Here we go again!

[frank_a]

It's been a while since I was last kilted, but now I have new stuff, and some great ideas from comments from the last time I posted pics. I am again soliciting your opinions.

This first shot is with all the new stuff, including my new bespoke dark gray tweed vest (from USA Kilts), new Rob Roy sporran and a new tie. While I also have hose in black and lovat green, I like the lovat blue best with my tartan. I would like to get some plain red flashes, and maybe someday some almostunwearoutable diced hose. This is the most dressed up I can get right now, other than having a wide variety of single color shirts that could substitute for the checked one. I also have a huge collection of ties, including a number of Jerry Garcia and most lately a purple design and a purple plaid! When I bought the striped tie in this pic, I also bought a blue and gray striped tie that would be a bit more subdued.

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I had my belt on in that 1st pic, just so ya know. Here is how it looks with the jacket and vest off...

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There was a discussion elsewhere on XMarks about big kilt belts and buckles. I'm not a fan of those big solid buckles. I made both the kilt belt here and the sporran belt shown here. The sporran is from celtique creations:

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My wife was at a Scottish shop over in VT a while back and bought me this shirt specifically for wearing with the kilt. Like the tattersall shirt above, this shirt is of high quality and is from Lee Valley of Ireland. I have it alone, then with vest, then with vest (unbuttoned and buttoned) and jacket.

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I played with this stuff tonight because my back was in such bad shape I couldn't work in my shop. I have a number of projects on the go and hate losing the night, but had some fun getting kilted up and having my wee lass shoot these pics. My back problem translates to significant pain in my right leg, and as such, I have been leaning towards getting a cane. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any comments. I'm just trying to get it right!

Cheers!

Frank

[David Thorpe]

Well done, Frank. The kilt could be a bit shorter (top of the knee), but all of the outfits look good.

I too depend on a cane for mobility. I have a generic aluminum for every day, a diamond willow walking stick for Scottish day wear and a black buffalo horn and white stag horn cane for dress. Thumbsticks and cromachs are also traditional as well as functional. Google either term for a wide range of information and images.

[frank_a]

Thanks David! I seem to have a problem getting the kilt above my knee. I think the last time it wasn't even this high. I'll need to focus on that in the future. I may attend a local St. Andrew's Society meeting tomorrow night if I can stay up that late. They have the meetings at 8, and it's a 1/2 hour drive. It's rare I'm even up till 10!

Thanks as well for the tips and ideas for a cane. I've needed one for a while and just keep putting it off. One of the benefits of age eh?

Frank

[pbutts]

Looks good. I have a few Jerry ties I've been thinking of trying with a kilt.p

The vest does a nice job of pulling the top and bottom together. The one piece of advice you're likely to hear is to fold the hose down a bit lower so they are a couple of fingers below the knee.

[MacMillans son]

The one bit of feedback I would provide, other than what you have already received, would be to raise the sporran up a bit, but it looks like you did that somewhere between the first couple of photos and the last string! With all respect to your wife, I think the banded collar shirt looks fine alone in a casual setting, but I wouldn't wear it with a waistcoat and certainly not with a jacket. It just seems to be a clash of styles for me. Good on ya for seeking input and, of course, mine is free of charge!

[Richrail]

nicely done Frank. I must say the sporran strap I got from you is the best. I did get one from J. Higgins and yours is FAR superior.

[Nile]

I would like to get some plain red flashes, and maybe someday some almostunwearoutable diced hose.

Really well put together, Frank. Many nice touches like the sporran strap and the vest is perfect (I've got to look into one of those).

I agree with you, red flashes would be a good addition and would add some contrast. Diced hose would be cool but I like the ones you have on in the pictures.

Nile