Retail Love: Loaded Trunk

It's easy to get disenchanted with the "global" look -- how often have we seen traditional crafts practiced over centuries -- amazing works of art you had to buy a plane ticket to get -- turn into mass-produced trends available at any Crate & Barrel?

Yes, the replicas can look pretty, but the specialness is gone. At the same time, there's something to be said for accessibility. That's why I completely adore Loaded Trunk, a wonderful boutique and online shop that purchases beautiful handmade goods from local artisans at a fair price, but saves you the $2000 plane ticket and three-day hike to get to them.

There's a lot to love in this shop, but my favorite things would have to be the magical Mexican bedspreads and the Turkish tinned copper.
(Mexican Bedspreads)

There are also richly dyed Turkish rugs, Indonesian ikat, vibrant Suzani pillows and cool and creepy Indonesian shadow puppets. Shop here.

(Indonesian shadow puppet, Turkish tinned copper, Thai cobra stapler, Yao ceremonial scroll)