I tend to “collect” things. No, not valuable things that might appreciate in value, like paintings or antiques. Or even series collectibles, like dolls or comic books. No, I “collect” things like handbags, shoes, watches… and now, Filofaxes. But I didn’t start out with this in mind…
When I decided to move back to a paper planner, I was thinking of getting just one and it was going to be red (my favorite color) and the Personal size. Period. The End. Then the enablers over at Philofaxy and on You Tube pulled me in.
Chameleon or Finsbury? No, a Malden. Ooh, that Classic looks nice!
Are you sure about the Personal size? Those A5s have a lot of space to write (and I do have big handwriting).
I know, let’s get one of each! The A5 is too heavy to carry every day so that will be your Home Management Binder and the Personal will go in your handbag every day. Problem solved.
Except it wasn’t. Just my luck, as I started shopping, every one I wanted was being discontinued. And if the model wasn’t, the color in that model was. I don’t have a store near me to go and eyeball and hold these babies to make a decision. And I couldn’t buy one and if I didn’t like it, buy a different one later. I had to act fast before they were gone, right? Right?! So the online order-fest began. And here is what I ended up with:
And here are my thoughts on each (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):
1. A5 Red Adelphi - Love, love, love the color! THIS is the perfect shade of red! (Or damn close). However, who was the genius that put large pockets on a FF with 20mm rings? The pockets aren’t gusseted, so you can’t fit much in and they add unnecessary bulk. Fail!
2. A5 Red Chameleon - The color is ok. I can live with it, but I don’t love it. (Color is a very big thing to me.)
3. Personal Red Finsbury - The color is better than the Chameleon, barely. But this one doesn’t lay flat. (Flatness is another big thing to me.)
4. Personal red Metropol - Love the shade of red, but it’s not leather and that is pretty obvious. AND, it doesn’t lay flat.
5. Personal Crimson Piazza - "Crimson," really?! The genius behind the Adelphi must be picking name colors. This is not Crimson in anybody’s world. Can you say Coral?
6. Personal Crimson Malden - Love the floppiness, the feel of the leather and it lays FLAT! Is this it? Is this the one? Well, it would be if it were the right shade of red. It’s way too dark and burgundyish.
7. Personal Vintage Pink Malden - Again, love everything except the color. (Pink is a close second to Red in my color world.) This is not pink.
8. Personal Orange Osterley - Love the color, the feel of the leather, the size (even though it is not a Compact & has the same size rings as the Malden, it feels more compact). If only it came it red! Or pink.
9. Personal Compact Pink Finsbury - Love the color. But appears to be untrainable. And just don't think the Compact holds enough for me.
10. Personal Slimline Pink Classic - Love the color (This is my idea of pink!) Teeny, tiny rings.
11. Flex Slimline Red - What was I thinking?!
12. Mini Pink Classic - Perfect credit card holder. Love it!
13. Mini Red Finsbury - So over the Finsbury line.
I think you will agree. I do have a problem. I probably should just sell all these…then I can buy the perfect one…
Coming up: Personal or Compact? Or Maybe A5???
How to make credit card holders for your Mini
I think many of us Philofaxers have exactly the same issue as you! What's the right size, enough pockets, right colour etc. Since my first (a cherry personal Classic) I've had all sizes exact pocket & eventually sold or swapped them as they weren't right. And the two I currently own (& am content with) I actually owned previously... d'oh.
ReplyDeleteI have an A5 & a personal which I use together. Best of both worlds for me as I have the extra space for planning, but also the portability for when I need it. I'd definitely recommend swapping with another Philofaxy person as that's how I got the two I own now.
Fingers crossed that you find what you're looking for :)
Thanks Anita.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a blog post or video showing how you use the 2 together? That is where I am at this week, trying to work out using them in conjunction, but not have duplicates.
You don't have the chilli Cuban ;)
ReplyDeleteHa! I almost bought one a couple of weeks back, but I can't get a handle on the shade of red. It looks more brownish red than a true red-red. If you have one, can you describe the color for me?
DeleteIf you don´t like the colour of the crimson Malden I don´t think you´ll like the chilli Cuban too much, they are quite similar. Nothing like your perfect colour Adelphi I´m afraid...
DeleteLJ, thanks for letting me know. That's one I can take off the list!
DeleteGreat article -- sums up what so many of us go through!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! I don't know what it is about FFs that makes them so irresistible...I want them all!
DeleteThe wanting to collect things is my problem too! I only recently got into Filofax (thru YouTube) and discovered that the color of Filofaxes that I want are discontinued. If you ever decide to sell some of yours, I would love to buy the personal vintage pink malden.
ReplyDeleteStep away from the YouTube!!! Before you know it you will end up with way too many Filofaxes...:)
DeleteI know, at some point, I will be selling most of these. When I do I'll let you know to see if you still want the Malden.
This article is fantastic - that is exactly what goes through the heads of a large number of this community (myself very much included).
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment!
DeleteI just added your blog to my reader and see that we choose the same theme...and we're both accountants! Looking forward to reading.
We are clearly the freaks of the accountancy world - maybe we love the idea that we are supposed to be in grey suits (although that never actually happens) lol
DeleteNo suits here. I'd last about 10 minutes in a place with a dress code...obviously I have an attitude problem. Although I don't consider it a problem. I'm just "refreshingly honest". Hah! Wish I had thought to say that the last time I was "misunderstood".
DeleteGreat article! I'm the same way! But I'd seriously be willing to take the personal vintage pink Malden off your hands! I sold mine and really want another!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am not ready to sell any yet...for that very reason. I can't tell you how many times I have sold or returned something only to buy it again! Since the pink Malden is discontinued, I don't want to decide, one day, that I like the color after all...and be SOL.
DeleteBut, if I do decide at some point to sell, I'll let you know. I doubt that will be anytime soon, tho.
If you ever decide to sell the personal crimson Malden, I'd like to be first in line! I wish it was never discontinued!
ReplyDeleteAre you ready to sell any of your planners? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteGood timing! Just the last week or so, I have been thinking it is time to sell some of these that I don't use. I am still trying to decide if I want to do it on ebay or on Philofaxy or here on my blog.
Is there one in particular that you are interested in?
I am really interested in buying the personal pink malden it is gorgeous! How much would you be willing to sell it to me for? I think they are usually £76. I was hoping to buy it as a christmas present for my mum who loves filofax.
DeleteHi :) I just stumbled onto your blog, and am in love with one of the Maldens in your collection. I sent you through a small email, I am REALLY hoping you get it, and that its still available xx
ReplyDeleteHi, :) just looked your collection of filofax, and am in love with the Personal Crimson Malden and Personal Orange Osterley(which I am looking for long time). could i ask that its still available? xx
ReplyDeleteAre any of your Maldens still available? I am interested in the pink first, then the crimson. I am in the US. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi, are you interested in selling the Malden Crimson? I want that one!!
ReplyDelete