Sloane Ranger

As someone who read the DailyMail when it was just a UK-wide gossip rag, Smythson has been on my radar for a while. Painfully British and classy AF, the brand has been in operation since 1887. Which, coincidently, is when all the bodice ripper romance novels I prefer to read on planes are set. It also counts fancy folks from Gracy Kelly to Freud to Dali to the Queen of England as fans.

I'd been fangirling over a writing folder for years, but could never justify the expense. After a very special occasion, I finally treated myself to their classic Panama A4 writing folder and then lost my mind at the Black Friday Sale.

Let's dive in.

Writing folder: specifically, I needed a folder to hold stuff that I CANNOT lose but also has a pocket for my RocketBook, and can look profesh at a moment's notice during meetings/on travel. It needed to be slim enough to fit in my laptop pocket, but also slide into most purses. As I mentioned above, I first bought the classic Panama Writing Folder in Navy. Yes, if you click that link you can see it is $575. Yes, I realize that is basically a purse. I wanted something that I could carry every day, no matter the situation or location. So, well, here we are. I was hoping for brown but the only other color option was black. Monogrammed on the front top centre. I had some initial misgivings about monogram placement, but the helpful staff assured me it's traditional and I loved it as soon as I saw it. I have not left it at home since. It feels so nice that I smile at it when I pop it out of my backpack. I have a slim 13" laptop, and both the laptop and writing folder with notebook fit inside the laptop pocket on my AWAY backpack. It is such a deep navy that it almost looks black. At the black Friday sale, I indulged in the Mara A4 Writing Folder in croc-embossed calf leather. $725 marked down to $362.50. I monogrammed on the bottom right-hand corner, but somehow don't love it as much. It now shows on the site as $575 so I don't even get to feel like I got a good deal. I sort of regret it, but if you are looking to save $$$ I'd wait until the next sale and monogram top centre.

Agenda: They have several options, and look alive on the sizing. I got a Panama agenda in Scarlet. It's beautiful, allows me to layout basic events in a week, and write down three intentions. That's it. It is the length and width of a notecard. This means you can write down the essentials and carry it anywhere. If you like to search for free planner printables on pinterest and plan your meals, to-dos, positive intentions, and "he loves me" wall decals on one page, this is not for you. This does what it needs to do and fits wherever you need it to go. I LOVE the gold slide. I would probably not buy again because I want to minimize my carbon footprint, but it is archival quality if you wanted to memorialize your life for future generations.

Luggage tag: Burlington Luggage tag was 50% off on Black Friday. It arrived supple, smooth, and with a privacy flap, just how I like my bottom bits. Much like an Groupon experience, I probably wouldn't pay full price, but am glad I got to experience it.

Wallet: Panama Large Zip Around Purse in candy pink was also 50% off for BF, but the color is no longer sold. womp. It is adorable in person (the cutest candy pink) and spacious. Look, it's a pretty pink wallet. I love it. It retails for less than a Michael Kors outlet buy. Don't @me.

Pouch: Panama Travel Pouch in candy pink was also 50% off...blah blah blah. You get the picture. The pink s*** is on sale for a reason. Does it feel like a $197 pouch? yes. It is beautiful to touch and has a soft lining. It looks expensive but doesn't scream it loudly in your face. Do you need a $197 pouch? Probably not. Is it nice to have? Yes. Do I love mine? Yes. Will I use it every day? Please tune in to my purse challenge.

A side note on the paper included in these writing folders and agendas: You know how there are those internet lists of things white people like? And somewhere after "athleisure as regular clothes", but before "badminton", they bring up Moleskine? This paper is Moleskine's peer of the realm friend from study abroad who has worn the same Barbour for 10 years and has actually gone grouse shooting in it. This paper is Molskine's friend who drives an original land rover in the Scottish Highlands and describes their family's sprawling ancestral estate as a "country house". This paper has a F***ing Aga. Moleskine WISHES it had this pedigree and it was this nice.

Environmental standards/Impact: Seems as legit as can be claimed by a corporation on the internet. Can read more here if you are interested, but they do everything from dispose of unused ink responsibly to supporting their employees.

Bottom line: Excellent quality grow-up shit. Best for when you want something nice, but not flashy, i.e. rich people know is expensive, but others don't. Will last a lifetime. Do you need it? No. But if you care about the environment and want to buy something that will last... wait for a sale and have at it.