January 21, 2008

Down in Mexico

Jacaranda Boutique

Souvenirs are for cheeseballs. You drink liquor from a tumbler and consider James Perse a T-shirt, thanks much.

But a recent sighting of textiles brought back from a pal’s trip to Los Cabos filled you with jealous rage — so much so you nearly hopped on a plane to Mexico.

Thanks to Jacaranda, you can stay put. The online boutique is filled with sustainable, handmade items from Mexico and Central and South America.

Our most favorite (so much so we were hesitant to share) is the Otomi fabric. The colorful pieces are hand-embroidered by Mexican Otomi Indians with natural thread onto canvas. Available in rich, bright hues like orange, teal, yellow, pink, navy, and lime green, they make beautiful tablecloths, coverlets, and upholstery. Each one can take a whopping three months to make, so you know it’s not only full of quality but also love.

Other notable wares include traditional El Palomar dishes, which undergo two firing processes and are then hand-painted with pretty designs; decorative pillows; and adorable caftans for kids.

They sure beat a sombrero from Tijuana.

Available online at jacarandahome.com.