Argyll jacket, ex-hire

**ColoradoScots** · 22nd October 07, 10:11 PM

I have been doing a ton of reading in these forums over the past couple of weeks and thank you all for the vast amount of information.

My dilema has been the search of the right 'formal' jacket to wear to a company Christmas party in mid-December, while keeping to a modest budget. I don't have the means currently to spend $300+ USD on a jacket.

I was tempted by the many offerings on eBay with some very attractive pricing. However, after reading numerous postings regarding many of those vendors, reading through their feedback scores, I decided to search for something less suspect.

After many long nights I finally commited just moments ago to an ex-hire Argyll jacket from Nicholson Highlandwear online. Please tell me I won't regret this $126 ($158 with shipping) purchase.

I'll be wearing this jacket with a heavy Black Watch kilt, white wing-collar dress shirt, black bow tie, cream hose, Black Watch flashes, belt/buckle, sporran (need to find an affordable dress sporran) and black wingtip shoes (Ghillie Brogues aren't in the budget just yet).

What do the experts think and thanks to all.

**Jerry** · 23rd October 07, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by ColoradoScots

I have been doing a ton of reading in these forums over the past couple of weeks and thank you all for the vast amount of information.

My dilema has been the search of the right 'formal' jacket to wear to a company Christmas party in mid-December, while keeping to a modest budget. I don't have the means currently to spend $300+ USD on a jacket.

I was tempted by the many offerings on eBay with some very attractive pricing. However, after reading numerous postings regarding many of those vendors, reading through their feedback scores, I decided to search for something less suspect.

After many long nights I finally commited just moments ago to an ex-hire Argyll jacket from Nicholson Highlandwear online. Please tell me I won't regret this $126 ($158 with shipping) purchase.

I'll be wearing this jacket with a heavy Black Watch kilt, white wing-collar dress shirt, black bow tie, cream hose, Black Watch flashes, belt/buckle, sporran (need to find an affordable dress sporran) and black wingtip shoes (Ghillie Brogues aren't in the budget just yet).

What do the experts think and thanks to all.

I do not know much about the company, but whatever you do try and have them ship your jacket by Royal Mail instead of using a shipping company such as Fedex or UPS. These companies impose their own fees for collecting import duties, and the price of your jacket could be pushed up to nearly the original $300.

**Livingston** · 23rd October 07, 06:57 AM

I haven't tried them but you might check with Scottish-Highland-Dress-Rentals They are located here in Colorado Springs. I've never talked to them since I haven't had the need but you might give them a call.

**Panache** · 23rd October 07, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by ColoradoScots

... (need to find an affordable dress sporran) and black wingtip shoes (Ghillie Brogues aren't in the budget just yet).

The outfit sounds good. Dress shoes will work fine. In fact that paragon of kilted fashion Hamish doesn't bother with Ghillie Brogues. I would advise checking out XMTS sponsor the Celtic Croft. They have a line of affordable sporrans in both leather and fur.

Cheers

Jamie

**Livingston** · 23rd October 07, 10:44 AM

My bad. I got to the end of the second paragraph and didn't follow thru. Yes, what you have will work fine. And, I agree that regular dress shoes or wingtips would work fine. That's all I use for dress and have no plans to "upgrade"

**auld argonian** · 23rd October 07, 10:57 AM

As to a frugal choice in a dress sporran, I got the "bargain bunny sporran" from kiltmart and it turned out to be quite adequate. I wouldn't carry a whole lot of stuff in it for a very long time but it can easily contain the wallet and car keys when you're going out.

http://www.kiltmart.com/zencart/inde...=index&cPath=7

They come in black, grey and white bunny and a couple of leather configurations. Lots of vendors carry the same thing but I have to say that kiltmart's price was right and service was great...giving credit where credit is due.

Best

AA

**ColoradoScots** · 23rd October 07, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Livingston

I haven't tried them but you might check with Scottish-Highland-Dress-Rentals They are located here in Colorado Springs. I've never talked to them since I haven't had the need but you might give them a call.

I tried them and was informed that they currently do not have any 'used' items for sale and with the current move of the GBP vs. USD will not have any 'used' items for the foreseeable future.

Thanks though.

**Riverkilt** · 28th October 07, 10:28 AM

You can do a search on the forum for Nicholson's and see what comes up. May not be able to read the results though...I tried it and got a 403 not authorized message when I tried to open the search results threads.

Think they're an okie doakie outfit. Being in the pipes business is a good sign. Since the jacket is off the rack so to speak shouldn't be a shipping delay.

I'm probably kinda prejudiced since my grandfather and great grandfather ran with a bunch of Nicholsons the name was always held with high regard in my family.

Try the search, see how you do.

Ron

**McMurdo** · 28th October 07, 10:39 AM

Last year on Jamie's recommendation I got myself a leather dress sporran from Celtic Croft and I have been very pleased with it, the only complaint I have is the chain belt is not that good, but it is serviceable and the sporran itself looks good. I would say for someone on a budget it is a good option. Also they ship quickly so that should not be a problem.

As for the outfit I think it will do well, I do not think you need ghillies at all and I do not wear them, one day I would like a pair of Glenfinnian buckle brogues but until then I will wear my dress shoes.