Originally Posted by
CollinMacD
I am a MacDonald, so how easy going can you be? My point was to get as formal as I could to start off with, then down dress it as needed. I love all your comments, and take nothing personally, I want to learn to do things right, as I said, I have stayed away from gimmicky items, and focused on the nicer things. I agree with lesser is better. I have two big events that mean a lot to me in the next two months, one is the Donald Formal Dinner in Alexandria, Va, the evening of the Scottish Walk, that is a formal sitting. The next is being piped into the St. Andrews Society of Washington DC, which I am waiting to hear when, most likely January. Also in January is the Robert Burns Night Out which is a formal affair. Latter on there are several others events all formal that I would like to attend.
Everything I bought came from very reputable Scottish dealers from the golden mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. I spent thousands to get this right, as it is so important to me to have fine clothing not cheap clothing. You get what you pay for and I wanted to make sure I had quality, not quantity. One other thing I would like to express. I am a Viet Nam veteran, and was diagnosed several years ago with a rare cancer, caused by Agent Orange, I was in the brown water when over there on small boats. I weighted over 350 lbs. when I was on the chemo, and took it every day for almost 5 years. I have been cured, and no cancer at all, however because of the chemo they had to perform a gastro bypass because it mess up my digestive system. I have lost over 145 lbs. When I embarked on this, I made myself a promise, if I survive, and loss the weight, I will get myself the best Scottish outfit possible, as this was on my bucket list. So that is another reason. May sound stupid to some, but for me, being of a military background, it was the goal I need to take that hill, or beat that cancer, and I did, and know I have what I set to have....
There are formal balls, and other affairs run by the St. Andrews Society I will attend (if I can afford to pay for them, as they are very expensive), but when I do go I want to make sure I do not fall into that category of a make believe Scotsman, as my name indicates, I am the real thing, not a wanna be..... Not being egotistical, being proud of my heritage.
So, when doing this, I started with the most formal, and certain can dress down. The Jacobite Collar is white tie formal I know this, but what would you wear for black tie formal, a wing collar shirt with black tie, would a matching tartan tie be appropriate, or a red Cravat?
The fly I probably will not wear at the first affair, I agree its a pain. However, I am very proud of my service in the US Coast Guard, and wish to display my awards. I served in combat, Viet Nam, and won those awards. I guess I am a little stubborn on that.
I understand about the belt, and that was confusing to me, because I saw many people wearing the belt, and did not understand why, not holding anything up, what was the use other than decoration. So I can loose the belt.
Hose I agree, pulled up too high, but I thing the camera angle was bad, as I had them just below the knee. I will check that. Kilt I will pull it up so it sits higher on the waist. I agree with that too.
The flashes I understand and will expose just the tips.
All of your comments are so helpful to me, and I am glad you are honest enough to teach me how to dress correctly. This is very important to me, as I feel I am representing my families honor, our heritage as MacDonald Clanranald, and most of all I am proud to come from such linage of a highly regarded clan.
Thanks for all you comments, and I will repost a photo next week.... I see so many who do not dress properly, I just wanted make sure I did not fall into that class.
Kindest regards,
Allan Collin MacDonald
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