Real Women Wear Kilts

UPDATE: The Cargo Kilts shop in Melville closed in 2013. Sniff.

You might remember my post from a couple of weeks ago about the the Fête de la Musique. It featured Cargo Kilts, the new Scottish kilt shop in Melville. In that post I wrote:

I know these kilts are made for men but I kind of want one for myself.

A few days later I received a message from Sean, the manager of Cargo Kilts:

Very kind comments made by you about our new store, but I need to correct you. Kilts are Unisex, AND, we have been known to make mini-kilts for ladies. Come in for a measurement sometime…

It just so happens that my birthday was approaching. What better gift for myself than a mini-kilt?

Mini-kilt.

I should mention that I am part Scottish. My grandmother’s name was Frances Colquhoun Wellford, Colquhoun being a Scottish clan name. My father’s first sister was also named Frances Colquhoun, but her nickname was Heather. (Confusing, I know. This is how our family works.)

Heather died tragically in her early 20s, not long before I was born. I was named for her. Heather is also a flowering plant that grows on the Scottish moors.

Clearly, I was destined to be kilted.

A couple of Saturdays ago, my friend Ruth and I rocked up to the shop to order mini-kilts. First we had to choose our tartans.

Sean, all kilted out, explains the different tartans. I’m sure you won’t be surprised that Sean, a South African of Scottish descent, plays the bagpipes.

Each clan has its own tartan. Technically I should have ordered the Colquhoun tartan, or Macdonald of Sleat, which I’m also related to. But Cargo Kilts didn’t have those tartans in stock and I’m more concerned with looks than family trees, anyway. I chose Buchanan, the loudest tartan of the bunch. Might as well go all-out, right?

Hehehe. That’s Buchanan on the far right.

Ruth ponders her tartan choice. Despite her red hair, Ruth is not Scottish.

Next, it was time for measurements.

Me first. (Photo: Ruth)

Ruth’s turn.

Then, we waited. It took a while for the fabric to be cut, sewn, pleated, etc. Cargo Kilts actually didn’t have any mini-kilts in stock to show us when we ordered, so we weren’t sure what to expect. The suspense was unbearable.

This morning I got the call, and walked right over to the shop. I wanted to wait for Ruth before trying on my kilt, but couldn’t resist a few photos.

Egbert, owner of Cargo Kilts, demonstrates the flowing movement of my mini-kilt.

Sean, me, and Egbert. (Photo: random guy named Chris)

I returned later with Ruth and Anita, our photographer for the evening.

Waiting for my partner in crime to kilt up. (Photo: Anita)

Ruth emerged from the dressing room looking as if she were born wearing a mini-kilt. She has the South African tartan, which incorporates the colors of the South African flag.

Sean brought out matching hats for each of us. And the real modeling began.

We decided to assault the mannequin. Why not? (Photo: Anita)

Two happy mini-kilt owners. ‘Nuff said. (Photo: Anita)

My mini-kilt is the most spectacular article of clothing I’ve ever owned. I am wearing it now and may never take it off.

Note: CargoKilts has closed since I published this post.