Advice for the newby -- HELP!!

[Hamish]

Ben,

Since you are located in North America, I guess you have to follow the North American guidelines with regard to what you wear and how you wear it. However, I have mentioned this in other kilt forums, was shot down for doing so (and probably will be again) but Charles Thompson, in his book "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt!", admits that he wrote it for the North American market, not for either the traditional or modern Scottish market. Yes, it is considered by some to be the kilt wearer's Bible - but not here in the United Kingdom! It is most definitely 'dated' in that much of what he says would have been read here back in the 1920's/30's.

For example, and I know how much you Americans love your headwear but, nowadays you'll hardly ever see a Glengarry or a Balmoral being worn in Scotland - except as part of a Pipe Band uniform or by a Clan Chief. The Great Kilt is never worn as everyday wear or even at special events. It is now considered to be an historical costume to be worn in Battle re-enactments and by actors in productions of "Brigadoon"!!! I mistakenly bought a Great Kilt some years ago thinking it would be 'cool' for wear to parties or Ceilidhs, but I was wrong. It was not cool, it was exceedingly hot and was totally impractical for wear whilst dancing as everyone else got caught up in it! Only a Jacobite shirt looks 'right' with it and footwear, in particular, is a problem. Since it was never really going to be worn again, my Great Kilt was eventually cut in half and made into two very nice modern kilts!

Now, I am starting to go off at a tangent so I will stop my prattling, but please remember that THAT book is not the word of God. Yes, use it as a rough guide but your best bet, as others have advised, is to look at the websites, and send for the catalogues, of reputable kiltmakers such as Hector Russell, Kinloch Anderson, and many others. Look at the photos and model yourself on what you see there.

BearKilts have it right, and I paraphrase: "Kilts are garments, not historical costumes." Please do not go for the historical look - unless you are participating at a RenFaire!!

Again, welcome to the board ........ enjoy!

[BenTheScott]

Thanks, Hamish. I'll keep all that in mind. 'Round these parts, however, there are quite a few who wear the great kilt. Granted, most of them are the "historical" types, but nobody picks any bones. I will get another, more modern kilt later on.

As for the "RenFaire" thing, the wedding that I'm going to is turning out be a might-as-well-be RenFaire sort of event. The Glengarry is not going. I'll have to wear my Great Grandfather's Balmorall. It's the footwear that I'm having trouble with now. Proper shoes are turning out to be somewhat expensive and hard to come by. I'll just have to make-do, and as a poor man and a Mainer (which almost goes hand in hand), my Coz will have to understand.

[Hamish]

Oh well, Ben, if everyone else is doing the historical thing then that's fine. Go with the flow, as they say. I am sure the wedding will be a great day to remember and it will be a huge success.

Blessings on the happy couple.

[Rufus]

Ben,

If you're looking for cheap Ghillie Brogues, Scottish Kilts has some for $50US...not bad considering most people want $150.

http://scottishkilts.net/store/ghillie_brogues.html

A lot of guys here have gotten wonderful and quick service from David.

If you're looking for more historical boots, here's a site you might try. I'm not sure about service though.

http://www.museumreplicas.com/prjSubCategory.asp

Hope this might help with the shoe issue, and I hope you have a great time at the wedding.

[Freelander Sporrano]

Hamish.
When I first read the "Bible" I must say that I got the imprssion that it was written for a non uk market.My feelings about the book are allready here on the forum. I agree wholehartedly with your view.

I would not wear my Kilt to a fancy dress ball it's not a costume.

[BenTheScott]

Good stuff, Rufus. Now, just if the wife agrees with the price of these shoes, we'll have to see.....

[kiltedscot]

I endorse Hamish's comments entirely. As someone who spends time on both sides of the Atlantic, I am very well aware of the considerable differences nowadays in what is considered acceptable kilt-attire. For example, no one in Scotland would ever appear in a great kilt on any occasion other than some sort of historical enactment or a fancy-dress "do"!
Nonetheless, Thompson's book still has validity especially in relation to not mixing "day" and "evening" forms of highland-dress.

David

[Chris@southerncelt.com]

This may be an excessively late response, but here goes.

Main thing you'll need to do is coordinate your efforts with the folks throwing the wedding. Typically, however, a knee high minnetonka style moccasin is worn with the great kilt as their design is based on a celtic moc. But as I said, might want to check with those in charge first.

[ggibby]

Check out Keen shoes:
http://www.keenfootwear.com/flash_content/index.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/br/b/427.html
http://www.topsellingbrands.com/Shoes/71288543050.html

The Newport model is actually VERY close to a Celtic or Roman sandal in design, but with rubber sole and toe cap. The waterproof leather styles should probably suit your outfit, but you might want to swap the bungee & cordloc for black paracord or leather lace for the event.

They're not cheap, but you might just wear them after the weddin', kilted or no!

-G

[Chris@southerncelt.com]

Hmm. Ya know, you can almost buy a pair of replica shoes for that much.

http://www.medievalmoccasins.com/cgi...R_ID=102619694

Best replicas I can find anyway.