I once thought I was this wierdo that had this strange obsession with stationary. I wouldn't neccessarily USE the stationary, I'd just buy it and place it strategically on my desk or on a shelf to make it look like I use super sleek and professional notepads and pens, but truth be told, I loved oggling at it so much that I never used it. Then social media helped me cope with my insecurities about this obsession when I discovered thousands of people across the globe had the same addiction as I did. But why DO we hoard all these writing and paper utensils? What purpose do they serve if we're not actually using them?

According penheaven.co.uk , for us creatives at least, stationary helps prepare and motivate the mind for creativity, which makes total sense. Think about when were were kids and we were given a big pice of butchers paper and some crayons... we'd go ballistic scribbling whatever we could on this giant, blank canvas. Who knows what those scribblings were meant to be, but how exciting was it to be told "go crazy, draw whatever you want" without getting in trouble for writing on the table or the walls (sorry mum and dad).

It also helps to ignite the senses, channel our emotions and put out thoughts into a physical format. Depending on what kind of "learner" you are, for me, writing things down, even if I'm directly copying a piece of copy that somebody has already typed up for me, by writing it down I obsorb the information. The same went for lectures, design briefs and instructions for anything. Reading it did nothing... writing it down in my own words meant I retained the knowledge. 

I've now made a promise to myself to help with my hoarding of unused stationary, and that is to use it and fill it with anything and everything. Don't let the art of handwriting die, no matter how messy and unlegible it is. A good ol' fashioned "brain dump" into a journal can be so incredibly uplifting, clearing your head of some of the most toxic thoughts, negativity or worries that come with adulting and life. Let the pages carry your burden, and free your mind. Below are some of my favourite stores that I indulge in every once in a while, its now a kind of "retail therapy" that is actually good for my mental state - that's justifiable, right?

Russel & Hazel

Affordable elegance, Russell & Hazel make it easy to select items that compliment anyones style and taste. Covering all aspects of quality minimalism from soft leathers, clear acrylics and even an entire section dedicated to planning your perfect wedding. 

Some of our favourites include the Paper Bloc Notepad in Neutral, the Acrylic and Gold Tape Dispenser and the Leather Envelope Laptop Portfolio in Camel.

Sessa Vee

This majorly inspiring and successful girlboss has built a custom stationary empire and has done a remarkable job appealing to anyone looking for class, elegance and minimalism. Spruce up your corporate planners and binders with custom gold foil stamped dividers, classy stickers and beautifully designed planner inserts for all girlboss requirements.

Our definate favourites are the Classic Black & Gold Office Pen in .5mm, Custom Made 6 Tab Dividers in Black and the Paper Clip Set in Copper (pictured)

Cloth & Paper Co

If you get excited by the idea of a subscription box coming every month full of stationary goodies, well Cloth & Paper Co are your subscription box gods. Not only is the unboxing an exciteable experience, but the amount of items you get per month will have you swimming in happiness. You have the option of the Stationary only box, the Pens only box, or if you're completely obsessed, BOTH!

Our top picks from their store are the Smooth Leather Agenda in Nude, the Bits and Bobs Foiled Notepad and the White Ceramic Rollerball Pen.

Stil Classics

Founded in 2014, designer Marissa took her experience working as a graphic designer and photographer to create printed organizational goods with elevated quality, simple design and thoughtfully curated materials. Stil are an independent design studio providing minimal and intentional products that help women achieve organization.

Her incredible photography skills and appreciation for a good flatlay make Stil Classics a must have if you plan on taking a lot of desk shots for your own instagram.

We can't get enough of the 2019 Weekly Planner in Zand, the Wire Clips in Black and our absolute favourite (Featured on our homepage) is the Paper Catchall in Sand.

Milligram

Milligram is the major shopping centre for all your stationary needs covering multiple brands, styles and price ranges. Create your dream home or office stationery cupboard and shop online (or in store at Milligram Melbourne Central) for notebooks, pens, diaries, inks and fine office supplies. Buy stationery online in their stationery shop from brands including Moleskine, Delfonics, Lamy, Palomino, Kaweco, Milligram, Rhodia, Midori and almost 80 more! They also offer specialist items like custom wax seals, pen customisation, bullet journals and a quality range of backpacks, books and gifts.

We're always adding the Milligram Everyday Notebook with Dot Grid, Lamy LX Rollerball Pen in Rose Gold and Tools to Live By 20cm Scissors in Black to our shopping cart.