A pleasant surprise and a subsequent dilemma

**nloken** · 15th May 12, 12:53 PM

Dear all,

It has been some time since I last posted and even lurked on the forum, but I felt this warranted a wee comeback.

First lets start with the pleasant surprise. When I arrived at the office this morning, I found that I had received something as rare as a good old fashioned letter! In it, and to my surprise, I found the following from the British Embassy in Oslo;

This brings me to the subsequent dilemma. I suddenly became acutely aware that I have still not gotten around to purchasing a tweed day-wear jacket and waistcoat as I have been intending to to for the last year or two.. Now, as I would like to wear my kilt to this event I would need such a set of garments, something which is starting to prove not so easily acquired on two weeks notice. I have been in touch with quite a few companies which seem respectable, Scotweb and B&S among them, without any great luck. Tomorrow I will call Nicolson as one of my last chances in the hope that I might be able to acquire a jacket and waistcoat in time so that I don't have to go as just another suited gent..

Any tips for potential suppliers will be appreciated, otherwise just cross your fingers. It'll be a great event regardless, but it would be considerably more fun in my kilt!

**RockyR** · 15th May 12, 02:15 PM

What size jacket are you? I may have something in stock. rocky@usakilts.com

BTW, I'll need to know if it's your AMERICAN Suit jacket size or your UK suit jacket size (American sizes tend to run 1 size small)

Also, try Matt at the Museum. He may have some tweeds on hand as well.

**auld argonian** · 15th May 12, 02:44 PM

Hope this works out...you lucky so-and-so! There was a documentary on a few months ago over here that did one of these garden parties...looks fantastic.

Best

AA

**ForresterModern** · 15th May 12, 03:08 PM

By all means post your UK or US jacket size, short/regular/long, etc.... You never know if there is someone out there who could sell or loan you one, or a vendor you have not thought of who might have what you need.

Other options to consider---Tartanweb.com , St Kilda Kilts (google them), Hector Russell---all of whom typically have some jackets in stock. And consider other options like maybe a regular argyll jacket and vest, perhaps in a variant color such as navy or forest green. An argyll may also be easier to rent on short notice as well.

Good luck.

j

**nloken** · 16th May 12, 12:43 AM

Thank you, gents, I shall take a look at the mentioned vendors as well!

I'm a 36R UK size (when measured, 36 inches snug on the chest and my suit jackets are about 24-24.5 inches from crown to cuff) and my preference would be a green tweed jacket and vest, but a charcoal version would also do the job. I wear a McGregor tartan, so blues would not match all that well...

If any of our registered vendors have something along these lines and can manage to have it reach me in Oslo, Norway by the end of the month at the latest I shall greatly appreciate a PM on the matter.

Oh, and Rocky, I've sent you an email.

**Oddern** · 16th May 12, 01:53 AM

Nicolai, take a look at this ebay item. If you can get this jacket in time to have someone alter it for you.... I also know that Dressman across the street from Stortinget has some tweed/hacket like jackets that also can be shortened. I know you have a tweed waistcoat so even though the waistcoat and jacket do not match in color, it's better than nothing.

**ForresterModern** · 16th May 12, 05:35 AM

Three additional charcoal options available from various ebay vendors-----no guarantees on quality/longevity---but they are very likely to be readily available for shipping and if you contact the vendor directly you can investigate expedited shipping to insure delivery on your timeline.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCOTTISH-ARA...item2c625fe8f9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Araca-Grey-T...item1c21add65b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TWEED-MENS-C...item25694048d3

Here is a bottle green argyll from Hector Russell on sale for 79gbp that may be in their stock in your size. Not sure about availability of a vest. Probably worth a couple phone calls:

http://www.hector-russell.com/Produc...ls.aspx?Id=416

**BCAC** · 16th May 12, 07:12 AM

I was just ensuring that the OP knew that some of these links referred to a size 36 jacket and then I saw that he IS a size 36 so my post is no longer needed. Sorry.

**nloken** · 16th May 12, 08:29 AM

You gentlemen are all too kind, and I greatly appreciate your help. I have now just placed an order for a lovat green day wear jacket and waistcoat from Hector Russell, expected to ship tomorrow and arrive within 6 working days.

Fingers crossed it will arrive promptly and fit nicely. If delivery is within the expected time frame, I should still have time to have minor adjustments made if needed.

If all goes well, I shall hopefully look the part when attending the garden party. Oh, and don't worry chaps, I shall ensure that I have at least one photo taken of me at the event for you to see.