Jerry,

I had mine done by a tailor (but spent a lot of time reviewing Alan's excellent site bubba linked above).

Here's the thread I started about mine, it has a before and after picture

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17818

Michael Steinrok used by same tailor with a navy blue blazer and buttons from Three Feathers Pewter www.threefeatherspewter.com
It came out really nice (Michael if you're out there do you have any pics?) and could very easily be dressed up or down. I think the key thing is to choose the right coat to modify, so carefully study Alan's instructions.

Good Luck