V&A and Hollywood
13th October 2012Better than Botox: Do Mormons have a ‘glow’?
5th November 2012Smythson Soho Diary
My passion for Smythson is beyond love. It’s devotion devoid of reason. Today I ordered my 2013 Smythson diary. One of my favourite days of the year. This signal that another year is ending and next year is about to begin. It’s the harbinger of my autumn (or ‘fall’ for we Americans!) like Halloween and Thanksgiving and the turning leaves.
When I moved to the UK for the first time in 2000, I found Bond Street (lust) and then I found Smythson (love). Finally, grown up ‘school supplies’ that were luxe and quality. Before I had satisfied myself with Target’s back-to-school corner each August and the indulgent visit to Crane’s in Chicago when it allowed. But Smythson was a new level of stationery love. I love the blue Nile paper, the gilt edges, the satisfying textures and scent of real, live paper. This from a Kindle devotee and first adopter – I get my ‘paper fix’ from my diary and nothing else will do.
When I moved to the UK for the first time in 2000, I found Bond Street (lust) and then I found Smythson (love). Finally, grown up ‘school supplies’ that were luxe and quality. Before I had satisfied myself with Target’s back-to-school corner each August and the indulgent visit to Crane’s in Chicago when it allowed. But Smythson was a new level of stationery love. I love the blue Nile paper, the gilt edges, the satisfying textures and scent of real, live paper. This from a Kindle devotee and first adopter – I get my ‘paper fix’ from my diary and nothing else will do.
Each year I buy a new Soho diary with a slide clasp. (I don’t believe in electronic calendars and devices, though I love my Blackberry.) The Soho is perfect – pocket-book sized; calendar on one page with a facing ruled blank page for to-do lists and things to remember; loads of lovely ruled pages at the back for notes of wishes, aspirations and deep thoughts; convenient pockets in the pack for tucking notes and cards away, or sliding in the grosgrain address book.
At the end of each year, I put last year’s diary on a shelf alongside its predecessors. I can find an important name or reference from 2005 pretty quickly, actually. It makes me happy and I find the sight of their leathered precision comforting.
Smythson has basic black – my first years’ choice – and then the fashion/luxury collection. More expensive, but since I use it 365 days a year, it’s worth it to see something useful that makes me happy every day. I’ve had amethyst, chocolate, ruby, even fuschia. 2012 was emerald crocodile, bringing change, prosperity, and an earthy centeredness. The classic Nile Blue is my choice this year – wishing for a 2013 of blue sky, blue water, serenity and, of course, beauty.
At the end of each year, I put last year’s diary on a shelf alongside its predecessors. I can find an important name or reference from 2005 pretty quickly, actually. It makes me happy and I find the sight of their leathered precision comforting.
Smythson has basic black – my first years’ choice – and then the fashion/luxury collection. More expensive, but since I use it 365 days a year, it’s worth it to see something useful that makes me happy every day. I’ve had amethyst, chocolate, ruby, even fuschia. 2012 was emerald crocodile, bringing change, prosperity, and an earthy centeredness. The classic Nile Blue is my choice this year – wishing for a 2013 of blue sky, blue water, serenity and, of course, beauty.
