Critique invited

[lukeyrobertson]

This is a fine exchange re: matching leathers...or not. What I like is the continuum that exists between "mixing" and "matching" with regard to Highland wear. And that I think, is the gift to this forum and the best outcome one can expect when an experienced member like Downunder chooses to risk critique/feedback on something so personal. It is all a matter of tradition and personal taste (or so it seems) and that makes the conversation about Highland dress tradition really interesting and fun. And so with all that in mind, I still like the idea of brown shoes. But....

[Mike_Oettle]

Mike, that is a handsome outfit, no doubt about it.
Myself, I’m a brown shoes man (that is to say, I would wear brown shoes with a brown sporran, and black with any other), but I won’t stand in the way of Highland convention.
The tie is close enough to the Isle of Skye tartan without actually matching it (I don’t see any brown in the tie), and to me that makes it a good complement.
The balmoral is exactly the same shade as my beret tam, so of course I have to approve of that!
And Mike has a beard like mine, too.
Full marks!
All the picture needs now is an accompaniment: “Oh, I’ve just come down frae the Isle of Skye . . .”
Regards,
Mike

[Mike_Oettle]

Mike, since badges are now under discussion, would you enlighten us as to the badge on your bonnet?
The pictures don’t really show it. I presume that it is likely to be a clan crest badge, but it might be something else.
Regards,
Mike

[Downunder Kilt]

Mike, since badges are now under discussion, would you enlighten us as to the badge on your bonnet?
The pictures don’t really show it. I presume that it is likely to be a clan crest badge, but it might be something else.
Regards,
Mike

Mike, it is a Maclaren clan bonnet badge. It is an older model, in that it is about an 1/2" smaller that the ones you can purchase these days

Robert, thankyou for the support on where I place my kilt badge. I freely admit that until I joined this site I wore the kilt pin lower down. I greatly admire your style of dress and that of several others on this forum and have taken some of the things I have seen and read about to incorporate into my style. The placing of the pin is one of those things I have taken from you.

Merci mon ami