Another Christmas party thread ..

[O'Neille]

On the subject of brogues (wing tips) I managed to forget mine on a trip and went to an upscale shop to get a pair. I whimped out because they were too skinny in the toe and were over $200. I was going back to my hotel and drove by an outlet mall. There I found perfect all leather wing tips for $40 that put my expensive shoes to shame for comfort and value.

I would suggest that you move the left strap in an appropriate amount and the right buckles back the same distance and you won't need the belt to hold your kilt up. I've done it on a couple kilts and it usually takes about 5 minutes per strap. O'Neille

[David Dalglish]

Your out fit sounds good, I know what what you feel about the belt, I feel funny without one on, But wear in under the sweater, you can always the the sweater off during the party.

[Canadian_Kilt]

Alright I'm all set. I picked up a pair of decent black dress shoes at payless for 35 bucks (and a second pair of not so dress back shoes for 22! damn sales), then at the scottish shoppe I picked up nice black leather belt and a very nice buckle with a celtic knot design - which was almost exactly what I had in mind. So that worked out ok. I looked at sporrans, but the prices are absolutely outrageous .. so I put that off in favor of buying one online later. Instead, I just rented one. They did have this one semi-dress sporran there that I *really* liked, and was very reasonably priced. I damn near bought it .. but I have to hold off. One day I'll go back and get it though. I passed on the kilt pin, as I also felt they were quite expensive there.

And just so no one thinks I'm just a cheap scot .. we're not talking about a little expensive .. we're talking almost double what you can get this stuff online for. It's wierd - some stuff there is decent, others, outrageous.

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'll let you know how the evening goes! I think I'll be having a drink or 2 before I leave .. being the first time I've worn my kilt out, I'm quite nervous.

[Rex_Tremende]

I think I'll be having a drink or 2 before I leave .. being the first time I've worn my kilt out, I'm quite nervous.

Keep it to one drink (you want to get there in one piece), and pretend like you've always worn a kilt.

Get someone to take your picture.

Good luck!

R.

[Splash_4]

Have no fear there. I wore mine in public the first time a little over a month ago. The fear of wearing it is quickly overcome by the positive comments and reactions, not to mention the comfort. Be open and be proud!

[Canadian_Kilt]

Well I'm glad to say that last night was a complete success!

There were about 400 people at the party (hardly any of which I knew), and I was so nervous as I was going in I thought I was going to pass out. But I held my head up and walked through the crowd. I ran into 2 or 3 people I worked with and got some great comments from them. After that, I was totally fine. Like most seem to experience, most people don't say anything. I had several people whom I knew and didn't know stop me throughout the night to mention that I looked great.

What was really cool though is that it really leads you into great conversations. A gentleman I sat with at dinner immediately started asking about it, and started telling me about his tours through europe, especially scotland. I talked with him for a good hour and a half about it, and many other things. This is not a guy I normally would have even talked to save for an introductions and idle dinner table chatting.

Also, there was another kiltie there! Unfortunately I never got a chance to talk to him - actually I didn't even see him, but several people mentioned it.

So now I'm totally hooked! I can honestly say that what I was wearing made the evening far better than it normally would have been (I hate christmas parties).

Thanks everyone for helping me put it together!

[Mr. Kilt]

Excellent news about the party, CK!

Now that the intial "shock" of going out in your kilt is over, you'll find it getting easier and easier. I plan to be out and about most of the day tomorrow, doing errands and shopping etc, and I wouldn't dream of wearing pants. 3 years ago, when I first started wearing kilts, was a different story. It took all my courage to go anywhere. Now I don't even think about it.

[Canadian_Kilt]

Yeah I was all gung ho when I got up the next morning. I had to run into the office for a quick thing so I wore it there, and stopped a few places on the way home, and then wore it all day at home. Then I had to go to the grocery store and for some reason just chickened out and put on jeans.

I love wearing it and am working on it but it'll take me some time, and I dont think I see myself becoming a daily kiltie - probably more like a once or twice a week thing.