Y'all...I have never lived close to a West Elm before, so last week when I got invited to a private preview of the new West Elm that just opened in New Orleans, I was preeeetty excited to say the least.  I mean, I'm an hour away from one of my favorite home stores...this could get dangerous.  The store is absolutely gorgeous (I'm in love with that instrument display) and I am pretty sure I started mentally shopping about a minute after walking through the doors.

A group of lifestyle bloggers including Aimee of Aimee Broussard, Graham of Glazed and Confused, Emily of Louisiana Bride Blog, Juley of Upperlyne & Co., and I were invited to see the store and have a private tour with the company's creative director, Vanessa Holden!  It was kind of amazing!

The store did not disappoint and was full of pleasant surprises both in product and pricing!  From dinnerware, to throw pillows that you can swap out covers for easy updates, a plethora of quirky decorating items, gorgeous bedding and lighting, a great cocktail assortment, and a whole section dedicated to local makers and designers, I could not be more thrilled that West Elm is officially open on Magazine Street!  You need to go check it out!

I am thinking that I need to start brainstorming multiple excuses to tell Canean of why I HAVE  to go to New Orleans...and then you know just pop into the store while I'm at it. 

I managed to come away with some new cocktail glasses (each under two bucks, hello I should have gotten more), metal straws that I am officially obsessed with, and a couple of items from the local maker's section, including a map of Louisiana parishes that I couldn't leave without!

To top off a great day, we each received a fantastic tote with a print designed by The Grove Street Press especially for the New Orleans store.  I had another commitment and was unable to make the grand opening party that night, but heard it was full of fabulous people, cocktails, fun music, and of course a photo booth!  I would have loved to have been there!

West Elm, welcome!  And thanks for the special afternoon...I can't wait for us to become best friends!