There were some people in middle and high school who existed solely to make us feel bad about ourselves (you know who you are), but are there objects who serve a similar function? I met possible physical evidence today at Selfridges— the Jonathan Saunders for Symson iPad case. Not only is this beauty worlds beyond my price point, but it is simply a sheath for another item that is out of my fiscal grasp. As I gently held it the supple grain leather repelled my soft (but growing) tears; a sure sign of quality craftsmanship.

The overwhelming Britishness of the object contributed to my instant, and deep, love. Not only was the place we met in Selfridges, and icon of London retail, but it was a young British designer’s capsule collection for the authority in English leather goods. If it could talk its accent would be thick and devilishly charming.

The Selfridges saleswoman didn’t appreciate when I tried to put my school notebook in the ipod sleeve, pondering its alternative purpose of protecting my $2 spiral-bound. The plastic security device also felt clunky as I brought my cheek against the leather. Well, I suppose like those old classmates this little beauty isn’t perfect after all, but unlike those old classmates it will always have a welcome place in my heart just not my budget.