The latest West Elm catalog just hit my mailbox, and I am head over heels for so many of their new pieces, especially the Global Bazaar collection. All are made from handmade textiles or local craftspeople, which means each piece is limited-edition and one-of-a-kind. That’s a lot of hyphens, but it’s also a lot of fabulousness.

{Essex dhurrie ottoman, $599}

{Everett Kantha chair, $899}

{Kantha quilted throw, $99}

{Indonesian ikat woven baskets, $39-59}

I love how distinctive and special each of these pieces feel – the very opposite of the mass-market vibe you typically get from West Elm and its brethren. They have so much character and warmth, they’d easily translate to nearly any decor, and would be easy to reinterpret in any number of spaces. In other words, great investment pieces you’ll treasure for years.

Much as I love all of them, I have to admit that I’m sort of bummed about the Kantha throws. I splurged on one of these years ago – they’re all handmade in India – and have always treasured it, so I sort of hate that now you can pop into any West Elm and snag one (for much less than I paid, incidentally). But hey, my loss is your gain. Or something like that.

Check out the rest of the new goodies at West Elm…there are bound to be a few things you can’t live without.

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