Style encompasses all aspects of our lives.  Now, I’m as big a fan of email and IM’ing as the next Swarovski covered blackberry- toting hipster … But, truth be told, I’m a paper girl.  Yes, my bb has a calendar on it, but I prefer to write everything down. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something about opening my mailbox and finding a handwritten note, thank you or otherwise, that trumps an email any day of the week.  

Clothes help to set the tone, but you can definitely up the ante on your personal brand by taking the time to write notes to friends and loved ones on personalized stationery.  British royalty are beholden to Smythson; but trust me here, crawl before you walk, i.e., make sure you’re going to actually use your stationery before you drop a wad on it. For those just starting out, check out sites like Design Her Gals, Tiny Prints, Fabulous Stationery or Minnie and Emma.  If you’re already converted and are ready to take things up a notch, for traditional notes go to Crane & Co., William Arthur, Fine Stationery or Mrs. John L. Strong.  For the trendsetters, check out the stylish designs at websites like Paper + Cup and iomoi.

Want to make your recipient smile before he even opens your letter?  Buy premade love stamps to show how much you care or let your creative juices flow and create your own stamps. 

p.s. I know that email saves the environment … but you can’t tie up a bunch of emails with a pretty bow and put them in a box for your grandchildren to find.