Back to Cool - My Top Six Stationery Picks

Was there ever anything cooler than opening your 'mála scoile' (Irish for school bag) on the first day back to reveal your new pencil case packed with fancy pens and erasers to go with your fancy jotters?

I was one of those kids who coped very well with the back to school ritual knowing it meant a potential ream of new stationery items. I still hold a love for nice notebooks and desk accessories to adorn my workspace, though my taste has moved on to become a little more discerning and understated than the fluffy pencil toppers I once proudly displayed on my school desk. Below I have selected my current top six picks to give your work space a wow aesthetic while being practical too.

1. Agenda - Kate Spade

Kate Spade 17 month Agenda 

I love a good agenda and this monochrome 17 month Kate Spade agenda from the amazing website My Shining Armour will not only keep your diary commitments and tasks on track, but will also add elegance to your desk and will make you the envy of attendees at any meeting your display it at. Tasteful and chic. 

2. Gold Pen Set - Kate Spade

Kate Spade Gold Pen Set

"Can I borrow your pen?" - this sentence will strike fear into your heart when you have these in your drawer as we all know that office magpie who will sail off to their cubicle with your good pen in tow never to return. Suggest you keep a plain biro or two on hand in case of any emergency borrowing situations and ask maintenance to finally give you the key to your desk drawer. Meanwhile, these beauties will be a perfect companion to your new agenda. Also available at My Shining Armour

3. Notebook - Katie Housley Stationery

Notebook by Katie Housley Stationery

I recently came across Katie Housley based in Hove in England (@katiehousleystationery) on Instagram and instantly fell in love with this lovely leaf print notebook from her new range that she's due to launch over the next few weeks. She also sells the most beautiful greeting cards. Check out her range at www.katiehousley.co.uk 

4. Desk pad  - Dusty Boy Designs

Desk pad by Dusty Boy Designs

No aspiring #GirlBoss should be without this beautiful desk pad from Dusty Boy Designs (an Irish couple who design and make a fabulous range) to jot down those lightning strikes ideas and doodle your way to your ultimate destiny. I am also in love with their Zebra design notebook, which is currently sold out so I'm watching their site for the next restock date.

5. Acrylic and Rose Gold Stapler - Kate Spade

Kate Spade Acrylic and Rose Gold Stapler

I need this stapility in my life! Okay so I admit, I have a thing for Kate Spade Stationery and this stapler is one of my absolute favourites. It has to be the chicest most aesthetically pleasing design of a very practical desk accessory that I have ever seen. It's acrylic with rose gold accents and has the words 'keep it together' inscribed on top. Top of my desk of destiny wish list from uber cool party accessories and stationery site Hippenings.com

6. Acrylic Marble Desk Tray - Rachel George

Rachel George Acrylic and Marble Desk Tidy

Never was the incentive to keep your desk tidy so great. This marble design desk tidy by Rachel George is so gorgeous! They have an array of fabulous stationery items on their site and they ship internationally too, but if you'd prefer to buy a little closer to home some of their line will soon be available here in Ireland via My Shining Armour  - keep a check on their website for any pre-order listings as I can only imagine these are going to sell out fast.