Clean lines, minimalist designs, high-quality paper, rich colorways, and made sustainably in the United States – it’s a modern stationery nerd’s dream come true. Founder and CEO of Appointed Suann Song built her brand for this exact purpose. From planners to notebooks, to calendars and more, the brand prides itself on simplicity and high-quality workmanship.
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Appointed has always been based in DC and previously had a studio, where products were hand-finished by staff, and a showroom where shoppers could take a closer look at the paper goods. The brand has since transitioned to a sleek, minimalist flagship store in Ivy City: The Appointed District Shop. With chic colors and organic shapes, the store feels peaceful and organized, just as notebooks and planners attempt to keep our minds. The flagship features The Notebook Bar: a unique design experience only available at the showroom, where guests can hand-select details to create their dream notebook. There are Planner Experts on hand ready to assist guests in choosing between various planner formats. Guests can also find a curated selection of high-quality, aesthetically-pleasing writing tools to pair with the stationery range.
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Uber-organized planner-keepers will find solace in the ethos of the Appointed brand. High-quality, chic, sustainably-made stationery tailorable to a busy lifestyle. We sat down with Song to find out how Appointed came to be, what can shoppers can look forward to from the brand and Song’s favorite DC-area businesses.
How did you get started creating stationery?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved paper goods. And while I’ve always been an avid paper collector—stationery, notebooks, accessories—I didn’t foresee this interest becoming my career path. I started Appointed after identifying a need in the market for American-made elevated paper goods. My philosophy is that the tools you surround yourself with directly impact creativity and productivity, and are therefore essential to achieving your best work. After failing to find quality products that fit my minimal aesthetic, I decided to make them myself. 
How did your collaborations with Anthropologie come to be?
In 2021, Anthropologie's buying team reached out to see if we were interested in creating an exclusive collection. We got to work without hesitation, as we've had the pleasure to work with Anthropologie in smaller capacities and have a wonderful working relationship with their team. Plus, I've always appreciated the priority they place on stationery and their wide assortment of product offerings. In the last year, we've collaborated to create a collection that speaks to the aesthetic of the Anthropologie customer while staying true to the Appointed brand. Shop the full collection here.
What makes Appointed special?
A commitment to our values sets us apart—our products are 100% American-made, we prioritize our environmental impact from start to finish, and we operate from a customer-first mentality. However, I believe what really makes Appointed special is our thoughtful and intentional design. We consider every aspect of your experience with careful attention to detail—from product development, to branding, and to in-person shopping at our flagship store.
How would you like Appointed to evolve in the future?
This Fall will welcome our second Workspace Collection, including even more practical yet beautiful tools for a better-organized workspace. Though paper goods will always be at the heart of Appointed, we continue to expand our product line to include everyday pieces for the desktop and beyond—intentionally designed for productivity and organization (and always American-made).
New products you’d be interested in creating? Other collaborations you’d be interested to contribute to?
We’d love to continue growing our planner collection (our top-selling collection after Notebooks) and eventually partner with a company to design and produce writing tools (think the perfect, sleek ballpoint pen).
What are some of your favorite DC small businesses?
There are so many great female-founded small businesses in D.C. Here are just a few of my favorites:
She Loves Me: Flower Shop
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Shelter: Jewelry boutique
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Three Littles: Sustainably-focused children's boutique
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Green Heart Juices: Sustainably-produced juice shop
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Where’s your go-to spot for dinner in the city?
We’re always exploring the never-ending slate of new DC restaurants, but our favorite family-friendly go-to’s are Tiger Fork, Daikaya, and Sfoglina.
What’s your favorite DC bar to grab a drink at?
With two kids and a busy work week, I don't often stay out late for cocktails. However, the Appointed Team frequents Ivy City-local Other Half Brewing (just down the block from our studio!) for happy hour on summer afternoons.
Photography by: Courtesy of Appointed and Appointed for Anthropolgie Collection
