About 3 years ago, while in NYC working, I was introduced to Muji. I'd never seen this store, they didn't have one in LA. I love Muji's philosophy:
"In its deliberate pursuit of the pure and the ordinary – achieves the extraordinary."
All their products live by that philosophy. I was immediately drawn to the stationary, I love notebooks and use them all the time. Since then I've been a fan, mostly ordering online. Earlier this year on a trip to San Jose, right outside my hotel was a Muji store. I nearly squealed, actually I did squeal, and on my night off immediately went to shopping. I told my two co-workers (one based in Denver, the other in Seattle) about my purchases, they'd never heard of the store either.
So a few weeks ago on our last visit to San Jose, wearing my Muji scarf, I made converts out of these two ladies. I think I went back to Muji three days in a row. We all bought scarfs, pens, notepads, socks, I think someone even bought a linen blazer. Oh and I said I'd bought that story board book above and colored pencils for one my friends kids...yeah I am SO keeping that. I love it.
Best thing I found out while there, they are opening a store in Hollywood, I'd prefer if it was closer to the Westside, because it will probably be quicker to fly to San Jose then to drive to Hollywood. But I guarantee I'll be there when it opens. Check out their online store, you'll love the simplicity of their products, and if you travel a lot, they have small items perfect for carry-on luggage.