EDWARD ARMAH BOUTONNIERES

Assorted silk boutonnieres - Edward Armah - $35-45 each

Edward Armah is a respected name in accessories, an expert when it comes to fun colors and innovative new ways to wear them. Case in point, these beautiful silk boutonnieres, which are a fun addition to any sport coat or suit.

5 REASONS FOR A NEW SWEATER COAT

Left - Alpaca/wool jacquard knit - Closed - $450
Center - Wool/cashmere donegal bar cardigan - Inis Meain - $895
Right - Wool knit-effect woven 4-patch jacket - Inis Meain - $1475

Sweater jackets make you feel like 007 at home...where he always got the girl.

In for a sweater, in for a sportcoat!

Easy way to trade you completely fashion ignorant boyfriend into something stylish, because he will be comfy too.

Did you look at the prices? A coat for every budget!

Did we mention no wrinkling? - so no pesky evidence of participation in "festive follies"

5 REASONS FOR A NEW SCARF THIS HOLIDAY

Aaaorted scarves by Raffi and Roda - $195-450 each

1. Scarves are the easiest way to show you have any level, no matter how low, of style.

2. Scarves make no statement about what size you think someone is...

3. Scarves are a feel good accessory for a blue Monday.

4. Scarves, especially cashmere, can save you from going into shock, should you fall and break your arm  (trust us - we have recent firsthand experience on this one!).

5. Scarves rarely need any upkeep - they're the non maintenance fashion essential.

THANKSGIVING STORE CLOSURE

However you celebrate your Thanksgiving, we hope you have a wonderful holiday surrounded by those you love.

Butch Blum will be closed today, but we hope you'll visit tomorrow for a relaxing respite from Black Friday madness. We're open our normal hours, 10am-6pm.

A BB CLIENT DRESSED TO MEET THE PM

A client sent us this snapshot of a trip to the residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom - 10 Downing St. Our secret-agent client preferred to remain nameless, but we've outfitted him in 007 style - in this case a beautiful Trussini micro-check.  Kudos on crossing the pond in style!

BLUMARINE AND CLOSED

Left: Stretch knit sheath, Blumarine - $1055
Right: Patch pocket boucle sport coat - $595

How to justify this holiday purchase:

- The camouflage print and embellishment on this Blumarine shift will allow you to blend into the holiday decor when you see someone you want to avoid at a holiday party.

- The drop waistline hides a multitude of sins, especially during the holidays.

- The stretchy fabrics negate any wrinkling that might occur during "festive activities"

- Tweed jackets indicate a level of education and intelligence, even if you don't have your doctorate degree

- The price is right for this sport coat, a lot of fashion cred for not so much money.

5 REASONS YOU NEED A SWELL OUTERWEAR PIECE

Coats by Fabiana Filippi and Herno

We've just released our Winter 2013 look book, highlighting two of our favorite pieces of Fall outerwear...we thought we'd share 5 highly attractive reasons why YOU should have a swell new coat this season:

1. It's the Pacific Northwest! Outerwear is all anyone sees you in - you gotta keep it fresh.

2. Ditch the ratty old coat for something crazy soft - you want something baby soft next to your baby soft skin, right?

3. When the skies are grey, it's very important to coordinate with a grey coat.

4. Why cheat yourself out of something beautiful? Life is meant to be lived luxuriously - get the best darn coat you can afford.

5. Dreaming of a new cashmere coat? Don't count sheep, count hundreds of soft, cuddly cashmere goats for a sweet night's rest.

WE DID IT!

Butch Blum was recently voted best men's clothing out of 49 stores in western Washington by channel King 5's evening magazine survey. This is the second time we've received this award - we were also voted Best Mens Clothing in 2011. Thanks to everyone who supported us - we love you all!

NEW ARRIVALS FROM PYA

PYA - $1195

Patrick Assaraf's "PYA" label is a complete collection of chic, minimal sportswear in top-quality materials - the perfect brand for fashion enthusiasts who prefer not to compete for attention with their own outfits.  Check out their latest delivery - this smart little bomber in ultrasoft lambskin, available in two styles, and a beautiful ultrafine merino polo in three colors

Ultrafine merino/cashmere/silk polo - $195

GEOFF NICHOLSON TIES AND SQUARES

Knit and woven silk ties- Geoff Nicholson - $105

 Easily one of the most sophisticated accessory offerings we've ever seen at this price, Geoff Nicholson accessories are entirely made in Italy from the best silks, linens, and wools in stylish and eye-catching designs.

Silk pocket squares - $65

NEW ARRIVALS - LEFT COAST TEE

Left: V-Neck jersey sweater - $175
Right: Cotton flannel overshirt - $235

Elegant enough to mix with your Luciano Barbera or Armani sportswear, yet inexpensive enough to buy in multiple colors...the new arrivals for Fall from Left Coast Tee are terrific staples for a casual wardrobe in comfortable easy-care fabrics.

DESIGNER BIO - BLUMARINE

Blumarine was founded in 1977 by Anna Molinari and her late husband Gianpaolo Tarabini. The label's name refers to her and her husband's favorite color and their love of the sea. Since the 1990's her daughter Rossella Tarabini has assisted her in the design process, as well as designing the Anna Molinari luxury line.

A hit since its inception, Blumarine was described by journalist Laura Craik as [designed for] "...that brand of Italian miss for whom no dress is too small nor diamond too big." Integral to the brand's DNA is their fascination (almost fetishization) of flashy, dominant florals, animal prints, fur, lace, and above all conspicuously luxurious fabrics - which include precious furs, silks, ultrafine wool and cashmere. This combination gives the brand an eye-catching and thoroughly feminine look.

Look for Blumarine and its younger sister Blugirl in our Fall lineup - we have some incredible pieces in stock and more on the way!

KACEY MUSGRAVES IN BLUMARINE

Kacey Musgraves, a popular young Country artist, was seen at the 2013 CMA awards in this elegant creation from Blumarine, Anna Molinari's chic luxury brand. The dress shows off the more formal side of the line, which is all about Hollywood glamor.

Check out the casual and business side of Blumarine this season at Butch Blum, and check out pre-Spring arrivals due in store soon!

FUZZI- RUCHED JERSEY

Ruched viscose/cashmere jersey - Fuzzi - $495
Feather charms necklace - Susannah Galanis - $375

The sumptuous hand-feel of this viscose/cashmere jersey will win your heart at first touch. You'll stay fond of it after hundreds of wearings - despite the fine weight this yarn is hard wearing and travels beautifully.

BELT/SCARF DETAILS BY MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

Maison Martin Margiela...Sweater - $795, Dress - $995

Recently Mihyon shared her favorite Margiela dress with the blog-o-sphere, and with two more iterations of the same theme it's not hard to see why they're well loved by our staff! This yarn is outrageously soft, but not fuzzy - no pills here. These pieces do not wrinkle, and dress up or dress down

REWARD OF THE WEEK - ROCHE BOBOIS

LUXURIOUS, TIMELESS, INSPIRING INTERIORS | 7,500 BB SKINS

For more than 25 years, Roche Bobois has been helping Pacific Northwest residents create luxurious, inspiring and timeless interiors with our exclusive European collections. Working with a vast array of rich leathers, luxurious fabrics, sleek wood grains and glass, we can help you create meticulously crafted living, dining, and bedroom spaces that are uniquely you. The BB Skin Game recipient will receive a gift certificate for an in-home interior design consultation and 20% savings on purchase. Please visit www.roche-bobois.com. ($300+ value)

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - ADAM SCOTT IN LBM 1911

NBC's Parks and Recreation star Adam Scott did a hilarious photoshoot for Maxim Magazine recently, wearing some of the season's best preppy-nerdy-chic ensembles, including this terrific jacket by Luigi Bianchi Mantova.

NEW ARRIVALS - CASHMERE HOPSACK BLAZER

All-Cashmere blazer - $1795 (available in taupe)

This fabric has the loveliest hand-feel, much like a favorite sweater. It's lightweight and warm, but breathable enough to be seriously comfortable regardless of the weather. A forever-piece for any guy's wardrobe, you'll love it more every time you wear it.

Detail - hand-finished pockets

SNOWFLAKE WINDOW DISPLAY

Outfits by Z Zegna, Giorgio Armani, and Corneliani

 Take a close look at our fabulous displays...within our dispay window hang a dozen or so pieces of glass, layered one atop another decorated with small etched snowflakes. It's our subtle reminder of the weather to come - be sure you're not caught unprepared without a GREAT winter coat.

Outfits by Biella Collezioni

ROYAL'S PICK - ARMANI JERSEY BLAZER

Giorgio Armani - $995

 I was very pleased with the way this garment came out. It's a marvelous fabric; it's soft and stretchy but surprisingly dressy. I expect it would be a very good choice for travel, since it's so wrinkle resistant. I like the trimmer fit, too - not *tight* but trim, with a beautiful shape. 

Royal Roles
Men's luxury buyer

NEW ARRIVALS - VELVET MEN

Left: Warmup jacket - $275
Right: Shawl collared patch-pocket jacket - $225

Velvet's collection of sophisticated t-shirt basics have just arrived for Holiday!  This collection includes minimal warmup jackets, dandified shawl collars on pullovers and jackets, and a wide range of t-shirt and sweatshirt inspired fabrics, all machine washable and built to last for years.

Left: Superwashed long-sleeve tees - $110
Right: Shawl-collared thermal pullover - $145

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA SPRING 2014

New arrivals for pre-Spring (resort season) are just starting to trickle in from the masters at Maison Martin Margiela. Look for clean, minimal tailoring with a play on proportion and subtle, surreal details - all hallmarks of the famed Maison.

JOHN VARVATOS 'DYLAN' SLIP-ON

"Dylan" - John Varvatos - $350

The "Dylan" slip-on is the perfect example of John Varvatos' aesthetic. It's a classic Venetian slip-on loafer, with a modern sensibility...a little worn, a little chunky, and a little bit casual, but still something you can dress up when you need to.  Best of all, because of the weather-treated suede and the rubber sole, it'll stay looking exactly the way it started, step after step.

JOHN VARVATOS EDITION 300

If the cherry red dream machine from Ferrari we posted yesterday isn't your thing, perhaps something in sleek minimalist black over titanium?  John Varvatos collaborated with Chrysler this year to create the John Varvatos 300, a stylish iteration of the classic "300" muscle sedan. Varvatos' car features a color combination and interior appointments chosen by the designer himself, and is limited to 5000 piece - 0001 of 5000 of course belonging to the designer himself.

REWARD OF THE WEEK - A FERRARI ONCE IN A LIFETIME GETAWAY

ONCE IN A LIFETIME   300,000 BB SKINS

The lucky BB Skin Game recipient will receive an exclusive factory tour of Ferrari in Modena, Italy for two. Your tour will include a welcoming speech and overview, a visit to the GT Division (engine foundry, paint application, vehicle assembly lines), a visit to the Racing Department (vehicle assembly, engine assembly, race preparation area), a private visit to the Ferrari Museum with a dedicated guide, and a personal shopper at the Ferrari Store where you can purchase at your leisure. Reservations must be made in advance through Roberto Perrina, Ferrari & Maserati of Seattle: 206-329-7070. Factory tour is subject to change or cancellation by Ferrari even after a reservation has been made.

NICKY HANDMADE NECKTIES

Nicky handmade neckwear - $165-225

These flannel, silk, and knit wool/cashmere ties from Nicky Cravatte are wonderful examples of what a necktie should look, feel, and most importantly - TIE. They create a beautiful lofty knot, perfect  for the Italian spread collars we're featuring from Culturata, Sartoria Partenopea, and Armani.

LBM 1911 TERRA-COTTA PANTS

LBM 1911 - $295

This pant is the BEST color - quite a fun statement with a beige, chocolate brown or light grey blazer.  Don't try and match with it either (unless your shirt or tie has a small amount of this color in it) - it will look its best as a stand-out, contrast color.

JACKETS BY LBM 1911

Jackets by LBM 1911 - $895

One of the best things about jackets which are unlined, unconstructed, and generally soft (like these styles) is the capability of using heavier, loftier fabrics without feeling over-warm.  Because there is no Bemberg lining (a fine nylon used for suits and sport coats) the coats don't trap as much heat, making them comfortable from September through March, and often more.

Check out these and other beautiful unconstructed jackets in store now!

NEW ARRIVALS FROM JBRAND

Assorted washes and fabrics by J.Brand - $195-250 each

When it comes to the bleeding edge of cool, casual pants, look no further than the J.Brand collection at Butch Blum! We have all the best washes in denim and twills, even an incredible stretch velveteen in all the latest Fall fashion colors. Enjoy subtle spruce, brick, dust, black, and more - perfect with all your favorites.

NEW ARRIVALS - CULTURATA SPORT SHIRTS

Assorted styles by Culturata - $195-225

The latest from Italian shirtmaker Culturata are on the shelf- 120's and 140's staples of cotton from the best mills in Italy. Easily the most attractive feature of the Culturata product, these fabrics are literally identical to the fabrics used by major Italian designers like Gucci, Zegna, and more - but retail for $100-150 less.

NEW ARRIVALS - FRATELLI ROSSETTI

Fratelli Rossetti - $635

Following the lines of a classic "Chelsea Boot" style, Fratelli Rossetti updated a menswear classic using tumbled calfskin with a soft hand-feel, creating a look that straddles the line between dressy and casual.

NEW ARRIVALS - BLAKE GREEN CUFFLINKS

Cufflinks by Blake Green - $415-995

 Exclusive to us in Seattle, Blake Green's beautiful cufflinks are handmade from .925 Sterling Silver, with precious and semi-precious gemstones in artful and unique styles.  More reasons to love this amazing brand:

• Each detailed piece is handmade start to finish in New York City.

• Only high quality solid gold and sterling silver is utilized.(No vermeil)

• Tested For perfect placement on the cuff, ensuring neither spinning nor twisting.

• Signature collection offers several bespoke options for a unique statement.

• Customizable stone cuts, color combinations, settings and back end designs.

• Precious & semi‐precious stones, such as onyx, iolite, topaz, mother‐of‐pearl, and even tourmalines, etc. can be used.

• Hand engraved options for a personalized feel. 

• The stem of each cufflink has room for sentimental engraving such as a significant date or initials.

Check out our latest choices from this incredible line in store now, or check out some of their custom special-order options at the website www.blake-green.com

MARGIELA DESIGN OBJECTS: GLASS SLIPPER

Cinderella's fairy-tale glass slipper is the stuff of legend, but did you know perennial Butch Blum favorite Maison Martin Margiela actually produced a limited edition glass-slipper objet d'art as part of their SS2009 collection?  It's currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's permanent collection.

CIVIDINI FW 2013

Cashmere hooded long cardigan trimmed with fur - $2575

Piero and Miriam Cividini's signature brand is inspired by their architectural training and features innovative cuts and shapes in one-of-a-kind fabrics, both knit and woven. Unusual dying techniques (the fur trim has an ombré effect unique to this product) and cool closures complement the styles without overwhelming them.

Come by and check out this truly special collection, exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle!

NEW ARRIVALS - HELIANTHUS "KAY" CONVERTIBLE BAG

"Kay" by Helianthus - $1675

One of the cheeriest, most unusual bags we've come across, this playful bag by "Helianthus" is a marvel of versatilit. Featuring two removable straps that can be used separately for an over-the-shoulder look, or or together as a backpack alternative, this bag is a marvelous briefcase alternative for a professional woman! The front of the bag is an ultra-soft quilted lambskin (almost like a bubble-wrap quilting!) and the back of the bag is a coated, stamped calfskin in a crocodile print. Available in white, black, and cobalt blue.