The Triple Play (or, How to Offend a Scotsman)

I've always been a fan of plaid. I'm particularly fond of vibrant traditional Scottish tartans. Lately this minor obsession has manifested itself in a borderline dangerous proclivity for all manner of outlandish trousers. (see here, here, here, and even here). Most recently, there have been these, a fine pair in heavy yet butter-soft wool:

originally hailing from the most venerable Murray's Toggery Shop of Nantucket Island. They may be most famous for the invention of Nantucket Reds, but apparently, Murray's also did one hell of a job with the cold weather woolens. $7.49, in the Halloween costume department at the local thrift shop. ( I'm telling you, man, the Halloween department is the absolute Jam when it comes to this stuff.)

Needless to say, I've been absolutely dying to wear them, and today, Ole Ma Nature saw fit to grace us with the 45 degree temperature in which to do so. A perfect match to a Barbour coat and cardigan sweater. I only need the hounds and the estate...

Never one to be shy of a bit of sartorial controversy, I decided to sneak not one but two other tartans into this ensemble. Because, you know, these pants just aren't outlandish enough on their own, right.

Note the semi-secret Dress Gordon lining of the coat...subversive...

topped off with a Pendleton driving cap in Black Watch. ( Purchased at the going out of business sale of a Pendleton outlet, $7.99 marked down from it's original $59.99)

And to end it all, a pair of brown suede shoes. Suede shoes and a Barbour? Inexcusable! To think, a wet weather jacket with shoes that get killed by water. But I'll be damned if any other shoes in my closet would have worked half as well. Truth is truth.

If you're Scottish, or of Scottish descent, and you're reading this, feel free to throw your whisky bottle in outrage at the screen. You have every right to be offended by the way some damn Italian American has co-opted your heritage in the name of fashion and vanity. The same goes for any Brits whose military or school colors I probably own on a neck tie. Or you can be flattered. If your stuff wasn't so damn sharp, we wouldn't bother to steal it, would we? Your choice.

p.s. Young Fogey, don't you dare turn the pants of your Black Watch Pendleton suit into a vest. Such a thing is way too rare, and impressive. Either wear it together with pride and confidence, or trade it to me for something more your speed. I beg you...

p.p.s. First Toad and now Maxminimus? What the hell am I supposed to read in the wee hours when I ought to be a sleep anyway?...