Setting up false expectations

**slohairt** · 25th July 09, 05:38 PM

Good points raised by everyone. I should also point out that those of us who sell these items still have to save up for our own purchases as well. You would be surprised at how little mark-up there is on some accessories!

Like many things, wearing a kilt and it's related accessories is as expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be. It depends on your individual tastes, how and where you intend to wear it, and also your means. Though any desired purchase becomes affordable if you save long enough for it. I think in this age of instant gratification, it's sometimes nice to save for something as you will cherish it more in the long run.

**sathor** · 25th July 09, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by slohairt

Good points raised by everyone. I should also point out that those of us who sell these items still have to save up for our own purchases as well.

I buy my own hot sauces from myself. I even make myself pay retail, I don't give myself a discount. I have about 8 bottles in the fridge for me to use, some I got before I went into the biz, some I bought after. If I gave up on the biz and absorbed my stock, I'd have around 200 bottles or so, which would be dang impressive as a collection, but to go through all that.....

in irony though, my mom like mild sauce from Taco bell. She chewed me out the other day because I didn't remember she needed it when I got tacos, though she had a few spare packets in her fridge. So I went to Walmart and got a bottle of it for her yesterday, though I still need to take it over to her. I can't order that one wholesale, but it's only $1.07 from Walmart for a 5 ounce bottle. (And if you know anything about HS, that tells you alot about the quality of Taco Bell's hot sauce.

**dfmacliam** · 25th July 09, 10:25 AM

I have come to realize I really only want three kilts, one tartan, one solid(saffron) and one green tweed. I want two jackets, one charcol, one either brown or green tweed, and maybe three vests. I will get a few kilt hose that will work in all the kilt combos, to be practical. I have figured I want a good pair of wingtips/ brogues but no ghillie brogues, since most pictures I see historically/ modern, few people actually wear them. ( Prince Charles, Lord Sempill, and various Scottish noteables).

I see the way Matt dresses and noted on various situations he was wearing this or that from the gift shop, or the sporran was one he had, ect.. I do get ideas from Matt's ensembles, especially his recent "chicken washer attire"...lol it showed me a casual workmans attire that was simple, functional, but still in a very good taste. ( The very reason I want the green tweed instead of the solid green kilt).

I reasoned I could have several "looks" with a few items if I mix and match them, and keep my accessories to a minimum. I do appreciate all of those who helped guide me into this "simple traditional" style I choose to endear.

**Rex_Tremende** · 25th July 09, 10:45 AM

I think it's always important to keep in mind that this is a forum about kilts (and related topics), and not about raising children and saving to send them to college. The perspective here is always going to be a little bit distorted. As one who probably spends more time here than one ought, I feel that it's my own responsibility to do the reality check, not the contributors. Nevertheless, the occasional pinch in the arm can't hurt.

Regards,
Rex.

**dfmacliam** · 25th July 09, 11:01 AM

I found my niche...lol Thanks Steve!

**kennethrmc** · 25th July 09, 11:06 AM

As to the original posting, I say "Huzza!" In every enthusiast forum there will be the tendency (likely unintentional) to encourage the coveting of more & better items. It is good to post occasional reminders of economic and practical reality.

**Detroitpete** · 25th July 09, 11:07 AM

Thanks Matt!

Bad pun coming..but I'm not one of those who tries to keep up with the 'joneses'. One, not every look or tartan is for me and two, I have a budget to live by as well. I've been wearing kilts for a few years now, primarily at first for highland games, then pub going, then out with friends...slowly wearing kilts for different occasions and just because I feel like it. I'd like to be able to wear kilts daily for work, but right now I don't think that's a possibility.

I LOVE the pictures that folks here post of all their new toys, but I don't get bit with the envy bug. I'm happy for them. I have 9 kilts and the most I've paid for one is just over $120.00. Although I have a handmade Newsome in the works for a VERY special reason--it's taken me years to get to that.

I'm happy with my Stillwater Standards for my 'dress kilts'. Jerry has most of the tartans I like to wear--still hoping he'll get a Prince of Wales someday. For my bashing about I wear Sportkilts and SWK Economy's.

I'm stuggling with deciding to buy a Breamar or Argyll coat with vest for more formal occasions and the cost of $200.00 is a bit scary for a cheap one--yet I spend $300.00-$400.00 for a suit and not think of it.

We CAN be kilted well without breaking the bank--I'm proof--or at least well enough for my wife to tell me I look great when we go out. (What guy needs more, eh?)

I guess the whole thing balances on how much patience someone has and do they see this as a "get things now" or do they see wearing kilts as something they'll do for the rest of their lives? If you see it in the long run, then they'll be time and money for the bright-shiny toys when/if you need them.

Matt--keep up the posts--I love seeing the new things at the shop.

**sathor** · 25th July 09, 06:24 PM

I made a comment when I joined here back in September that I enjoy this forum better than the ones for coin collecting.

If you think for a moment that anyone here flaunts what they have, check out the coin collectors. It sickened me as they talked about the error silver eagles last year, and that they were maxing out CCs to buy as many as possible, and flipping them, and it really gets ugly, and if you are not part of the eloite 20k spending at a time on a gamble to make money, you feel like you don't really belong.

I havn't even looked at my coin registry in over a year now.

**vipermcgee** · 25th July 09, 06:42 PM

This doesn't apply in just kilt wearing... I have been camping for some 20+ years. I have lots of camping equipment. More than I will ever use again-i.e. 4 working propane lanterns. That enabled me to give a working lantern to a young couple last weekend. They were on their first camping trip together and in the campsite next to mine, and I had an extra lantern with me.

Now kilt-wearing, on the other hand, I just started last week. Thus I have only one, with one pair of hose, one sporran, and a casual shirt. In 20+ years, who knows? (same story with fly fishing, but I have been doing that for over a year and still just one fly rod- spent the money for #2 on a kilt!)

No real point here, other than be realistic! It took me some time to learn that.

**dfmacliam** · 25th July 09, 06:43 PM

This forum has given me many low cost options for quality items.. and suggestions from others on how to get something made to save money.. Conversations with forum members on low cost options on high quality hose... shooting socks/country socks vice kilt hose, finding wingtips/brogues at Goodwill over buying brand new.. I have found our own kilt makers who make quality kilts for less than other places.. the deals/ the DIY ideas/ the suggestions on low cost options.. I feel I am able to present myself in a well dressed manner all from the suggestions passed about freely in this forum..