Headed to the Navy Ball again

[Drac]

Hey all,

Getting ready for the Navy Ball again this weekend. Planning to step it up from last year. I will be leaving the Sport Kilt behind and am trying to decide between two kilts. One is a Kathy Lare Lamont (the leader) and a PV Gordon (Gordons, military, it's a good match). Both look great. Since I will probably be the only person kilted I doubt there will be any kilt police there. So I don't think anyone would be getting close enough to tell the differance.

I will be picking up a hand tie bow tie this weekend due to the comments from last year's review. I have a nice set of hand knitted hose coming in for my birthday Friday. I'm not sure what color since it is suppose to be a surprise. I have a set of red garters instead of the flashes. I also have upgraded my Sport Kilt day sporran to a nice blask hunter from Skye Highland Outfitters.

This year will be Formal/Black Tie optional civilian. I would assume that this would fall into PC but no vest? Also should I go with a dress belt and buckle or a cumberbun? If cumberbun, pleats up or down? I see both ways all over the Net. I will be miniture medals but I would figure not fly plaid? Granted I know there is a crowd who are against fly plaids ever but I do like them. I would guess that if no waist coat, no plaid?

Thanks all,
Jim

[Jock Scot]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the waistcoat(vest) with your PC(assuming it is a low cut 3 buttoned one), many would say you were undressed without it. For me, I prefer the waistcoat rather than the belt and if it were me, I would forget the plaid under any and all circumstances, but just so you know, because you are wearing a waistcoat(if you so choose) the wearing of the plaid does not make your PC and black tie any more ,or less, formal than wearing a dress belt instead.

[Bill aka Mole]

Drac: Cumberbun (crumb catcher) pleats are always up. Learned to remember it because of that word.

[Detroitpete]

I'd say go with the waistcoat, and PC, shipmate. Also--do you have a Navy tartan (Edzell, Polaris, SeaBee) or if you served in the USMC, a Leatherneck tartan? Typically to navy related functions, I choose to wear my Edzell first, however mine is not formal--so then I go with clan/surname.

I'd also leave the mini-medals behind. Just my opinion. I don't wear any military medals in civilian attire. I know some people do and it's your choice--but I just don't like it nor do I like seeing it at functions.

I think the plaid would be a tad 'much' as well.

Just the opinion of one sailor

[Jock Scot]

I am not trying to be a smart a@* here, but in the UK we spell cummerbund with a "D". Is cummerbun without the "D" an American spelling?

[Drac]

Ok, waist coat in.

Sorry Pete, the only Navy (Edzell) I have is a Sport Kilt and now that I have the others I'm not liking it for the Ball. I do have a Blueberry on but I think that is a bit too casual If I get back into the Bees I will be adding the Sea Bee on the list. Not sure which to get first a Edzell or a Sea Bee.

Hmm, never have enough money for the kilts. Like I'm alone there?

Jim

[Riverkilt]

You can not beat the swing of a hand sewn kilt. For that reason I'd choose the Lamont and put an bit of extra swagger in your steps.

[Drac]

I am not trying to be a smart a@* here, but in the UK we spell cummerbund with a "D". Is cummerbun without the "D" an American spelling?

Nope, it has a D but I can't spell worth beans. Sorry forgot to spell check.

Jim

[Jock Scot]

Nope, it has a D but I can't spell worth beans. Sorry forgot to spell check.

Jim

I can't spell either, that is why I asked!!

[Detroitpete]

Drac--I feely ya' on not having enough for all the kilts one may want I'd love an Edzell in 16oz, made-to-measure, but that's far down on the priority list right now.

You'll look great! Thanks for supporting our Navy's birthday--Tip one for the rest of us who can't make it.