CELEBRITY SIGHTING - GISELE BÜNDCHEN IN MOSCHINO

In a recent shoot for Vogue Brazil, Model/Actress/Socialite/Mom Gisele Bündchen 'modeled' a sprightly Moschino ensemble. Lots of fun, and the perfect balance of crazy color and simple basic.

A QUICK TRIP TO MOSCHINO

Moschino boutique, NY

"We swung by the Moschino boutique in the meat packing district on Sunday. What a treat - all the hearts hanging from the ceiling. Such a fantasy to walk into!"


Kay Smith-Blum
CEO, Butch Blum

KENT'S PICK - Z ZEGNA KNIT JACKET

Z Zegna knit jacket - $695

Pieces like this little knit jacket are very useful in my wardrobe because I have to dress like a professional, but don't like to look too tailored every day. The silhouette says sport coat, but the fabric says hip sweater. I also love the raw edges, which add a really nice textural balance. 

Kent Rogers

MTM specialist, Blogmaster

(detail)

DEAL OF THE DAY - BP STUDIO LONG CARDIGAN

Cardigan - BP studio - was $625, now $189

This linen blend cardigan by BP Studio features an airy, open weave and a delicately colored, yet boldly patterned stripe...sort of like the princess meets the rugby player!  As today's DEAL OF THE DAY, you'll be budget savvy too.

DEAL OF THE DAY - RELWEN HOODY

Relwen double-face hoody...was $185, now $79

This hoody is a terrific double-faced (read: a different super-soft texture on each side) fabric, perfect for summer strolls on the beach in the evening. This garment is sure to become your favorite piece for laying back and cuddling up with someone special.

NEW ARRIVALS FROM CIVIDINI

New arrivals from Cividini have just been shipped to Butch Blum!  Things we love about Cividini:

• The yarns that go into a Cividini cashmere sweater are always spun from the longest, softest cashmere fiber, so there is dramatically less pilling than lower quality sweaters - the fiber never leaves the yarn.
• Cividini specializes in unusual fabrics, producing innovative cloths from unusual fibers, including jute, metal, plastic, and more.
• The brand has an artisanal approach to color and pattern, often applying dye directly to the garment by hand, like an artist with his canvas. 
• Because the garments are designed by two architects, they often have unusual structural features like rightside-up/upside-down wearability 

Come check out the beautiful new pieces we've received for the pre-fall 2012 season, and stay tuned for more fabulous new arrivals!

DEAL OF THE DAY - BY MALENE BIRGER CUFF

Bracelet by By Malene Birger - was $195 now $69

This bracelet by Danish darling 'By Malene Birger' sparkles without overwhelming you OR your look. At over 60% off, this terrific accessory is a must for summer.

OLVI'S STORE WINDOW

Check out some of our latest arrivals by Olvi's - a fabulous Dutch brand that uses French stretch lace in all their marvelous creations.

DEAL OF THE DAY - MARGIELA UNCONSTRUCTED JACKET

Wool saxony unconstructed blazer - WAS $1575 NOW $499

Finished with working buttonholes and featuring a slim shoulder and unconstructed body, this blazer from Maison Martin Margiela can easily be worn in Seattle from October through April with a cool pair of slim black jeans or a charcoal wool dress pant. At well over 60% off, this DEAL OF THE DAY is a superb addition to any wardrobe, casual or dressy! Available in a Margiela 56 (US 44 L)

BUTCH'S PICK - MARTIN MARGIELA COAT

Overcoat by Martin Margiela - $2195

What an incredible coat. The fabric is so interesting, yet so usefully neutral...it picks up shades of grey, chestnut brown, black, and heather - there's not much it doesn't go with - yet it's more eye-catching than 90% of the other topcoats you'll find out there. 


Butch Blum
chairman emeritus

(Detail)

GIORGIO ARMANI FOR BRUCE WAYNE

 If you saw the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises" and wondered who made Christian Bale's incredible wardrobe, we've got the answer - Giorgio Armani. Mr. Bale's suiting for the movie came from Giorgio Armani's "Fatto a Mano" handmade-to-measure program, available in Seattle exclusively at Butch Blum. Mr. Armani is no stranger to the movies, having created wardrobes for such blockbusters as "American Gigolo," "The Untouchables," and the first "Dark Knight" film.

DEAL OF THE DAY - BARBARA MILANO TOTE

Large tote by Barbara Milano - was $395, now $179

A sumptuous calfskin paired with interesting mock python accents, this playful bag by Barbara Milano is a terrific piece to transition summer brights into fall neutrals.

LUCIANO BARBERA FALL ARRIVALS

A wonderful selection of elegantly casual Luciano Barbera sportswear options have just arrived from Italy. Choose sumptuous leathers, soft, sophisticated cotton shirtings, and the most innovative Saxony wool neckwear from this incredible brand. A Butch Blum exclusive in Seattle.

DEAL OF THE DAY - GRAVATI LOAFER

Gravati slip-on...was $595, now $149

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity - a handmade Gravati slip-on shoe for under $150...over 70% off! Hurry and snag this terrific loafer while it's still here.

(Sizes 8.5 and 10 still available)

DEAL OF THE DAY - BLUMARINE PRINT DRESS

Left: (detail of neckline)
Right: Blumarine jersey print dress -  was $1545, now $449

This incredible jersey is outrageously soft, and hand-screened with a fabulous feather motif. Smoky brown diamante' and faux pearls are hand-affixed to the neckline, creating a bedazzled look perfect for any evening occasion. This dress is perfect for travel too - the fabric packs beautifully and has excellent wrinkle recovery. At over 70% off - how could you not?

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - RIHANNA IN ARMANI JEANS

Pairing a low-rise Armani Jean with her own stagewear jacket, Rihanna wowed her audience at a recent concert, and proved that a basic pair of black or blue jeans really do go with anything. Check out new Armani Jeans styles for women at Butch Blum now, including the label's indispensable blazers and shift dresses.

GRAVATI WATERPROOF BUCKS

Gravati - Both styles were $595, now $359

The Fashion magazines agree - a pair of nubuck shoes in a light color are GREAT for spring. Trouble is, the white or chalk color favored by the jet set don't really work great in Seattle's rainy weather. Why not try a light honey or tan colored waterproof suede, that has a spring feel without being too tricky to keep clean? At 40% off, the price is right to try something new, too.

NEW ARRIVALS FROM GIORGIO ARMANI

We're receiving new items daily from Giorgio Armani's signature collection - the Black label. This season's fabrics combine Armani's signature sense of luxury and love of texture with new technology in textiles, and feature innovative wrinkle-free finishes and four way stretch for ultimate mobility.  Check out some of our favorites from the Milanese master - in store now! 

DEAL OF THE DAY - JBRAND CHINO

was $225, now $89

This JBrand chino is a great 5-pocket cut, just like your favorite pair of jeans, but is a dressy enough fabric to pair with a casual blazer or pullover v-neck for work.

MOMENTS FROM THE STAFF PARTY

The whole group

Waiting for a turn at Bocce 

Having fun

Posing for the photo 

More fun!

The first annual BB Scrabble game

HALF OFF MARKDOWNS AT BUTCH BLUM!

It's that part of the sale - half-off markdowns! Take 50-60% off on selected merchandise from our best designers, including Giorgio Armani,  Blumarine,  Luciano Barbera,  Moschino,  Maison Martin Margiela, and more during our Spring/Summer savings event. Fire the starting gun - these deals are going FAST!

NEW ARRIVALS FROM BLUGIRL

Newly arrived for Pre-Fall are some incredible skirts, tops, and more from Blumarine's little sister Blugirl. Featuring playful embellishments over incredibly rich fiber blends, Blugirl is a great way to have fun and look stunning doing it!

LEATHER IN THE NW - HOW DO I DO IT?

Gimo's - $1595

When we show a leather garment to a client, we're often hear some variation on "It's beautiful, but I could never wear that in Seattle, it rains too much." Here's some tips from the professionals at Butch Blum for making a leather garment last in the Northwest, whether it's new or an old favorite:

• Treat your leather and suede with all-weather spray, readily available from shoe repair shops. Don't soak the piece in it, but use enough to evenly cover the entire garment. Let dry, then repeat. (For suede, a quick brushing with a stiff plastic or wire brush in-between sprays will keep the nap from falling flat). This should be done at most once or twice every 6 months, depending on how much the garment gets wet.
• Don't store leather in a plastic garment bag, as the leather will not be able to breathe and will be more susceptible to changes in temperature. Choose a cloth cover instead - one of our signature Butch Blum garment bags will be an excellent choice. 
• If you must iron the item, set the iron on the lowest setting, without steam.  Place a heavy brown paper grocery bag (or similar) on the outer side of the garment, between the garment and the iron.  Iron quickly, without pressing down - leather will burn easily!
• Choose a sturdy hanger - especially one with wide shoulders - so the garment doesn't lose its shape.
• When the garment becomes wet, let it dry naturally but be sure that it does not stay moist too long, as it may mildew. Room temperature (65-70 degrees) should be fine. Do NOT use a machine dryer, as it will shrink the garment and/or damage the piece's natural oils.
• Clean smooth leathers with a damp cloth.
• Regularly brush suede with a stiff wire or plastic brush. Avoid cleaning chemicals.
• Don't spray hairspray or fragrances while wearing your leather items.
• Seek out a professional leather care specialist when the garment becomes badly worn or soiled. Be judicious about cleaning anything- sometimes a leather garment's appeal improves as it absorbs natural dust and oils from your skin, and develops a patina that looks beautiful and feels personal. 

With a few easy steps, a beautiful leather or suede garment can be a great investment - one that will serve you well for many years. 

ROYAL'S PICK - ARMANI LEATHER COAT

Giorgio Armani Black Label - $4495

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you - that's not nylon, it's leather. Crafted from an impossibly soft lambskin, this coat is the physical definition of luxury. Check out this piece, as well as some other terrific choices from the Giorgio Armani Pre-Fall 2012 collection, newly arrived this week!

"This amazingly soft leather has a beautiful matte black finish, and the tailored fit will, after a short time, conform to the wearer in a very personal way. It's surprisingly light, for such a warm garment."
Royal Roles
Men's luxury buyer

MARTIN MARGIELA FALL 2012 MENSWEAR

Featuring more color than is typical for this designer, as well as an emphasis on the waistcoat and overcoat silhouettes, this is another innovative collection from the venerable French fashion house.

SLIPPERS BY DEREK ROSE

Slippers by Derek Rose - $195

A soft, elegant men's slipper, featuring sheepskin lining on a lightweight suede body. The soles are cushioned for extra protection, and feature non-marking suede soles...perfect for homes with carpets or wood floors.

NEW POCKET SQUARES

Linen and silk pocket squares - $65 each

Just in time for warm weather are these sunny fun pocket squares, in beautiful silk jacquards and linen poplin!

NEW ARRIVALS - TSE

(outer) cocoon - $995...(inner) double-breasted jacket - $995

New arrivals from this innovative Chinese designer have just arrived. Check out the incredible silk and cashmere fabrics and interesting cuts, and pause for a moment to marvel at the fabric's subtle softness and sheen.

DEAL OF THE DAY - RELWEN SPORT SHIRT

Seersucker madras button-down sport shirt - was $145, now $59

This beautiful fabric is going to be your favorite summer go-to for sunny days ahead. Featuring short sleeves, chest pocket, and a button-down collar, its array of teal, brick, and yellow cross-hatching will go with any outfit. Fabulous!

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS - SALE!!!

Sale outfits by Fuzzi, LBM 1911, and Giorgio Armani

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - KATE BOSWORTH IN HUGO BOSS

Kate Bosworth wore head-to-toe Hugo Boss Black at the Hugo show this week, in a little black dress that's anything but basic.  Look for more beautifully tailored separates from this venerable label at Butch Blum for fall!

HERNO: WHERE DOES YOUR OUTERWEAR COME FROM?

When you're purchasing that garment, do you ever really ask "Where did this come from?" "Why does this cost what it costs?" "Is this the only one of its kind, or am I spending good money on something I'm going to see on other people?" As consumers we are often entranced by the allure of a designer garment. The runway shows, the fragrances, the glossy ads in fashion magazines, all contribute to a certain glamor, which itself often contributes to our decision to purchase a designer garment. At Butch Blum, it's always our goal to not only make sure you're buying an incredibly well made, stylish garment, but also that you're buying the best value in a garment's class. With that aim in mind, we are proud to carry outerwear garments by Herno.

An Italian company founded in the 1940's, Herno has been an outerwear specialist since its inception, creating innovative impermeable garments entirely in Italy from distinctive materials, while maintaining a fashion-conscious edge. Herno's standards are well known throughout the fashion industry, which is why they have partnered with name brand designers like Prada, Jil Sander, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and more since the 1990's. Designers like these are ill-equipped to produce outerwear (most of them started as leather manufacturers) and have contracts with Herno to produce designs for them under license.

It becomes very obvious when you compare prices why it's smarter to buy garments with a manufacturer's label, rather than buy the designer-labeled iteration. A Prada Linea Rossa nylon jacket typically costs between $1195 and $1995, depending on trims, length, etc. A similar style from Herno (using the same quality construction, fabric, fastenings etc) may cost as little as $895-1495. Which do YOU care about - the label inside the garment, or how the garment looks, feels and most importantly - lasts? That extra $300-500 in your wallet left over from purchasing your new favorite coat is a great reminder that you can be stylish AND savvy. Look for new arrivals from Herno this fall, exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle.

MIHYON'S PICK - MM6 DRESS

Dress by MM6 Martin Margiela - was $545, now $325

This dress is SO comfortable! I love the fabric, it's a little shiny, and has a really nice drape. This fabric won't ever wrinkle, so it's great for traveling. Make it a little more dressy by wearing it with some cute heels and bare legs. 


Mihyon Ahn
Asst. Women's buyer

DEAL OF THE DAY - BARBARA MILANO

Small messenger (also available in white) by Barbara Milano - Was $365, now $139

Today's DEAL OF THE DAY is this chic little faux-croc messenger by Barbara Milano. Small enough not to weigh too much yet deep enough to carry all of a woman's most important things, this bag is a great daily choice at an irresistible price.

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!

Three flags (1958) by Jasper Johns

We are wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day! Butch Blum will be closed in honor of the holiday July 4, and will re-open our normal hours (10am-6pm) on Thursday, July 5.

Flag (1957) by Jasper Johns

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - REGINA SPEKTOR IN CHEAP AND CHIC

This shot from the June Nylon magazine features singer Regina Spektor in one of Moschino Cheap and Chic's adorably girly takes on the classic "smoking." Very stylish, my dear!

DEAL OF THE DAY - ARMANI JEANS JEWELED TEE

Jeweled tee (Black tee only) - was $195, now $79

Today's deal of the day is a beautiful viscose jersey top, decorated subtly with a spray of crystal details. It's an excellent top to wear out with a cute pair of jeans and a great clutch, or to tuck into a skirt suit for work.

DEAL OF THE DAY - ASSORTED MEN'S BELTS

Belts by Giorgio Armani and Remo Tuliani...Normally $125-195, now $49-79

Today's DEAL OF THE DAY is an assortment of great belt styles from Remo Tuliani and Giorgio Armani, in stamped leather, textured leather, and suede. More styles available - come see us for more info!