u/Chief_Prof

They look so bad.

This is why it's worth searching out (and paying more for) authentic Birkenstocks. The fakes may look 'close enough' when they're new - but they turn to mush when you wear them.

This poor person probably picked up a bargain on Vinted and didn't understand what they were missing with the real thing. At least, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt and assuming they don't realize they're passing on fakes.

I picked up a cool water bottle in Aldi a few months ago. Once I got it home I realized it was 'inspired by' the Owala Free sip. I'd never heard of the brand before (I don't think they're as big in the UK - or maybe I'm just not very on the ball with water bottle brands?!)

I couldn't stop thinking that the original Owala version might be better... And now I've treated myself I can confirm that it is! My 32oz is bigger, better and brighter than the one I got from Aldi! I love the mechanism and it feels much less likely to open in my bag by accident.

I picked up this pair of 1774 Bostons on Vinted (I know, there are so, so many fakes and it's always a risk - but sometimes I take a punt on an unusual or discontinued style)

They are beautifully soft and a pleasure to wear... But I don't usually trust myself with suede, let alone in a colour this pale.

I've sprayed them with a suede protector. What else can I do to keep them as nice as possible? Or to help clean them up when they inevitably get mucky?

Just wanted to show off my small collection of Bostons. They're by far my favorite style and I wear them year round, with pretty much any outfit. The black super grip basic ones are my every day, knock about pair and the others I rotate in for special occasions!

I bought these sunglasses from an online retailer. The trial pair fit well and were comfortable. The actual pair with my lenses in feel too wide and I have to push them up a lot.

The arms seem very splayed - as in they don't go straight down from the hinges but angle outwards a bit. Can this be adjusted? Or should I try to bend them in somehow?

Thank you!

It's the first time I've seen one in my west midlands garden. I'm very glad I didn't pull up those self seeded valerian!

I posted a couple of weeks ago and received some very helpful advice. I've sent the most popular choice off to have new lenses in them - but I'm still choosing an alternative/spare pair!

I was interested to read that some people thought I should have darker frames - when I've always thought I couldn't pull them off because I'm already pretty washed out!

I was just re-sealing the cork on these Bostons and I noticed the leather looking a bit dull. How would you condition this horween leather? I've got this dubbin, which works fine for my standard birkies, but I really don't want to ruin these ones!

I lost my glasses going down the rapids at the pool with my son. I'm stuck wearing prescription sunglasses and need to get some proper glasses asap.

These are the ones I ordered for at home try on - but I can send them back and get something different if none of them work!

EDIT: thank you so much for your help everyone, it's been really useful!

Sorry that I didn't use face-on photos - I can see how that's unhelpful! I've just always avoided face forward selfies, and turning 40 hasn't improved matters!

I already own pair number 3 (the pink with brown arms) but the lens coatings are all scratched and the prescription is slightly out of date. I was worried they were old fashioned, because I wore them a few years ago - but they seem to be the most popular choice! I've figured out a way to send them off for new lenses so I'll do that. I'll also order the light brown pair (no. 1) as spares so I'm not caught out next time I lose or break a pair.

Thanks again, this is a really friendly and helpful sub (obviously because people who wear glasses are the best)

I'm obsessed with these gold buckle Boston Bold clogs. They've got a rubber sole, which has worn well but is getting a bit thin right at the back.

I've found somewhere in the UK that will resole with Vibram soles for £30 and I'm thinking about sending them off. Has anyone done anything similar? Will it extend their life if the leather and cork are in decent condition?