ARMANI LEATHER JACKET

Armani leather jacket - $2895 

It's so hard to bring a newness to a leather jacket's color and style - while maintaining a sophisticated look - and Armani succeeds brilliantly.  The four-patch pocket style is reminiscent of a safari jacket without any hint of 1970's excess, and the grey color is a handsome addition to any spring outfit...new, but not garish.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - NAYA RIVERA IN MOSCHINO

Naya Rivera (Santana, on "Glee") shows us how it's done at the GLAAD awards in this Moschino satin with shoulder details. We love this color on her!

FROM RUNWAY TO RETAIL

Did you know that garments presented on the runway often bear very little resemblance to the final production garment? A runway show is a fabulous way for a designer to generate interest in a season's collection, and can present lots of themes they will explore in the finished product.

This sometimes means using a key fabric to make a statement piece for the runway, like the long gown above. Later, when the designer and their staff takes the samples to market, the pieces will often change noticeably. In our case, the final product was made using the same incredible fabric (a sheer tulle overlaid with raffia and pearl embroidery), but as a sweet cardigan instead of a floor-length ball gown.

Cardigan - Cheap and Chic - $955

Using this same incredible fabric, we also added a chic little knee-length shift to our spring collection, perfect for dressing up for a glam cocktail event, or adding a simple knit cardigan (Not in the same fabric ladies, that's a little TOO much fabulousness!) to bring it into the office.

SKIN GAME REWARD OF THE WEEK - CALIDORA

CAPTIVATING COMPLEXION | 5,000 BB SKINS

Calidora Skin Clinic is the premier destination for achieving youthful, radiant, healthy skin. Calidora offers custom-tailored medical and aesthetic solutions, using the best, most efficacious skin care technologies and products available under the care of highly-trained medical practitioners and aestheticians. Whether you want to achieve a flawless complexion, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, or banish brown spots, Calidora is dedicated to helping YOU get results. Calidora invites you for a complimentary photo-imaging complexion analysis. The BB Skin Game winner will receive a $250 gift certificate toward the treatment of your choice. For more information, please visit Calidora. ($250 value)

ARMANI SPRING/SUMMER 2012 RUNWAY

 A brief video of Giorgio Armani's S/S 2012 collection, showing the master using innovative new cuts and a judicious use of pattern.

METRADAMO WATERCOLOR SHIFT

Dress- $665 - Metradamo

We seldom buy dresses with prints, so when we have a print in store you can bet it's going to be gorgeous. This watercolor shift by Metradamo is a perfect example. Floral without being cutesey and a shape that's easy for anyone to wear, this is a wonderful addition to your spring wardrobe.

NEW ARRIVALS - OLGA BERG

Bag - Olga Berg - $98

We have some darling new spring styles from Australian handbag designer Olga Berg. Featuring sumptuous silk satins, crystal detailing, metal paillettes, and woven raffia, we have something for every taste and every occasion.

NEW ARRIVALS - LBM 1911

"Bob" jacket - $695

LBM 1911 is the younger sibling of Lubiam - itself a contraction of "Luigi Bianchi Mantova." Lubiam is a major manufacturer of suits and sport coats that takes its name from its founder, Luigi Bianchi, who founded the company in the Mantova area in Italy in 1911.

The LBM 1911 line is a softer, more casual collection than Lubiam...perfect for a young man buying his first sport coat, or for a seasoned professional whose wardrobe requirements are less restrictive. Pair one of our LBM 1911 jackets with a wool dress slack (but keep it slim, please) or a cotton chino and roll up the bottoms. Mix and match and find YOUR perfect outfit, but hurry in - these jackets are the IT jacket right now, and do not stay on the shelf long.

DAVEK UMBRELLAS

Solo size (pictured) - $99. Also available - Duet - $149, Traveler - $79

These are simply the best umbrellas we've encountered in our travels. The frame is reinforced both-ways, ensuring against blow-back in a heavy wind, and the mechanism is an auto-close, perfect for when your hands are full of Butch Blum shopping bags!

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - SIENNA MILLER IN HUGO BOSS

UK actress Sienna Miller was spotted recently in this chic little sheath (say that 5 times fast!) by Hugo Boss black label - a BB favorite for tailored, elegant, and understated clothing.

REWARD OF THE WEEK - THE LOCAL VINE

THE LOCAL VINE | 2,000 BB SKINS

Soil. Climate. People. Culture. All of these contribute to the way a wine looks, tastes, and feels. You'll experience it here in the Northwest, among the many beautiful wines The Local Vine serves. Other selections celebrate small, regional wine makers from around the world. Enjoy the extensive wine by the glass menu along with food, cocktails, and friends at either Local Vine location. Recognized by Sunset magazine's "Best Wine Bar for the Foodie" 2011 and one of "The Hot 10" Wine Bars in the USA by Bon Appetit magazine. The BB Skin Game player will enjoy a $100 gift certificate good for the wine bar, great food, wine classes, and retail. Please visit thelocalvine.com. ($100 value)

EASTER EGG WINDOWS

Outfits by Z Zegna and Fuzzi

Outfits by Giorgio Armani, Luciano Barbera, and Fuzzi

CUSTOM JEANS BY COPPLEY

Custom denim fabrics - $345

Coppley is well known for their expertise in manufacturing tailored clothing, but did you know Coppley has custom sportswear options as well? Give yourself a truly luxurious gift - a pair of custom-fit jeans! Each fabric is a wash and wear cotton stretch blend offering easy care, a clean, simple wash free of streaking, whiskers, or any other "trendy" denim embellishments, and the fit YOU prefer - from slim and modern to soft and classic.

KRISTA'S PICK - SCHUMACHER CARDIGAN

Cardigan - $545 - Schumacher...Stripe top - Majestic - $115...Pant - Metradamo - $395

This is just the cutest little piece. The color is surprisingly easy to wear, and the little buttons backed with the tweedy fabric are fun without being too precious. 

Krista Kelly
BB Sales Associate

ALDEN - PLAIN TOE BLUCHER

Alden cordovan plain-toe - $595

Cordovan is an equine leather that is produced in increasingly small numbers (only one tannery, Horween, produces this material in the US). Its advantages are an incredibly soft, spongy feel, increased durability over calfskin, and a high shine that requires very little attention.

Check out some of Alden's incredible hand-lasted Cordovan shoes, available in laceup and slip-on styles here at Butch Blum.

NEW ARRIVALS - MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

Jean jacket - Maison Martin Margiela - $795

This great new arrival from Martin Margiela for men is an unusual twist on an American classic - the perfect jean jacket bleached white and finished with a faux button front, and a zippered closure.

BY MALENE BIRGER PRINT DRESS

By Malene Birger - $315

A sweet little jersey print dress in this season's most provocative pattern - snakeskin! Check out more of the incredible arrivals from our Danish darling "By Malene Birger."

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS - PAS DE CALAIS

Linen coat - $495...Linen knit cardigan - $295...T-shirt (by Majestic) - $115

Pas de Calais is a wonderful French-designed brand which uses top-of the-line Japanese linen and cotton knits and wovens. Everything is super soft, ultra-washed, and has a gorgeous drape and flow. Come check out this innovative brand, new to our mix and exclusive to Butch Blum in Seattle.

FLORENCE WELCH IN MOSCHINO

Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) models this eye-catching little suit from BB favorite Moschino. Now we're not saying it's perfect for everybody, but when you've got it, flaunt it...and this girl's got a terrific little suit. You go, girl!

THE FORECAST FASHION SHOW

Butch Blum is participating in Seattle Magazine's "The Forecast" fashion show!

TOMORROW! (Wednesday, March 14)
Benaroya Hall
Doors open at 7:00 PM, Show starts at 8:30

ULTRA VIP Ticket: $250—Includes premium front row seating (assigned by order of purchase), VIP reception with hosted beverages and hors d'oeuvres and an exclusive Ultra VIP Forecast swag bag.   

VIP Ticket: $125—Includes premium 2nd and 3rd row seating (assigned by order of purchase) and VIP reception with two hosted drinks and hosted hors d'oeuvres. 

GA Ticket: $50—Includes seat on the main floor (first come, first serve seating) and GA reception with hosted hors d'oeuvres.

Tickets are still available...get yours here!

DESIGNER BIO: JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER

Image from the 2004 "Pain Couture" exhibition

There are very few designers in the history of French fashion who have made a contribution as long-lasting and important as Jean-Paul Gaultier. Aside from being one of the few designers still living who has created a true Haute Couture collection, Jean-Paul Gaultier has created several ready-to-wear lines, costumes for film, television, and concerts, and has even produced his own album of remixed dance tracks.

His career began in the early 80's, when after brief stints with Pierre Cardin and Jean Patou, he launched his own signature collection of clothing. The designs were shocking, irreverent, funny and masterfully tailored, and immediately lauded by French fashion editors. One of his most famous designs - the cone bra -  appeared in Madonna's 1990 Blonde Ambition tour, and has irrevocably intertwined both designer and muse. He most recently designed for Madonna's 2006 Confessions tour.

At Butch Blum you will find a carefully edited selection of the master's work, including but not limited to his collaboration with the Fuzzi factory - called "Soleil." Gaultier prints his wild designs on Fuzzi's signature nylon tulle fabric, creating beautiful sheer fantasies of fabric, to be worn layered underneath his other garments, and thicker, opaque garments to be worn on their own. We are proud to have this collection exclusively in Seattle.

EYEBOBS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Eyebobs assorted styles - $80-95

KENT'S PICK - CITIZENS JEAN SHIRT

Cotton stretch chambray shirt - Citizens of Humanity - $295
5-pocket chinos - J.Brand - $195...Sneaker - Santoni - $420

"This is a huge improvement on the classic denim shirt. The fabric is incredible - a cotton stretch that looks like a favorite pair of jeans but much softer and lighter. I'd wear this with anything...under a tailored wool jacket or on its own, with khakis, grey jeans, flannel dress pants...the possibilities are endless! Just don't wear it with the same shade of blue denim." 


Kent Rogers
MTM specialist

EGG DROP

Waste not, want not! Our next project for our easter windows involves - you guessed it - easter eggs, so we needed a ton of egg shells. We decided to donate the food parts of the egg to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission for the homeless . Check out these 'making of' shots, and the trip to the mission!

SANTONI "RAYBURN"

Santoni "Rayburn" -$745

Santoni's "Rayburn" uses single piece construction, which is then embellished with small perforations - creating a look that's sleek and modern, but appealing in design.

INTRODUCING SARTORIA PARTENOPEA

 We are proud to present a new handmade tailored garment to our lineup, from the experts at Sartoria Partenopea. Sartoria Partenopea was founded in Naples in 1993, with a mission to create Italian handmade clothing using modern fabrics and construction techniques.

Partenopea's garments are over 60% hand constructed. Each step in the manufacturing process is overseen by a single tailor, who chalks out a pattern by hand, cuts the fabric by hand, and sews the various component pieces together by hand, before machine sewing load-bearing seams. These steps make them one of a handful of suit manufacturers in the world that produce clothing of this quality and attention to detail. Partenopea has an outstanding attention to value as well, with a starting price point roughly half the cost of similar 'designer' tailored goods.

Come check out this outstanding garment and see why Sartoria Partenopea is one of our favorite new resources.

MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC SS2012

Moschino's Cheap and Chic collection has just started arriving for Spring...check out some of the gorgeous florals and intricate details.

MIHYON'S PICK - JEAN PAUL GAULTIER TUNIC

Dress - Jean-Paul Gaultier - $445...Belt - Berge $165

"This piece is so different...nobody is showing dresses like this right now! Anybody can wear this, either on its own or belted, and it's an incredible fabric. The colors are beautiful and it travels really well."

Mihyon Ahn

Men's accessory buyer

SOFIA VERGARA IN BLUMARINE

Sofia Vergara (ABC'S Modern Family) shows us how it's done in this chic Blumarine shift. Va-va-voom!

NEW SPRING ACCESSORIES

Men's J-Fold wallet - $67

 Check out some of our incredible spring accessories for men and women...everything from great belts and bags to beautiful ties, pocket squares, etc. 

Martin Margiela vintage-styled tote - $925

REWARD OF THE WEEK - ARTUSI/SPINASE

Opened in 2008, Cascina Spinasse has captivated attention for its authentic incorporation of Piedmontese dishes. Led by Chef Jason Stratton, a Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chef in 2010, Spinasse received 2011 "Best Of " accolades in Seattle Met magazine, Seattle magazine, Seattle Weekly and Bon Appetit magazine. In 2011, Stratton opened ARTUSI next door. The bar focuses on Italian aperitivi, amaro, grappa and vermouth, unique cocktails built from Italian liqueurs, a select list of spirits, and lesser-known wine varietals. The menu ranges from the roots of Italy's cuisine to the Futurists and beyond. BB Skin Game players receive dinner for two, redeemable at either location. Visit www.spinasse.com and www.artusibar.com. ($100 value) 

SPRING NEUTRALS

Outfits by Giorgio Armani

 Enjoy some of our fabulous neutral basics on these bright but chilly days - many of which carry over beautifully with lighter fabrics during warmer weather!

Outfits by Pas De Calais

NEW GARDEUR SHIPMENT

Cotton trousers by Gardeur - $195

New shipments from Gardeur have just arrived in the store! As so many of you know now, Gardeur is a German provider that makes an incredible selection of trousers, in dress and casual styles. A customer favorite, Gardeur's jeans and khakis are available in several fits, making this product just right for a wide variety of people.

NEW ARRIVALS - INIS MEAIN LINEN

High crew-neck - $425

 Inis Meain is an Irish knitwear brand that merges a long history of incredible sweaters with modern, up-to-date styles inspired by Italian fashion.  Two of our favorites - an up-to-date multicolor donegal with an innovative high crewneck, and a v-neck/henley amalgam perfect for layering.

High button vee - $445

INTRODUCING DEAR

We're pleased to introduce to Butch Blum a sweet little collection of cashmere blend garments, appropriately named "Dear." Dear is an Italian-designed garment produced at a budget-conscious price, nearly all of their garments are in the $195 or under price point.

Check out new arrivals from this 'Dear' little company now, exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle!

ALLUDE FASHION SHOW

Allude has always been one of our favorite resources, providing terrific cashmere fashion basics at a very competitive price point. Check out their entire collection at Mercedes-Benz fashion week in Berlin.

A PEEK AT OUR LEAP YEAR PARTY

The ladies from MANE blowout bar

Guests enjoying nibbles from Jason Stratton

Guests getting pampered at Ummelina's hand massage/nail care station

The MANE ladies at work

More from Ummelina - the guys get to play too!

Guests enjoying Oola Distilleries hand-crafted spirits

Having fun!

More nibbles from Spinasse and chef Jason Stratton

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this fabulous party...we had a BLAST! Keep your eyes on the blog for our next fabulous Butch Blum soiree.