Reddit mentions of Dakota Dan Trooper Ear Flap Cap w/Faux Fur Lining Hat (Red Buffalo Plaid/Brown)

I live about 2 hours east of you and we had one of the worst winters ever back in 2007 or 8 - subzero temperatures for weeks, more snow than I'd seen since I was a kid, and the cold, the biting, horrific cold - I could not stand it any longer, so here is what I did:

Coat - spent the money and bought myself a Columbia ski jacket. It has a lining you can zip out, is breathable when you get too warm, and is flexible enough to shovel snow in.

Gloves - again, ski gloves. I got mittens b/c gloves never, ever keep my hands warm. The palms are leather and pretty grippy for shovels, snow brushes, etc.

Hat - Tight knit, felt or fleece lined. I always hated hats. After that winter, hats were my best friend. I even got one of these mofo's on clearance from an outdoor store last year.

Boots - I went to Amazon and did some research on these, because I have never found a boot that can keep my feet warm. I went with these. Note the "Minus 40 Degrees" rating in the description. Waterproof is a MUST.

So here it is, 2014, and I still use this winter wear. In that respect it is "cost effective," but the upfront cost was about $300 (half of which was the boots). Everything was pretty expensive, but it was well worth it. Best of luck to you!