I doubled the fun last week with two nearly back to back Show Me Your Dallas outings. Wednesday fellow entrepreneur Kyle Knight and I finally had the opportunity to meet. We've been bumping into each other a lot online recently and once I realized she was in town I knew we had to connect. Something told me we had quite a bit in common. My instincts were spot on, as the outgoing blond was my perfect companion and a certainly knew her territory.
Kyle authors the design blog Knight Moves. She will tell you she's all interiors and no fashion - don't believe her. This stylish Texan knows how to rock her heels and skinny white jeans on a hot spring day and was privy to Jason Wu's appearance at Neiman Marcus the next day (have I mentioned how much I love this city?). Her love of style carries over into her passion interiors. For proof catch this lovely photo tour of her home on La Dolce Vita blog. As we introduced ourselves and connected the dots in our lives, it was clear we were up for a fun great morning.
Her agenda? Two fantastic shops that were worlds apart - physically and aesthetically. First up: Ceylon et Cie, a shop overflowing with eclectic style. Owned by lauded interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer, every square inch of this Design District boutique offers a new visual adventure. Michelle is something of a phenomenon. She's been in every shelter publication you can imagine and is consistently ranked amongst the top designers in the field. She was out that day, but her team was incredibly helpful in making us feel welcome and informed. We were delighted to fawn over samples of her new textile line. Our universal favorite was an ikat-inspired fabric with a golden shimmery finish. When the light hit it just right it offered a remarkable gilded finish. Dreamy - and certainly one to bookmark for future projects.
"Boutique" might not be the right for Ceylon et Cie, as that implies small size. The shop is actually fairly large and is comprised of many rooms. Just when you feel you've covered it all you realize there's yet another series of vignettes to admire. Each one with it's own story and and style. It is impossible to pigeon hole her taste, other than to say it encompasses the full spectrum of style from every era and destination imaginable.
Proprietor Michelle's global travels reveal themselves everywhere. Fabrics stacked on a chest were surely sourced at some far-flung bazaar. Architectural objects scattered about radiated ancient European elegance. Between the exotic touches and thrilling patterns were moments of pure minimal elegance. A personal favorite were lovely glass and metal tables Kyle and I both loved. In the midst of it all what I wanted to see most was the passport book(s) it surely takes to create such a marvelous inventory. All beautufully displayed and thoughtfully grouped. This is an absolute MUST on anyone's Dallas trip.
Antiques, exotic imports, furnishings, jewelry and objects of Michelle's own design rounded out this sunny, lovely store. The perfect start to our day and a "must see" if you're visiting. While there, be sure to examine her beautiful Rock Candy collection, a series of lamps and glamorous boxes sure to add shimmer and shine to your home.
After hopping in our cars and cruising across town we landed at WIlliam-Christopher Design, the storefront of residential design dynamos W. Tyson Burks and Christopher Ridolfi. Christopher was our incredibly gracious host the day we visited. Can I just say, I LOVED this shop. It is housed in a bright airy space with natural light streaming in through sheer planels. For a moment you're sure you've been transported to Southern California - always a good thing.
My mind had fully absorbed the visual splendor of our previous stop, so I was delighted to see that William-Christopher merchandises with a more Spartan hand. It was a bit of a Goldilocks situation. Not too little or too much on display: it was just right. The sound of our heels walking on the hardwood floors gave you the feeling you were at a stylish friend's home for a milling about. That congenial feeling was much attributed to the amiable Christopher, who couldn't have been more generous with his time.
The overall vibe was an interesting blend of natural materials, plus a hint of the exotic mixed with an ever so slight Mid-Century edge. Clean, raw, intriguing. I liked it. I liked it a lot. Spattered about the shop were custom pieces, one-of-a-kind antiques and a nice array of new pillows, lamps, light fixtures and candles. The mélange surely makes William-Christopher an indespensible resource for the city's design elite. I was particularly smitten with the Balinese daybed and those dreamy candles in clusters about the store. I absolutely loved this store and can't wait to return.
As we left, Kyle and I were each treated to one of the candles we'd been admiring. Christopher, you absolutely nailed my home olfactory preference, as this "Copper Canyon" candle from luxe brand Burn Voyage makes my knees buckle. Hallelujah! Thank you so much. See you soon, as I'll absolutely be back for a few more!
Another successful outing, and another fabulous new girlfriend. Kyle, love you, doll! Looking forward to our next get together. Thanks again for showing me your Dallas!
