the little black trash bag

Friday night's theme party was the greatest. Leave it to the concept of a party to bring out the best and brightest part of a college kid- creativity a professor would never even begin to see reflected in a term paper will be borough out on occasions like this. More work goes went into these costumes than the average midterm, more time was spent than an entire semester's worth of homework!

Ok, maybe those are slight exaggerations, but looking at some of the costumes which showed up Friday night, one can only imagine what this group of college students is capable of with the right motivations.

In light of fashion, I see it completely justified to showcase some of the best costumes of the night. And if that does not sell the idea to you about why I posted these images, chalk it up the the simple entertainment value associated with the below pictures.

Trash bags were the unquestionable theme Friday night- now there's a comment you won't find in any red carpet review. But, given the occasion, trash bags proved top be the essential costume piece which was the cheapest, more convenient, and easiest to manipulate.


This costume is composed of nothing more than a single black trash bag and lots of double sided tape. It was obviously cut into two pieces, tied in the back of the top, and literally taped completely around the waist. Carlin added the heels and earrings to give it some charm and sophistication. Regardless to what the reader may assume, this little number actually lasted the entire night.


A personal favorite of mine- who doesn't want a present on their birthday? Straying from the trash bag theme, Sarah quite literally wrapped herself up in wrapping paper, complete with two big bows. My favorite part of the outfit, however, was the gift tag attached to her wrist- "Do not open until Sara's 21st birthday." I love it!


Another classy trash bag dress- only this one could actually pass for a "normal" little black dress! I give the credit to the maroon sash around Phuong's waist- it adds a sense of elegance and sophistication. I wouldn't look twice if I saw her wearing this on the street!


A slightly different take on the trash bag look- Amber wrapper herself in a white trash bag instead of the traditional black. I think the fishnet stockings, which you can sort of see in the right hand bottom of the picture, are what complete the outfit. (And of course, that's me in the goofy top hat with newspaper- a journalist even in her off-the-wall fashions!)


A "Super 88" shopping bag has never looked so fashionable! Suprisingly fitted and workable, Kelly paired this with a paper towel skirt (unfortunately not shown in the picture). The entire ensemble was free of cost! Erica, on the right, also went for the "little black trash bag" look, adding big hair to make it exceptionally runway worthy.


If the black trash bag is the must have item of the season, terry cloth towels are a close second. Unlike their plastic counterpart, these towels enable the fashionista to add some color to her wardrobe. They are simple and always look good- much like the 'anything but clothes' version of the college sweatshirt.


Even the guys get into the theme! For the boys, the most popular item was the toga- something most college guys already know how to create. Matt, left, creates this one with her very own bed sheets. Mark, however, gives new meaning to the idea that broke college students live in a box. I love the "M" on the front.

And that's my little review of the party! Cute pictures, great night! And I promise, tomorrow we return to our regularly scheduled fashion review.