Where To Buy The Chic Leather Folios You're Seeing All Over Your FYP

If you've scrolled through TikTok lately, chances are you've seen those v chic Louise Carmen leather journals that look like they came straight out of a Parisian it girl's bag. Think buttery textures, wraparound straps, and cute lil' charms that hang off the spine and cover. They're called leather folios, and they're quickly becoming the new "it" accessory for anyone who loves stationery as much as style.

However, prices for Louise Carmen leather journals cost well over P8,000 (and that doesn't include shipping 😭) so they're not the most budget-friendly option exactly. Luckily, there are a lot of locally available alternatives that offer the same vibe without having to break the bank. Ahead, we list some choices you can try so you can live out your Carmen Louise dreams sans the hefty price tag:

At first glance, they might look like your standard journal—but a leather folio is more like the elevated, grown-up cool cousin. Instead of being a simple bound notebook, it's a refillable leather cover designed to hold inserts like blank notebooks, planners, and pens. The key difference? It's made with real leather, which explains the higher price point compared to your usual paperbacks or faux leather journals.

This material gives folios their signature buttery-soft feel and long-lasting durability. Over time, the leather develops a rich patina—aging gracefully and becoming even more beautiful with every scratch and scuff. Think of it as your personal workspace you can hold in your hands: functional, timeless, and built to evolve with you (and not just through that one random journaling phase, lol).

Unlike regular journals that you toss or archive once you've filled the last page, folios are meant to last years. Just replace the notebook insert you've finished and put in a new one!

This artisan bindery takes pride in handcrafted leather products made in small batches. The leather softens beautifully with use, giving that same patina you'd see on more expensive folios. Available in two sizes, A6 and A5, it also comes in 13 leather colors so you can choose one that fits your personality best. They also offer paper refills, leather accessories, and charms, so you can customize your dream folio in one go.

Visit Sting & Snout Bindery's official website.

Cada Dia's folios are all about minimalism. Handcrafted locally, they come in rich, neutral shades—like navy and tan—that look effortlessly sophisticated. The structured silhouette, neat stitching, and handy inside pockets make them perfect for your work desk or coffee shop journaling sessions.

It comes in two options (bifold or trifold) and five sizes: A5, Standard Traveler's, Pocket, A4, and A6. You also have the option to have it embossed with your name and initials to make it truly yours.

Visit Cada Dia's website.

A favorite among stationery lovers across Southeast Asia, Ana Tomy is all about personalization. Their A5 folios and notebooks are designed to be mixed, matched, and customized—so you can truly make your writing setup your own. While other brands offer blank notebook inserts, Ana Tomy has a variety of paper inserts like monthly, weekly, and to-do list inserts that offer more structure.

Visit Ana Tomy Philippines' website.

If you like a little more structure, Palimea's trifold and bifold folios have compartments for your planner, notes, and even cards or receipts so you can fully organize your life. It's the perfect mix of form and function—customizable, practical, and incredibly chic! It comes in six sizes: Passport, Regular, A5, A6, A7, and B6.

Visit Palimea Philippines' website.

Astrid Leather's leather journals are hand-cut, hand-stitched, and effortlessly timeless. Each piece has its own natural markings, which makes no two journals look the same. It comes in four sizes: A6, A5, Pocket, and Traveler's. It's an ideal pick for writers, travelers, or anyone who still believes that the pen + paper combo will always be superior to the Notes app. (So real!)

Visit Astrid Leather's website.