Q: My question is about alumnae initiates purchasing Greek items. Since I was never a collegiate member of AGD, I did not have the traditional experience. So no recruitment t-shirts, etc. I love being an initiated sister, but I have very few items to demonstrate my affiliation or love of AGD. However, I still feel uncomfortable buying things. I have 3 apparel items but I would love to support AGD more often but in a young professional way. Any suggestions?
A: You should feel 100% comfortable in buying AGD sugar and showing your sorority pride. You are just as much a sister as the collegiate members. But I understand you don’t want to wear crazy college gear as a woman in the working world. Most girls don’t wear their bid day tees and greek letters on a daily basis after they graduate either. Everyone moves past that phase. It’s still ok to wear a sweatshirt on the weekends, or a tee now and then, but most of the fashions wouldn’t look right in your career life.
But if you choose carefully, I think you can enjoy very subtle greek insignia on something like a cardigan, rain jacket, or scarf for example. I would stick to small greek letters or small crests. A sorority crest looks very similar to a “club” crest, so that look is something you can easily wear to many places. Crest-wear is very acceptable in the real world.
Look at accessories too - such as a weekender tote bag, key chain, tumbler, mug, luggage tags, hats, car mats, decals, magnets, etc.. You can certainly use a sorority Tervis as our tumbler and drink your morning coffee from a AGD mug. There are also lots of home items to select from. How about a crest throw blanket? Check out pillows, coasters, pool towels and more. Adding touches of your sorority around the house would be terrific and make you feel happy.
And don’t forget about your dear mascot. Collecting squirrels would be a great way to celebrate your membership without the college look. You can also enjoy your roses and pearls. Jewelry is another wide open category for you to purchase. There are many pieces that don’t shout sorority. An adult woman can wear classy designs and look amazing. Look for timeless styles that resemble “regular” jewelry. The sugar is endless. Give yourself permission to enjoy whatever sorority merchandise you want. Especially within your own home, you can be totally nuts for AGD! xoxo ;)