IDEAL v. BUDGET

[Raphael]

you won't look like you are trying to impress everyone ("Jeez, who does that guy think he is, wearing a tie to a barbeque?").

His name is Panache

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I know most of you said save up for the best, but I'm only 17 and buying a $300 kilt that I'll grow out of doesn't seem like the best idea right now. So I'm gonna stick with buying inexpensive but good quality (like USAkilts) till then.

I like the responses, keep em up!

You've got exactly the right idea. What you should be buying, right now, is anything silver mounted-- kilt pins, sgians dubh, sporrans, belt buckles. My first silver mounted sgian dubh cost $35, brand new, from a shop (JR Christie), in Santa Monica, California. Today the same item is over 300 GBPounds (about $475) in Scotland.

Save up and buy the very best accessories you can because you will never out grow them.

[Nick the DSM]

You've got exactly the right idea. What you should be buying, right now, is anything silver mounted-- kilt pins, sgians dubh, sporrans, belt buckles. My first silver mounted sgian dubh cost $35, brand new, from a shop (JR Christie), in Santa Monica, California. Today the same item is over 300 GBPounds (about $475) in Scotland.

Save up and buy the very best accessories you can because you will never out grow them.

I'm slowly trying, I'm looking at getting sgian dubh and more importantly a better sporran as well(won't be silver yet). I still gotta go through college, so I gotta save money too.

[Panache]

His name is Panache

Hey Raphael!

I...

I...

Oh right, you have seen me at a BBQ







Best to the Maid Marion

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[NewEnglander]

So I think I understand that a kilt jacket has a different cut than a normal blazer or sportcoat...but does a vest or waistcoat that one would wear with a kilt (for casual daywear) need to be cut in a special way? Or will an off-the-rack vest do just fine?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

So I think I understand that a kilt jacket has a different cut than a normal blazer or sportcoat...but does a vest or waistcoat that one would wear with a kilt (for casual daywear) need to be cut in a special way? Or will an off-the-rack vest do just fine?

An off the rack waistcoat is perfectly acceptable for casual or more dressed-up occasions when the kilt is worn.

The only difference between a five button waistcoat bought at Target and one bought with a tweed kilt jacket is that the one from Target was most likely not made in Scotland. Aside from that, there is little or no difference in style between the two waistcoats.

[Panache]

Panache was lounging in his library enjoying a gin and tonic and one of the darker works of William Sakekespeare when his butler informed him of a visitor. The young man, obviously distraught, explained he had come for advice. "Certainly dear fellow, please have a seat and explain your problem" said Panache motioning him toward a comfortable chair. The young man said "I need to have a highland outfit for my wedding and my wife wants me to wear a kilt on our honeymoon. I need a formal outfit and a day wear outfit. A rental is not an option and I am on an extremely limited budget"

Panache thought.

"Do you have some skill in sewing? Or have a friend who does?"

The young man nodded.

"I assume that you can manage with dress shirts, bow ties, ties, and such without my aid?"

The young man nodded.


"Then I recommend the following..."


And here is what Panache recommended

1. The kilt

Stillwater Kilts, their Heavyweight Model (let's assume Black Watch tartan) $130

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...Watch%20Tartan

The standard length of 24" might need to be hemmed and a few simple modifications to the underapron and first pleat will make it hang better)

Also purchase a pair of matching tartan flashes from Stillwater for $5 (total $135)

2. Shoes, daywear

Target

Brown simple Oxfords $30 (total $165)

http://www.target.com/Cherokee-Teddy...&searchSize=30

3. Shoes, eveningwear

Target

Black dress shoe $34.99 (total $200)

http://www.target.com/Merona-Ramiro-...&searchSize=30

4. Hose, daywear

USA Kilts Wool blend kilt hose

http://www.usakilts.com/store/cart.p...uct_detail&p=4

2 pairs (bottle green and navy blue) $40 (total $240.00)

5. Hose, eveningwear

From the Scottish tartans Museum Gift Shop 1 pair Lewis Hose (charcoal) $48

Also 1 pair of traditonal garter ties in tartan red $24 (total $312)

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose_lewis.htm

6. Sporran, daywear

Buzz Kidder Rob Roy Sporran from USA Kilts $60 (total $372)

http://www.usakilts.com/store/cart.p...t_detail&p=268

7. Sporran, eveningwear

Chrome Cantled Economy Sporran from the Celtic Croft $65 (total $437)

http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/Highlan...me_cantle.html


8. Jacket and/or waistcoat, daywear

Tweed Jacket conversion (per XMTS instructional threads)

Second hand stores typically have a number of tweed jackets for sale for under $10, including dry cleaning we will put the price at $30 (total $467)

9. Jacket and/or waistcoat, eveningwear

Tail coat and waistcoat conversion (per XMTS instructional threads)

Used from a second hand store or ex rental. Budget $120 including cleaning and buttons (total $587)


10. Belts

From Stillwater Kilts

Brown leather embossed kilt belt $34

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...0with%20Buckle

Black leather embossed kilt belt $34

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...0with%20Buckle

One thin (1/2" wide) plain brown ladies belt for use as a day wear sporran strap, new or second hand $10 (total $665)

Use the chain that comes with the Buzz Kidder sporran for your formal outfit (it will be better quality than the one that will come with the formal sporran) and pick up a simple black sporran strap from Stillwater Kilts for $11 (total $676) for when you use your cantle sporran with your tweed jacket.

Total $ 676 (not including tax)


"Assuming that the tailoring on the kilt and jackets were done well (and that the jackets were well chosen for conversion) the above items allow one to dress well for most occasions.

When finances permit you should purchase

a handsewn kilt (though keeping SWK Black Watch one as it would still be a usefull asset for one's closet).

a black argyll kilt jacket and waistcoat (for occasions where the PC style coatee is too formal and the tweed jacket not formal enough

and good quality fur or leather sporran"

The young man, far less distraught thanked Panache and walked to the door. He stopped and paused there before leaving

"What about the sgian dubh and kilt pin?" he asked

"Surely you must leave something for your bride to gift to you on this special day?" said Panache with a wink.

"Of course" said the young man who then adjourned.

Panache, his work done, resumed reading of kings, ambition, and witchcraft whilst happily sipping his G&T.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Panache]

I didn't bother to list my ideal outfit because I think that we here on XMTS have a wonderful sense of "The Good Stuff"

Let's face it, there is nothing like a bespoke item made for you!

It doesn't matter if it is kilt hose, a jacket, a kilt, shoes, or a sgian dubh.

What I proposed above was a way acquire a solid collection of items that will fit in well with other people in highland attire who will be wearing bespoke clothing and not look shabby in comparison.

My goal was to offer frugal solutions to one on a tight budget who wanted to wear highland attire in a variety of situations. I also wanted these items to be useful for the owner even after they were able to afford nicer things.


There certainly are cheaper options (for instance buying a Stillwater Standard acrylic model kilt instead of the wool heavyweight). However the Heavyweight (especially with a few simple modifications) is going to look a LOT more like a traditional hand sewn kilt. It will also last and look good a lot longer than the acrylic one. Likewise, the Buzz Kidder sporran might not be the cheapest day wear sporran out there, but it will last for years and look good.

You will notice that I didn't choose a fur dress sporran to go with the formal outfit. I did for two reasons.

First, I strongly feel that the inexpensive leather ones with cantle look a whole lot better than the fur ones

Second, the leather one will work with outfits with the tweed jacket where a fur one would be a bit too fancy.

While it would be a cost savings to skip the Lewis hose and the traditional garter ties, I feel that nice hose really make a formal outfit work.

But consider how many people spend $$$ on a bespoke kilt, a beautifully made PC coatee, a fancy sporran, and brightly shined ghillie brogues to ruin everything with really cheap and thin kilt hose? Sorry traditionalists of XMTS, but to me white hose isn't the problem, cheap hose are! The better quality hose will help people noting that one's shoes are simpler (though a good polish will make them look far better) The red traditional garter ties will be a nice touch with any outfit.

Lastly, I didn't bother with the kilt pin or sgian dubh because they do make great (and easy gifts) and frankly while they are nice touches, they don't contribute that much to an overall outfit.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Bugbear]

I bought one of those all leather, Chrome Cantled Economy Sporrans from the Celtic Croft, Panache is discussing, to go with a formal, or black tie outfit I was trying to put together.
I would like a traditionalist's oppinion.

It was stated a rabit fur sporran is not acceptible for black tie attire.
Are full mask skunk sporrans also not acceptible?

[Panache]

It was stated a rabit fur sporran is not acceptible for black tie attire. Are full mask skunk sporrans also not acceptible?

Ted,

Who stated a rabbit fur sporran is unacceptable for black tie formal wear?

Why wouldn't a rabbit fur sporran be appropriate for black tie wear?

If you are thinking of the semi-dress brown rabbit fur sporrans from Stillwater kilts with the leather flap you would be correct.

That is a nice day wear sporran.

What determines it as a day wear sporran is the style and color.

The black version, while not perfect, would be OK with a formal outfit (though it would be better with some bright work on the flap.

Also why would you single out a full mask skunk sporran as being different from other full mask sporrans? I can't see why the type of critter would matter? To the best of my understanding all full mask sporrans are acceptable in all levels of formality.

Hope this was of help

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: