ONCE IN A LIFE TIME - BB SKIN GAME OF THE WEEK

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.

DESIGNER BIO - MARTIN MARGIELA

The famous Margiela label. The number indicates the collection, in this case 14 - the luxury collection of menswear.

Belgian designer Martin Margiela is one of the world's most hermitic and mysterious fashion figures. He has never been photographed in either the fashion press or in-house publications, preferring to focus attention on the house itself. The designer refuses to grant personal interviews, instead conducting interviews by fax and signing "Maison Martin Margiela," exemplary of his holistic approach to fashion. There is frequently an air of surreal mystery in the collection, and slightly unnerving details like a buttonhole sewn closed, a tailored jacket without a breast pocket, a classic sweater shrunken or blown up to gigantic proportions.

Martin Margiela started his career in the early 1980's, working for Jean-Paul Gaultier before showing his first collection under his own name in 1989.  He is closely associated, though not officially a part of, the Antwerp Six - a group of designers from Antwerp, Belgium that showed their first collections in London in the 1980's. His unusual first collections heavily featured copies of vintage garments, so closely reproduced that the Margiela garment credits its country and year of origin on an unobtrusive tag inside. This practice still continues today, with inspiration as diverse as a French knitting bag from 1940, to an entire collection of clothes copied from Mattel's Barbie and Ken dolls, their proportions unchanged (even to the comparative size of snaps and velcro) for the actual person wearing them. This approach creates a timelessness to Margiela's clothing, adding to the investment value for the wearer.

What sets Maison Martin Margiela apart from other Avant-Garde designers is the brand's committment to wearability in everyday life. For every jacket made entirely from wigs there are ten beautiful basic jackets, featuring outrageously soft superfine wool or cashmere and innovative detail work. You can always find both the ridiculous and the sublime, courtesy of Martin Margiela and available at Butch Blum in Seattle - new arrivals for Spring 2013 in store now!

BLUI AMERICAN FLAG SCARF

Scarf  by Blui - was $285, now $140 

Drape yourself in USA! This scarf is screen printed onto a soft, ultralight modal blend, and will look and feel terrific January through December, and is available in a pale grey/blue, and a pale taupe.

DEAL OF THE DAY - "JIMMI" BY AURI

"Jimmi" by Auri - was $165, now $69

This terrific sneaker was a fond favorite and we are sad to see them go - BUT - our loss is your gain, and they are going FAST! Featuring an injected plastic shank through the sole for support and a very soft calfskin upper, it's as comfortable as it is sporty.  Available in sizes 8 and 11 in black and in white

DOUG BALDWIN IN BUTCH BLUM MTM

Seattle Seahawk and face of our Made to Measure campaign, Doug Baldwin, accepted Marshawn Lynch's Sports Man of the Year award on his behalf, in Samuelsohn MTM. So handsome in blue!

SUIT CONSTRUCTION 101

We are often asked why our suiting costs what it does - particularly with the preponderance of "buy-one-get one free" mass market retailers. To answer that question, one needs to understand how a mass-market suit is constructed. The Discovery Channel video above takes you inside a typical American suit factory, and shows how mass-production churns out thousands of identical suits.

After you watch the video, consider the following:

Our Italian handmade suiting, like Sartoria Partenopea, requires many of these steps to be completed by hand, with a single needle and thimble. Automation is virtually nonexistent in these factories, and a garment can remain on a single tailor's worktable for multiple workdays, sometimes requiring over 24 hours worth of work.

Even our high quality machine-made suiting requires more steps than shown in the video. While some parts of the construction - like a pant's tab waist or the jacket's skirt pockets - are rapidly constructed by machine, companies like Coppley and Samuelsohn eschew glue-based 'fusing' to construct the chest pieces of the suit, preferring to loosely baste in canvas pieces to give the suit its shape and fullness. The Samuelsohn factory takes construction a step further, hand-basting the chest pieces in order to ensure an individualized fit. The looser hand-stitches tend to conform to an individual's shape better than tight machine stitches.

The next time you browse through Butch Blum's impeccably curated collection of suiting, stop and think about the steps it takes to create a suit worthy of hanging in our store, and of the incredible value of your investment.

DEAL OF THE DAY - NAVY SAND BLAZER

Navy blazer - Sand - was $695, now $299

 This jacket takes the archetypal navy blue blazer, and injects it with a bit of modernity, courtesy of its slim fit, structured shoulder, higher button stance, and INCREDIBLE fabric. It's an open weave fabric from the famous Marzotto mills in Italy, designed to perform like a knit - stretching and moving with you instead of against you. At this price it's not destined to last long - hurry in and try it out!  Available in an EU 54 (Approximately an american 42R).

FABIANA FILIPPI NECKLACE

Wood, shell, and glass beads - Fabiana Filippi - $285

This chic accessory is a great way to perk up everything from a simple white tee to a chic neutral evening outfit.

REVERSIBLE ANISSEJ LIFE BLAZER

Anissej Life reversible blazer - was $845, now $500

Comfortably straddling the line between outerwear and a dressy blazer, this jacket by Anissej Life is a piece you'll reach for over and over again as winter turns into spring. The wool face is a heathery gray herringbone, and the "puffer"face is a deep midnight blue providing a host of mix-and-match options. At 40% off, it's also an excellent buy.

DEAL OF THE DAY - MARGIELA SCARF-TANK DRESS

Scarf-tank dress - Martin Margiela - was $745, now $299

We love convertible clothing - looks that transform easily for different looks and different situations. Today's DEAL OF THE DAY is an ultra-soft ribbed cotton tank dress is finished with a long scarf/cape back, and can be worn belted in front, or around the neck, as shown.

CHRISTIANSEN ROSETTE BAG

Python, calf, and alligator bag - Christiansen - $2295

Pay attention, folks - this piece is the real deal! Painstakingly crafted from real python, alligator, and calfskin, with python 'rosettes' appliquéd to the side, this little doctor bag is both chic and a little wild - perfect for brightening up a quiet workplace outfit.

DEAL OF THE DAY - JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER SNAP PONCHO

Gaultier poncho - was $525, now $159

Today's DEAL OF THE DAY is this poncho derivative with a classic preppy polo collar and an unusual snap-side finish that lets you put a little bit more edge in your ensemble. Wear it belted, with a slim pant, or try tucking it into a cool skirt.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - CHRIS COLFER IN JOHN VARVATOS

Chris Colfer (TV's Glee) made an appearance on the companion reality show "The Glee Project" recently in this John Varvatos hook-and-eye closure blazer. We received a very similar hook-closure blazer from Varvatos Collection earlier this month, as part of the Spring 2013 collection! Our blazer is a superfine merino knit, with cotton taping details.

John Varvatos Collection - $675

DEAL OF THE DAY - PANTHERELLA CASHMERE SOCKS

Cashmere socks by Pantherella - were $70, now $19 SOLD OUT!!!

These mens cashmere socks are PERFECT for rainy January weather, and are available in two fun neutrals - a chocolate and tan stripe, and a cream and beige fair isle. At over 70% off, they're an incredible deal, too!

SOLD OUT! 

NEW ARRIVALS - PESERICO

Silk shift by Peserico - $525

This dreamy watercolor-print shift from Peserico is an excellent option for a day-into-evening look. Wear it belted with a solid pink or blue cardigan in the office, or try it with a smart wool blazer. When the evening rolls around, ditch the jacket for a cleaner look, and ramp up the glamor with some bold bling.

New arrivals from Peserico have just come in, in several categories - knits, dresses, and more. Check out the latest from this wonderful Italian label - exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle!

DEAL OF THE DAY - BLUMARINE BATISTE BLOUSE

Cotton/silk batiste blouse - Blumarine - was $755, now $299

Bring out your inner Stevie Nicks with this ruffled confection from Blumarine - today's DEAL OF THE DAY. This gloriously bohemian blouse is one of the most delicate cotton fabrics we've encountered, with a slight luster from the silk it's blended with. It's incredibly soft, but has an excellent body - the ruffles are full and fabulous.  Available in an IT 38 (XS-S) 

SALE MANNEQUIN MOMENTS

On him: Cardigan by Crossley, shirt by Armani, pant by Gardeur
On her: Jacket by Schumacher, skirt by D'Exterior

SALE STYLES FROM EYEBOBS

Assorted styles from Eyebobs - were $85, now $49

We have a nice group of readers on sale from accessory favorite Eyebobs, in fun 'pop' colors. Check out our selection - there is a nice group of styles and magnifications.

DEAL OF THE DAY - ALLUDE COTTON CROCHET TOP

Allude cotton crochet-overlay top - was $295, now $99

This top by Allude has a fitted rayon jersey bodice, and the cotton crochet overlay hangs softly over the top, showing the figure underneath while providing a cool texture. It looks fabulous with jeans or leggings, or pair it with a textured wool trouser and short jacket for something more business-y.  Available in a size XS (US 0-2)

DEAL OF THE DAY - ARMANI VELVET BLAZER

Armani Blazer - WAS $2895, now $899

Perfect for a holiday get-together, an elegant evening soiree, or just a fun night at dinner, this blazer goes from tux pants to jeans with aplomb. Available in an Armani 56L - (a slim US 44L)

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER TULLE TRENCHES

Tulle trench dress (left) - WAS $795, now $475..

.Long sleeve trench - WAS $895, now $535 - both by Jean-Paul Gaultier

These lovely variations on the trenchcoat theme are great examples of Jean-Paul Gaultier's obsession with this classic staple of a woman's wardrobe - even more attractive on sale! Wear the short sleeve version as a dress on its own, layer the long sleeve version over an evening staple - particularly one of our terrific Olvi's lace dresses - for a soft, glamorous nighttime look. 

DEAL OF THE DAY - AURI CATALYST

"Catalyst" by Auri - was $165, now $69

The Catalyst is a slip-on sport shoe with a fun faux lacing and a great cream-on-grey color scheme - also available in navy blue with yellow stitching. It has a carbon-fiber shank through the insole for added support, and its exterior is wrapped in 100% cow leather for a touch of sporty luxury.  Available in sizes 8 and 11.

FITS SOCKS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Fits socks - $15-25

We've just received a HUGE shipment of the excellent socks from FITS - socks engineered for individual Men's and Women's foot sizes. The toes and heels are reinforced with double thick yarn, and the arches have a special elasticity for all-day support.

Fits are made for us by Crescent sock company, an American brand which has been in business since 1895.  Available in no-show and crew styles (also available in a dressier business version), FITS are a terrific quality and a great price point for such a well made sock.

BUTCH'S DEAL OF THE DAY PICK - MARGIELA BLAZER

Maison Martin Margiela silk/wool blazer - was $1675, now $499

Hear what Butch has to say about today's DEAL OF THE DAY - one of his favorite picks from Maison Martin Margiela, available today in a size 44L.

The silk/wool fabric this blazer is made of is so sophisticated - but then it's a sophisticated brand! The little details Margiela uses - the non-functioning second button, the absence of a breast pocket, the functional buttonholes on the sleeves...Margiela is a house that really focuses on the little things.

Butch Blum
Chairman Emeritus

NEW STYLES BY EYEBOBS

Assorted styles from Eyebobs - $85 each

Great new styles from Eyebobs - the manufacturers of designer-quality eyewear that doesn't break the bank. Featuring handmade Acrylic and metal hardware and available in magnifications from 1.0 to 3.0, they're perfect for everyone who needs a little boost - and wants to look stylish too!

DEAL OF THE DAY - MARGIELA LEATHER DRESS

Dress - Martin Margiela - was $2895, now $729

Today's 75% off DEAL OF THE DAY is this Martin Margiela leather dress, one of the most unique dresses we've come across. This dress is the softest lambskin imaginable, and maintains a beautiful shape thanks to strategically placed arm darts, The color is easily accessorized with any spring bright. Available in a size 38 (US 2-4)

"DORADO" BY SANTONI

"Dorado" by Santoni - $495

The "Dorado" is a terrific example of Santoni's commitment to fashion AND quality - a rare thing in the world of designer shoes. Hand-lasted uppers combined with a hand finish far outweigh the 100% machine make of other "designer" shoe brands, but have the trend-right appeal of their catwalk cousins.

DEAL OF THE DAY - LEFT COAST TEE

Left coast tees - were $70, now $29

Left Coast tees are a made-in-America product crafted from 100% peruvian Pima cotton. Colorfast and built to wash and wear, they're a great construction and an easy, comfortable fit. We have great pop colors in our deal of the day today too - perfect for upcoming sunny spring weather!

DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY - MOSCHINO

Since 1983,  Italian fashion superstar Moschino has provided a quirky but luxurious view of fashion.  Moschino reinterprets classic silhouettes through their unique surrealist viewpoint, using everyday objects like teacups, buttons, peace signs, bows and flowers in innovative ways, both as tiny details and as the focus of entire garments (a memorable vintage Moschino dress eschewed traditional fur trim in favor of a garland of Teddy Bears circling the neck).

A major component of Moschino's history has also been the brand's activist standpoint, with issues as diverse as the AIDS virus and eating disorders in the fashion industry. Moschino also has a diverse range of projects under the company umbrella, from designing costumes for Kylie Minogue and Madonna to the creation of a Moschino brand hotel - the Maison Moschino. Since the untimely death of founder Franco Moschino in 1994, Moschino's designs and image have been overseen by Rossella Jardini, Moschino's former assistant.

Look for new arrivals from Moschino (and sister label Moschino Cheap and Chic) at Butch Blum this Spring/Summer and grab yourself a little piece of a fabulous fashion legacy.

DEAL OF THE DAY - PAUL SMITH DRESS

Wool jersey - Paul Smith - was $1295, now $299

This chic piece by Paul Smith is what we'd call "semi-fitted" - it hugs you at the bustline and hips, and cascades down from the exposed back. Beautiful, easy to wear, and extremely comfortable, this is a fantastic find at over 75% off! Available in a M (US 6-8)

ARMANI DOWN COAT

Down-filled weatherproof jacket - was $1995, now $1195

"Vero Piuma d'Oca" (real goose feathers) - reads the Armani label on the inside of this label. If it had been our choice, we would have instead suggested "Vero Sprezzatura" -  roughly translated, 'real effortless style'. This coat is a nice example of Armani's commitment to elegance, even in ostensibly mundane pieces like puffer coats. The weatherproof fabric has a gorgeous charcoal over black sheen, and is finished with a hide-away hood and trapunto stitching at the placket and cuffs.

DEAL OF THE DAY - CROSSLEY CREWNECK PULLOVER

Crossley sweatshirt - was $165, now $49

The right sweatshirt for a day on your sailboat, or just cruising around Seattle on a misty day, this 100% cotton sweater from Italian favorite Crossley is made of recycled fibers and dyed a rich navy blue, and is available in sizes S, and L

CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SEASON

Congratulations to the Seahawks (and to the face of Butch Blum's Made-To-Measure campagin, Seahawk wide receiver Doug Baldwin) for an incredible season. The Seahawks played better than they have in years, finally succumbing to the Atlanta Falcons in the last minutes of today's game.

Seahawk Quarterback Russell Wilson put it best, when he said earlier this season: "I am blessed to be a Seattle Seahawk. For our football team, I do believe we play with a chip on our shoulder, because we have an energy that makes us want to prove ourselves every week. We can play with anyone, any time and any place. That is our mentality.’’

DEAL OF THE DAY - BELLE FARE BOOT TOPPERS

Belle Fare boot topper - Was $85, now $29

Winter is quickly coming to an end but we still have some cold days ahead - why not take advantage of today's DEAL OF THE DAY to get you through them?

Belle Fare's stretch Rex Rabbit-fur boot-topper is a fabulous accessory - adding texture and depth to your existing favorites. Also available in solid black!

Z ZEGNA SPRING/SUMMER 2013

 Z Zegna's sharp, modern takes on menswear are some of our favorites. Check out their S/S 2013 collection, full of exciting ideas for the upcoming season, and come see our selection of clean, modern looks from this terrific brand.

SPORTSHIRTS BY LUCIANO BARBERA

Check Sportshirt - was $395, now $275 - Luciano Barbera...Wool/Silk tie - Butch Blum - $135

UPDATE - There's a really wonderful selection of sizes and styles in Luciano Barbera's sport shirt collection on our sale rack - enjoy discounts of 30% on current season fabrics! 

Luciano Barbera's sport shirts are a wonderful, flexible addition to any man's wardrobe - easy to dress up and easy to dress down, and built to last from incredible 120's and 140's staples of cotton from the Barbera mill in Biella, Italy.  Available in several exciting colors and patterns, with both button-down and lay-down collars.

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS

Looks from Crossley (left) and Tse (right)

DEAL OF THE DAY - BERGE SHEARLING BAG

Natural shearling bag - was $625, now $195 - Berge

Today's deal of the day is this shearling bag, a great texture for a fall/winter outfit. This handy bag from Berge is spacious enough for the biggest collectors out there, and at this price is awfully hard to resist.

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, MALENE!

Looks from the S/S 2013 collection

Danish fashionista Malene Birger celebrates the 10th anniversary of her company "by Malene Birger" this season. Known for on-trend looks in beautiful fabrics, with a slightly skewed esthetic and a value-oriented price, we are proud to carry 'by Malene Birger' exclusively in Seattle. New arrivals from the S/S 2013 collection are arriving daily - check out the latest and greatest!