I spend an entirely unreasonable amount of time staring at fancy notebooks. This mostly happens on Hermes and Smythson web sites but I don’t discriminate: show me a pretty notebook and I’ll fantasize about it, regardless of the brand.

When I was in London recently, I decided to finally do something about it and came home with a small Smythson Panama Notes lambskin-bound notebook in Nile Blue. I also had it stamped with my name: it looks better without it, but I cannot resist a monogramming service. And as I’m not especially fond of my initials, I went with the full name.

Let’s be honest here and admit that as opposed to all those tight dresses and high heels that I actually wear, this is mostly a decorative rather than a practical purchase. You can, of course, write in this notebook, but it’s quite small (9x14cm) and I personally am not a great fan of featherweight paper – although Smythson’s is of good quality.

It is a lovely object, however: it feels wonderful to touch and looks understated and tasteful (if you disregard the name on the cover). I love the signature Smythson blue and as I’ve loved it for years already, don’t expect to tire of it any time soon. It also works beautifully with my Comme des Garçons make-up bag. Looks familiar? Of course it does.