Winter in the city can be a wonderland… if you catch the fresh snow before it turns into slippery sidewalk ice or the black slush on the side of curb. So for now, the first snow in Chicago has got me excited for the winter ahead.. and with some new winter gear from Ball & Buck, I couldn’t wait to layer and bundle-up!
Each year the first-snow is met with holiday glee and reasons to whip out the peacoat, snow boots and hot chocolate.. but by the time April rolls around in Chicago and there’s that random spring snow, my eyes will roll *all* the way back into my head. I’ll be OVER IT! A typical winter day typically means I’m working from home, and only leaving my apartment to head the the gym or grab some necessary food item (coffee, almond butter..). This season, I was well-equipped with some winter wears from Boston-based Ball and Buck – and welcomed the snow with open arms. 
If I’m not cooped up at home, I’m grabbing a coffee to start the day at one of my favorite shops in Wicker Park, La Colombe. Here I’ve got the Wool Glove (natural/tan) along with Ball and Buck’s Hunter’s Sunglasses. These gloves are warm and functional, the perfect fit for winter commutes. After coffee, my recent morning routine has consisted of listening to Monocle‘s podcast The Globalist. It’s a great hour-long international news program that I can’t get enough of. 
One of my favorite pieces is B&B’s Signature Plaid Merino Wool Scarf. It’s such a stand-out piece and can really dress-up any winter outfit. It’s simple and the safety orange isn’t an eyesore.. instead, it adds a much-needed pop of color in all the blacks and greys of winter. The Sportsman’s Blazer is great for colder weather as it’s made with 100% wool. I loved the Blaze Orange felt accent under the collar for another nice pop in the dreary winter days.
The Mariners Wool Overshirt has a dense wool structure that makes for a tough shirt and a perfect winter layer. It’s a great in-between piece.. you know that layer that is needed on the coldest of days? When a sweater won’t cut it, and you don’t want to wear your puffer jacket inside. I’m not a “hat-guy,” but the Woolen Cap caught my eye and surprisingly fit my head (a rarity!). It’s a classic ball cap, with a leather strap and Duck Camo under the brim. While I hate having a hat head, beanies are a necessity for me to get through the winters since one of the only things that seem to freeze are my ears. B&B’s standard beanie, the Rodger Knit Hat (Blaze Orange) is a winter staple.
Stay Risky,
– John
Shop the Look:
Blazer, Sweater, Shirt, Pants, Gloves, Glasses, Scarf, Hats: Ball and Buck
Shinola timepiece // Russell Moccasin boots
Photography by Tyler Adams
