Quote Originally Posted by Panache View Post
I think frugality is knowing what to invest in to buy the best and knowing what not to waste money on as it doesn't matter.
You've really captured my attitude toward life there, Jamie. There are some things you really can't afford to skimp on. Boots and winter coats are two things I can think of off hand.

I have frequently lamented over the price of quality highland wear. I'm a working class lad with bills to pay. I can't afford a handsewn kilt, or a bespoke jacket... My most expensive kilt thus far is a Stillwater Heavyweight. I don't even own a dress sporran yet because I refuse to settle for inferior quality, but can't afford the quality I'd really like to have.

I've always been inclined to buy the best quality I can afford, and maybe even push the limits of my financial comfort if the right deal comes along. I also know a good deal when I see one.

For example, I now own a black barathea Argyll, a navy blue PC, and a vintage Harris Tweed Argyll, and I've spent less than $400 combined. I found the two Argylls on Ebay, at least a year apart, and I bought the PC at a Highland Games. A vendor had one left, in my size, for $100. I might never have an opportunity to attend a black tie function and wear the PC, but at that price, I couldn't afford to pass it up.

The point I'm trying to make is that yes, highland wear is expensive, and yes, that means some of us (myself included) may never be able to afford a bespoke doublet or an eight yard kilt from a custom woven tartan, but you can get everything you need, and probably everything you want, if you are patient and prudent, and know a good deal when you see one.

Know what you want, know how much you can afford to spend, as well as how far you can push it before your wife, parter, signifigant other, or whoever holds you accaountable for that sort of thing will hospitalize you and pawn your kilt collection to get even with you. Constantly look for deals at Highland Games, on Ebay, and even here at Xmarks.

If you give yourself enough time, and you have a certain amount of luck, you can be as well dressed as Jamie, or Hamish, or any of the other fine gentlemen here... Without breaking the bank.