<aside> <img src="/icons/drafts_orange.svg" alt="/icons/drafts_orange.svg" width="40px" />
Here is the information about these brands. These are NOT affiliate links. They are just brands I like and have enjoyed using.
</aside>
This is not a comprehensive list. Except for Smythson & Louise Carmen, you may be able to find these brands in stores. For example, Paper Republic is stocked by Top Drawer in NY and Itoya in Tokyo.
Paper Republic
https://www.paper-republic.com/en-gb/products/grand-voyageur-leather-journal
Smythson
https://www.smythson.com/us/cerulean-2026-chelsea-weekly-journal-in-panama -1204659.html?cgid=327
Plotter
https://plotterusa.com/products/pueblo-6-ring-leather-binder-plt5001-mini-size?variant=42284221202682 https://yosekastationery.com/products/plotter-pueblo-6-ring-leather-binder-narrow-size?_pos=16&_sid=af18376d3&_ss=r
Louise Carmen
If you do get an opportunity to head to Paris, choosing your own journal in Paris is great fun! I would allow around 2 hours- you will have to wait to get into the store, and then an hour afterwards to pick it up. It is near the Centre Pompidou so it is a lively area - I am sure you will find something to do!
https://louisecarmen.com/products/ernest
Traveler’s Company
They often release special editions which are fun so it is worth checking out those.
https://shop.travelerscompanyusa.com/products/travelers-notebook-passport-size-camel
| Brand & Model | Dimensions (H × W × D) | Leather Type & Finish | Leather Thickness / Feel | Paper / Insert Characteristics | Binding / Construction | Price (Approx.) | Notable Design Qualities / Aging Impression |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Republic Grand Voyageur (Pocket) | 150 × 110 mm | Vachetta Italian full‑grain vegetable‑tanned, develops patina |
| ~2 mm, sturdy but supple (subjective)
1.77mm | Refillable, smooth Swedish plain inserts, ~80 GSM | Modular, elastic system | UDS68 | Artisanal feel, customizable, beautifully ages | | Smythson Chelsea Pocket Notebook | 167 × 112 mm | Cross-grain lambskin, elegant and flexible, keeps its new look
| Thin, soft to the touch (luxury feel)
0.99mm | Featherweight pale-blue paper, gilt edges, ~144 leaves | Bound notebook, luxe finish | USD 165 | Status symbol, ultra-refined, luxury statement | | Louise Carmen Pocket/Ernest (S) | 145 × 90 mm | Vegetable-tanned full‑grain aniline leather
| Smooth, slightly stiffer than metallic versions (subjective)
1.33mm | Refillable (S size inserts); details not always specified | Wallet-style flap, elastic wrap | USD150 pocket USD 167 ernest | Elegant and practical, clean design, expands via flap wrap, ages gracefully | | Traveler’s Company Passport‑Size | 135mm x 100mm | Nubuck, kind of like suede- Durable leather, ages into patina (classic Traveler’s feel) | Flexible, medium thickness (subjective)
2.42 mm | MD paper, fountain-pen friendly, 64–80 pp, bleed-resistant, smooth | Elastic binding, modular refill system | USD 45 | Cult classic, versatile, portable, highly customizable | | Plotter Mini | 140mm x 105mm | Pueblo leather- brushed finish -rustic look- develops luster and patina over time
| Thin but high quality; supple, slightly thinner than Traveler’s but still substantial
1.97mm | Need to buy the refills, can be difficult to source.
Bought a hole puncher from Etsy that makes similar holes | 6-ring (11 mm) binder; minimalist, modular design | USD 145 | Highly customizable; luxurious leather; sleek, functional ring system; ages beautifully; ring visibility adds character over time | | | | | | | | | |