Ok, so they're not MY photos, but...

[beloitpiper]

Just how were the last two yours?

Oh, and those were taken by me. The guy in the photo is my friend Nick King, and we did a photoshoot last winter. The whole outfit is mine, but the model is my friend. I was the photographer.

[Drillagent]

I apologize to beloitpiper and everyone else in the forum. It seems that my statements about cost have hijacked beloitpiper's original thread. That was not my intention. But still, I feel I have learned a lot from everyone's responses. I'm just sorry that it led to some heated exchanges.

[Galician]

Oh, and those were taken by me. The guy in the photo is my friend Nick King, and we did a photoshoot last winter. The whole outfit is mine, but the model is my friend. I was the photographer.

Then I have to say that you, Sir, are a pro!

[cessna152towser]

An interesting series of pics, and worthy of note how, as some have already pointed out, there are a few points about the professional pics that the kilt police might pick on, yet the outfits still look good in their surroundings.

[McMurdo]

Wonderful photos Greg, as has been said some parts of some of the outfits are overdone Dress Belt and Waistcoat etc. However they all look smashing nonetheless, and to my eye they show an understated elegance that is hard to achive at the best of times, and impossible to reach for with cheap pieces.

[Drillagent]

and impossible to reach for with cheap pieces.

I understand that this is not a cheap lifestyle, but how much do you think the guy in the first pic is wearing? At least $1,000 USD? Maybe more? Now I understand from reading the forum here that there are ways of getting things cheaper. As a matter of fact, I liked the idea of getting a pair of wing tip shoes and cutting the tongue and every other eyelet out. (Found a pair like that at the PX I'm saving up for) But even then, things aren't cheap. I can't even sew a window drape, let alone my own kilt. I could probably find a tweed jacket at the flea market, but then I'd have to pay someone else to modify it, defeating the purpose. Those were nice pictures and all, but I myself am years away from worrying about whether or not I'm wearing black shoes with a brown sporran, or if I should wear my kilt hose down around my ankles. I apologize if I have offended anyone, but sometimes things here just seem a little out of peoples price range. Sorry to vent.

[McMurdo]

I understand that this is not a cheap lifestyle, but how much do you think the guy in the first pic is wearing? At least $1,000 USD? Maybe more?

I would say more, you would be looking upwards of $500.00 for the Jacket and waistcoat, another $500.00 at least for the kilt, then you have the accessories

Now I understand from reading the forum here that there are ways of getting things cheaper. As a matter of fact, I liked the idea of getting a pair of wing tip shoes and cutting the tongue and every other eyelet out. (Found a pair like that at the PX I'm saving up for) But even then, things aren't cheap. I can't even sew a window drape, let alone my own kilt. I could probably find a tweed jacket at the flea market, but then I'd have to pay someone else to modify it, defeating the purpose. Those were nice pictures and all, but I myself am years away from worrying about whether or not I'm wearing black shoes with a brown sporran, or if I should wear my kilt hose down around my ankles. I apologize if I have offended anyone, but sometimes things here just seem a little out of peoples price range. Sorry to vent.

Well I can only speak for myself, and as such I'll tell you you have not offended me, it is just that I came to kiltwearing as a way to show my heritage, so for me buying the cheapest kilt or accessories available has never been an option that has appealled to me too much, to my way of thinking it is far better to save up for quality than have a closet full of cheap kilts.

[Rex_Tremende]

Now I understand from reading the forum here that there are ways of getting things cheaper. As a matter of fact, I liked the idea of getting a pair of wing tip shoes and cutting the tongue and every other eyelet out. (Found a pair like that at the PX I'm saving up for)

Before you put scissors to the good pair of wingtips from the PX, why not find a lesser pair from Good Will to practice on? Then you can see whether the results are worth the effort.

Actually a nice pair of intact wingtips goes very well with a kilt.

Regards,
Rex.

[Livingston]

Before you put scissors to the good pair of wingtips from the PX, why not find a lesser pair from Good Will to practice on? Then you can see whether the results are worth the effort.

Actually a nice pair of intact wingtips goes very well with a kilt.

Regards,
Rex.

The intact wingtips would be my first choice. In fact, that is what I wear with my kilt most of the time. For casual I will wear black low boots or tennis shoes. The idea of spending about $150 a pair of shoes that I would wear once or twice a year is not very appealing to me. My wingtips I can also wear to work with those dreaded items we don't like to admit we own. AND, they don't cost as much.

[Panache]

I am sensing a "snobby' vs. "cheapy" fight beginning to brew.

If cajunscot saves an entire year and then orders a handmade Matt Newsome boxpleat kilt in the finest quality tartan to wear with pride, that's a good thing.

If Panache saves for less time and orders a Stillwater heavyweight kilt and wears it with pride, that's a good thing.

Is the handmade kilt going to be better quality than the mass produced Stillwater?

You bet!

Does this mean that the Stillwater kilt is garbage?

Nope!

But they are different.

Just like a Miata isn't a Porsche 911.

They both can be quite nice in their own way.

It seems that most often those who knock the value of the really good stuff have never had the pleasure of owning or wearing it.

It also seems that those who knock the affordable stuff have never condescended to giving it a try.

I (like McMurdo and a few others here on XMTS) have a bit of perspective and see the place for both types.

The Mod Squad is really sick to death of these kinds of arguments.

I believe that Greg's original point was to try and illustrate the concept of understated kilt outfits.

Let's stick with that.

By the by,

...Actually a nice pair of intact wingtips goes very well with a kilt.

I'm with Rex. If you want Ghillie Brogues then do yourself a favor and save up for ghillie brogues. If you don't, then just get a pair of nice dress shoes. They will work great with a kilt.


Cheers

Jamie