The Silentist

WIWT: 02-26-2013 – Chicago’s received some serious snow today. It’s the kind of snow that creates slushies on the sidewalk and deep puddles of brown water along the curbs. And that’s why I bought a pair of Bean Boots when I moved here. Huge five-foot puddle that’s up to your ankles? Who cares! Walk right through it, because your feet are waterproof now. 

I’ve spent the entire winter wearing my vintage Barbour Beaufort. It’s not extremely warm, but it’s really useful. The game pocket in the rear stores my gloves, hat and scarf when not in use. The bellowed pockets up front are large enough to store whatever you want to carry (I’ve used it to carry my Fujifilm X10 in the past). I know some people find the jackets too baggy, however, I think they’re just fine and it allows you to layer up underneath – like with a thick fisherman’s sweater from L.L.Bean or a tweed sport coat. 

The rest of the outfit is pretty basic: tan suede gloves with cashmere lining, a cashmere scarf striped with olive, brown and charcoal tones, Levi’s 501s, and a navy wool knit cap. 

Nothing is particularly trendy or fashionable here, but it’s useful, relatively affordable and I don’t care if it gets dirty and beat up. Clothing you don’t have to care too much about is something I’m beginning to appreciate a bit more.