50-60% MARKDOWNS!

 As a reminder, we are in our 50-60% markdown period! Styles you love at incredible savings, including garments from Blumarine, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Luciano Barbera, Fabiana Filippi, LBM 1911, and much more. Don't wait until it's too late, snag that fabulous deal now!

DEAL OF THE DAY - ASSORTED SUMMER NECKTIES

Asst. Summer neckties - Luciano Barbera, Giorgio Armani, Roda - were $135-195, now  $49 each

We have an excellent selection of summer neckties in fun colors and lightweight materials - see your sales associate for the best and deepest discounts!

DEAL OF THE DAY - MARIE-LAURE CHAMOREL LIBERTY BEADS

Hand-wrapped beads - Marie-Laure Chamorel - were $235, now $99

These beads are SO fun! Each bead is individually hand-wrapped in signature Liberty of London fabric (a world famous mill specializing in gorgeous print fabrics) and spaced on the string with glass and gilt metal beads, finally hand-knotting like a strand of heirloom pearls. It's a lot of work, but the results are terrific and perfect for everything - layer it over your favorite set of chains or wear it doubled over on its own.  Several styles are available - come check out this gorgeous accessory, while they're still here!

DEAL OF THE DAY - ARMANI COTTON DRESS SHIRT

Armani cotton dress shirt - was $395, now $149

This wonderful shirt by Giorgio Armani black label is crafted from a long-staple Italian cotton designed to resist wrinkles and feel soft as silk all day long. Armani's signature 'invisible button-down' collar stands perfectly under a jacket, whether you wear it with a tie or not, and the shallow box-pleats at the shoulder line ensure a comfortable, but not excessively full fit.  Available in sizes 16.5, 17, 18, 18.5, and 19.

DEAL OF THE DAY - OLVI'S APPLIQUE LACE EMPIRE SHIFT

Olvi's - was $1285, now $599

We're kicking off our Summer DEALS OF THE DAY with this charming Olvi's shift dress, perfect for anyone - from a summer bride to a festive party gal. The bodice is a unique French stretch lace that wears equally well off the shoulder (above) or as a cap-sleeve (below), flaring out below the bust to a trapeze silhouette.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - HUGH JACKMAN IN CITIZENS

"Core" fit in "Frankie" raw finish - Citizens of Humanity - $265

Hugh Jackman was spotted at a screening of his new film "The Wolverine" wearing the "Core" fit from Citizens of Humanity (their classic button-fly slim/straight leg style). We love the look on Mr. Jackman and encourage you to come try a pair - they're brand new for fall and available at Butch Blum in the same wash Mr. Jackman is rocking!

(detail)

DEAL OF THE DAY - CANTARELLI SPEZZATO BLAZER

Cantarelli "Planet Jersey" jacket - was $1495, now $499

"Spezzato" is the Italian word for "broken," but it's used to describe a popular style of soft, unlined, unconstructed jacket/pant. These jackets flex beautifully between dress and casual wear because they look terrific with both dressy wool slacks and casual jeans and chinos.  This particular jacket is a GORGEOUS color perfect for fall and for early spring, and even makes a nice outerwear alternative for really nippy days.  It's the DEAL OF THE DAY at $499, a third of its retail price and an excellent investment piece. Available in an IT 46, 52, and 56 (US 36 (xs), 40 (M) and 44 (L-XL)).

NEW ARRIVALS - JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER

Jean-Paul Gaultier - $795

This lightweight merino is to DIE for - ultrasoft, cashmere-like handle with a gorgeous cabbage-rose print.

SUMMERTIME...AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY...

We thought we'd share this terrific photo from clients and friends Wade and Debbie Martin...they needed some hot-weather dressy outfits for a wedding they were attending in the South this July - 90 degrees and 100% humidity - and they got exactly what they needed!

Mr. Martin is dressed in Coppley's Tencel/Linen Made-to-measure suiting, which is designed to provide some of the texture of Linen without looking unkempt. Mrs. Martin is wearing Moschino's stretch cotton broadcloth sheath, and a shawl in featherweight cashmere and silk from Faliero Sarti.

Whether you need a hot-weather outfit like the Martins, or a year-round weight that you'll incorporate into your everyday wardrobe, we are thrilled to help make you look your best in garments you'll love to wear. Be sure you stop in for the last of our Summer Sale, as well as the best custom options available in Seattle, any time of year.

DEAL OF THE DAY - WRK FLANNEL SHIRT

Covered placket flannel shirt - WRK - was $145, now $69

This is a great shirt for a Seattle guy who wants something unusual but but not unwearable. It's a fabulously soft cotton flannel piece-cut in an unusual 2/3rds color-way, with a covered button-placket and sleeve tabs on the side. Available in an XL, this piece is roomy enough to wear over a tee or polo as a light shirt jacket.

MIHYON'S SALE PICK - HUGO BOSS

Boss perforated suede jacket - was $995, now $399

One of the deals in our 60-75% blowout, this cheerful little tangerine jacket is a whole lot of fun for a casual daytime outfit. The sleeves and hem are banded with soft elastic cotton.  Available in a US size 8 (M-L).

JOHN VARVATOS FW 2013

 This season Mr. Varvatos showed a subdued palette of muted neutrals in textural fabrics, including pieces in wool flannel and linen blends in the same show! Varvatos' obsession with tailored basics continues with variations on the blazer and waistcoat theme, often with his signature 12-18 functional buttons.

Check out the latest and greatest from Varvatos, newly arrived in our Pre-Fall selection!

Merino shawl-collar sweater - $525

NEW ARRIVALS - NICKY NECKWEAR

Nicky Cravatte- $185-225

The images above are just six of the fifteen or so new styles we've received today from Nicky Cravatte, a small scale accessories manufacturer that specializes in entirely handmade neckwear, painstakingly crafted from suiting wool, heavy silk jacquard, and knit silk and cashmere. Each necktie is made by a single artisan from start to finish and takes several hours, but you'll notice the difference immediately - these ties are lofty, soft, and extremely pliable.

DEAL OF THE DAY - Z ZEGNA CHALK JEAN

Z Zegna Slim-fit chalk jean - was $335, now $149

 This is one of the better denims we've come across, particularly for a guy who likes a slim fitting pant. The fabric is a 2% Lycra blend for stretch in slightly hefty weight (10+ oz), and the color is a chalky off-white that wears beautifully with fall colors or summer brights.

(pocket detail)

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - MILEY CYRUS IN MOSCHINO

Miley Cyrus reminds us here that we don't necessarily need to take fashion too seriously for it to work - she has paired her navy wool Moschino skirt (trimmed with faux pearls) with a punk-rock black leather jacket and booties, taking it out of its preppy Chanelissime territory and making it entirely hers.

DEAL OF THE DAY - HUGO BOSS PUSSY-BOW BLOUSE

Hugo Boss Orange - was $265, now $79

This fabric is so lovely! A crisp white cotton batiste trimmed with traditional tatted lace, it's a refreshingly light and soft way to dress on a hot summer day. The best part is, with its attached (but removable) tie-neck detail, you're all dressed up and ready to go without additional accessories!  Available in a Hugo Boss size 2 (XS-S - this 2 is not severely tailored).

NEW MARKDOWNS - ZEGNA HAND-FINISHED DERBY

Suede hand-stitched Derby with crepe soles - was $575, now $285

This elegant casual shoe is an excellent choice for a traveler - someone whose luggage space limits him to one great pair of multipurpose shoes. Take it uptown to a business meeting with a flannel pant, and take it downtown to a favorite bar with a pair of jeans. Don't hesitate, though - at 50% off, it's SURE to disappear quick!

NEW FALL PESERICO

 The latest arrivals from Peserico have just started to show up! We love Peserico's upper-echelon designer quality, their incredible fabrications, and their witty yet classic designs, but most of all we love their value. Each garment from Peserico - entirely made in Italy- retails for 40-50% lower than most Italian contemporary designers yet is constructed with the same care and attention.

Come see this beautiful collection and find out for yourself why Peserico is such a find...we promise we'll have you asking for more!

DEAL OF THE DAY - FANTASIA BY DESERIO

Sterling and cubic zirconia - was $295, now $119

This is another piece of jewelry by Deserio that makes most "costume" jewelry look flat and cheap. Jeweler-set in .925 sterling, these zirconia are almost too beautiful to be fake, but they're a great price - perfect for an outing where you don't feel like bringing the real stuff, but still want to look fabulous.

Available in size 8 - there is only one piece left!

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)

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - LADY GAGA IN MARTIN MARGIELA

We were SHOCKED to find out this photo was of pop goddess Lady Gaga - shocked and pleased, that is! The severe tailored ensemble was constructed for her by Maison Martin Margiela, and featured a tailored bodice and matching wide-legged trouser in the house's signature black stretch cotton. She made the look her own with a Star-Trek-esque visor-sunglass, as well as a geometric cropped bob.

KENT'S PICK - LBM 1911 DEAL OF THE DAY

L.B.M. 1911 - was $699, now $349

We just got this jacket and I could barely contain myself...I had to have it. It's the perfect summer garment - lightweight, an easy color to wear, and a versatile style too - perfect for jeans or casual slacks. I was particularly pleased to find out that other stores had retailed this for $799 - at 50% of our price this is truly THE Deal of the day. Available in an IT 52 and 54 - can be fit to a size 40-44R chest.

Kent Rogers
MTM specialist, blogmaster

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.

INTRODUCING VELVET MEN BY GRAHAM AND SPENCER

We're pleased to invite Velvet by Graham and Spencer back to our store, for the Fall 2013 mix! Velvet is a line of casual menswear in super washed, lightweight cotton jersey and fleece - with sophisticated takes on classic tees, henleys, v-necks and more.  Drop by and check out this terrific collection of casual basics sure to become a staple in your wardrobe!

INTRODUCING COSTUME NATIONAL THIS FALL

 This coming Fall 2013 season, we are excited to introduce the women's collection from Costume National to the Butch Blum mix. Founded in 1986, Costume National is designed by Ennio Capasa, a former associate designer at Yohji Yamamoto, who specializes in chic, minimal design with its own sense of quirkiness and whimsy. The collection for FW 13 emphasizes minimal simplicity, favoring achromatic (mostly black) looks in luxury fabrics like silk, viscose, leather, and cashmere.

DEAL OF THE DAY - EYEBOBS

Assorted styles from Eyebobs - were $85, now $39

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.

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER AND FUZZI WINDOW

The transitional collection from Jean-Paul Gaultier has arrived and is utterly amazing...beautiful lightweight stretch tulle creations - dresses, leggings, skirts, tops, and more, perfect to wear now or to pair with heavier fall/winter options this coming season. Equally fabulous, though minimal, are the arrivals from parent company Fuzzi, including the bat-wing tunic and ruched maxi-dress, as well as Fuzzi's excellent sheer long-sleeve layering tops.

DEAL OF THE DAY - GIO GUERRERI WRAP DRESS

Gio Guerreri jersey wrap dress - was $795, now $239

This soft jersey wrap dress is great as shown, or worn open and tied in the back as a coat sweater. It's a soft wool jersey with a bit of lycra in it for stretch, and it's a relatively light weight - perfect for winter days turning into spring. Available in size 40 (US S).

FALL PREVIEW - CLOSED

"Closed" is a German brand that riffs on classic Menswear ideas with their own modern, urban sensibility. They are fond of working with better sportswear fabrics - cotton chino, linen and wool blends, and cashmere, in interesting colors and textures, typically in solid or tonal patterns.  We are excited to introduce the Ladies collection to Seattle this coming Fall season, and present our first Fall collection for men as well.

DEAL OF THE DAY - ARMANI VELVET BLAZER

Armani Blazer - WAS $2895, now $869

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. Softly constructed from incredibly plush viscose stretch velvet, it's also likely to be one of the most comfortable garments in your wardrobe! Available in an Armani 56L - (Between a US 42 and 44L)

STORE CLOSURE

We are closed today, in observance of the Independence Day holiday, and we'll open our normal hours tomorrow (Monday, July 8). Have a relaxing sunny Sunday! 

NEW ARRIVALS FROM MARTIN MARGIELA!

The latest new arrivals from Maison Martin Margiela for men and women are slowly creeping into our stock, including the house's beautiful signature knitwear in fun, fashion-forward silhouettes and features. This season it's all about the ultrafine merino and silk/cashmere blends, which emerge fully-fashioned from the knitting machine, rather than cut and sewn from several individually knit pieces.

We also have a stellar selection of Margiela's beautiful handbags, with innovative features including polished chromium handles and stamped crocodile texture over suede, as well as rich vegetable-dyed calfskin.

DEAL OF THE DAY- AURI "JIMMI" SNEAKER

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

Welcome back! we return from our Fourth festivities with today's DEAL OF THE DAY, the "Jimmi" sneaker from Auri. This terrific sneaker was a fond favorite and we are sad to see them go - BUT - our loss is your gain, and they have gone 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-looking. Available in size 8 in black and in white.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

We are closed today, out celebrating Independence Day!  We hope you have a fun 4th of July with your family and friends, and that you'll join us when we re-open our normal hours Friday, July 5.

CHRIS LEE IN JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER

Chinese pop-star Chris Lee (also known as Li Yuchun) recently performed a world tour, with costumes entirely by Jean-Paul Gaultier.  Gaultier is hardly a newcomer to stagewear, having designed signature costumes for Madonna and Kylie Minogue (among others), as well as the film wardrobes for hit films like "The City of Lost Children" and "The Fifth Element."  We love these looks and this incredible designer, and are proud to carry both his "Maille" and "Soleil" collections exclusively in Seattle. Check out the latest and greatest by JPG in our latest window on Fifth Avenue - photos to come!

DEAL OF THE DAY - FANTASIA BY DESERIO STACKABLE RINGS

Fantasia by Deserio - were $215, now $69 each!

These are the real deal - at least for fashion jewelry! Each high quality Cubic Zirconia is set by a jeweler in .925 sterling silver to achieve maximum levels of sparkle.  Wear them on their own, or stacked as shown!

HERNO: WHERE DOES YOUR OUTERWEAR COME FROM?

When you're purchasing a 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, with all the runway shows, the fragrances, the glossy ads in fashion magazines et al. All these things contribute to a certain glamor, which itself often contributes to our decision to purchase a designer garment - but how much is that designer garment really WORTH? 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 fabric, trim, 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.

DEAL OF THE DAY - MARTIN MARGIELA TEE-TUNIC

Maison Martin Margiela - was $395, now $99 - also available in blush pink

This tunic is perfect for anyone who loves a "boyfriend" silhouette...based on a man's pocket tee, but fitted at the hip, it's a quirky take on the trend that still leaves you feeling sleek and feminine. Pair it with your favorite legging for a shapely look. 

This DEAL OF THE DAY is available in an XS (shown, US size 2-4) and S, and in blush pink in size S.

DEAL OF THE DAY - CROSSLEY

Sale styles from Crossley - were $295-325, now $99-109

Crossley is a small-scale knitwear concern out of Italy that does an incredibly nice construction for its pricepoint. They are responsible for all their own construction (often bigger designers 'farm' their work out to other factories) which keeps the pricepoint very low for the quality. Additionally they source their yarn from unusual places, including recycled yarns which come from pulping older garments, which are then spun into new yarn to knit into new pieces.

These two vintage-inspired garments are a cashmere/merino blend in a thermal knit, a touch warm for July but an incredible investment for a year-round Seattle wardrobe. The finished garments are spray dyed two shades darker, with extra detail at the neckline and banded bottoms and cuffs.  At two-thirds off their retail price, these pieces are a MUST for any Seattle guy's daily casual wardrobe.