Setting up false expectations

[MacKay71]

Great post Matt! I've wearing kilts for several years now and I'm just now about to get a wool tartan kilt(4-yard box pleat from Matt any time now). I have made 2 sgian dubhs and 2 sgisn donts and and I'm working on a kilt pin right now, so they are costing me almost nothing. I've also been able to find things like belts and hose at retail stores for cheap. You don't have to buy the most expensive stuff if you're on a budget.

[Ian.MacAllan]

This is a great thread---very helpful and very wise.

One point I haven't noticed mentioned (I may have overlooked it) is that as time passes we learn and grow and our desires and taste change. If we leap in and buy everything all at once (essentially a kilt outfit) not only do we run up a whopping bill but in a year or so we will look at what we have and realize that we have spent much money on some things we not only don't need but don't even like or want.

There is almost nothing in the world that can't be made a bit worse to be sold a bit more cheaply, and anyone who buys mostly on price, as most of us must if buy a lot at once, is likely to wind up with a lot of marginally satisfactory merchandise which will be unsatisfactory in a year or so when we have become more discriminating. It's far more rewarding to go slowly, buying only quality which lasts.

I'm reminded of this whenever I look at the Balmoral bonnet that I bought in 1963. It still looks new as one which would cost about $70 today.

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[Joel]

What a good topic to cover, Matt - and a great post.

I know what you mean by "setting false expectations." As a military re-enactor (American Civil War & WWII), some people think I must have a lot of money to afford the uniforms. In reality, I'm a writer and make money only here and there. But your point on how it took years for you to aquire your kilts and gear are a lot like how I've aquired mine for re-enacting. Also, as you said, watching for good deals (and sales, too) is very important! And if one takes care of their stuff - whether a kilt, belt or whatnot - it can last for years and years.

So, your post has really hit home for me. And it was also very educational.
Thanks, Matt!

Cheer,
Joe