kind of crook who would steal art, apparently.
I've retained a troubling amount of information about books I read during my childhood.
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6 comments
Why does everyone always looked so creeped the hell out on the covers of the Mysteries? Like, they're looking around the corner at a security guard and a glass case. Not exactly terror-inducing. Whatevs.
by Adam's Clayton on 6:33 PM. #
What, Claudia's taking fashion advice from Mary Anne now? "A kid who doesn't know how to dress"... Glass houses, MAS, glass houses.
by Zoe on 10:23 PM. #
"Focus, Stacey."
you crack me up! thanks for your awesome blog, just in case i haven't already said that!
by Karla on 7:08 PM. #
I never knew any of my grandparents so Mimi was always my image of what grandparents were like: caring, loving, and totally cool with your youthful shenanigans. And I still remember details from Claudia and the Sad Goodbye.. Awww, Claud!! <3
by Tess on 8:08 PM. #
Sigh. I loved the descriptions of her outfits. The green kimono almost brought tears to my eyes as well, and I wasn't even picking out the clothes with her!
by Carly Findlay on 7:48 AM. #
Props to Claudia for taking Mary Anne's advice and dialing her look back just a touch for the grown-up event. What a sweet description of how she evoked Mimi in the kimono.
by Libellule on 11:37 PM. #