Tartan tie

[Alaskan]

Always glad to help if I can, Blu. I forgot to mention that Scottish Lion may take a while. I ordered a couple of ties from their catalog overstock and "So You Want to Wear the Kilt" from them about a month ago and they still haven't arrived. Customer service has been responsive, though.

[Robbie]

For those who claim that if Sir Sean Connery (the world's greatest living Scotsman) wears a tartan tie then it must be ok, just remember that:-

1. He's an actor dressed for an event in America aimed at Americans.

2. For tax purposes he's lived outside Scotland longer than he lived in Scotland and it's well known that exiles, and the Scots and Irish in particular, tend to develop a somewhat romanticised view of their homeland and its customs/traditions/lifesyle.

3. He's 73yrs old (and I hope I look as good as him when I'm 73!)
(a) Do you really want to adopt a 73yr old as a role model
(b) How many 73yr olds do you know who give a **** for custom, tradition, civility, good taste or indeed anything else.

4. He's also been pictured wearing the velvet Montrose doublet (the one with the frilly lace jabot and cuffs) and silver buckled shoes, and I don't see many rushing to say they must get that outfit too. Apart from Sir SC I haven't seen anyone wear this particular outfit for more than 25yrs, and I for one certainly wouldn't choose to stroll the streets of my native city dressed like that.

[Alaskan]

1. What does the fact that he is an actor have to do with anything? Does he deserve less respect because he is an actor? Even when you admit that he is the worlds greatest living Scotsman. I just don't see what point you are trying to make by pointing out that Sean Connery is an actor.
As for him being at an event in America aimed at Americans I have two things to say. The first is that currently I am in Japan and everything I do is aimed at Japanese, but I still would not do anything that is considered inapropriate in America, even if it is acceptable here. The second is that Mr. Connery would know that pictures of him dressed that way are going to reach Scotland.

2. What does the possibility that he has a romanticised view of his homeland and it's customs/traditions/lifestyle have to do with anything? If anything, the romanticised view would make him more likely to stick with traditional ways of doing things.

3. Are you sure he is only 73 years old? I thought he was over 70 the last time he was voted People magazine's sexiest man alive, and I think that was more than 3 years ago.
(a)What is wrong with choosing an elderly role model? Who would you suggest makes a better role model than a man who at over 70 years old, not only is in great shape and looking good at over 70, but he also can still work in his chosen profession?
(b)Older people are the only people I know who give a ***** about customs and traditions.

4. I'll admit that I don't particularly like the lace jabot and cuffs, but he looks better in that outfit than most of us on this forum can ever dream of in any outfit.

[phil h]

Alaskan, where are you from, Alaska?
you wear kilts righ?
you are in Japan?
just a bit confusing.
p.s. whats yer point?

[Alaskan]

Phil, answering your questions in the order you asked them.

I am from Alaska.
I don't wear kilts yet, but a few days ago I got an e-mail telling me that my first one is on the way now, so I will be wearing them soon.
I am working as an assistant English teacher in Japan right now.
What part is confusing?

My point in my previous post was that Robbie did not make a good argument against Sean Connery being a good example of kilt wearing.

[bubba]

Sir Sean is a great role model. He pretty much does what he wants, takes no crap from anyone and goes his own way. He's not only survived, but thrived in a cutthroat business. He meets his responsibilities and follows his convictions. Seems like an excellent role model to me.

[Robbie]

Of course he's a great role model - for 73yr olds. He's been there, done that, paid his dues and is entitled to do as he wants - he's earned it, unlike those who just demand it.

[al' Sporrano]

4. He's also been pictured wearing the velvet Montrose doublet (the one with the frilly lace jabot and cuffs) and silver buckled shoes, and I don't see many rushing to say they must get that outfit too. Apart from Sir SC I haven't seen anyone wear this particular outfit for more than 25yrs, and I for one certainly wouldn't choose to stroll the streets of my native city dressed like that.

It is rather fancy I admit, but it kind of has a romantic look about it. To be honest, I would love the right occasion to wear such an outfit. Just the once. At a banquet, in a remote Scottish castle. Candle lit and my favourite girl on my arm. The Montrose is pretty stunning if worn correctly.

Al

[Casey]

There are other alternatives to the tie. I go out of my way to avoid wearing one. Even with my suit at work I seldom wear one (and when I do I usually regret it).

It is my opinion that the kilt, formal or casual, looks better without the tie.

Casey

[Robbie]

I think we're looking here at the differing cultures either side of the Atlantic. Certainly here in the UK when dressing formally a tie is a must, regardless of whether you're wearing a kilt or a suit.

Re Al's wish to wear the Montrose outfit, I've only worn this once many years ago when an usher at a cousin's wedding - felt more as if I was dressing up in a costume rather than wearing a good outfit, if you get what I mean.