…can I blend tech if I’m not a “tech person”?…I don’t love “luxe” but I like nice things…
When thinking about what to post about next, I took a trip down memory lane – we’ve talked about innovative phones, must-have handbags, 2020 trends, and informed buying via secondary channels. How should we end the year? What seems pertinent right now? An escape from the realities of everyday life? What on my “Blog Brainstorming” list has the most life? Then it hit me. Duh. Life and how I try to plan for it! My lists, tasks, calendars, and (embarrassingly long) purchase tracking have become a part of daily life. I’ve shared on Instagram my new found love and appreciation for all things stationery, so why not leave 2020 with a lesson in how to clean up, organize, and indulge in a little planning?! Because if nothing else, we can all agree 2020 was just a tad messy.
Now, no surprise, I am a digital gal. From my (arguably OCD) Outlook folder management “system” to my personal Google calendar planning, I am a fan of the digital landscape. My phones, tablets, and desktops can, at any given point in time, show me what I need to do, prep for, or respond to. This has worked for most of my adult life, but when I found myself working from home, I wanted more. When I came into my home office every day it looked (and felt) bare. Yes, those glorious devices held all of my information at their digital fingertips, but I longed for a warm, inviting workspace with notepads, pens, and well, any semblance of human-ish life! To achieve this, I knew I had to step up my game with some well thought out office purchases. The first on my list was a functional, mid-sized, “pretty” notebook that I could use to take meeting notes, jot down ideas, and keep my to-do list visible when eye-deep in Microsoft Office. Now, I want to highlight that while functional office needs were clearly important, I emphasized the pretty requirement during my search 
I looked high and low to blend my notebook dreams with the luxe world. Ultimately, I came about 3 clicks away from purchasing the Hermès Ulysse MM (ok fine, PM and MM sizes) and became another number in the sea of social media crowds in search of the LV Desk Agenda. I mean I clearly missed the memo on these things becoming uber-popular right at the same time I decided to get my life “together”…
After a few days of scouring the internet, I found myself adding a nice, modest, elegant planner to my online cart. I opted for something that I could add my own inserts into to provide a little more flexibility since this was my first step into anything like this. Once I realized I should have first researched the plannerverse sizing, I shifted my efforts from a notebook hunt to finding European-sized inserts. Yeah, the joke was on me for “flexibility”…probably could have bought a more ubiquitous size, but hey, it was cute and I eventually found a store 
Once I felt set up with my planner, inserts, stickers, and favorite pen, I started to indulge in some social media following of planner gurus, organizational experts, and everyday fans of stationery. My innocent mind had absolutely NO idea of the world I would find myself in! From digital inserts and dashboards to customized handmade sleeves, I felt like Alice stumbling into Wonderland. Almost 8 months into this journey, I couldn’t be more in love with the community, products, and personal expression through organization. Ultimately, I get to embrace my tech geekiness and blend my love of luxe into a productivity tool that doesn’t break the bank!
So now I offer you a post dedicated to merging technology-for-planners and luxe-for-non-couture-lovers. Pull up a chair and enjoy this Planning…But Make It Fabulous post 
Before we jump headfirst into all things planning, I want to share a few helpful resources that I found myself needing time and time again. While there are certainly nuances to the planner vs. agenda terminology, we are going to keep it simple and use “planner” to mean any vehicle you are choosing to help organize yourself via handwritten notes. For those expert planners out there, I know this hurts your heart and I hear you, but bear with me on the terms!
The primary choice you will run into almost immediately is planner size. Yes, size does matter…here 
Are we going to use our planner for on-the-go needs or keep it at our desk? Do we want something that fits in nearly all bags, or are we OK with something that is only tote-friendly? Think to yourself about the “mess” you are trying to organize and the most efficient way to tackle it. On-the-go notes might only need a mini or pocket planner while brainstorming and progress tracking probably calls for a medium to large option. Here’s a cheat sheet on sizes you’ll frequently run across and how they compare to each other…
| Dimensions | Generic | Louis Vuitton | TUL | Hermès Ulysse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 x 4.7 | PM | – | – | |
| 4.1 x 5.8 | A6 | – | – | Mini (4.1 x 4.5) |
| 3.75 x 6.75 | Personal | MM | – | – |
| 4.75 x 6.75 | – | – | – | – |
| 5 x 7 | B6 | – | – | PM (5.3 x 6.2) |
| 5.5 x 8.5 | – | – | Junior / Half Letter | – |
| 5.8 x 8.3 | A5 | GM | – | – |
| 7 x 9.25 | – | Desk Agenda (7.1 x 9.1) | Classic | MM (7.5 x 9) |
| – | – | – | – | GM (9.7 x 12) |
Once you have an idea for sizing, the other main decision point relates to binding for planners that use inserts. Binding options primarily include ring or disc. Ring binding (ring-bound) is exactly what it sounds like, rings that snap open and closed, spaced according to the size of the planner – think Filofax and LV. Discs (disc-bound) are becoming increasingly popular and refer to round plastic discs that paper will push and pull into and out of – think Circa and TUL.
If you are just looking for a cover for an already existing notebook, you can opt for a folio that does not have an interior binding mechanism and simply has a pocket to slide the back of a notebook into – think LV Desk Agenda. The term “agenda” in this sense is very loosely used by LV. Speaking of notebooks, it’s worth a quick mention that you may run across spiral-bound notebooks as “planner” options. These are slightly more difficult to customize with inserts (although not impossible) and generally, work best with folio covers. I’ve included a few spiral-bound pics below to help visualize the differences.
Finally, terms like “dashboard”, “dividers”, “inserts”, and “washi” are referring to the basic and most common planner and organizational accessories – relevant in both the physical and digital world. Dashboards are like cover pages that sit in front of sections to provide an aesthetic, and sometimes functional, intro to what’s next. These are great as the first page in your planner, before section dividers, and layered with other dashboards if you opt for something transparent! Dividers and inserts are pretty much what you would anticipate, with dividers being tabbed pages to separate sections of the content and inserts being the pages in the planner. Inserts can be plain notebook paper, calendars, task lists, habit trackers, you name it. To bring it all together and add a bit of flair, you may hear the term “washi” or “washi tape” during your search journey. In the most basic form, this is a tape that you can use to hold things in place without a sticky residue. Examples for planner use include folding it over on pages for DIY dividers, layering pieces for a custom look on dashboards, and good old-fashioned holding things in place. Ultimately, when you think washi, think tape specifically made for crafting!
phone emoji
= tech talk …… handbag emoji 
= couture chat
Just about everything that once was only possible through handwritten mediums can now be done digitally. Even some of the most technically non-inclined folks can navigate e-cards and calendars with ease. For this reason, I attribute the growing success of digital planning to individuals and companies that make adapting technology a readily approachable subject when we are facing an audience living in a predominantly hand-written space. The first question you might be asking is, “Ok great, where do I start”? Well, let’s dig into the three primary categories you’ll find yourself balancing…
Customization: One of the fastest-growing areas for digital to integrate with old-school is in customization. Even if you have no interest whatsoever in adopting digital solutions to your hand-written planning style, you won’t be able to avoid the enticing lure of custom dashboards, inserts/tabs, and vision boards! With everything from single purchase downloads to monthly subscriptions, customization options are boundless. You can find items as easy as “buy, save, and print” to more advanced customizations for tab-systems and dividers. You won’t need to invest in special tech gear or worry about not having the right devices, a simple computer (tablet, desktop, laptop, etc.) and printer will start you on your way to having your planners, agendas, and organizational accessories matching your aesthetic in no time. One of my favorite digital customization products is from PlannerPress. Their monthly Digital Dashbox is absolutely packed with fun and creative additions for your planner setup plus, everything is super simple to start using immediately without any advanced tech know-how.
Productivity: If you are looking to venture beyond just printable visuals, productivity offerings might be for you! Digital overlays and printable layouts are allowing sticky-notes to morph into labels and calendars to take on a fully personalized layout. Productivity items generally take a little more know-how since printer settings and configurations are crucial to their success. The good news is that there are many resources that show step-by-step how-to’s. YouTube and TikTok have been the most popular ways of shows tips and tricks to getting your digital productivity choices to work for you, and even provide for a great laugh while doing it. Stationery stores are also offering training on how to use their digital products so that intimidation doesn’t outweigh your creativity! One of my go-to stores offers blog and YouTube tutorials on how to transition their products (which can really equate to other store variations) into productivity resources, even so far as providing free template downloads. Another fantastic resource is Ellemon Paper Co., which has a mix of free and paid digital options paired with an amazing product lineup.
Full-Scale Digital: For everyone willing to embrace the fully digital alternative to planning and organizing, you are in for a treat! Everything from calendars, task-lists, note-taking, and contact Rolodexes can be at your fingertips with a quick tap or swipe. Most of us are familiar with standard iOS, Google, or iCal apps but looking for a suite of products to integrate your notes, tasks, and calendar(s) is where full-scale digital organization shines. Common and well-rated apps include todoist, any.do, and Trello. Todoist is probably the most robust and streamlined option with Trello not far behind. Any.do is a great option for anyone looking to simplify via digital without going over the top. It’s not as robust as the other options but still perfectly capable of being a go-to solution for digital management.
When looking to leverage digital solutions, the key is thinking through what your predominant use case is, especially for those shifting towards full-digital. Customizations and productivity are just icing on the cake to an already established set of planners and accessories. Full-digital will require a bit more forethought as to whether note-taking, calendars, or to-do lists will be in the spotlight. Most apps can do it all, but just like with life, you can’t always do it all well. If you know yourself and your goals for organization, selecting the most important feature at the onset will make the journey much less painful. Once you know what your target use case is, then the fun part begins with finding an aesthetic that suits you!
Since this wouldn’t be a well-rounded tech talk without device recommendations, let’s take a commercial break and introduce some thoughts on how to utilize digital organization and planning with the technosphere…
Tablets and Phablets: If full digital is your thing, you might be wondering whether to adopt a dedicated device for planning. The quick answer is heck no, digital planning and organization mean portability from any and all devices with an internet connection! The more nuanced answer is, well, it depends. If you are looking for on-the-go access to lists, notes, etc. then opting for a tablet or phablet is a good option. These devices will allow for more readily accessible access to the apps and methods you’ve adopted plus provide a larger screen surface to be productive. If you are more of a desktop or home/office organizer, then having an on-the-go ready device might not be worth the investment. With the world as it is, working from home and less frequent travel means the ability to stay near a computer more than pre-pandemic times. If this is your situation, then a general sized phone and laptop/desktop may be a more than adequate setup since you are never far from a full-sized screen. All of this to say – you don’t have to go all out and buy an iPad, Galaxy Note, or other XL device just to start a journey of organization and planning. Leverage what you have available and then, if you find yourself needing a more portable option, look into devices such as the Galaxy Tab S7 (see below) or iPad Mini.
Printers and Label Makers: If you are like me, those darn TikTok videos of the Cricut have me wanting to spin up an Etsy store just to justify a vinyl sticker printer! Instead, here are the best words of advice I can offer…”You do not need anything special to start a life of order”. Now, if you want to get one, more power to you – do you boo and let me know your thoughts on it! It’s easy to get sucked into the world of shiny device videos and ridiculously geared-up photos especially if you are like me and had no clue where to begin. The average person isn’t going to have 5 printers, dedicated organization closets, and 50 clear bins with stickers displayed in almost museum-like placement. As gorgeous as those images are, don’t let that dissuade you from embracing the planner life. I truly thought I couldn’t dare dream of being part of this community without owning at least 5 sticker books, 3 agendas, and a stack of notepads! Nope, start with your home printer and a basic notebook or planner, then grow from there. Label makers, sticker printers, and other “organization” tech gear are for those of us who love to play and invest in new hardware – it’s not a requirement! Your home inkjet or laser printer (for those fancy folks) is more than adequate 
While it’s not technology per say, the one item I will offer as a suggestion is for all of my disc-bund fans out there – a disc hole punch. If you find yourself wanting the ability to print and add pages to a disc-bound planner at home, the $30-$60 investment (Amazon, Staples, Office Depot, you name it) is going to let you punch the page holes yourself rather than rely on always purchasing from a stationary store pre-punched 
For those reading that are thinking “well this isn’t quite a tech talk for techies”, I know! Technology should be approachable and fun, not intimidating and cost-burdening. At the onset, I promised a tech talk aimed at technology for planners and that’s the space this post lives in. If anyone is interested in more of a deep dive, I’d be thrilled to share a v2.0! I write what I love and I hope you love what I write, so I’ll take your cue…
Raise your hand if you love the idea of an LV planner even if you have no real plans on what or how to use it…
Cool, we are all on the same page now! Good, bad, or indifferent, when I began this organization journey my first few searches were on the Hermès and Lous Vuitton sites while also tracking down my Chanel SA (ok fine, and my favorite Instagram personal shopper too) to inquire about if they had any planners or folios coming in soon. My first instinct was “if you’re going to do this, do it with brands you already know”. Wow was I wrong…
After realizing that my usual tactics on luxe hunting weren’t going to serve me well, my social media research quickly pointed out that the planner-community appreciated quality craftsmanship but never thought twice about where your choice in products came from, nor was there pressure to post about only top tier brands. Yes, LV and Chanel get “likes”, but this was a community that surpassed trends, embracing the beauty in whimsy and fun in functionality over the logo those things carried. Does that mean we ignore luxe? Heck no. It just means we shift perspective and rather than think brand first and product second, we flip that on its head 
Now, this is where I struggled in thinking about how to write today’s couture chat. Focusing solely on high-end pieces felt like a disappointment to the topic, but if I didn’t focus on the luxe-meets-planner needs, I’d be doing a disservice to myself. Cue my idea of “Shop Small” (brands and shops that may fall slightly outside of the luxe-only spotlight), “Shop Large” (luxe brands that offer planner and organizational products), and “Just Shop” (everything else!). We all love our “add to cart” moments and whether that includes a $1k leather cover or a $10 insert, let’s give them their moment in a respectful way 
Shop Small: Oh boy are there some fabulous local, start-up, and small business options in this space! As I mentioned earlier, when I invested in my planner, I neglected to think through the European sizing and finding inserts living in a mainly US-sized world. This is where Cloth & Paper came to my rescue. They may be “shop small” but they are a mighty force in this community with nearly everything a novice through experienced planner could need – covers, inserts, notepads, pens, etc. Quality and service are on-point, their social media presence deserves a round of applause, and being based in Richmond Virginia means I can support a local Virginia store…win, win, and win!
My next recommendation is someone that welcomed me with open arms from my very first planner inspired Instagram post – @gem_plans. Her handmade Plankets are such a cozy and fun way to store and carry your planners! The attention to detail, customization, and quality is just beyond. Send her a message to learn more and make a new friend while at it! Below is a custom Planket that I absolutely adore for my A5 spiral notebook 
Finally, my third shop small recommendation is all about sourcing the perfect planner or folio – the secondary market. Consigners have a plethora of fantastic pre-loved merchandise looking for a new home. You can find everything from LV and Chanel to Fendi at a fraction of the cost with almost little to no wear! Since I did an entire post dedicated to this space, I’ll spare the intricate details, but supporting your local luxe consigner is a fantastic way to get that couture glow without the pricetag shade 
Shop Large: Get those fingers ready for some keyboard clicking and online shopping! With traditional buying not looking or feeling like it used to, online purchasing from some of the big names in the game can be quite enjoyable…especially paired with pajamas and a coffee! When looking for luxe heavy hitters, you have to focus on the exterior aesthetics since inserts are more limited in both availability and functionality. You may even find yourself shopping large for the exterior and small for the interior.
That being said, LV is pretty much the widely accepted luxe standard for planners and desk covers. You can find everything from pocket-sized organizers to full notebook covers but expect to spend no less than $450 (for a pocket-sized!) and in some cases, be on a waitlist to get the LV planner of your dreams…cue the consigner market. If you are willing to stray from the lure of LV, I’d highly recommend browsing the Hermès Ulysse collection. The inserts will be completely limited to Hermès based on their snap design unless you DIY some alternatives (videos readily available on YouTube), but their pricing is actually pretty reasonable for a full leather cover carrying the H name. The biggest consideration when shopping the Ulysse line, aside from the inserts, is that these are mostly raw, natural leather covers without the pockets or bells and whistles of other brands. The “Neo” line does include some additional features but carries the same raw, natural feel of the traditional collection.
My last “large” recommendation is where my journey began – Mulberry. Not entirely known in the US as a “luxe” brand, Mulberry has a name all its own overseas. Their designs are simple yet functional with craftsmanship that really is ahead of their price tag. Specifically for the planner universe, I love the locking mechanism (“Postman” lock) since it is elegant and functional without being bulky plus the feel of the materials is superb. There are plenty of pockets for all your extras and the ring binder feels sturdy with each opening and closing which was a must for me.
Just Shop: If you are simply looking to browse, I can’t say enough good things about the tried-and-true world that is Amazon. A quick search will lead you to a plethora of designs, price ranges, and brands that you may not otherwise have found. From planners to organizational boxes, if you dream it you can find it on Amazon. Two words of wisdom though – read the details and put some trust into reviews. Pictures can lie and assumptions may lead to some ill-fitting inserts, so take the time to read the details of the product and peruse the reviews (especially anything with photos). Organization Bonus Tip: if you are still unsure about whether a planner is for you, organization goals are still very much a reality! Once I started to think about the places I could leverage my newly sharpened planning skills, the organization of my authenticity cards and tags was a natural contender. Amazon helped me find a simple, cost-effective solution for something I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about if it wasn’t for the motivation my planner-world offered! Slide the photo bar below for a before and after.
Let’s talk Filofax for a second. They have been around forever and are really upping their game with sleek, functional, “pretty” products. These aren’t the Filofax of the 90s, so be sure to give them a look. Next, don’t forget about your favorite department store in the hunt for planners. Saks, Neiman, and Nordstrom all have options ranging from notebooks and agendas to pocket calendars. You don’t have to worry about searching for a bespoke planner store right out of the gate – give your department store site a try and see what you find.
Finally, this section would be remiss if it didn’t give love to Etsy. It’ll take a little more finetuning for results, but the custom and handmade options are pretty phenomenal. I have just recently joined the Etsy craze; however, ironically enough it was for everything except planners 
Nonetheless, my searches have taken into that space and the designs I saw were absolutely worth an honorable mention.
Once you find that perfect piece for your needs, you may be wondering what it fits into for portability purposes. Most of the time, unless you opt for “pocket” or “mini”, you’ll be reliant on more tote-like bags to carry your goodies. My A6 Mulberry agenda is one step above mini/pm and while that sounds small, it’s not exactly the easiest to shove into a purse because of its thickness. If you want something super portable and are willing to stick with mainly plain note pages, the LV pocket organizer and Hermes Ulysse Mini will be your friend. If you want a planner that goes beyond a fast capture of thoughts, set expectations that your Chanel Flap may not have ample space. With the variety and availability of planners in differing size ranges, you can certainly find an option that will work with your handbag collection, it’ll just be a matter of how many “extras” you are willing to be cut in the name of fashion.
No matter your budget, style, or level of expertise with planning and organization, the inspiration and opportunities are endless. Instagram is full of accounts dedicated to planning and organization, so give it a try and see what you find. I had no idea that this small adventure into the world of planning would turn into such an inspiration for blending yet another amazing topic into the tech-meets-luxe passion that is TechCoutureGirl. Who knows, maybe 2021 will be the year of “planned” chaos this time
