Homestyle: Back to cool

Joel Koyama, Star Tribune

Sets of 8 coordinating DiVoga soft grip clips in damask or stripe patterns, eight to a package for $3.49. Several Minnesota locations, see a locater or order at www.officemax.com. �

Experiencing a pang because it's September and truthfully, you're too old for a really big box of Crayolas with a built-in sharpener? Slake your back-to-school supply envy with this group of desktop beauties.

By Styling by KIM YEAGER, Star Tribune

Last update: September 2, 2009 - 9:53 AM

PAPER BOON

Even paperwork can belie its boring contents if it looks good. "California Earth File" folders, 12 to a package in three designs in orange, cool blue and pale kiwi, recycled with 30 percent post-consumer waste, $4.99. Several Minnesota locations, see a locater or order at www.officemax.com.

GET A GRIP

Sets of 8 coordinating DiVoga soft-grip clips in an "X" repeat or stripe patterns, eight to a package for $3.49. Several Minnesota locations, see a locater or order at www.officemax.com.

TAKE A MEMO

"Paisley Please" dry-erase memo boards don't need a nail to hang, making them a good fit for a tiny desk area. The repositional peel-and-stick vinyl Wall Pops boards, 13- by 18-inches, come in seven other patterns/colors and include a dry-erase marker. $12, Net City Shops of Plymouth, Minn., through www.walldecorshops.com.

LIGHT-AS-A-FEATHER LEATHER

Soft, zip-top leather pencil case and "Stash Sack" hold your desktop clutter in check, and make a stylish statement when you and your writing implements go mobile. $26 and $30, respectively; there's also a portfolio size, 14 inches wide by 10 inches high, for $50. All sizes in lime, metallic gold, white and black. Available at the end of the month, Russell + Hazel, 4388 France Av. S., Minneapolis, 952-279-1361, and Pulp Fashion, 102 N. Main St., Stillwater, 651-439-7148; additional retailers at www.russellandhazel.com.

TIME AFTER TIME

In case you need a reminder that time is fleeting, the "One Day at a Time" notepad trio fills the bill. Three sizes are delineated by hours, minutes and seconds. Available at the end of the month, Russell + Hazel, 4388 France Av. S., Minneapolis, 952-279-1361, and Pulp Fashion, 102 N. Main St., Stillwater, 651-439-7148; additional retailers at www.russellandhazel.com.

DATE-WORTHY

Clever jewel box 2010 desk calendar from stationer Snow & Graham converts to a holder. Twelve 4¾ by 5¼ inch cards with spare and colorful modern florals and other designs, printed on heavy cream-colored cardstock. $18, from Minneapolis-based online retailer Red Stamp Cards, www.redstamp.com.

GOOD TO GO

The "School Solutions Portable Note Holder" corrals two sizes and colors of Post-it notes and pen underneath a pasteboard cover; its elasticized band makes the pad easily portable from your desk to your purse. In Apple Blossom and Marigold, $5.24, Target stores; several Twin Cities-area locations.

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