GARDEUR "NEVIO"

"Nevio" by Gardeur - $195

One of our most enduringly popular casual pants, the "Nevio" by Gardeur is the perfect pant to transition out of a dated, baggy wardrobe and into more modern cuts - without the 'skinny-shock.' It's not especially low rise and not especially slim through the leg, just enough of both to look hip and current.  This season we have three washes in their signature lightweight twill - Cappuchino (shown), light olive, and chalk.

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS PART II - GAULTIER AND JUVONEN

Outfits by Jean-Paul Gaultier, LBM 1911, and Samuelsohn

This installation took its colors from Peter Juvonen's fabulous abstract art, with tones of teal, salmon, acid yellow and royal blue. Our ladies are wearing Gaultier Soleil's fabulous printed chiffon tunics, which can be draped on the body multiple different ways and worn with different underpinnings to create different effects. During the day, wear them with a tank and leggings, at night, with a simple full slip.  Our gentlemen are similarly versatile - their "spezzato" (unconstructed) jackets perfect for chinos during the day and wool slacks for evening.

ARMANI JEANS DOT CARDIGAN

Cotton/viscose cardigan - Armani Jeans - $195 (Also available in mint/white dot)

Armani Jeans prominently featured the polka-dot motif this season, one of our favorite looks EVER from this versatile collection, and this cardigan is no exception. It's ever so slightly short, perfect for a high-waisted jean on its own (as pictured) or layered over your favorite longer tunic or tank for a waist-elongating look.Also available in mint and white dots over navy.

CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Have a terrific Memorial Day weekend! Butch Blum will be closed in honor of the holiday today (Sunday, May 26) and tomorrow, and will open our normal hours Tuesday the 28th at 10am. 

SUMMER-SAVVY FASHIONS

Outfits by Cantarelli and Antonio Gaspari

The best summer clothes always have that certain quality to them, of lightness and effortlessness. Update your summer wardrobe with silk/wool or wool/linen jackets, tropical weight pants and for ladies, lots of chiffon, like these crystal-pleated tunics. You'll look effortless and feel cool as a cucumber.

We'd like to give another special thank-you to the Ryan James gallery for loaning us these beautiful works of art by Peter Juvonen, a Finnish-born artist who has lived in the Seattle area for several decades.

OPEN TODAY - CLOSED TOMORROW/MONDAY

Jasper Johns - Three Flags (1958)

Make a shopping trip to Butch Blum a part of your Memorial Day weekend plans - we're open this Friday and Saturday, and will be closed Sunday and Monday in honor of the holiday.  See you this weekend!

SAMUELSOHN DOUBLE-BREASTED WINDOWPANE

Super 150's wool and cashmere - Samuelsohn - $1395

It's no secret that double-breasted suits are making a slow comeback- an elegant choice for those who have need of a more tailored wardrobe. How then, to incorporate this style in a closet that's had nothing but single-breasted for years?

Try a double-breasted suit that's a little bit shorter in the jacket and a lot narrower in the shoulder than they were 10 years ago. Your jacket should cross the center of your palm so that you can curl your fingers underneath the skirt without rumpling it. For the very fashion conscious, try an inch shorter than that - about even with your thumb joint.   The shoulder caps should fit squarely on the edges of your shoulders without drooping over, yet not so tight that your tricep bulges out of the sleeve. 

A fabric like this wool/cashmere windowpane is an excellent alternative to stripes, as it flexes more easily into sport-coat territory. Tuck the pocket flaps in and pair with a slim pant in a clear-finish charcoal gray fabric.  Your shoe should also be slightly sportier - a suede oxford or perhaps a light colored nubuck. 

(detail)

NEW ARRIVALS - ARMANI SHIRTS

End-on-end cotton - Giorgio Armani - $275

The latest arrivals in shirting by Armani are exciting yet tasteful, elegant variations on menswear staples. Among the half dozen designs new to our Spring mix are herrinbones, tattersalls, and other classic shirtings, each rendered in a uniquely Armani way.

ALEXA CHUNG IN MOSCHINO

Another celebrity fan of Moschino's is Alexa Chung, who is a model, writer, television presenter and contributing editor of British Vogue. She's seen here in the SS13 sheer geometric coat with organza floral details at the Glamour "These Girls" event, a celebration of all things feminine in our decade.

VARVATOS DERBY BROGUES

John Varvatos Collection - $498

Varvatos takes the classic derby and re-imagines it for daily casual wear, using an innovative double-lacing and a distressed cement color that is anything but ordinary. Wear these with a casual cotton or linen suit, or pair them with your favorite pair of slim jeans for a rocker look a la Varvatos' collection.

FOR THE VARVATOS FAN

2013 Chrysler 300 - John Varvatos edition

For the fan of John Varvatos - or of anything with a rock and roll, american muscle edge - Chrysler partnered with the designer for a limited edition of their "300" sport sedan, with unique European fascia, matte 22" wheels, brushed titanium hardware, and a discreet Varvatos logo on the rear decklid.

KRISTA'S PICK - BY MALENE BIRGER JERSEY SHEATH

By Malene Birger - $295

This is my favorite of our summer dresses. The fabric is a super soft viscose jersey that twists around the body - lots of texture, and easy to move around in. The top third of the dress is a slightly shimmery chiffon that adds some interest and excitement without being too distracting. 

Krista Kelly
Salesfloor

NEW JEWELRY - SUSANNAH GALANIS, AVANT GARDE, MIMA & AIREHEART

Styles by Susannah Galanis, Aireheart by Sydney, and Avant Garde

 Our jewelry runs the gamut from the ridiculous to the sublime this season, and at every pricepoint - fun styles by Soixante Neuf, Avant Garde, and Susannah Galanis for $175-295, and incredible semiprecious styles from Aireheart by Sydney and Mima for $395-1295.   Find styles in gleaming metals, glowing polished stones, and quirky, one of a kind vintage baubles sourced from estate sales, dead stock, and more.

MOORER ALL-WEATHER WINDBLAZER

We coined the term "Wind-blazer" for this piece, as it's a lightweight stretch nylon blend, but cut like a modern blazer. The fabric has a chic, papery feel akin to a silk/wool blend, but is totally weatherproof. 

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS - CANTARELLI AND GASPARI...PART 2

Jacket - Sartoria Cantarelli - $1695...Pleated chiffon over-vest - Antonio Gaspari - $395

Cantarelli's soft, lightweight linen/wool blend jacket dresses up as easily as it dresses down, very much like Pier Antonio Gaspari's crystal-pleat chiffon over-vest. Both of them pair beautifully with slacks, as shown, but can be worn dressed-down easily. The fabrics travel well (particularly the blazer, as the wool in the fabric keeps the linen from looking too distressed), and the taupe/chocolate colors make existing fall pieces in your wardrobe look great right now - as long as they aren't too heavy.

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS - CANTARELLI AND GASPARI

Wool/mohair Suit - Cantarelli - $1895...Cotton-cashmere blend crewneck - Rosso Puro - $425
Pleated chiffon overblouse - Pier Antonio Gaspari - $465...Calf/Rhodium belt - Stephania Carrera - $325

Aren't they a cute pair? The suit is a fabulous wool and mohair blend with a touch of silk in it - it catches the light with a subtle sheen and a micro-check pattern incorporated into the fabric. The overblouse (paired with a viscose tank-slip) is the lightest chiffon, the very shallow pleats adding texture but not weight.

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS

Outfits by Miilla, Moorer and Fuzzi

Ryan James Gallery leant us some fabulous works of art by local artist Peter Juvonen....we love the way the patterns and colors reflect our spring palette of fuchsia, teal, celadon, and tangerine.

SPECIAL PROMOTION - HAMILTON ONE-CUTS

This just in! During our Hamilton Trunk Show tomorrow, we are excited to offer special One-Cut fabrics, materials that exist in such small quantities, only one shirt can be made. You can have your very own custom shirt, normally retailing between $365-425, for $325 during our Hamilton custom event. 

These are available in addition to the normal Hamilton library of fabrics, which will be sold at 20% off their normal retail price. If you haven't RSVP'd yet for the trunk show, please let us know you're coming! 

REMO TULLIANI COTTON BELTS

Cotton belts (also available in Navy) - Remo Tulliani - $85

Brought in especially to coordinate with our Fratelli Rossetti collection this season, these cotton and leather belts are a great value for the construction and the quality of materials. Enjoy them with cotton slacks or jeans, and a great soft pair of shoes.

VARVATOS WAXED LINEN JACKET

Varvatos *USA* - $425

This is a wonderful choice for Seattle...the waxed linen is wrinkle-resistant and a great choice for misty weather. It has a subtle sheen, even sparkle to it, which lifts the olive drab in a sophisticated, 3-dimensional way.

DESIGNER BIO - GIANETTO PORTOFINO

"Denim wash" shirt - $295

Gianetto Portofino is new to our mix for Spring 2013 - a line of hand-finished, small-production shirts made by the same family in Andria, Portofino since 1979.

The line is a family company, started by the mother and father, who still manage the company along with their son and daughter. The father oversees all the business activity, the mother runs the cutting and sewing room, the son creates the collection and is in charge of sales and marketing and the daughter manages administration. In their small factory, there are 8 sewers and 2 cutters for a total of 15 employees.

One of the hallmarks of Gianetto's brand is their "Entirely Made In Italy" concept, which takes Italian fabric and hardware (buttons, snap closures, etc) and creates a fit-intensive product, which is then garment-dyed in a variety of beautiful colors.  In addition to their line of shirts at the retail level, they also produce shirts in a "Bespoke" manner, letting a client take existing styles and modifying the fit, collar style, buttons, plackets, pockets, and washes.

Check out this beautiful collection of shirts in store now, including the beautiful "Denim-wash" patterned shirts styled after traditional chambray, but with tiny figures in the fabric and a soft garment wash.

SUNDAY STYLING WITH CAMERON

Try out new arrivals from D'exterior (pictured above) and more!

This Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12th, choose a special treat for Mom. Seattle's savviest stylist, Cameron Levin will choose from among her favorite designs at BUTCH BLUM to make any Mom look and feel their absolute best  - and ready to take on Spring 2013!

 3 complimentary style appointments, each an hour and a half, choose from Noon, 1:30, or 3pm.

Each complimentary appointment includes a special $100 gift card to Salon Divas, a Fabiana Filippi sachet, PLUS 15% off any BUTCH BLUM purchase over $1000!

RSVP to promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com with the appointment time that works best for you and Mom - First come, first serve!

HAMILTON SHIRTS WINDOW

Our visual director really outdid herself on this one. Created from thousands and thousands of shirt and suit swatches, this beautiful tree is an enticing reminder of all the beautiful custom options growing inside Butch Blum - particularly the Hamilton Shirts Trunk Show on the 15th-19th.

AVANT-GARDE IN Z!NK MAGAZINE

 Z!NK magazine recently used a bracelet by Avant-Garde Paris in their Spring Issue. The theme, "Cremeux" (creamy) celebrates the tones of beige, taupe, grey, mauve, and bronze that are so big this season.  We love their choice and encourage you to stop by and check out this incredible collection of fashion jewelry perfect for any daytime - or nighttime - look!

Avant Garde - $265

NEW STYLES FROM EYEBOBS

Eyebobs - $85

We have some terrific new styles from Eyebobs, featuring brushed stainless steel and environmentally friendly,  renewable bamboo. Check out the latest styles and don't forget, if you love something but we don't have it in your magnification, we can send it to you in less than a week.

Eyebobs - $95

DESIGNER BIO - CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Citizens of Humanity’s head designer, Jerome Dahan, began his career in Los Angeles in the 1980’s with Guess Jeans - then at the top of the ‘designer denim’ game.  He developed the brand into a modern Levi’s - a classic brand wearable by men and women that still maintains a strong fashion bent. 

In 1999, Dahan began Seven for All Mankind, a designer denim label that would re-invent the industry in much the same way that Guess Jeans had some 20 years before. Dahan left Seven for All Mankind in 2002 after disagreements with the design team, and went on to found Citizens of Humanity - bringing together the best fabrics and the fashion-oriented direction the label is known for today. 

In 2007, Dahan would again make news with the company when he merged C of H with Adriano Goldschmied’s brand "Goldsign," which incorporated Goldschmied’s legendary skills with denim washes and finishes. Dahan attributes his success to loving what he does - “If you’re not pure of heart and have a motive other than being passionate and extremely creative, my advice is you better start running, and you better run fast, very fast, because any good fortune you receive will not last for long.” 

Butch Blum is proud to carry the men’s collection of denim bottoms from Citizens of Humanity in both classic “blue jean” washes, and non-denim fashion fabrics. Check out the latest from this terrific label, in store now. 

ARMANI PRINT WINDBREAKER

Armani print windbreaker - $895

The comment we most often get about this piece is "It looks like a necktie fabric" - and it does, a micro pattern with some excellent color mottling in the navy/steel blue color family. The rich fabric has a matte sheen to it, which makes it look incredibly chic and sophisticated.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - KYLIE MINOGUE IN MOSCHINO

Australian chanteuse Kylie Minogue was spotted out and about in this fun little frock by Moschino. "The Wink Dress" was a very popular style this season, selling out in many boutiques.  For some of OUR favorite styles by Moschino, check out our ladies department, where you'll score some of the chic-est looks from this terrific brand.

PRODUCT RUNWAY - FASHION FROM HOME MATERIALS

Client and friend Joslyn Balzarini (far left) and her team at Callison Architects shared these photos with us, and they were too gorgeous not to post...these outfits were created for the Product Runway fashion competition, which requires architects and interior designers to create fashion from home/interior materials. These two outfits were created primarily from Type II vinyl wall covering.  The bustier is made of wall paper,  and the shiny parts (attached to dress and bustier and ultimately the overskirt (hoop), and the shell/bolero (affectionately nicknamed the “power shoulders”) are Mylar coated wall paper.  The jewelry is made out of the rings in the binders that wall covering reps carry around. 

CONGRATS TO CAMERON LEVIN

Congrats to our favorite stylist Cameron Levin for her recent kudos from 425 magazine, which named her one of their "BEST OF 425" (area code) for 2013.

Come see Cameron for her Sunday Styling session this Mother's day, and combine the best of Cameron's taste and "how-to-wear-it" know how with the best of Butch Blum's Spring 2013 collection of clothing! Appointments are still available, RSVP while you still can at promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com or give us a call at 206-622-5760.

FRATELLI ROSSETTI SLIP-ON DECK SHOE

Canvas and leather slip-on - Fratelli Rossetti - $350

Perfect for a day on the boat (The 'gomma' rubber soles are non-marking) or just a walk downtown, this canvas slip-on from Fratelli Rossetti is another amazing addition to our lineup for Spring.

ORIGINAL PAPERBACKS - THE SUMMER SHORT

Original Paperbacks - $105 each

Original Paperbacks' terrific cotton bedford shorts and pants are an excellent way to stay fresh and cool...washable, sturdy, and available in terrific spring colors like Aquamarine, Watermelon, Baby Blue, Chalk, Cement, and more.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - TOM HIDDLESTON IN GIORGIO ARMANI

 Tom Hiddleston (Thor, The Avengers) was at the premiere of Iron Man 3 last month in a Giorgio Armani silk and wool suit strikingly similar to an Armani garment we brought in this season! (Below) We love this elegant look, both for business and special occasion - each of the fabrics compliment each other while standing out beautifully.

Armani silk/wool suit - $1995

Z ZEGNA SHADOW CROSSHATCH SUIT

Z Zegna - $1295

This material is so versatile...it's a terrific option for daily office wear, but also an excellent choice for cocktail or semi-formal attire - pair it with one of our dressy satin vests and a coordinating straight necktie for a black-tie look.  The fit is contemporary, without being extreme.

MABRO WINDOWPANE SPORT JACKET

Mabro - $1195

This is a marvelous jacket for anyone who wants a contemporary take on the eternally versatile navy blue blazer. Crafted from a feather-light tropical weight wool, it has a very spare construction - light on the shoulderpads and canvas - perfect for warm spring and summer days ahead

DON'T WORRY - WE'RE STILL OPEN!

If you happen to visit today between 5 and 6 and encounter our door locked, fret not - we are NOT CLOSED. Give us a knock and we'll be thrilled to open up! Our door will be closed from 5-6 as a precaution against May Day festivities.  Don't hesitate to give us a call as well - 206-622-5760.

ASHA CASHMERE TUNICS

Cashmere tunics - available in apple, citron (pictured) turquoise and sherbet - Asha -  $355
Belts by Transit - $295

When you think of spring weather, typically you don't think of cashmere - that heavenly soft, warm fiber that keeps us cosy during winter chill. When cashmere is knit this light, however, it's a blessing - especially in Seattle, where the weather is somewhat unpredictable - the first week of May we have scheduled highs in the 80s and lows in the high 40s!

Breathable for the warm days and snuggly for the cold, these featherweight cashmere tunics will keep you at the perfect temperature all season long, in pop colors perfect for any wardrobe.