The word "Treasure" is defined in Webster's Dictionary as: Something of great worth or value. I often use this word to describe a great find, like that amazing strapless dress on King Street that just happened to find me, or that pair of heels that called my name and said "take me home." A treasure is priceless and to some you can't even imagine being without it.

A few weekends ago my amazingly talented and rockin' photographer friend Ruth Rackley and I were preparing to shoot and set up props respectively for my brother-in-law and his fiance's engagement shoot at our family's country home. In my quest to add one final element to complete the looks we created. Ruth and I climbed into the attic to see what type of "treasures" we could find. I had never been up in the attic before, so I wasn't exactly sure what we would find. While waiting for something to catch my eye like a pair of killer high heels we ran across an old chess that had several books tucked away. As I opened the chess, I looked inside and much to my amazement, I found an old copy of Emily Post's Etiquette The Blue Book of Social Usage 1945 edition that once belonged to my husband's Great-Grandmother.

Upon the discovery I shouted, "OMG! Look what I found."Did they know this was up here?" I spoke of this book like it was a lost artifact of a bigone era. Ruth and I huddled over the book and slowly open it to see what it releaved. We were both pleasantly suprised. Not only did it hold words of Emily Post's wisdom, it also held old newspaper clippings from the annual bride's edition of the local paper and a wedding invitation from a family friend from 1966. Ideas of how to present and display this book in a way for other's to enjoy swirled through my head. I instantly thought of my blog and ways in which I could incorporate this "treasure" into my soon-to-be sister-in-law's decor for her reception. I didn't find anything last minute to use for that day,but I found something much more valuable, a treasure that holds the word of etiquette in only the way Emily Post could eloquently say it. I craddled the book in my arms as Ruth and I climbed back down stairs and shared it with delight with my mother-in-law and asked her permission to take the book with me to use for inspiration and to see if my soon-to-be sister-in-law would want to incorporate this family "treasure" in into her wedding.

I have carefully turned the pages of this book and have taken note of sections of great importance to any bride-to-be whose planning their wedding. In the next few blog posts I will share with you the great words of Emily Post's wedding wisdom. This book might be old, but it still holds valuable and timeless words of advice. I hope you enjoy the next few posts as much as I have enjoyed discovering this treasure in the attic.

Traditionally the bridal trousseau includes items that a young women would collect over the years to make she and her future husband's house a home. These items traditionally would include fine linens, towels, china, and crystal. A bridal trousseau would also include new clothing that a women would wear through her wedding, honeymoon and newlywed days. To look your very best for your wedding related events it is important to focus on your wardrobe. What a perfect excuse to go shopping. For those women that want to ensure that every outfit is perfect for each event, hiring a personal shopper to assist you in selecting your bridal trousseau is a great way to ensure that your look will be tied together.

Here are some important wedding related events you will want to plan your attire for: "Will you be my bridesmaid party?", engagement parties, bridal showers, couple showers, batchelorette party, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, departure outfit after your reception and your honeymoon attire. Make sure that you don't forget your husband-to-be. You will want him to look dapper at each event too!

Many large cities have personal shoppers in major department stores that will be happy to assist you or inquire with Vian Events for individuals who also provide this service in the Charleston area.

The following images are on my lust list that would be perfect for your bridal trousseau. From left to right Herve Leger Birch Bandage Dress www.herveleger.com   Chole Heloise Metallic Shoulder Bag from www.chole.com Sunglasses by Louis Vuitton www.louisvuitton.com

Swarovski Parallele Pierced Earrings at www.swarovski.com

Luggage by Kate Spade at www.katespade.com

Shoes by Jimmy Choo at www.jimmychoo.com

Makeup by Nars Cosmetics Hula Hula Duo Eyeshadow and Multiple Bronzer at www.narscosmetics.com

Faux Eyelashes by Mac Cosmetics at www.maccosmetics.com