Day Wear Jacket-- A Review of "Plan B"

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 31st May 10, 05:45 PM

It always pays to have a back-up plan.

Several months ago I decided that, given the then impending visit of HRH Prince Edward to the Greenville Scottish Games, I would order a linen day wear jacket to hopefully cope with the sometimes sweltering weather in that part of the world. I contacted an on-line vendor, received his self-measurement form, went to my tailor and was carefully measured. I then scanned everything into an email which I accidentally stored as a draft, as opposed to sending.

Time marches on, as they say, and the games weekend drew neigh. "Where," I wondered, "is my linen jacket and waistcoat?" I did a fast scan of my "sent box" only to discover the awful truth: I hadn't ordered it. What to do?

A quick PM to McMurdo and I was given the name of a local Highland outfitter (Cairngorm Scottish Imports-- www.kiltscanada.com) in Toronto. A call confirmed they had jackets in stock, and as I was headed to Toronto the very next day I was able to breathe a little bit easier as I had less than one week before I would be standing on the reviewing stand of the Greenville Scottish Games "Great Scot Parade" and officially welcoming HRH to the City of Greenville and to the Games. Frankly, anything would be better than nothing and, I have to be honest, I didn't hold out high hopes for acquiring a decent jacket.

Well, Glen's recommendation was absolutely gilt-edged. Darren, who runs the shop, had me fitted in no time and rushed through the alterations so that I could collect my jacket and waistcoat in under 24 hours-- for a moment I thought I was back in Hong Kong! Returning at lunch the next day (as I was headed out of town) I tried on my new ensemble and was more than pleased with the whole shebang.

The jacket is a two button, dark gray tweed with epaulets, pocket flaps, and van Dyke cuffs, similar to those on a Prince Charlie coatee. The waistcoat matches the jacket, however I had the bottom "squared off" to give it a bit of a distinctive style. Fully lined, it is made from 100% new wool (at least that's what the tag inside says and, hey!, the Canadians don't lie about things like that, eh?). Frankly, it was a bit warm in Greenville's mid-80's weather, but I believe that was due as much to the humidity as anything else.

It's no secret that I am a big proponent of bespoke and made to measure clothing whenever possible. But, and this is important, I have nothing against an off the peg garment if it is well made and of sufficient quality to justify the price. In this instance I found the jacket and waistcoat to be both well made and well worth the cost, especially given the circumstances.

If you are in a pinch (as I was) and can't wait for a made to measure jacket from one of our XMTS advertisers, you could do worse than following McMurdo's advice and contact his outfitter in Toronto.

**HeathBar** · 31st May 10, 07:44 PM

I must say that, from the photos, you looked quite distinguished when greeting the prince.

EDIT: I've added the image of MoR and HRH Prince Edward upon MoR's request.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 31st May 10, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by HeathBar

I must say that, from the photos, you looked quite distinguished when greeting the prince.

I felt more "extinguished" than distinguished! I guess that just goes to show you why one should always invest in a well-fitting jacket and waistcoat.

**Mael Coluim** · 31st May 10, 07:53 PM

Indeed, you looked quite smart in it. Alls well, that ends well. Now about sending onward that stored draft email?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 31st May 10, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

Indeed, you looked quite smart in it. Alls well, that ends well. Now about sending onward that stored draft email?

As soon as I've recovered from the weekend (and saved up a few more bucks!).

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 1st June 10, 07:23 AM

Heath, thanks for adding the photo--

Although this doesn't show off the jacket and waistcoat to their best advantage, it does give you an idea as to how one dresses when the occasion calls for something a tad more formal, like taking your wife to dinner on your anniversary or -- dare I say it -- having to meet and greet a VIP.

To begin with, my mantra in dressing is "Have what you need, and go with what you've got." So--

The bonnet is at least 20 years old and has two tiny moth holes near the toorie. I think the original colour was tan, or maybe duck's egg blue, although to be honest I really can't remember. Yes, it's seen better days but then so has my dog, and my car, neither of which I'm planning to replace anytime soon.

Under the jacket and waistcoat I'm wearing a white shirt with French (double) cuffs and cuff links, and my tie is in my school colours-- cardinal and gold. The kilt (ancient MacMillan-- just like me) was made by our own Barbara Tewksbury, and sports three straps and a "horse blanket" kilt pin almost half way up the apron.

I purchased the brass cantle sporran 40 years ago at the Braemar Games and it is now on its second strap, made locally by a Mennonite harness maker. Although you can't see them, I'm wearing dark burgundy hose with brick red flashes that I bought from Matt Newsome several years ago. The sgian dubh has an antler hilt and is tucked down in my right sock.

The shoes are low cut black oxfords and are really shiny. At least that's what I thought until HRH stepped onto the reviewing stand. WOW! The shine on his shoes looked better than the paint on my Bentley. I really must try harder...

And that's it. Everything, with the exception of the jacket and waistcoat, came out of the tin trunk in the box room at home. I made no special effort to coordinate my ensemble, I just wore what I felt to be appropriate; in other words I wore the Highland equivalent of a dark suit.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 1st June 10, 09:59 AM

Scott,

I wish we had more time to chit-chat on Saturday, but I know you had many duties to attend to. I just wanted to chime in on this thread and let you know that, as someone who saw you in person that day, you looked splendid, and -- at least when I saw you early in the day -- the heat did not seem like it was getting the best of you!

Matt

**macwilkin** · 1st June 10, 10:23 AM

Well done, Scott! I have dealt with Darren as well (Craighorn used to be Hector Russell Canada) and found him just as efficient and attentive to customer service as you did.

And I must say the photo of you meeting HRH Prince Edward is grand!

T.

**starbkjrus** · 1st June 10, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Well done, Scott! I have dealt with Darren as well (Craighorn used to be Hector Russell Canada) and found him just as efficient and attentive to customer service as you did.

And I must say the photo of you meeting HRH Prince Edward is grand!

T.

Ditto. I try to drop in at Cairngorm whenever we're in Toronto. You do look nice.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 1st June 10, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Scott,

I wish we had more time to chit-chat on Saturday, but I know you had many duties to attend to. I just wanted to chime in on this thread and let you know that, as someone who saw you in person that day, you looked splendid, and -- at least when I saw you early in the day -- the heat did not seem like it was getting the best of you!

Matt

Matt,

Kind words indeed! Although I do have to admit to a bit of a cheat on Saturday. I wore a short sleeved shirt, and at every possible opportunity I removed my jacket and unbuttoned my waistcoat so I could "air out". Clansmen David Pope and Robert Bell (President of the Appalachian Branch of Clan MacMillan) managed to spend the bulk of the day in shirt sleeves-- the lucky devils-- and told me later that the heat was only insufferable if one was wearing a jacket and tie...

Scott