I purchased a pair of the two strap dupe Birkenstocks 4 years ago from JC Penney. I think they were around $30. I wasn’t sure if I’d like the double strap sandals so that’s why I just picked these up on sale to give them a try. I ended up loving them and wearing them almost every day during the summer. Well, they were getting quite worn out. The sole had come out of the left one and they were cracking.

Obviously they weren’t genuine leather, but for being what they were they lasted a lot longer than I thought they would. It was time to replace them so I started looking online. I really like the White Mountain footbed sandals. I have a pair I got almost 3 years ago that are still going strong. The leather is thick and it took a while to break them in, but now they are so comfortable.

White Mountain does carry the double strap sandals, but since I was getting them to take on our trip and I was going to be walking quite a bit in them, I knew I probably wouldn’t have time to break them in. I did a little more scrolling and landed on the Birkenstocks. I had heard that they last 10+ years, so I bit the bullet and ordered them to be shipped to Journeys so I could just go pick them up.

They were cute. They were comfortable. They were, however, not genuine leather. I guess I just didn’t read the description as well as I should have when I was ordering them. Now, I’m not opposed to non leather shoes. It’s just when you pay $117 for sandals you expect them to be leather, not Birko Flor. (fancy way of saying vinyl) So I did a little research on the Birko Flor and this is what I found.

So, I’m paying a whole lot more for these that are going to last the same amount of time as my cheapo ones from JCP. That didn’t sit well with me at all. I’m not a brand person and only chose the Birkenstocks because of how long they last, well, the leather ones anyway. I did a little more googling and saw that Kohl’s (one of my least favorite stores ever) had a pair that were leather and on sale. I drove to Kohl’s, tried them on and immediately said YES. So comfortable. Fit me better than the Birkenstocks. (I think they are narrower and just fit my food better)

No break in period and I was able to walk all around Galveston in them. I’ll say that’s a huge win. Plus, they were only $37! I love a good bargain. I was able to take the other ones back to Journeys to return them with no problem.

Yesterday Hannah was wanting to go to some thrift stores to find add some pieces to her wardrobe that would work for layering. While she found quite a bit, I only came home with 3 items.

I found this round mandala printed throw, table cloth, wall hanging, I guess it can be whatever you want it to be. I just have it here for now. I love it because my favorite colors are yellow and orange.

We needed another laundry basket because my second one cracked and it pinches me when I use it. I like using to because it just seems to get the laundry done faster. I wasn’t looking for one, but I saw this and since it was only $1.99 I grabbed it.

It looks brand new and feel sturdier than any I’ve seen at the store. I thought the label was different than any I’ve seen.

After a quick Google lens search, it turns out that it’s a vintage laundry basket that goes for a pretty penny on EBAY. Who knew.

Last, but not least, I found a orangey red top that I’m wearing today with my wide leg jeans. (yes, I washed it when I got home)

Comfort is the name of the game.