$$$ Priorities for Kilting

[Panache]

Good idea for a thread. Here are my two cents

Kilt Basics

A black Leather Kilt Belt (the stiff leather on inexpensive ones can be greatly improved with liberal applications of mink oil and / or leather conditioner and a lot of elbow grease) $20-$30

A very thin black leather plain ladies belt This is the cheapest and easiest sporran belt belt to be had. $8-$12

A black Buzz Kidder Sporran These are large, well made of thick soft leather. The quality is worth spending the extra money to have something that will last you for years. Several styles to choose from $55-$65

Solid color red or black flashes (preferably both) Matching tartan flashes are very nice but are usable only with that particular tartan kilt. I have a big box of flashes. Some of them were purchased and some hand made. My solid black and solid red ones are used more than any of the others. They go with so many outfits. $6-$15 per set

Off White Kilt Hose These are inexpensive and readily available plus they will go with any outfit. They may not be the perfect socks for an outfit but they will go with any outfit!

Kilt Pin look in your jewelry box, check out a thrift store. A kilt pin can be any pin or brooch that catches your fancy. Cheap sword pins are easily obtained. $5

Sgian Dubh Most people want to wear one of these when they are dressing up. They are seldom used and only part of the handle is seen. So your best bet is to pick one up at your next Highland Games there will be a variety of cheap ones for $10 or under available.

Headwear if the $30-$65 for a tam, balmoral, or glengarry hat is more than your budget will allow look for tweed driving caps at Target (or your discount store of choice). Berets work very well in place of a balmoral and cost 1/3 the price. $10-$15

So for a total of under $140 you have all the accessories to have a nice kilted outfit. Shirts, jackets, sweaters, ties and everything else can be added and mixed for a wide variety of looks. But these basics will work for you for years to come.

I recommend black leather accessories over brown for two reasons.

1. Blacks are easier to match than browns

2. Black can be dressed up or down. Brown is, by nature, daywear and casual


As for McMurdo's recommendation for a Freelander Sporran I would heartily second it (I am wearing one as I write this). They are amazingly sturdy, large, and handsome. If I could only have one sporran it would be a Freelander. If that is out of your budget you just can't beat the Buzz Kidder ones. The extra money you put into getting one over a cheaper sporran will be worth it.

Cheers

Jamie