On the Topic of Notebooks

I've always been amused by people, who paid a lot of money for Moleskine notebooks. Not because they're necessarily terrible, but in their marketing campaign, I remember that they gave the impression that a lot of famous artists and writers used their notebooks. But if you looked a bit closer, it was all quotes from the artists and writers saying that they couldn't live without their notebooks - not their Moleskine notebooks. I hardly think, they would pay the costs of a Moleskine.

That being said I'm one of the pretentious guys, that carries a notebook around to take notes, write down grocery lists and draw naughty drawings of naked women. I mostly use Field Notes and Rite in the Rain. And both of them has performed very well, and while I like the fact that you can write in the rain with the RITR notebook, I'm just so infatuated with the Futura font, that I prefer the Field Notes.

Lately I've been looking for alternatives - not because I actually need any, but because I was wondering if there were any made in Denmark (I didn't come across any, but I did find a Danish link) or at least in Europe. And of course you're always hoping for something perfect. As in just that really, really perfect thing (It never happens)

But I did come across a really nice notebook, which is made in France by a company called Calepino. And it was quite refreshing seeing that they had a site in English, which is something the French always seem to miss, and they also look very nice.

If you're still reading and remember that I mentioned a Danish link: The creator of Calepino, Fabrice Richard, mentioned in an interview for the shop La Belle Échoppe that he lived in Copenhagen for a while and that he was greatly inspired by the Danish design philosophy when he started the company. La Belle Échoppe is an amazing store by the way with a perfect concept that I've been meaning to write about for a long time (My notes are terribly messy and mostly unreadable)
Fabrice also mentions that he is doing custom orders, which could be totally amazing and something I would like to look into at some point. I think a slightly larger notebook would be perfect - especially if you like to draw and design stuff. You just need more space sometimes.

The other great option I found was the company Word. They make notebooks in the US. They have a great system for keeping your notes in order, which is great and they offer their notebooks with a camo cover, which is gorgeous.

The use of the Swedish M/90 camouflage is without a doubt my favourite.

If I come across other great options, I'll make sure to share them.

New Socks and Some Friendly Fire

Today I had the day off. I went for a walk, although it seems fall is here already with lots and lots of rain. First I hit some of the nearest thrift stores had some luck and got a good metal box for my workshop. Later on I passed by a friend's shop, Shoe Chapter because I had seen some very interesting parcels from Universal Works arriving at the shop the other day.

First off, I would like to say that I'm in no way affiliated with Shoe Chapter. Yet - at least. And I always pay for all the stuff I buy there. I just like the owner, Mark and I would like to support his venture. The reason why I want to support that venture, is quite simple. I want to support it because it is a visionary shop which will hopefully go from strength to strength within the next couple of seasons. At the moment there might be a bit too many sneakers for my taste, but the stock keeps getting better with the addition of WM. J. Mills bags and Fracap this season. Last season he got Viberg, Sanders, Field Notes, Tretorn, Birkenstock and Huberds.

I have been going sockless for the last 3 or 4 months and I feel uncomfortably warm when I wear socks now, but there is no question about where the weather is heading, so I felt it was time to buy some new socks. I bought three new pairs of Universal Work socks because I couldn't decide which colourway to go for. They are made of a cotton blend and most importantly they are made in England. They aren't up to Corgi standards, but they are quite good, and affordable.

Mark told me that they will be online within a couple of days, in case you wanted some new socks desperately and couldn't find them on the webshop.

If you are also shopping for fall shoes, and have cash to spare, I suggest you also cast a glance at the Viberg Oxfords that Shoe Chapter has for sale. If I had the money I would buy them in an instant, but the price of 3.800 kr is a hindering I can't surpass. The quality and construction of Viberg is second to none. I mean, the leather, the impeccable sewing, the smell, the touch, the feel, the heft - all ad to the fact that this is an investment. Most likely a lifetime investment.

If you are buying them, please don't buy the 10.5's. I have been eyeing them for a long time now.