Black tie options

**svc40bt** · 10th January 10, 03:34 PM

I will be attending the Fredericksburg (VA) Scottish Society Burns Night Jan 30th. I need to put together a formal rig for the event. First, I tried to order a navy Argyle from Hector Russell, after seeing this thread. Alas, they did not have one in my size. I sent a note to see if they had one in bottle green, but with time getting short, I am afraid I am going to have to move to plan B or C.

So, my options are: B -- rent a PC or Argyle from a local shop, C -- purchase an Eton (1 button shawl collar) jacket and formal waistcoat from Uniformal Warehouse.

It would probably cost about the same either way. I have a good idea what I will get if I rent; anyone buy from Uniformal? How do the Etons look in person?

Opinions from the rabble please.

**McMurdo** · 10th January 10, 03:37 PM

For this time I'd rent, you can always get the outfit together for next year.

**rocscotjoe** · 10th January 10, 03:41 PM

rent, then buy what you want...I have been burned in my haste. I know nothing about the Etons from uniformal, but the low cost makes me think they are designed for easy replacement...

my .02

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 10th January 10, 03:54 PM

Same with houses... Rent before you buy. Without wishing to advocate a monopoly I can recommend the efficiency of the Tartan Museum when it comes to log-distance rental.

**svc40bt** · 10th January 10, 05:53 PM

To clarify, It would cost me the same to rent an Argyle/PC as to buy the Eton jacket and formal waistcoat. So, there is no effect to my getting what I want eventually. I will order from Hector-Russell if they have one in my size. I am just afraid it will not get here in time.

I like the look of the Eton from pictures posted on this forum, but I was wondering what it looks like in person. I know folks on the forum have purchased them, so anyone care to comment on the fabric and workmanship, especially anyone who can compare to an actual barathea scottish made jacket.

The bottom line is, if the Eton is not embarrassingly shoddy in either materials or workmanship, I will go with owning something rather than renting.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 10th January 10, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by svc40bt

The bottom line is, if the Eton is not embarrassingly shoddy in either materials or workmanship, I will go with owning something rather than renting.

The difficulty with this line of thinking is that it often leads one to say, "well, that's good enough" and put off getting something better. That aside, the Eaton that you are considering is not cut to be worn with the kilt and therefore, while passable-- maybe-- it just won't look as good. Presumably you are ordering something that is a rack size, which means that if it is in stock you should have it in 4-10 days.

I'd suggest a phone call to the vendor is the quickest way to resolve your dilemma.

**svc40bt** · 10th January 10, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

The difficulty with this line of thinking is that it often leads one to say, "well, that's good enough" and put off getting something better. That aside, the Eaton that you are considering is not cut to be worn with the kilt and therefore, while passable-- maybe-- it just won't look as good. Presumably you are ordering something that is a rack size, which means that if it is in stock you should have it in 4-10 days.

I'd suggest a phone call to the vendor is the quickest way to resolve your dilemma.

I had actually ordered one in navy; the vendor refunded me as they didn't have stock in my size. I have an inquiry in to them as to availability in bottle green. If they have it, I will order one. I plan to switch out the buttons (or make them interchangable) to use the jacket mostly for day wear.

I will eventually get something in velvet for true formal wear; either an argyle style, or some sort of custom doublet (when the friend I have in fashion school feels ready to tackle a men's jacket from scratch).

**svc40bt** · 10th January 10, 07:09 PM

Something like this:

or this:

or even this:

**Mr. MacDougall** · 10th January 10, 05:45 PM

For myself, I don't care for the look of the garments from Uniformal Warehouse. They're cheap in both senses of the word, and I would rent a quality garment and save for one of my own.

**McMurdo** · 10th January 10, 09:54 PM

I would stillsay rent, if you are going to go to Hector Russell for a quality jacket anyway why would you buy what you know is inferior? If you rent, sure you've spent the same money, however you will not have an unwanted hardly worn Eton jacket hanging in your closet reminding you of the waste of money. Again I say rent.