Beach "mongrel" looking to become more civilized. :)

[Couper]

Been lurking for a while, posting for a few days and thought it time I venture an introduction...

My name is Bill and I live at the beach in Southern Delaware. I am an old fart of mixed breed, being primarily Dutch and Slovak and a smattering of British Isles with a bit of Williams (containing a bit of Scot if my reckoning holds true via my paternal grandmother). I even have a (very, very) distant kinship with the former Princess Di.

My very first kilt arrived 10 days ago and was ordered on the "pretext" of the 10/31 holiday, being a real kilt instead of a $25 green-plaid piece of cr*p. I started with a basic BlackWatch SportKilt and had no doubts I would take to it. Surprisingly, my wife also likes it - a LOT. Even to the point of looking through some kilt sites with me and suggesting we get "matching" US Army kilts for an upcoming cruise. She and her sister toured England and Scotland for 14 days a year ago and she admits to almost buying a real kilt (kilted skirt?) for herself at a VERY expensive price point.

Happy camper? You bet. But I now realize I've got a lot to learn to not do harm or cause embarrassment - to myself or others. I do not plan on being a traditionalist but would like to wear my kilt(s) in a casual manner and still look "right."

[McFarkus]

from Chicago. There are a couple of Dutch tartans. You can check them out on Tartan Ferret.

[Richrail]

from Reno, Nevada.

[frank_a]

Welcome aboard Bill, good to have you join the rabble. Basically you will find a few more opinions about what looks right with a kilt than there are possibilities! Many of us are limited by cash, so just add stuff when we can. My 1st kilt was an $89 special at the Scottish Games here Labor Day weekend, and even came with a leather sporran and belt/chain. Since then I have bought a semi-trad kilt from USA Kilts, 3 pair of kilt hose in different colors, a pair of shiny wingtips, and a nice tattersall shirt. I picked up a vintage Harris Tweed sport jacket at Goodwill for 10 bucks, sent it to VMac (a member of the forum) who turned it into a kilt jacket for me at very reasonable cost, and decided to make my own kilt belts. I have way more $ in making belts than one good one would cost, but I'm dangerous now, making bucketloads of them.

Best of luck, and don't forget to add some pics!

Frank

[Chas]

Hello Bill,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

Regards

Chas

[Nile]

Hi Bill, and welcome. I too, live in Southern Delaware (Seaford) and work in Selbyville near Bethany Beach. I was surprised to see that you and I share a birthday. Of course, I'm an "older" guy, eligible to retire, just not able to yet.
Perhaps we could meet up sometime at Burley Oaks or Evo and tip a pint, kilted of course.

<"...would like to wear my kilt(s) in a casual manner and still look "right."> You have absolutely come to the right place. There are many posters here that really know how to help you with your questions.

Nile

[California Highlander]

Welcome to the rabble, Bill!

For different looks, I recommend checking out "1 in 10 Kilt Looks" http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=46888
Some of those might be more formal than you're looking at wearing, but it gives you a great idea of the range and versatility of the kilt.

[Couper]

Thank you for the welcome McFarkus, Richrail, Frank, Chas and Nile.

@ McFarkus - Interesting...I did look at the Dutch Tartans and like the first two that came up in the search. I sent the link to my wife's email.

@ Frank - Funds are certainly NOT unlimited but I got a "start" for a low budget. My next endeavor will be to visit USA Kilts in the very near future - and I know I'll take a few extra dollars along with me. I intend to come back with another kilt and want to do the touchy-feely thing this time - rather than just rely on pictures on a computer screen.

@ Chas - when I first ready your welcome I saw only the Norfolk - thinking you were about two hours south of here. Oops.

[Couper]

Thanks, C/H, for the welcome and the recommendation. I have begun perusing that thread. There is, indeed a lot of info on this forum.

[LitTrog]

Welcome from an old fart in training! I'm also a Williams from my father's side. Though, to be honest, if I remember the details of "the talk" it didn't come from his side at all. Eew.

The styles and tastes of our members run the gamut. In all the advice you'll receive, you'll surely find a way not to injure yourself too badly!