stationery

Originally just a resource for letterpress stationery printed with soy-based inks, Elum has expanded into a full-fledged line of artsy wall prints, colorful gift wrap, and fabric-covered journals. Its vibrant paper goods—ranging from boxed sets of stationery to invitations and announcements—can be completely personalized, and best of all, they're all made from tree-free, post-industrial-waste cotton rags.

Located in a corner of downtown beloved for its pastel houses and narrow cobblestone streets, this stationery store—and its refined paper goods—is as elegant as the impossible historic surroundings. From Charleston's Other Downtown neighborhood store listing.

Everything here cultivates a cool, modern aesthetic: White votive holders shaped like anemones, oversize coffee-table books, gem-studded Alexis Bittar acrylic necklaces, and art deco-inspired Lafco soaps round out the mix.

An enormous, two-level multi-department store devoted to of-the-moment, under-$50 clothing and fun housewares.

Nashville suffers from no lack of antiques, and a fair percentage of the city's selection is on the affordable side. This mall, located in an old warehouse, has the added bonus of being near railroad tracks: Listening to the rattle of trains while browsing is surprisingly relaxing.