Cygnus Wears Black Tie!

**Cygnus** · 25th April 13, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

How did you get the buckles onto your ghillie brogues in the end? And how are you liking them? I tend to prefer ghillie brogues with the less common short laces, but as far the long ones go, they really pop in red, eh?

You know, I don't mind the ghillies as much as I thought I would - they're more comfortable than I thought. I really like the red laces as they make them a bit different from the norm.

As for the buckles, the secret in this photo is black electrical tape! I took them to the cobbler in December(ish) only to find a sign on the door that they were on holiday and wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks. I, unfortunately, haven't been back since.

The buckles themselves have a spring-loaded clasp system and originally fit over leather straps on the toes of a pair of court shoes. I'm hoping the cobbler can stitch similar straps to these. If not, I may take a stab at punching a few small holes and doing the stitching myself.

**CMcG** · 25th April 13, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Cygnus

You know, I don't mind the ghillies as much as I thought I would - they're more comfortable than I thought. I really like the red laces as they make them a bit different from the norm.

As for the buckles, the secret in this photo is black electrical tape! I took them to the cobbler in December(ish) only to find a sign on the door that they were on holiday and wouldn't be back for a couple of weeks. I, unfortunately, haven't been back since.

The buckles themselves have a spring-loaded clasp system and originally fit over leather straps on the toes of a pair of court shoes. I'm hoping the cobbler can stitch similar straps to these. If not, I may take a stab at punching a few small holes and doing the stitching myself.

Keep us posted with what you decide on how to secure the buckles. I'm still pleased with the way I laced them on to mine (LINK), but am interested in other options...

**Panache** · 26th April 13, 07:14 AM

It earns the Panache seal of approval!

ith:

Cheers

Jamie

**creagdhubh** · 26th April 13, 07:23 AM

You look absolutely smashing! Well done! I'm a big fan of Regulation doublets. Nice touch with the scarlet laces in your ghillies and the addition of the silver buckles. Great job on the Ian Grant sporran and kilt pin too. I currently have an evening sporran on order with Ian Grant:

Same style as the sporran shown below, but my details are a bit different: Silver Acanthus leaf cantle, black mink tassels with matching silver bells and body made of black mink, which has a very high sheen to the fur.

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Cheers,

**eclarkhb** · 26th April 13, 07:40 AM

Very nice - I like the hose & kilt combo. Love the red laces!

**Lime** · 26th April 13, 07:47 AM

Splendid! I do like the "to close" configuration; it is just that little bit more elegant.

I've just received a new sporran chain from Ian Grant and my (high) expectations were surpassed.

**creagdhubh** · 26th April 13, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Lime

Splendid! I do like the "to close" configuration; it is just that little bit more elegant.

I've just received a new sporran chain from Ian Grant and my (high) expectations were surpassed.

I like the buttons configured that way too, always have. Is it possible to move one set of the three buttons that are at a diagnonal and affix them at the bottom of the doublet, and then just simply remove the other set of three buttons on the other side of the doublet? I would like to do that with my Kinloch Anderson Regulation doublet, but I am not sure if there will be any noticeable "marks" or blemishes where the buttons once were on the front of the doublet.

Here's what my doublet looks like now:

Excellent! This one by chance?

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I've got this hallmarked beauty on order with my sporran.

Cheers,

**Matty Ross** · 26th April 13, 08:07 AM

Your looking good my friend.

**Cygnus** · 26th April 13, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by Matty Ross

Your looking good my friend.

Thanks, Matty! I should say the same to you - your new jacket looks great!

**Cygnus** · 26th April 13, 08:10 AM

It depends on how they're attached, Kyle. If they're sewn on and the tailor didn't over-do it and damage the cloth under the button, you could probably just cut them off and move them. If your doublet is like mine, however, the buttons are probably attached by passing the round shank on the back through a hole (with a finished edge, much like a button-hole, but round) on the jacket. The jacket lining opens at the back to allow you to pass pins through the holes on the shanks to hold the buttons in place. This facilitates removal of the buttons for cleaning, but also means that you cannot move them as it would leave visible holes in the jacket sides.

Also, great choice on the sporran, Kyle - what finish did you select for the bells and cantle?

My "someday" sporran would actually be this one in black mink:

But that would also require a grant and matriculation of arms first, which, when combined with the sporran, is a bit more of an expense than I can tackle just now!