Making the Workday Work for You

It may be hard to believe in the Big O with weather like we've been having, but it is Fall. Among fun and festive Autumn activities like hayrack rides, pumpkin patches, and leisurely strolls amidst the fall leaves this also brings new school and office routines that hopefully we've all settled into by now. Whether you work in a confined cubicle or from the comfort of your own home, it's important to have a work space that is both functional and inspiring. Give your desk some personality and keep it fun with bright colors, fun textures and charming details. Here are eight items to turn your workday from drab to joyous.

1. Hold Everything. This ceramic New York City Greek deli cup is a perfect hold all for everything you need to keep at your fingertips.

2. An office with a great view is hard to come by. So, why not bring the outdoors inside. We think this grass vase from Normann Copenhagen just may be prettier than the real thing. A great idea to beat the [soon to come] winter blues.

3. Recycled Thoughts. Keep those bright ideas fresh in an Attic Journal made from recycled books.

4. Keep your friends close. What better office friendship to form than one with success. Keep it on your mind and on your desk in the form of this John Derian paperweight.

5. Everything has its place, keep desktop odds and ends in sight with a chic and quirky ceramic "take-out" dish from Lorena Barrezueta.

6. The best thing since....well, regular sticky notes! This charming office themed sticky note set from Cavallini is sure to help you remember all of those important details.

7. All the right words. Daily affirmations keep your mind on the prize at the office. So why not surround yourself with positive and inspirational thoughts. This John Derian decoupage tray is a smart addition to any desk.

8. The Magic word. Thank you notes like this one from Jonathan Wright are always an office staple. Nothing says thank you like a handwritten note, great for that coworker that always brings you coffee in the morning or for the potential client who you just met.

Scholastic Rock n' Roll

My favorite trend of the season is STUDS. I love their rough aspect paired with soft leather and the rocker facade they provide for any outfit a studded accessory is paired. Unfortunately academia doesn't cater to the rocker in all of us when trips to the library are more important than the latest show at Slowdown. Therefore I have put together a collection of items that say rebellion while secretly hiding your Calculus textbook.

My favorite and most affordable item is the Jonathan Wright and Company bookplates each blessed with an individual skull and crossbones and a dose of latin. I can't wait to add some rebellious flair to my boring and beat-up trapper keepers in class. I also am in love with the "Kate" bag (I swear no bias) from MZ Wallace. Originally intended for a diaper bag this brilliant tote has pockets for every pencil, pen, and protractor as well as plenty of room for that brand new environmentally safe Macbook your parents gifted you for graduation. The sleek Botkier clutch also doubles as a perfect pencil pouch or makeup bag for those school days turned late, late nights.

I'm dreading leaving the cobblestoned streets of the Old Market to return to the foothills of Appalachia for school but hopefully with some of these items in tow it will make the transition a little more glam-rock.