for the kilt-wearing-oriented

I love watching the evolution of a fashion.

The "traditional" system of clan tartans and "great kilts" pleated into a waistband were popularized by Queen Victoria, a nut for all things Scottish, in the 19th century. William Wallace never wore one, nor did Rob Roy (ok, maybe a belted plaid) - The Evolution of the Kilt and related links explains all the kilt myths and timeline far better than I can.

None of this changes the fact that kilts have become sort of popular in some subcultural circles, whatever their supposed origins, and not just among the Scottish either. I give you: SportKilt.com. Not just plaids either (some definitely not family colors - somehow, I think there are few families called Pub Crawler) - what tickles me to death are the tropical prints. There are even kilts for women - I'm sure medieval Scots would never have imagined their womenfolk wearing these in the cold and rain, especially with a midriff baring t-shirt :P

All of these complete with velcro for easy fastening - a far cry from the belted plaid. Whoda thunk people would still be wearing this today?

should I stay or should I go?

Pro:

• I'd miss the rush of being in the "zone"
  
• It's some of the only exercise I enjoy
  
• I want to get my money's worth, dammit!
  

Con:

• Had to leave work early due to snow. It's stopped now, but that old Puritan work ethic sez that if I can't drive for work I can't for fun either
  
• I've had somewhere to go after work EVERY DAY this week, it would be nice to stay in for a change
  

Yes, I'll most likely go to fencing. I'm just looking out the window at all the snow and at the sofa with all it's polarfleece throw and waffling....

style note: executive perv

Findings of the D., who obviously knows what I like:

TO.mTO Berlin - I feel a sudden NEED for a pinstripe corset! Elegant, simple, constricting, and smart.

Fierce Courture - not sure where they're from, but I didn't know it was possible to do "deconstructed" corset lacing (see Fall/Winter 2004), but there it is :P The ready-to-wear is also well worth seeing, dark and unusual :)