Really random vent about rising costs

[EconDiva]

I agree retail prices are ridiculous. What I like to do is use the Redlaser app with my smart phone then scan the item that I like, try it on, then find it cheaper online. There are other apps and sites out there to help the consumer find a bargain. I hope this helps a little.

Thanks for mentioning this app.

I happen to do something similar, only I'd been simply taking a pic of the item's tag with my phone, then searching for the item by barcode, style number/name, etc...

[elessar78]

My basic rule is "I can find it cheaper on amazon."

[disneysteve]

My basic rule is "I can find it cheaper on amazon."

Same here. Amazon also has a smartphone app. I've used it numerous times while "showrooming" which apparently is the new term for shopping in a store and then buying the item online.

[ecoadapt]

What else is new to rising cost? This is what I observe,everyday our daily life is changing!

[snafu]

We have serious winter weather in the Rockies and it's smart to choose function over fashion trend as a car stuck in a snowbank when it's dark by 5 PM, can be dangerous. It's important to choose boots that are easy to pull on, pull off & do up. I usually buy boots that have ridged soles to give give me the advantage of traction. I hate to do that slip, slide and fall on my backside maneuver. Are they waterproof? Wet feet freeze fast. Consider if they'll be too hot to wear in the mall or grocery store for a couple of hours.

We generally buy boots with just enough wiggle room to allow for warm socks or a memory foam or sheepskin insert when it's minus 40 or walking on snow covered sidewalks. They also extend the life of the interior. Before making the final decision at the try-on stage, sit down and extend your feet as though driving to make sure there is no binding or discomfort on the calf. Snowy, icy roads are not a good time to be distracted by uncomfortable boots.

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/A2-by-Aerosoles-Womens-Sota-Bread-Black-Knee-high-Boots/6403400/product.html

I'd pick something like these if I were buying boots this winter.

[humandraydel]

However, I still think $117 is too much...am I being unreasonable? Or is that a good price considering the brand and the amount of wear I'd probably get out of them?

It looks the type of boots you want are about that price ($100+). I did find these Columbia boots for $55 but they aren't as nice as the ones you found. $100 IS kind of expensive, but sometimes it's worth paying a little more for quality. I've bought 2 $100+ pairs of shoes in life - my steel-toed work boots and my hiking boots and I don't regret it. There's a big difference between buying 2 $100 pairs of shoes every month because you are addicted to shopping and buying 1 quality pair of winter boots that should last 3-4 years of regular use.

[elessar78]

We get a lot of snow here so I plunked down 80 for a pair of North Face snow boots last year from Zappos. I'm extemely happy with them, they are the ones without laces so one can just kick them on and off. Plus, they are really warm and we do spend time out in the elements during the winter out in nature, not just the trek to and from the front door of the office.

From a "frugal" standpoint, I don't think it's a bargain if your feet are cold when you're out in the elements. But the style you showed is also a bit more fashionable so you might be paying a premium for that. Timing is everything too though, I always try to buy at the end of the season.

[SleeplessinChicago]

Comparison Shop

Number one - do not despair. If you are diligent enough, you will find what you are looking for. For winder boots and attire, I would hit online. The beauty is that you do not have to spend a lifetime searching for what you need and there are no geographic boundaries, either. I always start my search with comparison sites. My favorite one is thefind.com followed by shopstyle.com and prontostyle.com. Being in charge of too many selections and being able to sort the results by price is amazingly empowering. Oonce you zoom in of what seems to be reasonable in terms of style and price, always read the reviews (zappos.com and amazon.com are great for reviews on shoes). Once you are happy with your selection, look for online coupons. I just seach on yahoo.com or google.com. Also, look for sites with no shipping costs (ideal - zappos.com or piperlime.com, amazon.com (>= $25.00 purchase) or reasonable shipping costs AND convenient return policy ( I love the option of returning to the store - Ninewest.com, SteveMadden.com, Macys, LordandTayler, Bloomingdales, etc.)

I particularly love La Canadienne winter boots. In my opinion, there are no better winter boots in terms of warmth, comfort, and quality. They are pricy but are worth every penny. I own several pairs and bought all of them ion amazon.com at a below market prices. I particularly like their waterproof suede - it it really waterproof and stays perfect even after ankle deep walks in Chicago slush. I have been wearing my favourite La Canadienne pair for the last 5 years and counting. I am getting tons of compliments every time I wear them. I paid about $100.00 for the pair - you do the math (less than $20.00 per winter).

I hope this helps with your search. Best of luck!

[crazyliblady]

Random Vent

Try seeing if Nine West (or any other chain for that matter) has an outlet store either online or brick and mortar in your area. You are the customer and have choices of where to go to buy things, and you don't have to spend 400 dollars on boots. I would not personally buy used footwear, but if you had no choice, that could be a way to go. I have, however, bought lots of clothing, including coats, used at the Salvation Army, Humane Society Thrift Store, and Goodwill. And they don't look used. I have gotten compliments on what I wear and questions of where did you buy that? If you need children's clothes, there are places online where you can trade your kids' too small clothes for credits to get clothes that will fit him/her. You have options.

[Ramose]

You think you have it bad in America! Most things are 40% more here but we only have a 25% higher income.

Cost of Living: Australia v United States

[rennigade]

Same thing with Fossil. I remember when those stores used to have reasonably priced merchandise. Now they have $300+ purses. They can keep em.