16 Feb 2013

fashion and functionality

I'm a big fan of fashion, shopping and clothes. I'm also a big fan of being organised. That's why the binder I use is just as important as an outfit I wear to dinner or whatever. Fashion and functionality is the reason why the weeks that I post every Sunday are as colourful as they are. It is also why I use stickers, washi tape and whatnot to make it pretty.

This is all why I purchased the Smythson binder I did. I love how bright it is and also how it kind of reflects who I am. I am quite girly (though, I do have a more 'masculine' side to me - the side that loves sports a bit too much!) and although I don't particularly like to stand out, the bright pink and the Smythson brand reflects the fact that I like to be original and different when it comes to most things.


Fashion and functionality can also be applied to other items - for example, spectacles. I have been wearing glasses since I was about thirteen and I used to hate it. However, in recent years, I've seen it as an opportunity to use it as a fashion accessory and my two favourite pairs are ones that suit my face and are ones I'm not ashamed to step out in.

Shoes is another thing. For me, I'm mainly in flats as when I was growing up, I had a growth spurt when I was about ten or eleven and so was one of the taller girls in my class at the time and I hated standing out.  Because of this, I never really embraced heels but I do have a pair of chunky heeled boots which are perfect for the autumn and winter.

How do you feel about fashion and functionality? Have you compromised one or the other when choosing your diary or other things?

12 comments

  1. Definitely not! You can always find something that is fashionable and has excellent functionality.

    I don't ever consider buying anything if I don't like the design!

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    1. So glad you agree! I feel the same way. As bad as it is to seem like we are 'judging something by its cover', at the end of the day, something that is pretty and functional would sell better than something that is one or the other :) (That's how I feel anyway!) x

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  2. Totally agree with this post. I don't understand having to settle for just one OR the other--function or fashion? Why not both? :)

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    1. If only more companies shared this mindset! It's nice to get something that is both fashionable and functions well but often, it is a case of one or the other :( x

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  3. Definitely agree with what you're saying here! I always make my mind up taking into account whether it works well but also is something I think looks great.

    You have the exact same glasses story as me - only recently in the past few years or so being more aware of how I can use my glasses as an accessory! I wear my glasses much more now (instead of contact lenses) and it's a lot better for my eyes.

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    1. I used to wear contact lenses a lot too but it's so time consuming to put in contact lenses, wash them, take them out, etc that I much prefer glasses now.

      I often find that with material things, I often look at how they look equally as much as how they work. However, I know that others prefer functionality over function and that is fine too :) x

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  4. I'm about as non fashionable as it's about to get, but then I am 50 shortly, so really I just wear what I like and as long as I look half way to being decent that's fine by me.
    I have just acquired an A5 grey Malden, and it's total love. The purple would have been nice, but the grey is not too severe, and I love the leather. I've only been using a filofax for a few months, and I'm slowly finding what works for me.
    Functional, very, stylish, classic.
    Ticks all the boxes for me anyway.

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    1. Age is just a number though so that's no excuse ;) The Malden can be classed as fashionable by some though, and using a paper planner can be regarded as fashionable too (well, I would regard it as fashionable - what better way to set a trend than to be organised?!) x

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  5. I struggle with this. I own a bright red 1989 Filofax Winchester which I love... It's got personality and panache; it's distinctive and very well made. But I can't fit into it (as always... I can't fit into the lovely clothes I bought when I lived in Rome 10 years ago either!). My enormous Franklin planner fits everything and works perfectly for my needs, but it is not stylish. At the moment my life is incredibly busy and the Franklin really fits the bill, but it's hard to not have my stylish planner with me.

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    1. Oh your red Winchester is lovely! I think sometimes a compromise is needed between being fashionable AND functional but that's ok too! At the end of the day, I'm pretty sure the majority would rather something was functional instead of being something that is all 'style and no substance'. I really hope you can use your Winchester again - it's a lovely colour and it looks like a lovely binder! I would have been sold if they did one in a purple hue but I don't think they ever did x

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  6. My Pocket Chameleon in pink is the love of my life!! Perfect for my lifestyle :)

    Also, as it has taken a back seat to the Chameleon, I am now selling a red Metropol so if you know anybody who may be interested, there's a blog sale on my blog with it at the moment :)

    XX

    astudentinscotland.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. So glad you're enjoying the use of your Chameleon :-) It's a great feeling when you find something that fits in perfectly with your life and is good looking... It's almost like dating hehe. x

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