I’m not a Blackberry girl, and mark my words, I will never own an iPhone. I prefer writing my lists and notes in ink, on paper–all the better for crossing out or revisiting years later.

When it comes to carry-everywhere notebooks, it doesn’t get much better than Moleskine. It’s the gold standard, as far as I’m concerned, and I say that knowing I can’t truly back up the claim.

I mean, really, what is it that makes Moleskine so alluring? The notebooks are stylish, discreet and durable, sure. But it’s the brand–not the books–that has me wrapped around its finger (kind of like Taschen with its line of arty datebooks. Or Chuck Taylors). There’s a timelessness and undeniable cache. The sartorial equivalent would be the Parisian girl who looks unbelievably chic in a nondescript button down, jeans and ballet flats. Totally safe, yet well executed…and yet, somehow different than if I were to don the same look.

And then there’s the history: two hundred years of being toted in the burlap sacks, leather satchels and Jansport backpacks of writers, artists and wannabes. I guess owning a Moleskine is a bit like joining a club. But while I admit that I’m a sponge for sneaky marketing, I certainly have embraced them over the years.

In Prague (see, already a cliche), I filled several of them at Cafe Fra, coaxed by glasses of cheap white wine. I wrote to-do lists, flight times (my complex research methods required computer and pen to keep everything straight) and ideas. One book holds a very rough business plan for an unlikely-to-be-launched venture.  It’s kind of poignant to look at it now, but I’m glad I have the hard evidence. You never know.

I enjoy looking back and seeing the food stains on the page and my circuitous notes. I like to recall my state of mind, where I was at the time I wrote whatever I wrote. And, so, to honor the concrete tangible permanence of bound journals, diaries and the like, here are three more I love:

I love how the leather on these metallic books from Sweet Bella is rich, but rough. (While you’re on the site, check out their lovely porcelain fruit and fun phones.)

Aviva Stanoff’s plush velvet journals and albums are almost are pretty as her organic-print pillows. I love her color palette and how she incorporates natural elements in her designs.

Fun, graphic mums aside, what I really like about this Elum journal is the tangerine hue–elegant and cheeky at once.