Full disclosure: my most expensive outfit.
Well, today I had to think a bit about my priorities. I try to be frugal and simple when it comes to clothing, but I do have this one outfit that I suppose could be considered an *expensive* getup. Technically, it was a gift from my in-laws who did not pay retail price. It’s all brand-name. The pants typically cost 200 euros, the shirt about 60, the jacket 150 and the gloves close to 40. 450 euros (not including the hat!): that’s a lot to pay for one outfit. What got into me?
My mother in law and I cross country skiing this morning. Don't hate us because we're beautiful 
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At least I can say that it fits my general clothing philosophy because 1) it’s comfortable, 2) it provides shelter from the extremes 3) it covers my intimate parts 4) it goes with comfortable footwear 5) it allows me to do what I want to do. I can’t say that the extra money spent makes me look more attractive (does my butt look big in those pants?. . .perhaps). But, I don’t feel like a fashion victim either.
When DH’s parents closed down their sporting goods shop before they retired, they stocked up on low-cost equipment and clothing. For what it’s worth, if peak oil, the climate change or the credit crunch ever leave us ruined, at least we’ll never run out of biking, hiking and skiing clothes.
Perhaps in a few months, when the weather gets better, I’ll show you my second most expensive outfit . . .the one I wear for biking.
House Mother–that’s a really good point. I too have some nice clothes from resale shops and I have no idea how much they’re worth. I suppose it’s still frugal.
Cool picture! Looks like fun.
I am willing to pay good money for clothes that last a lifetime. If I can get it for less money then so much the better. I think your clothes will last a long time.
Pickler, why yes, it’s one of my favorite pass times.
Joyful, true–years of wear is highly important. I’ve learned that you can get cheap clothes that will only last a few months or ‘expensive’ clothes that will last for years. This is why high-end resale shops can be such a deal. People get rid of barely worn clothes that have years of life in them for the price of cheap-o stuff that won’t last.
Go you! Being frugal often means having more expensive, quality items. I also think it’s awesome that you go skiing with your MIL.
Emily, it’s true that sometimes the quality item is the wiser one–because you get more years of wear. I think it’s awesome to have a MIL that is so athletic.
My primary jacket, which I am currently using for sailing cost $400+ and it is 13-14 years old, so that’s 1996 dollars or so. If I pair that one with the $200+ boots (1998 dollars), the $100 gloves (2001), and the $150 fast drying pants (2000), I think we’re getting up there 
… Now, the interesting thing is that we’re currently looking for a pair of full grain Norwegian welt boots for DW like the ones I have. Such things tend to cost north of $250 now (but you only need 2-3 pairs for a lifetime) and thus they are proving nearly impossible to find because retailers only sell stuff that needs to be replaced every other year.
One major problem with this approach is that it is sometimes too good e.g. it can deal with rain, snow, sweat, rocks, etc. at a higher level than the ordinary stuff, which just happens to be what everybody else in the group wears. Thus the weakest link(s), decide(s) when to head back.
Jacob, you know, I like keeping my things forever and not needing to replace them so often. It’s interesting that you can’t find the boots you’re looking for. I wonder if it’s because you’re looking in California? Before moving to France, DH and I wanted to stock up on clothes (yes, even quality clothing is cheaper in the US) we ended up ordering online because no one in San Diego stocks warm enough items for our purposes here in France. Although, I assume you’ve tried online.
Jacob–when it comes to weak links in terms of cold, it’s usually me:). But seriously, you’re right–that’s one reason why doing sports with family members who are equally well-equipped is convenient!
It’s ordinary hiking boots. I think it is simply a demand problem. Possibly some obscure store carries them something in CA. That was certainly the case when I got mine.
Jacob, if a store doesn’t carry them, they can sometimes make a special order if it’s a small store and they want to. My in-laws used to do this with their bike shop–ordering say cross country ski items they wanted directly although they didn’t really stock them since it wasn’t their specialty. Just a thought.
[...] Expensive equipment and clothing for sports and fun activities. [...]
Those clothes will probably last a really long time so it still counts as being frugal…over the long run.
It’s OK to have expensive clothes that you didn’t pay a lot of money for — I have lots of designer clothes that I picked up at the Goodwill. Most of my kids’ clothing is from consignment shops or handed-down. I think this falls under the category of ‘re-use’…reduce, recycle.
The skiing looks great! Enjoy.