I recently bought a small purse at the suggestion of my doctor from my doctor from an independent maker and I am in love. The quality is amazing. If the maker knows his craft and knows how to translate that into good photographs, it’s absolute gold. I prefer to support small businesses, especially artists and makers. I think that’s really important in this economy.

I just bought another pair of Birkenstocks. I wore my last pair of sandals every day for about 3 years. I decided that I wanted my toes covered with more than socks this winter. I live in NC. I’m saving the sandals for the spring. My back and feet problems are nonexistent with Birkenstocks and I know I don’t need to try on my size to get an accurate fit. Leather is what you want though. Birkibuk and birkiflor will only last a year. I haven’t tried the all eva products though. I haven’t tried resoling my old leather Birkenstocks, so I can’t comment on that. The last time I priced it, it was only $20 more to buy new. That was years ago. I don’t know what it would be now.