This is a great topic and I'm sure it'll come up so I might as well add my two cents early.
I agree about having something unusual (conversation or outfit piece) because it does help you be remembered. I always think a funky/cute purse is the way to go because surprisingly after the outfit, it's the next thing I noticed. I'm assuming other schools are the same, but here the Rusher always holds the Rushees purse during the party, so if the purse is cute, then it's easy to remember the girl and have a good conversation topic if things aren't going so smoothly. Multipurpose!
Tara
I have a Phi Mu castle...