Black Friday Escapade

[Norm]

I recently purchased an olive utility kilt from AmeriKilt and broke the ice by venturing outside and working in the yard in plain view of neighbors...

Well, this weekend I jumped into the deep end, so to speak and my wife and I took a trip to the Chandler mall near Phoenix with me wearing the AmeriKilt. I warmed up beforehand by stopping at the Ranch Asian grocery store, then proceeding to the mall. I wore the kilt with a brown belt, plaid shirt, black hose socks folded down and Reeboks. Took a deep breath, entered the mall through Macy's and held my breath as it was "black Friday" and the place was PACKED with people! Talked to a guy named Cody whom I had talked to a month before about kilts, and when he saw me in my kilt was almost ecstatic, saying it looked absolutely "awesome". Then he told me he had ordered a blue Sport Kilt and was expecting it to arrive any day. That was encouraging to say the least.

But the real test came when we finished talking and I just plunged in and walked into the people-packed mall. My wife was very supportive of it all, and we agreed to meet at a certain spot whilst she shopped in 2 hours, like we always do. I walked and I walked and walked through the packed mall. Was scary at first, but gradually I got used to it and saw nor heard any negative responses. In fact, when I went into a bookstore, one lady was delighted, saying "oh, you wore a kilt! Good for you.... one of our workers here also wears a kilt to work." So after a couple hours of walking around (also bought a Metroid trilogy video game for my Wii), got in the car with my wife and drove home.

Today my wife and I drove to the oriental food store and Costco, and I had a blast, no longer scared spitless to wear it in public. I even visited my dad, who is normally skeptical about new things, but only asked me how many kilts I had, then made a comment that he would not have the guts to wear one, but he was approving. So it has been a great adventure for me, and so great that my wife is very supportive.

It was hard to initially venture out, but soooo glad I did. The Lord gave me the courage I needed.... and oh, the thing is awesomely comfortable! Thinking about getting a red tartan from USA Kilts.....

Norm

[Dughlas mor]

Well done, Norm. It sounds like you had a very positive experience. If you`re ready for a tartan kilt, I highly suggest the USAK semi trad. It`s a high notch above the casual, and it can be dressed up quite a way, or down as casual as you like.

[Hawk]

As they say on this forum......"if no photos, it didn't happen"......

Well done.....where's the photos.......

Hawk

[hector]

Norm your story is so recognizable. For wearing the kilt there is just one rule: do it with respect. All the rest is subjective appreciation. Beside that rule there is just another point for which I have to warn you: it is addictive!
Well done sir and I hope this was just the beginning.
Cheers,

[Taskr]

Well done. Rarely do we encounter what we anticipate - especially when pessimistic
I imagine a lot of us still ask the 'should I today/this occasion' when there is really no need to (getting better at NOT asking that question myself). But a kilt at a Mall on Black Friday; well methinks you've topped the "how many people might see me today" poll. Seems undoubtedly it's just a usual part of your wardrobe now (not that you won't keep track of when/where it's worn - I think we mostly all do).
Would not be too concerned about not getting pics - but I would certainly take the addiction to kilts warning to heart

[James Hood]

Good on you, doing the dreaded first big outing!

In this opinion, it's easier to get used to being kilted in a tartan with sporran, as the look is more familair to more people.

If you wish to be more casual, boots and scrunched hose, sweater or short wiast-length jacet, e.g., black leather. However, sounds as though you are now a vet, on Black Friday in a mall in a solid colour!

[GMan]

Well done, you are experiencing the Joy of Kilting!

[Couper]

Way to go. Easy-peasy from how on.

I'm still waiting to experience my first AmeriKilt. I ordered it at the Irish Festival at the Maryland Fairgrounds on November 8th - not a word since then - but it should be getting "close."

[GrainReaper]

Very well done! Too often the terror of something new is only in your head, and once you face that terror it's nothing to fret about at all...

So the next day you went to costo and an Asian market, I assume they would be LeeLees?? I loved that place!!! And haven't yet found comparable store back her in he Chicago suburbs.

[tpa]

Good for you. In the unlikely event you ever get any negative comments, just put it down to envy!