Waffle Knits & Birkenstocks

This outfit look is alternately titled In Which Francesca Tries To Convince Everybody That Birkenstocks Aren't That Bad. At first, I was a bit disappointed in myself for falling victim to the Birkenstock trend that has been hanging around for the past two summers. But while they're not the most attractive shoe out there, I can assure you that they are probably the most comfortable and that has to mean something, right?

The main reason behind my pining for Birkenstocks was because I do a hell of a lot of running around during the summer between babysitting and not having a normal job. I need shoes to throw on that I can romp around in for extended amounts of time. And sometimes, flip-flops just don't cut it. The thong of the sandals hurts my feet after a while, especially if I'm literally running around whilst babysitting. Comfortable slip-ons were a necessity and the Birkenstock trend aligned perfectly with my newfound need.

My hunt for Birkenstocks started at Nordstrom Rack a few weeks back, but none of them stood out (or if they did, the price certainly turned me off). Carly Cristman recently purchased a pair of sparkly Birkenstock sandals from Steve Madden, but alas, they didn't have them in my size when I went to the new store in the outlets. I was ready to give up on my dream to make Birkenstocks cool...until Target happened.

I got a pair of cognac leather Birks from Target for, GET THIS, $25. Like what?! Even the Steve Madden ones were around $50. I am so pleased with my purchase and let me tell you, it's rare that I go a day without wearing these. Cognac leather is my favorite color and I love the gold buckle detail. They mold to your feet immediately and honestly, they're not that ugly. I've worn them on two occasions with actual outfits (as opposed to running shorts and a crew neck when I wasn't going out in public). The first time I wore them, I paired them with a white long-sleeved crop top from American Apparel and my homemade distressed high-waisted shorts. The second time, well, you can see how I styled that outfit below ;)

I know I don't do many outfit posts, mostly because I don't like taking pictures with the self-timer and nobody in my family is capable of working a camera (have you seen my tulle skirt shoot? Absolute disaster). However, one of my goals this summer is to start posting more of my own outfits because if it hasn't been clear yet, I kind of like clothes. Anyways, bear with me and my self-timer shots. I'm sure I'll get better at it eventually...or will just find a competent photographer who I can pay with Starbucks and bad jokes.

Sweater: Target

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Target

Sunglasses: Free People

Nail Polish: Fiji from Essie

And since I'm insanely obnoxious, here are two outtakes that showcase a lip color that didn't make it into my Great Lipstick Adventure post (but I did wear it during that week). The color is Anarchy from Urban Decay and to be honest, I am completely obsessed with it. My mom almost complimented me on it. Okay, maybe that's a stretch. She said I looked cute yesterday, which probably was referring to my outfit because I stole the sweater from her closet. Oops.

What are your opinions on Birkenstocks? Do you have a pair yourself?