1st Highland Dress I feel proud of...critique?

[Domehead]

I've been kilted for some years now, initially an homage to its importance for my Grandma. This is the first Highland kit I am proud of and feel comfortable in/with. However, as a long time X-marks reader, I welcome all advice. As well, I know I should post in the "newbie" forum first. Prioritizing time being what it is, I will comply later.

[IMG]<a href="http://s810.beta.photobucket.com/user/Domehead2/library/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz26/Domehead2/RML16SEPT12-1.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>[/IMG]

Kilt: 4YBP Mathew A.C. Newsome; family tartan "Liddell (Newfane, New York)"
Cap: Hats of Ireland hand tailored
Jacket: Hector Russell off the peg
Sporran: L&M Highland "Hunting" custom w/ tartan swatch & coordinated leather
Pin: Stainless Blanket pin
Sgian Dubh: Family heirloom

[MacLowlife]

not seeing your pic, but looking forward to it.

[California Highlander]

Here is the pic. Looks sharp. (although the flat cap causes some folks to cringe). Really like the tie and hose with your kilt.




on the tech front, looks like you put in a hypertext link instead of a picture.

[Domehead]

I read the FAQ on posting a picture and simply pasted the url from photobucket - but, you are correct. I did not copy the correct "thingy"

[tulloch]

Excellent look. I like the cap. Is it Harris?

[mookien]

Your "kit" looks great! ... especially the kilt and even the flat cap. I don't see how it could look any better or more coordinated. Good job. I really like that matched-tartan-swatch sporran. If I ever looked that good in a kilt, I'd apply for a modelling job in Scotsman Magazine or audition for a movie.

[Domehead]

Thank you for the kind words - everyone. As for the cap, it is not Harris, but is 100% wool Irish tweed. On recommendation, I purchased it from The Hat Shop in Stephen's Green Shopping Center, Dublin - about 32 Euros and made in Castlebar, County Mayo.

[haukehaien]

Looks really good. I don't even mind flat caps, although I think a solid tweed cap would look better with that outfit than motley. My opinion, take it for what it's worth.

[CMcG]

I think you look pretty sharp I especially like how everything seems to fit you really well.

There are some nuances to this outfit, however, that could be tweaked if you are going for a really traditional Highland civilian dress (THCD) look. Some are to do with specific items, others have more to do with avoiding being overly colour coordinated aka too "matchy-matchy."

- ditch the flatcap for a Balmoral, or go bareheaded.
- get some solid colour flashes (or garter ties).
- try a shirt with a subtle pattern (i.e. tattersall, stripes, herringbone, etc), rather than stark white
- mix up your colour palette with some hose in a colour other than blue. I would go for a nice lovat green.
- as a former serviceman, it would be ideal if you could have a tie that represents your service, but a school or other association tie could also work. Barring that, you might consider an ABF tie or unaffiliated striped tie.

[Mudge]

Thank you for the kind words - everyone. As for the cap, it is not Harris, but is 100% wool Irish tweed. On recommendation, I purchased it from The Hat Shop in Stephen's Green Shopping Center, Dublin - about 32 Euros and made in Castlebar, County Mayo.

I love the whole look. I tend to wear a flat cap as well, because it looks best on my head and with my faces structure. Keep on kiltin and do it with what makes you feel good.