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

[Biathlonman]

It is barely visible, but that lilt pin looks like a WW2 Australian cap badge - the kind worn on the side of a bush hat. It was a beautiful design - a real icon. I'd move it down your kilt an inch or two to show it off a bit better.

Otherwise everything looks pretty great.

[macwilkin]

It is barely visible, but that lilt pin looks like a WW2 Australian cap badge - the kind worn on the side of a bush hat. It was a beautiful design - a real icon. I'd move it down your kilt an inch or two to show it off a bit better.

Otherwise everything looks pretty great.

Otherwise known as a "rising sun" badge, as I mentioned several posts ago.

http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/rising_sun.asp

T.

[Downunder Kilt]

It is barely visible, but that lilt pin looks like a WW2 Australian cap badge - the kind worn on the side of a bush hat. It was a beautiful design - a real icon. I'd move it down your kilt an inch or two to show it off a bit better.

Thanks Biathlonman, it is is indeed a rising sun hat badge. It is an original third version of the rising sun badge (1904-49) This particular one was that issued to my uncle who fought in New Guinea during WWll. I also have my father's hat badge, who although served in the navy, was stationed out of Darwin was issued a slouch hat as well as his naval cap

[macwilkin]

Thanks Biathlonman, it is is indeed a rising sun hat badge. It is an original third version of the rising sun badge (1904-49) This particular one was that issued to my uncle who fought in New Guinea during WWll. I also have my father's hat badge, who although served in the navy, was stationed out of Darwin was issued a slouch hat as well as his naval cap

A good friend of mine's grandfather fought at Milne Bay with the Queensland Cameron Highlanders (61st Battalion, AIF). If I remember correctly, the Battalion donated their old Cameron kilts to local schools in New Guinea after the war.

My own great-uncle saw service in the Hollandia & Western New Guinea campaigns (Biak Island) in New Guinea in 1944 aboard the LST-462.

T.

[Downunder Kilt]

I would love to see a photo of the kilts being worn in the highlands of New Guinea, that would be priceless.

My father, a signalman, was part of the crew that kept in contact with the coastwatcher groups that were stationed in/around New Guinea to observe the Japanese ship movements. My uncle last post was with the 474 Heavy Anti-aircraft Troop on Emirau Island

[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

[Ancienne Alliance]

Yes, brown shoes, why not ?

Please leave that kilt pin/brooch exactly where it is !


Best,

Robert

[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