The 501 STF are good cheap options, and trying them on before you buy is a good idea, but expect the size to change as you wear them and stretch them out, and again when you wash them the first time they'll shrink a bit. Check online for people who report how the fit changes over time for whichever jeans you end up with.
If you want a higher rise, i would stay away from Naked and Famous, but plenty of other good brands have fits with a higher rise. I'm partial to Rogue Territory and Threesixteen myself, but they both are on the more premium end of the domestic denim spectrum. A step up from there would be Japanese brands like Samurai or Oni. I've had good luck with Brave Star as a more affordable option, but idk what they have in a high rise fit, and you often have to pre-order from them.