i dont get a real winter

Denver's winter is not very bad usually. The most common minimum temps I dealt with was 15F last winter. It does get cooler occasionally but it really is not that bad. That and the snow is fairly easy to deal with.
I've actually had quite a bit of luck with the cheap stuff.
Target brand poly long johns. Performance tights. Kohls poly shirts.
Dri fit Nike jersey for a base layer (not exactly cheap not horribly expensive). J&G cycling jacket.
I plan on adding wool and using my new jerseys for a base layer this winter.
While I love spending $$ on cycling clothing for summer, I am fine being cheap for winter. Worked last year. Should be fine this year.

I bought my best cycling outfit for about $10 at a local thrift store. Wool pants, sweater, gloves, hat, and socks that have all kept me climbing over chilly mountain passes for the past 2.5 years. Maybe y'all have money to burn, but bike gear is sooooo pricy when it is new.......

The best pants for riding are XC ski pants. Wind protection in front, vent out the back. They taper at the bottom. Lobster mitts for the hands, boots and platform pedals for your feet. A good balaclava, long underwear, cheap shell, and whatever layering works for you.

Plus, in winter fashion makes less sense to me being that everything is hidden under a coat. Besides, I'd rather be warm and have $$ than cool and fashionable. Summer on the other hand....

Brands don't have a lot to do with it when it comes to winter cycling clothes. I have a hodgepodge of everything running from expensive to inexpensive. Some of my favorite items are inexpensive, while some of my least favorite cost a lot.