The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[macwilkin]

I really want to wear a feather in my TOS. Maybe a big pheasant or eagle feather (maybe two) stuck upright over the left ear/temple. I am reassured at the number of folks who would admire me for it.

Traditionally, feathers in a bonnet are reserved for chiefs and armigers:

http://www.scotarmigers.net/pdfs/info-leaflet-2.pdf

Regards,

Todd

[Phil]

The principal reason for having what I would describe as "guidelines" rather than "rules" is to avoid embarrassment, not just for the wearer who is probably blissfully unaware of his ridiculous appearance, but also for everyone else in the company whose feelings will range from outright pity to uncontrollable mirth.

[macwilkin]

I understand that rules make traffic flow smoothly. But clinging to "the rules" can sometimes be a sign of insecurity (no accusations, just an observation).

Respectfully Ron, one could make the same obversation about those who constantly need to "break rules".

Todd

[DWFII]

Respectfully Ron, one could make the same obversation about those who constantly need to "break rules".

Todd

Spot on!!

[Jock Scot]

The principal reason for having what I would describe as "guidelines" rather than "rules" is to avoid embarrassment, not just for the wearer who is probably blissfully unaware of his ridiculous appearance, but also for everyone else in the company whose feelings will range from outright pity to uncontrollable mirth.

I agree! I don't go to many highland games, perhaps 4 a year and I can almost guarantee that I will see a fellow(never the same) parading around inappropriately dressed in evening attire with eagle feathers that they are most certainly not entitled to wear, in their bonnets etc,etc,etc.. Frankly, if only they knew how stupid they look and if only they knew what offence they are causing by wearing eagle feathers that they are not entitled to. Well they need a very thick skin indeed and I would bet that once they understand all this, they would want to crawl away,find a hole and die of embarrassment!

I am sorry to say, almost all of these people are from the USA! What a shame they did not take some advice! Make no mistake, kilt wearers who get it very wrong are given no quarter by the locals------under their breath!

I don't mind being a traditionalist, I don't mind if people do the best they can with what they have, I don't mind if the kilt and attire is adapted for reasons of weather conditions,I don't mind if the kilt and attire is adjusted sympathetically, I don't mind if the kilt is modernised, I don't mind if people ask for advice----delighted in fact, I don't mind if people make an idiot of themselves----it is a free world after all. I do mind, however, if people ask for advice,not just from me, and then tell the world at large that they are going to wear what they like,when they like and where they like and how dare anyone tell them otherwise. In my humble opinion,that is rude,selfish and shows no consideration whatsoever for others.I have been rather blunt,I am sorry.

[Alan H]

I do mind, however, if people ask for advice,not just from me, and then tell the world at large that they are going to wear what they like,when they like and where they like and how dare anyone tell them otherwise. In my humble opinion,that is rude,selfish and shows no consideration whatsoever for others.I have been rather blunt,I am sorry.

Huzzah.

To ask for advice, receive it and then tell the one giving advice THAT WAS ASKED FOR that what they've said is bunk and they're going to do XYZ anyway...

...is rude, arrogant and so totally and utterly STUPID that I'd be inclined to put the person on "ignore" from that point out.

Mind, this i s not what Panache did. Panache asked for advice, listened to it, thanked Jock for it, and then decided to do something different. I rather doubt that he told Jock that his ideas were bunk.

Carry on, Jock.

[Jock Scot]

Huzzah.

To ask for advice, receive it and then tell the one giving advice THAT WAS ASKED FOR that what they've said is bunk and they're going to do XYZ anyway...

...is rude, arrogant and so totally and utterly STUPID that I'd be inclined to put the person on "ignore" from that point out.

Mind, this i s not what Panache did. Panache asked for advice, listened to it, thanked Jock for it, and then decided to do something different. I rather doubt that he told Jock that his ideas were bunk.

Carry on, Jock.

Thanks Alan. Jamie is far too polite to tell anyone that their ideas are bunk-------he just ignored me instead! I am going to cry!

[DWFII]

Traditionally, feathers in a bonnet are reserved for chiefs and armigers:

Regards,

Todd

Aye, I know that...but "rules are meant to be broken," aren't they?

And grey (or even pink) tights break the rules of common sense, especially if your address is in an urban hood...or the joint...

And the Bowie knife, although it may be necessary in the previous scenario, breaks the law.

We're all free to what we please (or so we tell ourselves) but at one point "breaking the rules" is fundamentally a deliberate attempt to disrespect the people and sensibilities of those around you. Either that or it is a feeble attempt to pretend that you are above the rules and therefore above the "commons." Confucious (or someone like him) said "infinite freedom can be found within a ten by ten cell" (or something like that).

Then again, maybe it's all just boredom...

And before anyone takes me to task (especially before thinking about what is meant by those remarks) I would add that I don't think most of what we call "rules" are really rules...guidelines, maybe, convention, surely.

But having said that, there are rules, even unspoken rules--like the feathers in the bonnet or pleats in front--and those are not only best recognized as rules but, even more importantly, best left in place and respected.

IMNSHO.