NEW ARRIVALS - LBM 1911

Double-breasted washed wool coat with belted back - LBM 1911 - $995

Not truly an overcoat, and longer than a sport jacket, this washed wool coat by L.B.M. 1911 is in many ways an Italian peacoat...a dressy outerwear option that wears well with denim or with a slim wool trouser - and everything in between. Whether you're the dandy type who would wear it with a slim suit and a necktie, or an urban warrior who'd pair it with an elegant combat boot, it's a terrific style for a chilly fall/winter.

NEW ARRIVALS FROM FLY 3

Washable wool cardigan - $495 - Fly 3 (Brown available in store)

The new arrivals from Fly 3 are a perfect example of Italian knowhow where knitwear is concerned. Fly 3 is a sportswear brand with an elegant feeling, and well known for their reversible, tubular knits and washable wool fibers (just don't put it in the dryer!). Check out the incredible selection of casual pieces just in from this very special company.

NEW ARRIVALS - BLUMARINE PRINT DRESS

Blumarine knit rayon dress with pleat detail skirt - $1415

This dress is a figure-flattering shape for any woman, but its wild print is the real draw - an outrageous animal pattern slashed to pieces over a solid black and white background. The fabric is a stretchy, body conscious Rayon knit that is enhanced with stretch fibers to preserve its shape and to make every move a joy.

NEW ARRIVALS - DONALD J. PLINER "ETIE"

"Etie" by Donald J. Pliner - $318

A terrific all-weather option (perfect for our wonderful rainy city) with a solid rubber sole and a waxy upper, finished with a cool split Norwegian toe and a dramatic black over cherry-brown finish.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CASUAL FRIDAY

 

Thanks again to everyone who came to our Casual Friday party and to the Agave Jeans trunk show - we had an incredible time and we love all of you! Special thanks to our fabulous bartender Murray Stenson, who can be found at the incredible Canon in Capitol Hill.

CASUAL FRIDAY - DO'S AND DON'TS

 On Her: Top - TSE - $625...Skirt - TSE - $495

On Him: Shirt - Mason's - $245...Pant - Mason's - $295

In terms of work attire, the Pacific Northwest enjoys one of the most relaxed environments in the United States...but with that relaxed attitude comes some workplace 'wardrobe malfunctions' that are best avoided. Here are our Do's and Don'ts from us for 'Casual Friday,' or just for a workplace with a casual dress code. Remember our motto - "Dress better than you have to." 

DO invest in a soft, blazer shaped jacket. Whether you're a man or a woman, a blazer-shaped jacket will pair well with jeans, wool pants, khakis, or if you're a woman, with a casual skirt. You will look 10 times better than your co-workers who aren't wearing a jacket, without looking overdressed. That always comes off as trying too hard. 

DON'T use your suit jacket as a blazer if it has a lot of structure (canvas, shoulderpads, etc) or pinstripes, or if it's too long (it should barely crease your palm when you bend your fingers under the skirt). Likewise, a dressy blazer should be paired with a similarly dressy pant, at MOST casual a dark, solid pair of jeans. Save the cords and khakis for something soft and sweatery.

DO try a pair of 5-pocket pants that aren't made of denim. We brought in some incredible fabrics for men and women in the classic "jean" cut, that are made of stretch wool, canvas, and cotton flannel. The 5-pocket will fit like a jean and look great with a casual jacket, but will look infinitely better in a casual environment than anything rumpled or distressed. 

DON'T wear jeans to work that are intentionally or unintentionally distressed - no holes, no light 'acid washes' etc. Likewise, a cargo pant or anything really sporty is probably left at home during the workday.

DO try a casual variation on a dressy shirt, like a button-front sport shirt in a fun plaid or stripe. Designers are also doing great knit shirts for men and women that button all the way down, or dressy long-sleeve polos that have the feel of your favorite dress shirt without looking too pressed and perfect. Men will always look best if their shirts are tucked in. Ladies, use your best judgement. 

DON'T wear t-shirts with messages on them...those are best for a vacation souvenir, running down to the laundry, or throwing over your swimsuit at the beach. Likewise, don't wear a white tee-shirt on its own - white tees are underwear! (Colored tee shirts are often great on their own under a jacket, but should be approached with caution on their own. Try something with a collar instead.) 

DO try a sneaker in an elegant leather...something with a wing-tip detail, or something that looks like a dressier oxford style. Likewise, a tumbled leather desert boot is a terrific option with a casual pant at work. 

DON'T wear athletic shoes to work. For the most part, that means any white sneaker - canvas or leather - as well as anything that's chunky, has foam soles, large graphics, etc. Save athletic shoes for the gym or a weekend run. 

Whether you work in a law firm or in a software company, these tips are easy to follow and are pretty generally appropriate for men and women. You'll know you're doing it right when your friends and co-workers start asking "What can I do to look more like you? You always look great, no matter what."

Feel like we missed something? Have a special pet peeve you can't WAIT to unload? Leave your suggestions in the comments box! 

BB CASUAL FRIDAY

Do you feel right on casual Fridays? Do you have the right stuff to be casual yet professional? Is your weekend wardrobe feeling stylish? 

Join us in-store TONIGHT from 4-6pm for our BB "Cool Casual Friday” happy hour event, including our semi-annual trunk show from Agave Jeans for Men and Women, for special order. Butch Blum will show you how to dress casually and appropriately for all of your professional and personal endeavors! 

During our BB Cool Casual happy hour (from 4-6pm) guests will enjoy appetizers and complementary cocktails from our local celebrity bartender, Murray Stenson. Stenson, dubbed “the most decorated bartender” by Seattle Weekly, can typically be found tending the bar at Capitol Hill’s Canon restaurant. Plus, throw your name in the hopper for a chance to win giveaways from some of Seattle’s newest and coolest hotspots including The Coterie Room, Toulouse Petit, Ten Mercer, Rocco’s, Grub, VeggieGrill and Hot Cakes--to name a few!  

For those who can't make the Friday cocktail party, the Agave trunk show will continue Saturday, September 22nd from 10am-6pm.

To RSVP for BB "Cool Casual Friday" happy hour, please call 206-622-5760 or email promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com.

MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC S/S 2013

Over at Moschino.com they are streaming the S/S 2013 collection for Moschino Couture, but we thought we'd give anyone who hasn't had a chance to see the Cheap and Chic diffusion collection one more shot.

See a look you love? Let us know - we're putting together the buy right now for the Spring 2013 season.

MOSCHINO LIVE STREAMING

Watch the Moschino show LIVE tonight at 11:30pm and tell us - do you love it? Which pieces would YOU buy? Can't stay up that late? Don't worry - it will be available for download tomorrow.

VOTE FOR BB - BEST IN NW

It's that time of year again! King 5 Evening magazine's "Best of Western Washington" competition has recognized Butch Blum as a contender for the best Men's store title, which we won last year. Help us get the title again this year - click on the logo above to vote!

MURRAY STENSON BARTENDING CASUAL FRIDAY

This just in! Capitol Hill celebrity bartender Murray Stenson (currently at Canon - 12th ave e. and e. Union) will be bartending our Casual Friday event, showcasing his unique flair for a terrific martini.

TRANSIT WINDOW

Our new arrivals from Transit have a look that is evolutionary - not revolutionary...that is, the silhouettes and fabrics are recognizably Transit, but there is a real newness in this season's collection.  There is an interesting play of proportion in the longer and shorter jacket offerings - for both women and men- as well as unusual new fabrics including exquisitely soft Men's viscose shirts, and crunchy washed chiffon blouses in exquisite falling leaf tones for Women.

If you've never seen this collection before then it's time to come take a look! Come see why Transit is one of our favorite sportswear resources, and why a Transit garment is a terrific investment in your casual wardrobe.

NEW TRANSIT ARRIVALS

Wool/Alpaca blend crewneck - $425

The latest arrivals from Transit for men are here at Butch Blum! This incredible collection has an unusually artisanal feel for a sportswear line, and features rare fibers, interesting combinations of knit and woven fabrics, and styles that are modern but never trendy.

CASUAL FRIDAY WINDOW

Our mannequins wear a number of Casual Friday options - soft sport coats, sweater jackets, 5-pocket pants in gorgeous suiting wools, and chinos cut like dress trousers in easy casual fabrics. What do you wear when you don't have to dress up?

PIER ANTONIO GASPARI - FALL 2012

The creative team at Pier Antonio Gaspari, with the support of Fuzzi S.p.A and the creative direction of Gabriele Giussani, put together this creative take on the classic runway fashion show. Enjoy this video from one of our favorite up-and-coming designers, available exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle.

CHEAP AND CHIC LIVE STREAMING

Don't miss the S/S 2013 collection from Moschino Cheap and Chic, live streaming at NOON (Seattle is currently in GMT -7).

NEW ARRIVALS FROM BLUMARINE

 Beaded tee (left)- $395, Bow detail knit blouse (right)- $475, tiered knit miniskirt - $375 - all by Blumarine

With Blumarine it's all about the little details - a jewel here, a self-bow neckline there, a tier of fabric laying just so...we love the amount of thought that goes into their garments. Wear them with your favorite accessories, or wear them on their own and enjoy their beautiful simplicity.

NEW ARRIVALS - WRK

Waxed cotton jacket - WRK - $295

WRK (short for Work - Rest - Karma) is a terrific new resource based in New York, that makes a contemporary product for a young man who doesn't have an enormous clothing budget, but still has sophisticated taste. Their product is on-trend but not trendy - nothing you'd regret buying 2-3 years from now - and features great details like contrast trims (including stretch fabric panels and suede), interesting zippers and buttons, and a close but not skinny fit.

Check out some of our favorite new arrivals from this terrific brand, in store now!

DESIGNER BIO - STEFANIA CARRERA

Since 1983, Stefania Carrera has been called  “The fashion designer of the Milanese woman.” Her story begins every season with her selection of incredible fibers, woven in subtle colors or printed with lyrical images and patterns.  

She initially began designing accessories under her own exclusive label, but has enjoyed close collaborations with fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Trussardi, Erreuno, Lange, Max Mara, Mila Schön and others.

Stefania Carrera's inspiration comes from all over the world, especially from her interaction with innovative Japanese textile manufacturers. She is a design consultant as well as a traditional fashion designer, choosing fabrics and conceiving the overall image of a collection in addition to sketching out individual silhouettes and crafting patterns for garments. She expresses her strong appreciation of beauty by giving importance to small details - a fringe here, a subtle color there, a unique detail in every garment and accessory. 

Come see the accessories collection by Stefania Carrera, exclusively at Butch Blum in the Northwest, and see why this incredible designer is one of our favorite resources for scarves, belts, and more. 

HUGO BOSS DOTTED SCOOPNECK

Top by Hugo Boss - $215

This fabric is SO clever...a polka-dot intarsia knit sweater in baby pink. What could be more fresh or feminine? Also available for just a skosh more ($285) in the same fabric is a long-sleeve, button front cardigan.

CULTURATA FALL SPORT SHIRTS

 Assorted Culturata sport shirts - $185-225

Culturata shirts are 100% made in Italy, from Italian cottons (proudly featuring cottons from Thomas Mason, Testa, Loro Piana, and more), and feature a hip but not too trendy short collar style. The Culturata sport shirt is also one of the best values in its class - similar shirts bearing upper eschelon labels (Gucci, Zegna, etc) are generally made in Eastern Europe or Tunisia, at $250-395 price points.

TO DOUG - A SPEEDY RECOVERY!!!

On Sunday, during the Seahawks game, Doug Baldwin (wide receiver for the Seahawks and the face of BB's upcoming MTM campaign) sustained an injury to his mouth and teeth diving for the ball. We wish him well and a speedy recovery...get well soon Doug!!!

For those interested (especially those with strong stomachs), Doug posted a picture of his injury to his Twitter feed.

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - BELTS BY SUZI ROHER

Belt by Suzi Roher - $395

These are the statement belts to end all statement belts. Crafted from gloss calfskin or wool and lycra stretch fabrics and featuring a hand-tooled pewter buckle, you can add some spice to any simple dress or sweater with any one of these terrific styles - more in store to choose from!

Belt by Suzi Roher - $325

ARMANI JEANS TAILORED JACKET AND DRESS

 Left - Armani Jeans jacket - $295...Right - Dress (worn without jacket) - $215

This ensemble is perfect for a working woman whose day goes into evening, and who needs to take her wardrobe with her! During the day, the jacket and dress ensemble is fabulous for business - its soft cotton stretch fabric comfortable and light, and wrinkle-resistant. During the evening, pair the dress with a big accessory - either a statement necklace or bracelet - and the deep neckline and slightly shorter skirt will make your outfit sexy - but not too sexy.

NEW ARRIVALS - LBM 1911

Jacket by LBM 1911 - $695

A terrific selection of styles from L.B.M. 1911 have just arrived in store. Fabrications from this terrific casual/dressy brand this season include cotton moleskin, cashmere basket weaves, silk/wool/cashmere blend flannels, and more!

Whether you wear it with a pair of jeans or with a dressy flannel pant, L.B.M 1911 jackets are a timeless addition to any man's wardrobe.

SPOTLIGHT ON CANTARELLI

Cantarelli "Planet Jersey" jacket - $1495

Cantarelli is a totally Italian-made brand for a guy who is a little more mature, either in age or in identity, but who still wants something stylish and current. The brand features innovative fabrics (often from the Barbera family's mills) including their "Planet Jersey" wool and cotton stretch materials, which pair beautifully with their signature unconstructed silhouettes. The fit is easy - not too slim, not too full - with stylish touches like patch pockets and a higher notch on the lapel.

Check out suiting and casual jackets from this terrific brand, in our Fall 2012 selection now!

BB FINDS - FASHION JEWELRY

Assorted Styles - $18-55

We have the BEST selection of "BB Finds" - fun fashion jewelry ideas, in a variety of necklace, bracelet, and ring styles. These pieces will bring a smile to your face and some sparkle to your outfit, without breaking the bank.

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER FALL RUNWAY

Jean-Paul Gaultier's colorful collection for Fall 2012, featuring his classic sheer garments, as well as variations on his obsession with the ladies' trenchcoat.

KENT'S PICK - COOPER JONES SHIRT JACKET

Shirt jacket - Cooper Jones Supply - $145

This shirt jacket is ideal in terms of versatility and comfort. Easy care fabric, soft handfeel, a neutral color that goes with anything, and a terrific price - what's not to love? I'd wear this in September over a tee-shirt, and in January with a turtleneck, under a tweed jacket. 

Kent Rogers
MTM Specialist

MARTIN MARGIELA WINDOW

Original artwork by Sharika Roland at ArtForte

This season's arrivals from Martin Margiela, in a contemplative pose. Fall 2012 brings us the Maison's typical array of understated luxury fabrics - cashmere, merino, Sea Island cotton, and more - in flexible styles designed for the unpredictable needs of a modern woman.

LUCIANO BARBERA WINDOW

New arrivals from the master of casual luxury - Luciano Barbera. There are so many different ways to wear Barbera's clothing, because their fabrics are luxurious and elegant, but their cuts are sporty and casual. The combination makes for tremendous flexibility. Try a Barbera saxony shirt jacket over a turtleneck, under a tweedy sport coat with jeans, or try a graphic sport shirt with a flannel necktie and a dressy suit.   How will you do it?

HOUSTON'S OLDEST FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS

Here's a little video from Houston local news ABC 13, about Houston's oldest family-owned business - Hamilton Shirts! Learn about their factory, their gorgeous Swiss and Italian fabrics, and more.

CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY

Butch Blum will be closed Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3 in honor of Labor Day. We invite you to join us for our normal business hours (10am-6pm) on Tuesday, September 4.