Going on about Safari

The always-favorite Lamy Safari is now available as a special edition in lime green. Bright, fun and eye catching, this color is one of my favorites and is sure to be a hit for summer and well beyond. The pens are made from sturdy, but lightweight, ABS plastic and feature an ergonomic gripping section for comfort. Safari is available as a fountain pen, rollerball or ballpoint. The fountain pen ($35) is filled by cartridge/converter and the steel nib comes in extra fine, fine, medium or broad. This cult classic in lime green will make it into my collection for sure--particularly since I own practically the whole rainbow of colors that have been introduced over the years.

Dialog 3 in black

The Lamy Dialog 3 is now available in black. At just $300, it features a retractable 14-karat gold nib. Its sleek and modern look is enhanced by a precise closing ball valve to prevent leaks and a retractable clip. Nib sizes include extra fine, fine, medium and broad.

All About AL-Star

I am a huge fan of the Lamy AL-Star, and its most recent rendition is in Ruby Red anodized aluminum. It's a limited production model, with all the AL-Star details that we've come to know and love: chrome wire clip and see-through grip in charcoal gray plastic. It is available as a fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint, priced at $45, $40 and $35 respectively.

Take a walk to Runcible Spoon

While in Providence recently, I visited one of my favorite spots, Runcible Spoon. It is located at 195 Wayland Avenue, just minutes from Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design in historic Wayland Square. During a brief chat with the owner, I learned that the interior store space was designed and built by her sons, and each display case was made and finished by hand--perfect to hold the myriad cards, stationery and pens the store has to offer. Runcible Spoon has been in Providence since 2003 (the Newport location closed recently), and it is a fun place to wander. I was impressed by the unique greeting cards, many from small and independent card makers, and the array of gorgeous letterpress stationery (and Lamy pens). Invitations and personal stationery are mostly from William Arthur, Tag & Co. and Crane. Greeting cards and boxed sets of stationery (and other paper goods) are from Rag and Bone, Joshua Graham, Caspari, Driscoll Designs, Saturn Press, Meri Meri, Filofax, Crane and many more. But why the name? The store also carries great tabletop items and gifts. This is a must-see store if you're ever in the area, and be sure to stop at one of the great coffee and sandwich shops within walking distance.

Photography by Emily Olson.