29 May 2013

Smythson six-month anniversary

It's now been just over six months since I got my Smythson binder and quite honestly, I don't think I will ever be moving out of it (although my Kate Spade does tempt me on a regular basis). I thought I'd do a 'check-in' to say more about how I am getting along with it, how much wear and tear has since occurred amongst other things.


I loved it when I first got and six months later, I still love it now (if not, more!). The colour, the texture of the leather (inside and outside), the inserts, gold rings... everything! It also adds a bit of glamour to my planning life and the I'm really happy with how it is working for me. I will be writing a blog post on my current set-up in it soon!

Quality-wise, this binder still looks as good as new. No gaps in the rings (I repeat, no gaps in the rings! Apart from one minor hiccup where I received a faulty one, this one has been perfect!), no wear on the leather (even though I throw this in my bag on a regular basis) and the stitching is still in place. I cannot be happier with this binder and I don't regret selling most of my Filofax organisers to get it.

The only negative I can come up with is that the price of the inserts are ridiculous. I've not paid for my diary insert (I was gifted it due to problems I had with the original order and receiving a faulty binder) and I am already looking for a different diary option for 2014. However, the quality of the paper does make me question if looking for an alternative is a good idea and I am also toying with the idea of making my own diary inserts for 2014.

Although the price of Smythson binders is quite high, the exceptional quality of the rings, leather and stitching makes the brand a winner. If you baulk at the RRP of these binders, my tip would be to wait for a sale (their biggest one is the post-Christmas sale) where they are heavily discounted.

So, any questions about this binder or the Smythson brand? :)

18 comments

  1. Do you find it tricky to find inserts that fit into the binder that aren't made by Smythson?

    I am in love with this http://www.smythson.com/bijou-organiser-22.html
    Slightly put off by the price. When i buy things from the uk i have to double the price to covert it to australian dollars. I wish we had luxury items closer to home. I think if I ever got my hands on one of these I would have a stroke. The Colour looks stunning.

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    1. Inserts have been no problem - my one fits Filofax personal sized paper :) I think the Bijou ones take Filofax pocket sized paper and the Dukes size takes A5. Don't quote me on those two though - can only confirm that the Bond Street size definitely takes personal sized paper.

      The price is a bit extreme - my advice would be to definitely wait for the sales. That's what I did and I got a bit of a bargain in the end :) x

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    2. Ahh I see, no it really doesn't seem that appealing, pocket is just too small for my liking. It would have to be at least an 80% sale for me to consider buying one. Thank goodness they are only online if I saw one in the shops I think I would cave lol.

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    3. I have to say though, that for a Bijou sized organiser, that one is quite expensive :S I don't think the RRP of my (personal sized) one was even that high :S x

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  2. I love the colour of it, it's so stylish! Sometimes you've got to pay the price for good quality.

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    1. The colour is beautiful - the contrast of the light pink inside the binder and gold rings adds that little bit of elegance too! :D x

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  3. I agree that the colour is absolutely fantastic! Is the leather quite soft (the picture makes it look quite rigid but I'm sure it's not)?

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    1. It's sturdy without being stiff... It's really hard to explain. Basically, it lies flat (and has done ever since the day I got it) but it isn't floppy or flimsy, it feels like it is made really well. I know that's not the most helpful answer but it's so hard to explain lol! Sorry :( x

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  4. Can you possibly give me the link of where I can find this one? :) If you do not mind of course

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    1. I don't think they sell this one online anymore :( Do you have a Smythson stockist near you? They might still have some instore :) x

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  5. I really enjoy your blog and I've nominated you for a Liebster Blog Award. Please check out my blog for more info: http://filocuteness.blogspot.com/

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    1. Aw thank you! Your blog's really cute hehe x

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  6. I say ALL planners should be fitted with gold rings! I finally was able to find the exact same KS binder as yours. I had been eyeing yours since my Wellesley zip and I didn't work out. I much prefer the open/snap binders and of course the gold rings!

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    1. Gold rings are delightful, right?! I actually prefer the gold colour of the rings on the Kate Spade as the Smythson one is a darker shade. Still nice though! The Kate Spade is lovely but I've misplaced it and can't seem to find it at the moment :( Good job I didn't misplace the Smythson with my diary in haha x

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  7. Let me know if I can help you make 2014 inserts.

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    1. Thanks Ray! I think that if I fail (very likely), I'll download one of your templates instead :) x

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    2. Your binder is beautiful. I am glad you have found a binder that is totally you, and works for you. Their insert prices are a bit high! Good luck on the inserts, Ray does have some really good, helpful ones. TFS the post, it is lovely! :)

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    3. Thank you! :) I love this one so much, I haven't looked at another binder in the same way since really x

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