First Kilted outing!!

[Casey_in_Carolina]

Well, more of a kilted day out really. Heading to Hendersonville, NC to go to the Friends of the Library book sale. It was $4.00 a bag today Anyway, here's a picture the wife snapped before I left. I'm wearing a USAK Casual Kilt in the Clark tartan. Combat boots, the cream/off-white hose, black flashes, cheap black Pakistani Sgian Dubh. I'm wearing a black leather, single-roller buckle belt, which is covered up by my pull-over. It was a little chilly this morning, 50 degrees Fahrenheit at 8 in the morning. In place of a traditional sporran, i have a two-pocket ammo pouch, on a black web belt. The sporran strap is actually the shoulder strap from a little soft-sided cooler I received as a free gift at some point, and it worked out rather well I think. Anyway, here's the picture...





And that's the last picture taken, as the brain trust here went off and left the camera sitting on the table

At any rate, I went and picked up a friend from work, and we proceeded to the book sale. I got some good finds, including a short history of the betrayl of the Scottish Highlanders. I'm not sure on the details, but am hoping it will make an interesting read.

After the book sale, we drove into down town, and had lunch at Hannah Flannigan's Irish Pub. In honor of the fact that I was wearing my kilt, I had a pint of Bellhaven Scottish Ale, and a plate of Bangers & Mash. Both were really good, and well enjoyed.

We then went for a walk downtown. Main street was blocked off, and they were having some sort of Vintage/Classic car show. A lot of really nice, older cars free for the ogling

I only got one comment today, from a young lady at the book sale who gave me an appraising look and said "Very Nice...I see your dressed for battle.." It was quite crowded and hectic at the book sale I was on the receiving end of several smiles, nods, and waves, mostly from older women as we walked along looking at the cars. I think I heard one derogatory comment about a skirt, but it was kind of mumbled under the breath, so I just ignored it as I was admiring the Phaeton Deluxe.

I did get the most odd looks from people when I stopped into the grocery store for some necessities on the way home. Though I must admit, the place I stopped was in a very small town, known for it's rednecks No one said anything though, just odd looks

All in all, a success, and a really fun day. I'll definitely be venturing out more often kilted !!

Casey

[george7]

Looks good! Next time, I would recommend wearing your flashes a tad bit more forward.

[McMurdo]

Everything looks fine to me including the flashes if you are comfortable with them that way cool. Remember it's not a uniform if you're not in a band or the military, you wear it well, good for you.

[Casey_in_Carolina]

I thought the flashes went to the outside side of the calf, is that not correct? Should they be moved around more towards or even touching the shin?

Casey

[Carolina Kiltman]

Lookin' good there, neighbor.

[McMurdo]

I thought the flashes went to the outside side of the calf, is that not correct? Should they be moved around more towards or even touching the shin?

Casey

Casey they do go right where you put them, take a look through the style galleries, I'm sure you will see flashes exactly where you have them. Some of our members our pipers and as such they may be used to the Pipe Major barking at them regarding flash placement, amongst other trivialities.

[Alan H]

Sounds like a good day, and good on ye for "recycling" the kit for your "sporran"!

[Nighthawk]

I thought the flashes went to the outside side of the calf, is that not correct? Should they be moved around more towards or even touching the shin?

Casey

You look fine to me. Personally, I have a preference for flashes- side of the leg like you have them for casual, and towards the shin (actually touching the shin bones) for formal. This ideal comes from observing pipers. It seems that when they are dressed in full regalia that's how they wear their flashes. And personally, I think it just looks better- as in, more formal. The point of the things (other than to hold up the socks) is to add a touch of extra color to the outfit, and they seem (to my eyes anyway) to achieve that a little more if they are to the front a bit. Like McMurdo said, it's not a uniform- it's clothing. Wear it how you feel most comfortable.

[ardchoille]

Looking good

[Tim Little]

Sounds like it was a great day!

The ammo pouch seems to work very well for a casual "sporran" -- I'm impressed.

And yes, Belhaven is a fine brew indeed!