Kilted Vacation

[A Hay]

I just returned from a vacation to the USA (I work for the US Army in Germany) visiting with friends and family. Of the 14 days I was there, 10 of them were kilted for all or part of the day.

Back in February I ordered an Argyll Jacket and waistcoat from Scottish Themes (aka Viking Technology Ltd.) and had it sent to the US to avoid the Value Added Tax. It was waiting for me there along with a pair of Ghillie Shoes and an Old Lang Syne (Grey) 5 yard traditional wool kilt ordered from ScottishKilts.net (same or related company I believe).

We had a modeling show at my Sister-in-law's house one night. My wife VJ and one daughter had bought new clothes also. In the pictures at the website shown below, I'm wearing the Old Lang Syne (OLS) with the Argyll and waistcoat. I love the OLS and the fit is great. I think the jacket is nicely made also. It may not be top quality, the buttons seem a little thin, but it fits well enough. The waistcoat seems to be about an inch too long. I can get that taken care of here. Overall, I think it is a good value, and I think it provides a sharp look.

In another photo, I'm wearing my Clan Hay traditional 8 yard kilt with the Argyll. VJ is wearing her new black suit with a Clan Hay sash. I've got to get her a nice brooch to pin it with.

My son Malcolm tried on my Heritage of Ireland which I also brought along, and I think I got him converted. In another picture posted here, you see him in the Irish National I bought him from SWK. They got this to him in about 4 days after I ordered it. Good service. This picture of the two of us shows the difference between the Irish National and the Heritage of Ireland patterns and colors. The Heritage is brighter and the pattern, while similar, is smaller. We both went to a university which celebrates St. Patrick's Day. He now works there and the kilt will fit in perfectly for the annual celebration.

There is also a picture of me in my Heritage of Ireland taken with one of the lead dancers at the Spirit of the Dance cast in Branson Missouri. She and some of the other dancers came out front after the show and they were interested in the kilt. (My wife took the picture. Thankfully she doesn't seem to mind the comments I get from ladies on the kilts).

Two of the other pictures were taken earlier. I'm surprised and happy the ways you can put together outfits for almost any occasion with jackets, sweaters, shirts, etc

Since one cannot be too careful these days on the internet, I can't provide much more detail on my family and friends, but everywhere I went, including the retirement center where my mother lives, the kilts were well received and were good conversation starters

You should be able to link to the following site for pictures:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/grafvi...lbum?.dir=76e0

I enjoy seeing other's photos also. Please post your photos as well, they provide some good ideas for different looks.

[Big Dave]

Great pics.

[Alan H]

That Old Lang Syne, gray is a beauty of a kilt...VERY nice.

[cessna152towser]

Good pics, and an interesting selection of kilt tartans. We had a Hay on the Council (Municipal authority) which I worked for and he wore the Hay tartan kilt to council functions. My wife's grandmother on her father's side was also a Hay.

[GMan]

Great shots all the way around!

I especially like the Heritage of Ireland, even though the others look great.

Glad that you had great comments.