We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Park City, Utah, trial might be the biggest celebrity-involved courtroom drama since O.J. Simpson in 1996. Paltrow is on trial for a he said, she said case of who skied into whom—but between ludicrous questioning on whether or not the celeb is besties with Taylor Swift and a daily catwalk of apres-ski power-dressing, we’re living Ryan Murphy’s next American Crime Series adaptation in real time.
Being the A-lister that she is, Paltrow knows she’s on full display. Look no further than the absolute treasure trove of memes, Twitter takes, and media responses to the latest Trial of the Century. Apparently, bailiffs have been super accommodating to the star, aiding her in entering and leaving the courtroom as to avoid the snaps and flashing lights of the paparazzi outside. However, the security escort can only do so much. Her next-best paparazzi deflector? A $325 notebook from the luxury British stationery and leather goods brand Smythson.
What is she jotting in there? Is it just a prop like her Dahmer-style spectacles? Does anyone have a picture of her actually using the notebook? Are luxe notebooks a new spring accessory trend? We may never know the answer to any of these questions, but we can applaud Paltrow for having wonderful taste in stationery. The Smythson Portobello notebook has 192 pages of gilt-edged pages (i.e. there’s gold in there), while the cover itself is a brilliant lapis blue crossgrain lambskin (none of that genuine leather stuff). If you’re going to go full Paltrow with your Portobello, you can even opt for the additional $27 monogramming—hers, of course, is a simple “GP” emblazoned across the center cover.
Considering she’s decked out in labels like The Row, Proenza Schouler, and Celine, Paltrow wouldn’t be caught dead with 50-cent Mead notebook from Staples. It’s not even refillable, so once the Smythson notebook is all scribbled up with courtroom thoughts, ideas for the next Goop candle scent, or recipes for bone broth, that notebook is as good as fireplace fodder.
You might not be on trial (and have $325 to spare on one), but maybe you’re still looking for a new notebook. Here are four excellent affordable options that are way better than any notes app on your phone.
