X Marks the Scot - An on-line community of kilt wearers.

   X Marks Partners - (Go to the Partners Dedicated Forums )
USA Kilts website Celtic Croft website Celtic Corner website Houston Kiltmakers

User Tag List

Results 1 to 10 of 72

Thread: IDEAL v. BUDGET

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Panache's Avatar
    Panache is offline
    Retired Forum Manager
    Gentleman of X Marks

    Join Date
    24th February 06
    Location
    San Jose, California
    Posts
    9,721
    Mentioned
    5 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Budget

    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:
    Last edited by Panache; 17th October 09 at 04:40 PM. Reason: Forgot to mention the chain for formal outfit
    -See it there, a white plume
    Over the battle - A diamond in the ash
    Of the ultimate combustion-My panache

    Edmond Rostand

  2. #2
    Panache's Avatar
    Panache is offline
    Retired Forum Manager
    Gentleman of X Marks

    Join Date
    24th February 06
    Location
    San Jose, California
    Posts
    9,721
    Mentioned
    5 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    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:
    -See it there, a white plume
    Over the battle - A diamond in the ash
    Of the ultimate combustion-My panache

    Edmond Rostand

Similar Threads

  1. describe the general features of your "ideal" kilt
    By Alan H in forum Contemporary Kilt Wear
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 16th October 09, 11:52 AM
  2. Removing kilt basting: the ideal tool!!
    By Barb T in forum Hint and tips from Barb T.
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 23rd July 09, 07:54 AM
  3. Budget Jackets?
    By Kane in forum General Kilt Talk
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 4th June 09, 02:05 PM
  4. Another Budget McKenzie
    By cessna152towser in forum Show us your pics
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 29th August 07, 04:27 PM
  5. Sporrans on a budget
    By Barb T in forum How to Accessorize your Kilt
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 9th October 06, 12:44 PM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

» Log in

User Name:

Password:

Not a member yet?
Register Now!
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v4.2.0