"Wanderlust" by Michelle Nussbaumer

photography credit House Beautiful

I spent the weekend perusing the pages Michelle Nussbaumer's newly released book, Wanderlust and I must say I got lost among the pages of beauty created by this amazingly talented designer.  If you don't currently own this book, run, don't walk to your local bookstore and purchase it immediately or if you rather, sit tight and order online here.  For the price of a book, you will feel as though you have traveled to foreign lands and experienced the drama and discovery of the finest interiors filled with exotic furnishings and fabrics artfully curated and guaranteed to delight.   Michelle transports us to places only she could dream and imagine through her honed eye.

The entre' into the book is the foreword written by another tastemaker, Hutton Wilkinson, known as Tony Duquette's protege and a fascinating person himself, entices the reader from the onset with his a vivid account of his friend, Michelle.  

Her mother claims Michelle was born under a wandering star, and perhaps that fate is what marked her destiny as a designer who travels the world and brings home interesting artifacts and antiques for her herself and her clients.  We are so lucky she has chosen to share her journey in this magnificent book so that we may partake from afar. 

Based in Dallas, Texas, Michelle is also known for her store, Ceylon et cie where she offers her globally-inspired wares to inspire and delight all who visit.  A trip to her shop is on my bucket list!

The book includes photography of the designer's homes in Texas, Gstaad, Switzerland and San Miguel de Allende as well as client's home across the country.  Each project touts Michelle's signature style of multilayered rooms with global pieces found in Michelle's worldly travels.

She has an eye for the unexpected and often incorporates unique furnishings in her interiors.  Her travels have taken her around the world.

I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that I think Michelle Nussbaumer is one of the most sincere, kindest designers in our industry.  When I was at High Point Market, I ran by to see her new collection with Design Legacy and found Michelle scurrying off to the airport.  Although she was in a hurry, she paused to sign a copy of her book for me and took a minute to chat.  Michelle is quick to remind, that as a mother of four, is like the rest of us managing the juggling act between home and work.  Ahh, yes...the art of the balance which she does so beautifully! 

If you haven't seen her collection with Design Legacy, please call your rep and see it asap!  The collection is well priced and includes beautiful fabrics, furniture, and art designed by Michelle.  

Here are a few of my favorites from Michelle's new collection

with DesignLegacy

Globally inspired fabrics 

Masterfully mixed patterns

Michelle's art, as shown above, top left, was a favorite of mine.  She creates these colleges on airplanes.  

I'm crazy for this kaleidoscope multi-colored fabric

 and cannot wait to use it in a project.

I loved every item in her collection and thought you will as well. 

Make sure to call for samples for your design library.

I hope you have enjoyed our little trip down "Wanderlust" Lane today.  I have a special treat to share....

Michelle so generously gave me one of her books

to Giveaway to one of my readers!!!

Would you like to Win Your Copy of

Wanderlust?  

It's simple!

1) Leave a comment here

2) Go to instagram and follow @michellenussbaumer and @lisamendedesign if you aren't following us already

3) For extra entries tag, a friend whom you think would like the 

book!

Winner to be Announced Next Monday!

One look at her instagram (@michellenussbaumer ) account which she manages herself, gives a small hint of this designer's inspirations.  I highly recommend you follow her on instagram.  She is one of my favorite accounts to stalk!

Now if I could just find a way to get her truck.....

Don't want to take your chances?  Prefer to order your own book now and have delivered to your door tomorrow?  

Click Here to Order!

Winner of Last Week's Book Giveaway
 "A House in The Country" is...

@lwkistler

Disclaimer: I received a copy of "Wanderlust" for a Giveaway for readers.  All opinions are my own.  I only post about books that I find of interest to my readers."

Join Us in The Vispring Showroom for "Best In Show" Event At High Point Market

Join Us in the Vispring Showroom 

Market Square Space 272 on 2nd Floor

High Point Market

Sunday, October 23, 2016

11:00am

"Best In Show" Event

Champagne and Nibbles

As We Celebrate The Bond Between Designers & Their Pets

Come see the dog beds we have designed for our Pets!

Join Jonathan Savage, Andrea Schumacher, Molly Skok, Tami and Krista of Cloth and Kind, Mitchell Hill, Sam Allen and Myself!

It is sure to be a fun event!

While there you can check out these amazing

Luxury Vispring Beds!!!

A House In The Country: Peter Pennoyer & Katie Ridder

"A House In The Country" by Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder is a book about the lovely country home the couple built in Millbrook, NY for their family.  This book is much more than a book about a country house. It is the compilation of creatives who have worked together seamlessly to create an environment which not only speaks to their design sensibilities but creates a place that is so special it seems to breathe a life of its own.  

My hat is off to Peter and Katie for bringing to life their combined vision for their dream home.   I can only imagine how difficult it was for an architect and designer to design for themselves.  As a designer, I find designing for myself the most difficult task of all.

Click Here to Continue Reading.....

Fashion Trend: Ukrainian Clothing!

Ukrainian Blouse

Last year, when Ukrainian designer Vita Kin’s embroidered linen dresses and tops started popping up on every fashion trendsetters instagram feed, a trend was born.  Vita Kin took the vyshyvanka, a Ukrainian blouse which is part of their traditional costume and had scaled it back to perfect proportions.  Kim's designs were originally only available through instagram, but once the trend caught hold, she was quickly swept into the fashion troves of Net-a-Porter, and others. Many other designers have created their own versions of the vyshyvanka but most in dress form not blouses as is traditional.  From March11 to Free People and others, there are blouses and dresses available to suit any budget.  What is really interesting though is the amount of Ukrainian offering found on etsy!  If you enter Ukrainian blouses you will find more like this 

If you click here you can see a vast array of Ukrainian dresses and blouses that can be shipped to your door in a matter of a few days!

I recently ordered a few from etsy and here are my thoughts and favorite shops to buy Ukrainian wear via etsy.  

Ukrainian Dress

When these dresses and blouses were first made available for the US, they required a long lead time for delivery, but now shops are offering in stock options.  While these dresses look fab on tall, skinny people, those  not quite as svelte can also wear the fashion as coats or jackets by unsnapping them.  These fashions are linen and are advertised as summer garments, but in our climate, I think we can wear them in the fall and spring as well.  

LJM Embroidery

 LJM Embroidery has some amazing options like this short embroidered dress.  Remember that these are from the Ukraine so you may have to alter to fit you better.

Ukrainian Dress

If you want to order a dress or blouse make sure you check the measurements or ask the shop owner about the sizing.  One thing I have learned the hard way on etsy is to always check their return policy or be prepared to keep whatever you order if they don't offer returns or exchanges.  

Other shops to check out...

Ukrainian Wedding Dress

Sky blue vyshyvanka blouse by FashionbyUkraine

In Stock Black and White Boho blouse $145

Want to see more?  Click here for more options!

Vita Kim blouses are now $1300 and more and dresses are as much as $2500 so why not try some of these options and get an authentic look at a much better price.  

The winner of the book from Monday's giveaway is....

@EMcleod1959

Congrats!  Your Joni Vanderslice " Southern Coastal Living"

will arrive on your doorstep as soon as I have your address!

  Please send your address to

Lisa@lisamende.com  Thank you!!!

Joni Vanderslice: Southern Coastal Living and a Giveaway!!!

Joni Vanderslice's new book Southern Coastal Living arrived in my mailbox last week.  I tried to wait til the weekend before I read the book and perused the pages but my curiosity got the best of me.  I decided to flip through the pages and instantly found myself lost among the pages.

This southern designer expresses herself and her design philosophy so well. I love that she chooses to design for the way her clients live rather than how she wants their houses to look.  

Joni grew up in High Point, NC but cut her design teeth in the trenches of Hilton Head where she currently runs a nationally acclaimed design firm. 

In this book, Joni describes what it means to design for a resort community. Joni's luxury without pretense philosophy is showcased in residential resort homes on and near Hilton Head Island, SC.   From the thoughtful suggestions Joni makes for guest suites to the sage advice she gives for editing interiors, this book covers the gambit on how to decorate a well-designed coastal property.  

This book is filled with beautiful photographs of Joni's work.  Thumbing through the pages of the book makes me want to move to the coast.
(Of course, that's what I have always wanted to do anyway!)

This is a great book that is well written.  Kuddos to Joni!

I cannot wait to meet Joni at her book signing
during High Point Market!  Meet me there!

Joni Vanderslice Book Signing Event
Southern Coastal Living
Sunday, Oct 23 
6pm - 9pm 
Stanford Furniture 

Joni Vanderslice founded J Banks Design Group in 1986. As owner and president, she has built the design company into an internationally firm recognized for the J Banks signature style of timeless design and casual elegance. Vanderslice is a dedicated volunteer with the Hilton Head Boys and Girls Club and the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce.

Want to win a copy of Joni's book:  Southern Coast Living? 

Go to instagram and follow the instructions on my wall and
tag a friend who you think might like the book, then you both will
be entered to win!  Winner announced on Friday, Oct. 14th 

Favorite Metallic Shoes for Fall- Style Files

Metallic shoes are hot!  Have you found a perfect pair for fall? Did you snag a pair last year when they metallic first arrived on the fashion scene?  If not, time to get on the bandwagon!    Don't let Dorothy be the only one known for sparkly kicks!  Whether you chose flats, boots, or Mary Jane's the metallic shoe in silver, gold, pink or any other color are one of the season's hottest picks!  I've chosen some of my favorite styles for you to see.  Guess which ones I bought....

Pink Metallic Horsebit Pumps

Viola Tassel Sandal

Hermione Flats

 Jesse Silver Python boot 

Camilla Boot in Gold

Beya Bow Shoes

Starman Brogues

No 21 Glittered Pumps

Pink Sequin Mary Janes

Gold Brogues with Lucite Heels

Princeton "Horsebit" slippers

Silver Sparkly Multistrap Mary Janes

If you are looking for more budget friendly options here are some

Fab choices:

Owen metallic flat

Maggie Flair heel Booties

Kate Loafer

Mercury Block Heel Bootie

Justify Loafer in Gold

Dillon Mule

Cecile Booties


Are you as excited about metallic shoes as I am?  Which pair are your favorite?  The best part of wearing metallic shoes is that they go with everything from jeans to dresses.  I think of them as the woman's answer to traveling with fewer shoes!   Next trip pack a couple pairs of metallics and call it a day!  Metallic shoes will work back with all your outfits, so pick a pair of silver and a pair of gold and be ready to go!

Tell me what you love?


Congratulations to reader Natalie Reddell
 for being the winner of my book drawing this week for
Vern Yip's book "Design Wise"!!!!  
Stay tuned for Monday's Design Book Review and Giveaway!!!

Currently Coveting: Frances Palmer Pottery

Flowers are an integral part of my life.

As a designer, I am forever creating fresh flower arrangements for my home and also that of my clients especially during photo shoot time.  The perfectly unperfect arrangement for me always starts with the vessel.  My style is to create arrangements that look as though one walked out into the backyard and clipped the flowers from the garden and then tossed them in a vase.  My style is casual yet to create the look you must have a sculptural vase and lovely flowers.  I am also on the hunt for the perfect vessel or vase if you are southern like me and prefer to call it that.  I was delighted to discover Frances Palmer's pottery.  Frances is both a gardener and a potter who makes her efforts at creating the perfect arrangements in the perfect vases flawless. I am now obsessed with building a collection of her work.  The pieces are so simple yet, offer the perfect backdrop for beautiful flowers, food or whatever you deem worthy or just used by themselves.   Here are some of the pieces I hope to collect:

 I am in love with this beautiful bowl and can just picture it on the counter in the kitchen with peaches, apples or artichokes.  

The perfect pitcher for sunflowers, tulips or as a decoration in a 

cupboard when not in use.

The No. 3 flower vase is so feminine and frilly, perfect for soft,
feminine flower arrangements.

I don't think I need to explain why this piece is fabulous, 

it speaks for itself.

The log vase is so unexpected and fun!  Mix a variety of flowers

 in this piece for a creative display.

The beaded pedestal with ruffled top shown here.   Doesn't

 seeing this arrangement make you want to create beautiful 

flower arrangement of your own to enjoy?

The beaded pedestal vase with ruffled top is a work of art and

 would be perfect a bookcase alone, but to add flowers to this 

beauty would create a vision of beauty.

Frances also makes beautiful cake platters which enhance
 the presentation of desserts for birthdays, anniversaries
 or anytime it is necessary to create special moments. 

The Milk Splash Bowl is the cutest little bowl.  I can think of
hundreds of uses for this bowl.  It looks like a little crown to me.

Cambridge cups are the perfect size for tiny buds or one large bloom. 

The summer vase is perfect for all those beautiful summer flowers,
 but it is the perfect container any time of the year.

The ruffle vase is also a favorite from Frances' collection.

 Isn't it exquisite?

For now, I would simply be happy starting my collection
 with this little guy!  I have already put Santa on alert!

Most of Frances' collection is in white, but she offers a few pieces

 with color like the Vigee' vase which is lovely.

No. 2 Oxide in blue and white is another favorite for blue

 and white collectors.

I adore the white pieces but The Footed Vigee' in blue and pink
 is my very favorite piece of all!

These beautiful, sculptural works of art are functional, which makes them the perfect addition to open shelving, where space is limited, and items must be useful as well.

 Don't even get me started on her dinnerware!  Can you imagine a table set with these beautiful plates? Dreamy!

Frances Palmer, gardener, historian, potter, teacher, and photographer!  

I hope to meet Frances one day soon.  I would love to take one of her classes to learn more about her world and work.

Frances offers signed and limited edition archival prints on

 Hahnemuhle Fine Art paper on her website as well !  Isn't this stunning?

Click Here to Purchase or Learn More About This Book!

Frances is one of the makers included in Grace Bonney's new book, "In the Company of Women" which I can't wait to get my hands on!  It should be arriving soon!  Here is the description of the book from the publisher:

"Across the globe, women are embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and starting creative businesses. In the Company of Women profiles over 100 of these influential and creative women from all ages, races, backgrounds, and industries. Chock-full of practical, inspirational advice for those looking to forge their own paths, these interviews detail the keys to success (for example, going with your gut; maintaining meaningful and lasting relationships), highlight the importance of everyday rituals (meditating; creating a daily to-do list), and dispense advice for the next generation of women entrepreneurs and makers (stay true to what you believe in; have patience). The book is rounded out with hundreds of lush, original photographs of the women in their workspaces."

It's just a "want-fest" around here!  I want it all!

Needless to say, but "I'll take one of everything"

If you want to be inspired by what inspires Frances follow her on instagram here!

Visit her website to see the entire collection and read more here!