Too much $$$: Underwear, tall winter boots

[NbyNW]

Shootingstar, I hear you about the sticker shock on these more fashionable winter boots you're looking for. I have a process that helps me rationalize the more 'spendy' purchases:

- can I make the item myself?
- what purpose does it really serve for me to own this item? how long will it last? do I feel like I will get good value for the life of the item?
- where/how was it made? do I feel reasonably assured that the people who made the item, from design through production, earn a reasonable wage? same questions about the retailer -- are they compensating their employees well, do profits stay in the community or do they go to a corporate HQ far away?
- are there other ethical considerations involved in the manufacture of this product would incent/disincent me to buy it?

At the end of the day, I may waffle on plunking down the money, but I have rarely regretted it once I decide to bite the bullet. If I buy a quality item that lasts for a long time, that actually may be cheaper in the long run, as opposed to buying "disposable" items that need to be replaced more often.

[Crankin]

There are certain things I will pay full price for, as I firmly believe in the adage "you get what you pay for." Winter boots are one of those things. I have a pair of ankle length Uggs I bought on TE at a discount, years ago. I love the warmth, but I suspect they were on sale because the zippers don't stay up well. Other than that, I have my hiking shoes I use for snow shoeing or walking and a pair of Merrell Mocs I wear walking out to my garage and into work when it's icy or snowy. Then I change into my shoes. But, I wanted warm, fashionable boots this year. I have a couple of pairs of unlined fashion type boots, definitely not for when it's super cold. I had seen people walking around in Cambridge with high, wedge heeled boots that looked warm, but after trolling the internet for months at my usual sites, visiting DSW, I found nothing, even though I saw people wearing what I wanted. So, I went to a local shoe store and of course, there they were, Uggs, in my size (which is also a deal breaker, as some shoes don't even come in a 6). They were expensive, but exactly what I wanted and super warm, suede, with a roll down fleecy top. So, I told DH not to buy me a birthday gift and I was more than happy to pay full price.