Where This Writer Finds Unique Stationery in Chelsea

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New York City has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around our fantastic city that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.

Image via The Midtown Gazette

Melody Serafino is the managing director of strategic communications at Group SJR, an agency that works with a range of major companies and brands like Barneys New York and Target. She's also a freelance writer for Time Out New York and a new digital magazine called Bazar New York. She values a hand written card, and trusts this shop in Chelsea for all her stationery needs.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love writing cards—an art I learned early on from my mother who still sends me cards for every holiday and milestone. Growing up, I remember that rush I would feel running to the mailbox to see if there was a letter waiting for me from one of my childhood pen pals. There's something so special and exciting about receiving snail mail, which is why I am obsessed with having beautiful, unique stationery and note cards.

I lived in Chelsea for six years, which is when I discovered the neighborhood gift shop Arcadia, a hidden gem that sells an array of cards–both humorous and sentimental. I tend to gravitate toward the floral and Asian art-inspired cards that are blank inside so I can use them for any occasion. Even now that I've moved out of the neighborhood this is my go-to spot for buying cards for friends and family.

· Arcadia Spa & Home [Official Site]
· Group SJR [Official Site]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked NY]

Arcadia Spa & Home

249 W 23 St New York, NY 10011