I was incredibly sad when Black Ink was forced to leave Harvard Square, but my inner stationary…read morenerd rejoiced when I finally stepped into Topdrawer for the first time yesterday. I initially thought it was a clothing or travel store, given the nomad branding, but it's actually a combo of Boston-based everyday and travel accessories and a Japanese stationary store. 4.5 stars rounded up for the stationary, atmosphere, and service.
The space itself is airy and sleek, with an island of pens, pencils, and notebooks bordered by well crafted bags, glasses, and reversible slippers that looked so fuzzy, I wanted to touch every one.
But really, I was there for the stationary. Japanese stationary is the pinnacle of paper perfection, and Muji is usually my go to. But here, the quality is top notch, reminding me of a miniature Kinokuniya (NYC) or the couple stationary stores I visited in Japan many years ago. Not a vast collection here, but a well-curated one that's hard to get elsewhere in the States.
I delighted in all the different pens, pencils, and fountain pens on display. The various notebooks had beautiful paper -- some handmade, some not -- so I was incredibly slow as I marveled and mulled over what to pick. I'm not a planner/journal system person (think Traveler or Midori), but the leather covers and inserts from another brand made me think seriously about changing my journaling practices.
In the end, I had to restrain myself. I finally picked out a couple letterpress postcards with a daruma figure on them, a little notebook (one among many other fish designs), and a Pentel touch fine felt tipped pen. I'm an avid journaled and letter writer, and I can't wait to share these goodies with friends and penpals. Prices are a bit higher than your average stationary store, but it looked high quality.
Opening a store during the pandemic is tough, and a sleek lifestyle store usually isn't my cup of tea. But the guy on staff was incredibly friendly and open to sharing the background of the store, and the displays drew me right in. They also have covid protocols, like opened doors, air filters, and ample hand sanitizer when handling merchandise (plus trays for placing items for sanitation).
I will definitely be back for more stationary!