Back to School Supplies...for Grownups!!

One of the odd things about being an Empty Nester is not having an “excuse” to hit up every art supply, stationery & Big Box store in my zip code in search of perfect Back-to-School supplies for my daughters. Well, who says I can’t do that for MYSELF?!! Because yes, every girl needs the perfect set of desk ware — no matter her age:) Here are my favorites!!

First of course, what to write with? I’m obsessed with these colorful pens , which have great saturated color in a point that is fine enough for list making….

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For more business-y stuff, I stock up on these German-engineered beauties. Serious quality at a great price!


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My daughter Avery, seen scouring shelves of an art supply store in NYC, is as much of a perfect-pen junkie as I am I’m afraid!

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I posted something on Insta to get feedback on everyone’s fave pens & this one came up high on the list! Just ordered a bunch…

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Then, where to keep all your gorgeous pens when you’re on the go? Why everyone needs a trusty pencil holder — which I often get for reading glasses too. The pic below of one by Quitterie, from the Japanese brand Delfonics, which does NOT do this wonder justice!!

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I first discovered this brand in the gift shop at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC — & now find you can actually order them on Amazon!:) It’s lightweight, waterproof PVC material that is ideal for traveling & for people who spill their coffee often (me:). The colors are gorgeous - & as my friend Jen swears by, it’s helpful to have something BRIGHT in your handbag so you can see/find it quickly….

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Sigh….the art studio in our old house below — my cousin Eliot & I poring through magazines. I mean the ROOM for endless art/school supplies was epic! Oh well, moving right along….

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OK - to go with your snazzy pouches, how bout a handy note jotter? Especially helpful for my “senior moments” these days (or maybe it’s just ADHD? who knows - regardless, writing stuff down is a lifesaver!).

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Or you could REALLY crazy and get a whole suite of pads ie; this desk set from Russell & Hazel, which has beautiful quality paper & smart design. I’m a huge fan!

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Another great Back to School item I love is a bulletin board. I wish mine was neater now & I’d show you how it looks in person — alas, it’s crammed full!!:( I have the large size of this Ballard Burlap Message Board which looks just right in city or country spaces….

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When styled up well, mine can look like this below (I snapped up this pic in a Showhouse because it was so dreamy…hence breaking the no photography rule - shhh…don’t tell anyone!!)

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Another inspiring Back to School kind of thing I love & collect are marbleized paper boxes & containers. Il Papiro is one of my favorite resources - maybe you know of others that you can order online? If so, please let me know!

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Jen (a fellow paper goods fan) & I discovered a treasure trove of paper boxes at Mecox Gardens in LA a while back….I just adore them!!

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Last but not least, I love my felt computer case, which I picked up for a song on Etsy. I think I’ve gotten 2 or 3 of them over the years — they’re durable and kind of stylish, don’t you think? Beats neoprene in my mind!

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Well, that’s those are the greatest hits for Back to School from my point of view! Are there categories and items you are obsessed with for desk organizing & paper/pens? DM me on Insta (@elegant.mayhem) with any suggestions & I’ll spread the word!

Thanks for reading & see you next week -

Lee

InspirationLeland Prince