So first, some background for those of you who have not followed the previous "Review my Attire" threads:

Jock wrote in the "Review my Attire 2" thread (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...e-2-a-60670/):
The real point of this thread was to provoke thought and give, some of you, the confidence to perhaps be a little more "adventurous", or perhaps at least see that there are acceptable alternatives outside your own Non Scots comfort zone

and Sandy wrote in "Review my Attire 3" thread (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...e-3-a-60746/):
I couldn't agree more, so I'm stepping up to the plate and adding a third thread. Many have seen these pics before, but why not see what opinions they stir up!

Central to the lively exchange on both threads was the issue of the mixing of patterns and a relaxed approach to the whole concept of careful matching of elements in Highland Attire. And again, if you haven't read these threads, I heartily recommend them for this thread is a continuation of a very interesting challenge that Jock Scot put forward in "Review...2" and it follows here:

Jock wrote
I am looking for a volunteer. Alright, I know never volunteer!But read on-----


Here is the deal. This volunteer will have to be known to me as being from the "every thing must match" school of thought -----I know who some of you are-----who has an adventurous streak and is perhaps from the ranks of the newer kilt wearing brigade . He will need a traditional style tartan kilt(box pleats will do), a tattersall shirt, traditional tweed day jacket (waist coat optional), brown/black brogues(wingtips, but NOT ghillie brogues), traditional day sporran, any colour other than white hose and flashes/garter ties.

Apart from the tweed jacket matching with the waist coat, the hose matching with each other, same with the flashes/shoes (perhaps sporran) NOTHING MUST MATCH in a significant way.Think of my pictures, Sandy's pictures and pictures of that style that you may have seen on this website.

When this volunteer has assembled his kit and PM's me his postal address, I will send him a tie(free of charge)and that he must wear it with the above gear, have a picture taken and publish it here with your thoughts on how you look and feel.

The tie will be along traditional Regimental lines and it will be yours to keep. You will not upset any "Old Soldier" by wearing this tie at any time at any place, but the money from the purchase(by me) of this tie will be going to a very worthy cause.

So who is it going to be? If there are more than one applicant their names will be put in a hat and my dear wife will draw ONE name. The "lucky" fellow's name will be announced on this thread. Offer closes on 20th of August 2010 at 1200hrs BST(Jock time).

As you probably surmise by now, I was the lucky winner of the draw and the tie arrived as promised late last week.



And without further ado, my next post on this thread will be the photographic record of this "Everything Must Match School" graduate's first foray into "unmatched" territory. As mentioned in Jock's proposition, I will accompany the photos with some commentary on the journey. I look forward to your thoughts, rabble!

regards

Ken