Southern Protocol

Well we tried to keep this website a secret, but, its just too amazing to hide.

The website is called IO MOI — www.iomoi.com and they have every type of accessory a girl could ever want in any pattern a girl could ever want. I love all of the chevron prints, of course, and I love the monkeys that remind me of my Mother’s hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil monkeys. And I love “James the Fox”. I first discovered the website because of its fabulous stationary. My aunt has done her Christmas cards from IO MOI for the past couple of years and I finally looked at the website. Not sure if that was best thing thats ever happened to me, or a huge mistake : )

They have everything from stationary, to i phone cases, to coasters and custom trays, to canvas bags and shoes. It has become my go-to website for gifts and it would make a great place to find some cute and different bridesmaids gifts!

p.s. IO MOI was also featured in the latest issue of Elle Magazine in an article for Rebecca Minkoff’s home. love.

You never know who you’re going to run into during a night out on the town in Charleston. This means that you must always 1. Look very cute, and 2. Be on the lookout for people to network with.

I had the pleasure of randomly meeting a Miss Neita at Halls Chophouse the other weekend, and was absolutely ecstatic when I found out she owned a local company that sells homemade vinaigrettes and marinades! Neita’s Vinaigrettes are all heart healthy, come in quality glass bottles with adorable labels, and sound incredibly delicious: Garlic, Red Wine, and Sugar Free Citrus. And just how homemade are they? The recipes belong to her mother.

Seeing as how I put vinaigrettes on everything I was excited from the get-go, so when I found out that Neita frequently sells gift-wrapped bottles for wedding gifts, bridal party gifts, and hostess gifts, I couldn’t wait to spread the news. Every beautifully wrapped present comes with a recipe card that uses the vinaigrette or marinade.

Neita’s Vinaigrettes can be purchased on her website, or at any of the following national and local hot spots (it’s an impressive list!!): Whole Foods, Caviar and Bananas, Dean & DeLuca, EarthFare, Viking Culinary, Charleston Cooks!, Coastal Cupboard.. I mean the list goes on and on!

InStyle featured this website as part of their “7 Websites You Need to Know About” feature this week, and it is absolutely the cutest, chicest thing ever! I’m always on the hunt for great home decor and homeware sites, and CB2.com definitely fits the bill.

They have everything from furniture to by-the-pool necessities to bedroom decor and everything in between! There’s also a great little “gift” section that has a little something for everyone. Probably the initial reason I decided this website was a necessity for our blog was the “Tipsy Toes Ice Cube Set”… amazing ice cubes in the shape of red pumps! HELLO can you say perfect for a girls night in, or a bachelorette party?!

Next time you’re in the mood to browse for unique accents in your home, definitely check out CB2.com!

We receive numerous questions about proper wedding etiquette, and none seem to be so common and cause as much anxiety as “am I supposed to bring a present to the engagement party?” And people are confused for a reason: sometimes it’s yes, sometimes it’s no.

General wedding etiquette dictates it is unnecessary to bring a gift to engagement parties. There are numerous reasons and explanations, but most often it’s due to the long line of gift-giving events in the future. However, if you feel especially close to the newly engaged couple, know you cannot attend any future celebration, or simply wish to go above-and-beyond, then a small gift is acceptable. It is now a common practice to actually specify on the invitation if no gifts are to be given – when in doubt, obey the invite!

If you do decide to arrive baring gifts, keep in mind that the party is simply to celebrate the engagement, and the gift should reflect that. Search for small items useful in the planning process (a cute binder, calendar, or humorous wedding planning guide), monogrammed home decor or utensils they can use in their new life together, or simply a congratulatory card. One of the better gifts I’ve seen were two wine glasses painted with engagement rings and other pre-wedding images to use during their engagement period. Something fun, festive, and very pocketbook friendly – it should never be overwhelmingly expensive!