Filofax Topaz Organizer : Blueberry Schmueberry

Who needs a digital day planner when there's Filofax? Leave it to the Brits to design an organizer that's classic, elegant, and professional.

I first fell in love with Filofax organizers about 14 years ago, when I received one as a gift from my British husband. The marriage didn't last, but the Filofax he gave me did. Now that's true love. My Filofax has never let me down. Even after 14 years of daily use, not to mention the hundreds of times it's been tossed into a briefcase or backpack, its smooth leather and classic styling have held up beautifully. Even so, a woman needs variety. So I have a new Filofax now, the Topaz.

The Topaz is part of Filofax's "slimline" line, an elegant, slender date book--4.5" x 7.5"-- just the right size for desktop use or sliding into a jacket pocket. Made out of premium leather, the Topaz features a faux lizard print/texture on the outside, with a smooth leather lining. Inside the Topaz, there's a full-size front sleeve for ticket stubs and receipts. On top of the sleeve - six slots for business cards or credit cards. The back flap has a full-length pocket for more cards and miscellanenous flat items. There's a also a leather pen loop attached to the edge of the cover. Handy. (There's also a version of the Topaz with a small leather "latch.")

The best thing about my new Filofax organizer is how good it looks. I like to be taken seriously by my clients, so I like to look prepared when I show up for a meeting. My Topaz is slim and elegant (unlike so many thick, clunky looking notebook-style organizers I see), projecting an image of total calm and organization.

I also love that I can choose how to organize my days, weeks, and months because Filofax offers a variety of planning pages. I used to use the day-per-page pages, but somewhere along the line switched to week-per-page pages. I've never been more organized! I've also loaded my planner with To Do List pages, tabbed address pages, plastic business card holder pages, and a Post-its page (containing a full-size pad and five tab pads). Plus, regular lined paper and a 7" ruler.

Finally, it must be said that I always receive compliments on my fancy Filofax organizer. Available in a variety of styles, sizes, textures, and colors, Filofax organizers make the perfect gift. At first glance, $85 might seem like a lot to pay for an organizer, but when you consider how long it lasts, and that the refill pages only cost about $10/year, it's actually a bargain for a beautiful leather product.

Bottom Line: You're an adult now; time to get rid of that drugstore day planner and get a real organizer. You'll love it. --E.D. (Feb 06)

Price: $85

Manufacturer's Site: www.filofaxusa.com

BUY ONLINE : www.filofaxusa.com,Filofax Topaz