Created back in the 1960s, Havaianas flip-flops have made their way in recent years from small towns in South America, to runways and famous feet around the globe, gaining an almost cult-like following and the title "best rubber flip flops in the world."





Havaianas Top Yellow, $11.99; Slim Season Tomato, $19.99; Swarovski© Star Flower, $99. Available at Shopflipflops.com.

According to the company, Havaianas are made from a top secret rubber recipe that makes them soft as marshmallows, light and durable. We can't verify whether this is true or not because we won't pay more than $10 for flip-flops (we never said we weren't cheap!). Havaianas cost between $14.95 at $22.95 at a retailer like Nordstrom. Sure, that's not ridiculously expensive, but flip-flops are 2 for $10 at Forever21.com.

We will say this: We love the Havaianas official website with its kaleidoscope of colors and chill Latin beats. Who wouldn't want a piece of the Brazilian beach lovin' lifestyle they're selling? And if nothing else, they sure beat Crocs.

What do you think? Are Havaianas truly the best rubber flip-flops money can buy? Or are they just overpriced, overhyped pieces of plastic?

We're big fans of the concept behind Urban Outfitters' Urban Renewal line of fashion: the Philly-based clothing line takes vintage, deadstock and surplus materials—all sourced from rag mills around the world—and turns them into unique, limited edition garments.









A vintage bed sheet gains new life as a tie shoulder bib trapeze dress while a vintage men's polo is resurrected as a sequin trimmed halter. Constructed entirely by hand, no two pieces are ever alike. The reasonably priced Urban Renewal line has been available at Urban Outfitters stores for over 20 years, and now you can find them online at Urbanoutfitters.com, too.

Breathe easy, Mother Nature.

Here's a novel idea: Sea Bags, a company in Portland, Maine, makes bags out of recycled sails. They're not exactly cheap—the small anchor tote on the right is $95—but they're one-of-a-kind, and certainly cost less than the latest "it" bag. Plus, when you consider the good that each nautical bag is doing for the environment and the community, we feel it's worth it.