Laura -
Enjoyed your article. I can't agree more as to "Smartwool Socks," which are a costly investment but so worth it. I have a variety, including those wool socks I wear in the Florida summer for their wicking ability.
A few years ago I got a good price on the men's red / white Olympic team Smartwool ski socks. My kids hated them until they saw them at the Utah Olympic Museum. Now they are their favorites.