12/31/13

NEW YEAR'S HOURS

We are SO excited to ring in the new year, we're closing early! Butch Blum will close at 5pm tonight, and we will be closed New Year's day - opening our normal hours January 2. SEE YOU IN 2014!

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING TONIGHT!?

New arrivals from Giorgio Armani and Maison Martin Margiela

Do you have the PERFECT outfit for New Years? Tell us about it - on facebook or in the comments section below!

If you DON'T have something spectacular to wear tonight, don't forget we're open until 6 and validate parking at the WAC garage - let us give you a sparkling NY makeover.

New arrivals from John Varvatos and By Malene Birger

12/30/13

WE'RE MOVING!

Our new space faces 6th avenue - on the right side of the building pictured

Yes you read that correctly! After nearly 40 years in our space at 1408 Fifth Avenue, we have decided to seek a fresh new start in a new space. Don't worry - the new space is only a block away at the gorgeous 2 Union Square complex, across the street from the Washington Athletic Club. Our move-in date is March 1 - stay tuned for exciting news and events as we pack.

SKIN GAME OF THE WEEK - CAPITAL GRILLE

THE CAPITIAL GRILLE | 2,000 BB SKINS

The Capital Grille offers the very best in elegant dining. The Capital Grille specializes in dry aged steaks, the freshest seafood, and decadent desserts. Their award-winning collection of more than 300 wines is an experience in itself. Dine at the Capital Grille for a meal that is classically prepared, and an atmosphere that is luxurious and relaxed. Please enjoy complimentary parking in the evening, beginning at 5 pm. Lucky BB Skin Game players will enjoy a $100 gift certificate for dinner. Please visit thecapitalgrille.com or call 206-382-0900. ($100 value)

12/28/13

STORE CLOSURE

We will be closed Sunday, December 29, and re-open our normal hours (10am-6pm) Monday, December 30.

GAYDI ALLRED IN ARMANI JEANS

Armani Jeans - $195

Gaydi modeling her favorite new BB top - a chic dolman-sleeve turtleneck from Armani Jeans!

12/27/13

CHARLY'S PICK - MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA CONVERTIBLE

Maison Martin Margiela - $995

"This dress is so chic and so sleek - and just about the most perfect day-into-night dress I've seen. Pull the sleeves down your arm and belt it for a day look, and then tie the sleeves back and go sleeveless for evening!"

Charly Locking
Sales Support

12/26/13

CONGRATULATIONS, BRENT!

An especially outré look from Cardin's boutique collection

Congratulations to Brent, who correctly guessed the last American Hustle game trivia question!

Q: One of the most financially successful designers EVER, this 'space-age' French designer made a number of very popular garments for us, including Nehru stand-up collars, lapel-less jackets, and lots and lots of flared, double-knit pants. Who was it?

A: Pierre Cardin

12/24/13

HOLIDAY HOURS

We close today at 5, and are closed tomorrow in honor of the Christmas holiday - re-opening day after Christmas at 10am. However you celebrate this year, we hope it's a relaxing celebration for everyone you love.

Merry Christmas!

-The Butch Blum team

REASONS WHY YOU NEED THIS JACKET

Armani Collezioni - $1195

Reasons you need this jacket:

It's Armani, so it's gonna look good until it falls apart (which will take a couple decades).
The fabric is SO cool - weatherproof nylon that looks like old school suiting wool.
Everyone needs a peacoat, but yours could be a bit more special.
Double-Breasted is the new Single Breasted.
If you're a traveler, you'll love the way it rolls up in a ball without wrinkling.

12/23/13

AMERICAN HUSTLE GAME #6

A quintessentially '70's design in luxurious Dacron double-knit!

We're celebrating our move - after 40 years in this space! - by returning to our roots with an American Hustle homage. Set in the early 1970's, American Hustle features many of the same designers we debuted in the Northwest.

Show us your knowledge of the flamboyant, fabulous 1970's with our American Hustle game - every day we're giving away a $50 gift certificate to the individual who correctly answers our trivia question first.

Q: One of the most financially successful designers EVER, this 'space-age' French designer made a number of very popular garments for us, including Nehru stand-up collars, lapel-less jackets, and lots and lots of flared, double-knit pants. Who was it?

CONGRATULATIONS MEREDITH!

Congratulations to Meredith, who correctly guessed our 5th American-Hustle themed trivia question!

Q: An early favorite at the store were three-piece suits in unusual up-shades like green and orange, by a "wild" Swedish brand still in business today. Who was it?

A: Tiger of Sweden.

Stay tuned for more 70's-retro trivia!

12/22/13

AMERICAN HUSTLE GAME # 5

Q: An early favorite at the store were three-piece suits in unusual up-shades like green and orange, by a "wild" Swedish brand still in business today. Who was it?

CONGRATULATIONS STEVE!

Congratulations to Steve LaForte, who correctly guessed yesterday's American Hustle trivia question!

Q: When we opened our store in 1974, we proudly featured one of the oldest continuously manufactured shoe designers, a sophisticated designer from Switzerland still in business today. Who was it?

A: Bally of Switzerland - in continuous production since 1851.

Stay tuned for more retro trivia this afternoon!

REASONS - WHY YOU NEED THIS SILK/CASH TUNIC

Silk and cashmere floral-print tunic - Avec - $155

5 reasons you need this printed tunic:

Even if you're super el-cheapo you can appreciate a cashmere/silk top at this price.
Don't be afraid to wear winter white - if you spill on it the roses will hide it.
Hopefully you love it, because it's so well made you're gonna have it a LONG time.
You may not have a green thumb, but you'll never inadvertently kill *these* flowers.
Cashmere and silk is perfect if you're an itchy kind of gal.

12/21/13

AMERICAN HUSTLE GAME - #4!

a quintessentially BB pair of '70's shoes

Q: When we opened our store in 1974, we proudly featured one of the oldest continuously manufactured shoe designers, a sophisticated designer from Switzerland still in business today. Who was it?

WHY YOU NEED THIS BLUGIRL CARDIGAN

Chiffon- front cardigan - Blugirl - $625

5 reasons you need this cardigan:

Winter is SO depressing without flowers.
You'll see life in La Vie en Rose.
It matches your rosy cheeks!
Lightweight fabric in dark colors means you wear it all year round.
It looks great with almost every skirt, pant, and jean in your wardrobe.

CONGRATULATIONS, JACK!

Egon and Diane von Fürstenberg

Congratulations to Jack, who correctly guessed the answer to yesterday's American Hustle game:

Q: One of our earliest best-selling designers was an Austrian man famous for his royal background, his "power look" and his fabulously beautiful wife. Who was it?

A: Prince Egon Von Fürstenberg

Stay tuned this afternoon for today's question!

12/20/13

AMERICAN HUSTLE GAME - #3

Bradley Cooper's "Power Look" - on set of American Hustle

Q: One of our earliest best-selling designers was an Austrian man famous for his royal background, his "power look" and his fabulously beautiful wife. Who was it?

REASONS WHY YOU NEED THIS SWEATER

Intarsia-woven micro-pattern sweater - Maison Martin Margiela - $695

5 Reasons you need this sweater:

Hey Sailor! You don't have to be in the Navy to be in love with navy blue.
This micro-pattern is much more interesting than a solid.
Martin Margiela doesn't mess around - this guy's gonna last forever.
You can wear it when you meet Kanye West - it's his favorite brand.
You don't need to put this away when it gets warmer - wear it year round!

AMERICAN HUSTLE GAME

We stumped you! Nobody guessed the answer to yesterday's question.

Q: During the 1970's our most popular necktie resource was Vitaliano _______________. For special extra credit (no cash value sadly), answer this: Our most popular neckties were between ________ and _________ inches wide.

A: Vitaliano Pancaldi
Our most popular neckties were between 4 and 5 inches wide - most were around 4.5 inches.

Stay tuned this afternoon for today's question and another opportunity to win a $50 GC!

12/19/13

AMERICAN HUSTLE - QUESTION # 2

Jeremy Renner in a VERY 1970's tie. This is SO BB 1974.

Q: During the 1970's our most popular necktie resource was Vitaliano _______________. For special extra credit (no cash value sadly), answer this: Our most popular neckties were between ________ and _________ inches wide.

WHY YOU NEED NEW FASHION JEWELRY

Pyrite, topaz, and semiprecious stones on 14k gold - $325-695 - all by Soixante-Neuf

5 reasons you need some new fashion jewelry:

Pyrite is "fools gold" for a smart lady!
You won't be heartbroken if you lose one of these - just really really sad.
You already layer your shirts and sweaters - why not layer your chains?
You've got a dozen things that would look FABULOUS with these!
Nobody will know how relatively little these cost - impress someone with a really great gift.

Labradorite beads on 14k gold - $345 and $495 - both by Soixante-Neuf

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEAN!

Congrats to Jean Hardy, who won yesterday's American Hustle Game question! Jean correctly guessed that it was Yves Saint Laurent who provided one of our most popular items in '74-75 - the wide lapel velvet blazer.

Stay tuned this afternoon for today's trivia question!

12/18/13

AMERICAN HUSTLE GAME

Q: In the early 70's, what iconic French Designer was responsible for the hundreds of velvet blazers we sold?

REASONS - YOU NEED NEW GLOVES (LADIES)

Cashmere/silk knit gloves with bead trim - $245,
Cashmere and sheepskin convertible glove - $495, both by Fabiana Filippi

5 reasons you need a new pair of gloves:

Baby, it's cold outside!
These look so chic under your old coat, it's almost like you don't need a new one. ALMOST, but not quite.
All-leather gloves are SO COLD when you put them on. These will warm you up much quicker.
Beaded trim looks so cute with your favorite Christmas sweater.
Longer gloves means your arms stay warm too - even with a shorter sleeve.

Pulled loop trim glove - Fabiana Filippi - $235
Alcantara-trim viscose glove - D'exterior - $195

12/17/13

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA HANDBAGS NOW 30% OFF!

Calfskin bags by Maison Martin Margiela - were $1795 each, now $1255

Whether you carry these for their chic, minimal look - or because they are the perfect size for a small netbook or tablet - these bags by Maison Martin Margiela are incredible additions to business and casual wardrobes both. Available in basic black and bordeaux (THE color of the season). While they last, enjoy a 30% discount to sweeten the deal!

REASONS - YOU NEED NEW CUFFLINKS!

Assorted Jonathan Wachtel cufflinks - $155-185

5 reasons you need new cufflinks!

You can pretend you are elegant for once.
You can rock your inner Gordon Gekko.
French cuffs signal you are in tune with George Clooney.
French cuffs are totally cool with jeans!
It is important to be all fastened in.

Handmade gemstone cufflinks from Blake Green - $695-995

12/16/13

SKIN GAME OF THE WEEK- CLOVER TOYS

clover TOYS | 4,000 BB SKINS

Clover is a charming children’s toy and clothing boutique located on historic Ballard Ave. Come explore our curated collection of handmade European toys and beautiful clothing for babies and children. Imagine what can be created while you browse our shelves full of high quality art supplies, craft kits, and building toys. Lose yourself in our library of fairy tales, classic children’s picture books, and an excellent selection of chapter books. Clover truly has something special for every child on your gift list. Visitwww.clovertoys.com. ($200 value)

REASONS - WHY YOU NEED MULTIPLE READERS

assorted styles - $85-95

5 reasons to buy multiple readers

There is bound to be at least two rooms in the house you don't have a pair yet
These are not your grandpa's readers
Even if you don't need glasses they make you look smart
It's amazing what you have missed squinting
Reading should not be a lost art - buy in!

12/15/13

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

Outfits by John Varvatos

Outfits by Fuzzi and Maison Martin Margiela

WHY YOU NEED A GREAT POCKET SQUARE

Pocket squares by LBM 1911 - $75 each

5 reasons why you need a great pocket square:

Hello! It's the quintessential accessory for men.
Silk and wool squares are much more interesting than trad cotton squares.
You can ask someone you're interested in to "help" you arrange your square.
They double as a hanky...but only when you're desperate.
Do you REALLY need 5 reasons?!

Pocket squares by Nicky - $95 each

12/14/13

WHY YOU NEED A WALLET WITH ATTITUDE

Soft collections - assorted styles - $45 each

5 reasons you need a wallet with some attitude:

Because you need a little extra 'tude.
Normal wallets are boring
At $45 they are the perfect gift for younger guys or guys you don't know well.
The studded ones bring out your inner motorcyclist.
Who doesn't like seeing a lazy hawk in the sky?

12/13/13

MOVING SPECIAL- MARTIN MARGIELA

Selected styles - normally $795-995, now $550-695

In celebration of our upcoming move we are offering our first moving special on some of our favorite merchandise. For a limited time - take 30% off select Maison Martin Margiela wool and cashmere dresses. Four unique styles, each in multiple colors... Hurry in- these are going fast!