FROM THE LOOK BOOK - MARGIELA SCARF-TANK DRESS

Maison Martin Margiela - Tank dress with scarf detail - $745

The opportunities for a simple tank-dress like this on its own are endless, so imagine how we felt when we saw the cool scarf/shawl detail attached to the neckline.  Made of an ultra-soft ribbed cotton, it's great on its own - as shown - or layered over a long sleeve tee.  How would you wear it? 

NEW ARRIVALS FROM TRANSIT

Long knit DB coat - Transit - $1025

New arrivals from perennial favorite Transit-Par Such have just arrived on our women's floor...a profusion of Transit's signature washed, boiled wools and innovative jersey/open knit combinations, as well as unique print chiffon blouses are available in every size. Transit...A collection that is at once trend-right and classic, perfect for a woman who loves casual luxury and a sense of rugged fun.

NEW BELTS BY BERGE

Belt by Berge - $145

These belts are so cool...featuring Berge's signature adjustable length, and trimmed with vivid blue stitching and edge finish, it's a great way to add a subtle dash of color to your outfit.

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - MARGIELA CAPE-DRESS

Martin Margiela caped sweater-dress - $1035

 Maison Martin Margiela demonstrate their innovative skills in this terrific knit dress. Wear the attached cape/shawl so many different ways, and show off the cool pop of brick against the eggplant colored body. The fabric is an ultrafine merino...never itchy, and always silky soft and warm. Perfect for Seattle's changeable weather! 

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - DITA VON TEESE IN CRUCIANI BRACELETS

The Cruciani Bracelet (seen here on the lovely Ms. Von Teese) is a rapidly growing trend around the world, and we are pleased to be able to offer them exclusively in Seattle at Butch Blum! Essentially a small piece of lace, these intricate pieces of needlework are beautiful on their own or layered with each other for a multicolor look.  

Cruciani bracelets - $10 each - assorted colors and styles

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - MARGIELA DOUBLE-FACE POLO

Double-faced knit cotton polo - Martin Margiela - $595

Maison Martin Margiela has a habit of using the best of the best for their products - a habit we heartily approve of. This sweater is the case in point - a 100% cotton double-knit polo that has the touch and weight of cashmere. It takes super-long, "Sea Island" cotton fibers to make a yarn this sumptuous, but when you feel the final product, it's so worth it.

MOMENTS FROM THE LUCIANO BARBERA TRUNK SHOW

Nibbles from Il Terrazo Carmine

Three Luciano Barbera guest stars

Michal having an animated discussion with the Bardells

Mihyon and two friends examining a jacket

Butch preparing to taste a glass of Almquist 

Kent, ensuring a perfect fit

Royal's client sure looks pleased with this Barbera sample

Almquist Family Vintners "Dolcetto" 

Michal Sestak - the Barbera guy - showing an unlined sport coat

Kay showing the ladies collection

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LB SCARF WINNERS

Congratulations to John Patrick Murphy and Sharon Hunnefeld - the winners of the two fabulous Luciano Barbera scarves. Wear them in good health, with love from Butch Blum!

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - CIVIDINI KNIT COAT

Quilted knit coat - Cividini - $2185

The ultimate in body-friendly style, this knit coat by Cividini hugs your curves in all the right places while providing a cosy warm softness. Made of fine gauge knit cashmere, it's got the handfeel of a sweater, with the protection of a much heavier coat.

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - ARMANI OUTERWEAR

Goosedown outerwear jacket - Giorgio Armani - $1995

"Vero Piuma d'Oca" - proudly reads the tag on the inside of this coat. Translated, it means real goose-down, and it's a terrific marriage of natural materials with the latest technology in artificial fibers. The poly/viscose outer is weatherproof, and finished with a decorative - but not obnoxious - trapunto stitching.

SCARVES BY BLUI

Scarves by Blui - $345 each

Innovative, colorful screen prints cover these incredible silk jersey scarves by Blui, an exclusive here at Butch Blum. Check out some of our other beautiful designs for the season, in store now.

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - OYUNA

Handknit asymmetrical cardigan - Oyuna - $1595

Sensual and spirited. Luxurious and wearable. Oyuna creates a truly contemporary cashmere wardrobe for women, available exclusively in Seattle at Butch Blum. 

THIS WEEKEND - BARBERA TRUNK SHOW

Today and tomorrow (August 24 and 25), Luciano Barbera will be hosting a Trunk Show for men and women. Presenting Italy's finest luxury fabrics - in today's modern yet timeless styles - Barbera family envoy Michel Sestak will be in store to assist you in your selections for Holiday 2012 and Spring 2013 preview. Made to measure will be available along with ready to wear.

TONIGHT from 4-6pm, we are hosting a special wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres function, with small bites from Il Terrazo Carmine, and wines from Almquist Family Vintners.  There will also be an opportunity tomorrow evening to win one of two styles of Luciano Barbera's beautiful cashmere and silk scarves. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more details, and RSVP on Facebook here.

WIN A LUCIANO BARBERA SCARF

Scarf styles available to win

This just in! As part of the Luciano Barbera trunk show on Friday (August 24), we are going to have a special drawing for one of two styles of Luciano Barbera's exquisite cashmere and silk blend scarves. These styles are perfect for him or for her, and are soft and cosy for Seattle's changeable weather.

To be eligible to win one of these gorgeous scarves, you need only to be present during the party - from 4-6pm at the store, this Friday (August 24). See you there, and good luck!

Click to enlarge

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - HEIDI KLUM IN SUZI ROHER

In a recent episode of Project Runway, host Heidi Klum wore a belt from one of our new favorite accessory providers - Suzi Roher! Suzi Roher's belts are terrific for simple styles from Martin Margiela et al, and have a soft, natural stretch to shape even tricky bodies - obviously not a problem for Heidi "The Body" Klum, but a definite asset for most!

NEW ARRIVALS - BIELLA COLLEZIONI

Biella Collezioni - $1265

The fabric on this tunic dress is so unusual - an incredibly soft silk chiffon that has been embroidered over with a small, textural pattern. The embroidery is thorough, and the effect is completely three-dimensional, but it doesn't add a lot of weight to the fabric. As a finishing touch, an additional 5-6" of unembroidered chiffon is added to the skirt as a trim detail.

Z ZEGNA CONVERTIBLE OUTERWEAR

Outerwear jacket - Z Zegna - $965

This feather-light coat by Z Zegna has a zip-out quilted lining, which makes it the perfect coat to wear during the first drizzles of fall, and easy to winterize when the weather turns a little uglier. The zipper is rubberized for extra waterproofing - nothing is getting through this baby!

(detail of zip-out lining)

NEW ARRIVALS - LUCIANO BARBERA LEATHER

Leather jacket - Luciano Barbera - $2295

Crafted from an incredibly soft Italian calfskin (get a good look at this hide in the store, it's flawless!) and featuring interesting details like reverse bellows pleats on the double breast-pockets, this jacket is a forever piece that will add that special sophistication to your casual wardrobe.

For more incredible selections from Luciano Barbera, visit us this Friday and Saturday - August 24 and 25 - for our Luciano Barbera trunk show.

BLUMARINE FW 2012 VIDEO

New arrivals from Blumarine are coming in daily! Check out their runway presentation, which mixes classic Italian luxury with a hip-hop sensibility. For "...that brand of Italian miss, for whom no skirt is too short, nor diamond too big."

SANTONI FALL PREVIEW

"Slate" by Santoni - $595

Featuring a rugged 'lug' sole and a round, sneaker-style toe, this boot effectively crosses a wingtip, a sneaker, and a hiking boot for a modern style that's effortlessly cool. Look for this and more styles from legendary Italian shoemaker Santoni, coming to Butch Blum for Fall/Winter 2012!

Interested in this style? Let us know your size and we'll be happy to give you a call when it arrives.

STORIES FROM THE SKIN GAME

Recently a client 'played the skin game' and got our Hotel 1000/Boka package, which they donated to a San Juan Preservation Trust silent auction. The lucky winners of that auction, on their stay: 

The experience was exceptional. The staff welcomed us with many extra gifts, a long stemmed red rose, a bottle of champagne waiting in our room, and a box of truffles. Our room was upgraded to a water view. We celebrated our wedding anniversary in style! The restaurant - BOKA - served us a delicious meal for two. We are pleased that we won this delightful experience.

Thank you for the opportunity,

Sherry and Jack Bell

We love our skin game partners and we love that so many people were able to benefit from this reward. Check out some more of our terrific offerings here, and don't forget to cash in your BB skins! 

GARDEUR - PASSION FOR WOOL

Gardeur 5-pocket wool trouser - $195

Continuing the "bridge pant" theme are these 5-pocket wool 'jeans' from Gardeur. Crafted from a spongy-soft stretch wool, the cut is as modern as your favorite pair of jeans, but the fabric is as sleek and professional as a banker's flannel suit. Perfect for the guy who wants to look just a little better than he HAS to, these wool jeans are an excellent addition to a Seattle man's wardrobe.

MASON'S JEANS AT BUTCH BLUM

We call it the "bridge pant" - something that isn't quite a pair of blue jeans, but isn't quite a pair of dress slacks either...and Mason's is one of our favorite suppliers! Featuring innovative fabrics like cotton stretch tricotine, sumptuous moleskins, and superwashed canvas, Mason's has an edge that other's can't quite match.

HUGO BOSS TWIST FRONT DRESS

Modal twist-front dress - Hugo Boss Black label - $345

Yes - that is the correct price on this incredible piece.  Featuring a gorgeous, breathable fabric, fashion-forward details like a princess sleeve and a twist detail waist, and that fabulous price point, this dress is one of the many reasons we love Hugo Boss Black for women.

ACCESSORIES BY RODA

Assorted Roda neckties - $185-225

The Roda man dresses with an unconventional elegance. He is never overdressed...but he is never sloppy either.  Roda's accessories - including neckties, pocket squares, and scarves, are the perfect testament to ownership of this lifestyle. Characterized by clean, slim lines and featuring innovative materials and details (some are even reversible), a Roda accessory is a mark of good taste and an exceptional investment in a stylish wardrobe.

NEW SHIPMENTS FROM ARMANI JEANS

J18 high-rise straight leg jean - Armani Jeans - $185

We're very pleased to have Armani Jeans' best-selling J18 cut back in store. A great cut for lifting and shaping your rear, the J18 has a higher waist and a slim - but not skinny - leg that's perfect for any kind of top, from a tucked in tailored shirt to a bubble-hemline tunic.

INTRODUCING MAC

We are excited to introduce MAC jeans! Mac is a new resource for a fashion-conscious guy that uses innovative stretch fabrics in distinctive, body-conscious cuts.  

Started in 1971 in Germany, Mac has always endeavored to provide a current, modern silhouette - without succumbing to of-the-moment trends like over distressed fabric, gaudy stitching, or tacky embellishment.

NEW ARRIVALS FROM PIER ANTONIO GASPARI

Distributed by legendary Italian production company Fuzzi, Pier Antonio Gaspari's designs have a classic midcentury sensibility, featuring dolman sleeves, portrait collars, and 3/4 silhouettes, but are ultramodern in their execution. Designs from this company feature innovative trims, Fuzzi's signature sheer tulle fabrics in crystal pleating, and bold, simple color schemes.

Check out this terrific new designer, a Butch Blum exclusive in Seattle.

NEW ARRIVALS - MARTIN MARGIELA CASHMERE DRESS

Featherweight cashmere dress - Maison Martin Margiela - $1465

Wrap yourself in luxury with this incredible featherweight dress by Maison Martin Margiela. Fully fashioned (not cut and sewn but knit on a machine) from an ultra fine yarn, this piece is soft and warm but not suffocating - perfect to wear from the first rainstorm of fall to the first buds of spring.  Also available in black.

NEW ARRIVALS - BERGE BELTS FOR MEN

This is the perfect wear-it-now belt for fitness buffs...the buckle features an innovative screw closure that lets you shorten the strap yourself, from the front. Lose weight and keep wearing your favorite accessories - without punching extra holes in extra long belts.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - RIHANNA IN MARTIN MARGIELA

Armani Jeans enthusiast Rihanna took a walk on the wild side in this look from the Margiela Resort 2012 collection. It goes to show - personal style can take a fabulous look from a designer's runway and turn it on its head - and still look incredible!

CIVIDINI WINDOW

New for the Fall 2012 season, these Cividini coat sweaters are the softest, most pliable cashmere available, yet are light as a feather and beautifully body-conscious. The collection from Cividini is, as usual, innovative in its cuts and distinctive in its colors and textures. 

JOHN VARVATOS DETAIL STITCH PLAID

Sport shirt by John Varvatos - $235

Using a gray that's almost blue underneath two shades of charcoal, John Varvatos has brought us a plaid that is refined while still being sporty, and finished the shirt with a heavy pick-stitch on the leading edges. Wear this ultra-soft shirt with a great pair of jeans, or underneath your favorite sport coat.

JOHN VARVATOS / PAUL WELLER / MILES KANE

It's no secret that John Varvatos loves having rock stars wear and promote his clothes (in the past he's used eclectic icons Green Day, Lenny Cravitz, Dave Matthews, ZZ Top, and more in his campaigns), but rarely has he come up with a video spot as cool as this one. Watch punk legend Paul Weller, and indie rocker Miles Kane in the Fall 2012 campaign for John Varvatos, and come see the latest arrivals at Butch Blum from our favorite rockstar designer!

FINAL SALE DAYS

Butch Blum's final sale days have arrived! Enjoy 60-75% savings for ONE WEEK ONLY on Spring/Summer merchandise from our best designers, including Giorgio Armani, Luciano Barbera, Blumarine, Moschino, and more!

DEAL OF THE DAY - RODA NECKWEAR

assorted Roda neckties - were $185, now $59

A great way to add a pop of color - or in some cases an elegant neutral cast - to your outfit, Roda always provides sumptuous fabrics in elegant, sophisticated colors and patterns.