Interesting, everyone has jumped to tartans. If you're just going for casual wear, have you considered any not traditional kilts (Utilikilt, RKilt, Union kilts, etc.) While I love my tartans (and end up wearing then 1-2 times a week), I live in non traditionals. For $250 you could still get an original UK, and a Stillwater standard + the night stalker sporran, and be set for what ever life throws at you.

Adam