If you’re anything like me, your heart probably does a little flutter when you think of a shopping spree around Paperchase. All those pens, pretty binders, fresh diaries and crisp new notebooks… oh the beauty of it all! My only problem is no matter how much money I spend on stationery, I’ll always resort to losing all but that one pen I picked up at Freshers Fair, and my notebooks will be cast aside in favour of just writing everything out on my laptop. But if your thirst for fancy stationery is one you know will be worthwhile, this year brings in lots of new collections you can stuff your uni bag with.
As always, new notebooks and pencil cases don’t have to break the bank. You can find a great range of everything you need in supermarkets, or even a trip to Wilko’s in Lancaster will fetch you a great range of stationery in various styles, all at amazing quality considering the low prices. One of my favourite collections in at the moment is the Botanica range, featuring deep blue and purple floral patterns. The Kraft range also has its own unique edge, as the brown cardboard covers allow freedom for doodling when you find yourself in one of those lectures that’s just a little too long for your liking. Wilko’s may not be what you’d expect to read as a recommended retailer in the fashion section of the newspaper, but for stationery it definitely fits the student budget!
If you’re into the higher end stationery, Kate Spade is the answer for you. Her latest clothing collection features bright, bold colours, and her new stationery range is no different. The collection includes journals, notebooks, pen sets and even mugs – everything you need! While the pricing can be a little steep, which is really to be expected from a designer brand, it really will brighten up your desk and perhaps even give you the motivation you need to get around to going over those lecture notes.
Fashion designers releasing stationery lines is by no means a new concept. In fact, many designers have brought out office supplies in the past few years including House of Holland, Cath Kidson and Lily Pulitzer, all of which are available online and in selected stores. Or, as Matthew Hince, my fellow SCAN Fashion writer would say, you can’t go wrong with a good old moleskin notebook.
Whether you’re jotting your work down in a notebook or tapping away on your computer and scrambling around in the bottom of your bag for a pen when the in-class register goes around, I hope the new year is a productive one for all!
