I agree with much of your thought on this topic. I also learned from my mom to be thrifty. We would walk in the store and I would famously say "we can make that - can't we mom". But now having a fashion designer as a sister who produces very expensive couture pieces and occasionally gives me things I can really appreciate hand-crafted high quality materials and products. I also have pause when wearing some things worried that I may mess them up. I have also developed a fondness for eco and organic clothing - much more expensive but I do see the value in them. I wonder if it also comes down to how much value we see in ourselves - "do I deserve this - am I worth this?" I know I struggle with it. Hmmn - interesting - sorry to ramble.