Your Thoughts of the following

[Detroitpete]

Thanks for the input so far guys. I truly appreciate it.

As far as SWK goes the standard @70 and the Heavy Weight wool @122
Is the PV that bad? With that price difference I lean more toward the standard, but I do like the shadow tartan. Wish I had stumbled into the deal on the stained ones in November!! It is not typical of my nature to cut corner and doing so pains me. But right now I can't really afford this "Luxury". I would wait, but I made a promise to my buddy and if he can put his life on the line in Afghanistan the least I can do is follow his request and fulfill my promise.

McMuro - Unfortunately at this point that is probably be out of of my range, but I will see. I plan to have a proper kilt made later in Ulster District Weathered. It is believed to have been worn by the O'Kanes from which I descend. I prefer to have the saffron, but 2nd choice is the Irish Heritage/Irish National

Peacekeeper - I have nothing against USA Kilt, they were just priced a little higher than the other. Plus I was hoping to be out the door less that $200 which would not get me free shipping either.

Fit2Bkilted - Thanks for the input on parade attire. It is a rather small one, just our 6th year. If the AOH do not make it this year I would probably be the only one in kilt. I don't want to ignore any protocol that there might be for parade attire. where should I be in the 1 kilt 10 looks scale?

Hey Neighbor--let me know which parade it is and I'll be ther kilted with ya'!
For the money you're looking to spend, I'd go with either the SWK Irish National Standard--GREAT price. I have several Standards from Jerry and I don't think you can beat them for quality and price for a non-wool, good functional kilt. Plus--Jerry rocks. Great service and time-warp bending shipping.

USA Kilts from Rocky are great and he also is fantastic at service. However--I'd say the PV casual may be a bit too light for St. Pat's in Motown--remember its still brrrrrrr cold here then. Keep Rocky in mind when you want to step up to a VERY good made-to-fit kilt at a great price (either the PV Semi-Trad or the even better 5-yard) Celtic Croft is good for this as well.

Going back to discussing SWK: at that price you can get decent hose, flashes or ties, belt and sporran if you need--from him or other supliers--and be out the door at the prices you're looking at. Another option for belts and spoorans at GREAT prices try the Celtic Croft (another advertizer here) at http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/ GREAT service as well as price.

My advice for a kilted stroll during a blustery St. Pat's in Detroit: LAYERS! thin socks under good kilt hose, warm shoes/boots,SWK standard is warm enough--may choose to wear warmer shorts under/cut long johns, nice heavy sweater over whatever you wear on top--and a warm hat---you'll tocuh off a friendly spat here if we were to discuss the merits of a good wool/tweed flat cap

Lastly--just my opinon--I'm a fan of the Irish National at SWK or the Tara/Murphy from USA Kilts or the Irish Green over the one-color saffron--but what do I know, eh? I defer to McMurdo on this. I'm just more likely to choose a tartan over a solid.

[MacLowlife]

That was magician/actor Ricky Jay in Heist, talking about Gene Hackman. My advice is to put your MONEY into a kilt and your time and imagination into the rest of your outfit. You have a little space, but I mention backup plans because you may need to change course at the last minute.

If you are marching or walking in a parade in Michigan in March, you will want to dress warmly. If you are walking beside your father and he is an official, you will want to dress well. Bear in mind, also, that Parade Dress is flashy and dressy, in an outdoor way. Since you do not have to match anyone else, why not have some fun?

Is your buddy getting the same kilt? Do you want to dress the same, or close to the same as him? Can you get some simple tailoring done? I would suggest you find a couple of military tunics and have them cut off to suit your kilts. They will be warm and smart. Change the buttons if you think it is appropriate. Get a couple of nice warm berets or tams or Balmoral bonnets. Consider wearing gloves.

Are you familiar with the Cromach? A parade is a fine place to carry a ceremonial staff or walking stick.

Check your calendar and begin working backwards for deadlines and delivery dates. Scour eBay and the Army Surplus places for the rest of your kit. Go ahead and buy a cheap sporran, just to have one. Save your pennies.

Have a good time
MacLL

[Detroitpete]

That was magician/actor Ricky Jay in Heist, talking about Gene Hackman. My advice is to put your MONEY into a kilt and your time and imagination into the rest of your outfit. You have a little space, but I mention backup plans because you may need to change course at the last minute.

If you are marching or walking in a parade in Michigan in March, you will want to dress warmly. If you are walking beside your father and he is an official, you will want to dress well. Bear in mind, also, that Parade Dress is flashy and dressy, in an outdoor way. Since you do not have to match anyone else, why not have some fun?

Is your buddy getting the same kilt? Do you want to dress the same, or close to the same as him? Can you get some simple tailoring done? I would suggest you find a couple of military tunics and have them cut off to suit your kilts. They will be warm and smart. Change the buttons if you think it is appropriate. Get a couple of nice warm berets or tams or Balmoral bonnets. Consider wearing gloves.

Are you familiar with the Cromach? A parade is a fine place to carry a ceremonial staff or walking stick.

Check your calendar and begin working backwards for deadlines and delivery dates. Scour eBay and the Army Surplus places for the rest of your kit. Go ahead and buy a cheap sporran, just to have one. Save your pennies.

Have a good time
MacLL

See--that's why advice like this is BEST left to the professionals!