I think it’s sorority and fraternity costume parties. 

My money and my daughter are going to a LOT of costume parties.  I think she told me once that on her campus there are at least two costume parties to look forward to each weekend. 

A tip-of-the-iceberg sampling of themes:  9 to 5 – Where the Wild Things Are – Comic Book – Proud to be an American – East Coast – Spies and Allies – Rep your Area Code – Shipwreck – Jack Frost – Famous Couples – King Kong – Seven Virtues – Grandparents – Fairytales – What I Want to Be -  Holiday – South Seas – Decades – Zoo – Things that Start with “A” – Murder Mystery

Oh my gosh.  How do I feel about this?  Good.

My daughter goes to college in a crazy, high-crime, scary area.  Because the parties on this campus bring all members of the Greek system together, everyone knows everyone.  This is a community – a united front – that can work together and protect each other.  And they do.  From what I have seen, I would give this campus Greek system high grades for open communication and prompt support.  It makes this an okay home away from home.

 But about the costumes?  Apparently a lot of girls invest in colorful American Apparel basics (stock tip?), re-using them over and over, garnishing them with ribbon, glitter, feathers, and assorted accessories to achieve their look for the evening.  Sounds like fun!  My daughter and my money are having fun, but it is actually more important than “fun”, and I approve.  Don’t you think sometimes our money is surprisingly well spent?