9/21/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

More photos from our 39th party - we have two more posts worth to share from this fabulous celebration - stay tuned!

Laurie Nichols and Marie Booker

Paul and Cynthia Lawrence

Royal and Alece Cox

Krista and Meredith Birkmeyer

David Bell, Royal and Joe Blattner

Shannon Hawkins and Mihyon

Rebecca Lovell and Barrie Cohen

Butch answers a sartorial question with Shelly and Paul Capeloto

Our fabulous models Jill and Tessa

Tessa from Oola distillery, with guest Mardig Sheridan

9/19/13

MORE SHOTS FROM THE 39TH CELEBRATION

Bobbe having a nice chat with Linda

Tye, Sharon, and Barbara chat about their quiz questions - so difficult!

Glamorous Charlie all by his lonesome.

One of Gaydi's beautiful 39th displays

David, Royal and John reminiscing

Drawing for our super-fantabulous door prize

The winners, Megan and Tony!

NEW ARRIVALS - ARMANI

Virgin wool micro texture suit - $1995

Splendid new arrivals from Giorgio Armani's Collezioni label, including some excellent new suiting options, beautiful shirts and ties, and more! Check out the latest from this storied brand in store today!

Cotton/viscose/lycra sport shirt - $295

9/18/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Rich Mailia and assistant from Ponti Seafood Grill

OOLA Distillery delicious craft spirits

Claire Meeker and sister admiring the fashions

Shake Bartenders always do a great job

Conrad Wouters and David Bell

Butch having a spirited confab with Jens Gruenkemeier

Mannequin moments at the 39th

Tony Rafel and Megan McCloskey - grand prize winners!

Modeling Mason Martin Margiela and Giorgio Armani

9/17/13

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA FW 13

Nailhead blazer with permanent stand-up collar - $1695
Weatherproof cotton moleskin jacket with leather accents - $1995

This season we found some of our favorite pieces ever from Maison Martin Margiela...beautiful Fall classics with that signature twists the Maison is famous for, like the permanently "popped" collar on this beautiful tweed blazer (notice please the working buttonholes on the sleeves) or the asymmetrical leather detailing on the field jacket.

9/15/13

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - PESERICO

Houndstooth cotton stretch dress - $435
Striated jersey princess dress - $565

Peserico's attention to detail is marvelous, especially for garments at a contemporary pricepoint. The fabrics are always knit or woven with the most precious fibers, and often feature unusual motifs and prints - this season it's all about Menswear basics re-imagined as soft, knit womenswear.

CASA CASTANES IN SEATTLE TIMES

The Seattle Times published a fun article today about local architect (not to mention client and friend) Jim Castanes' fabulous rooftop garden. Perched atop his 1400 square foot Capitol Hill flat, he uses this space as a testing ground for ideas to use in other residences.

9/14/13

DRESSES BY ALLUDE

left: Paneled cashmere knit - $475
right: Capelet cashmere knit - $645 (also available in loden)

Allude is one of our favorite collections for cashmere, as the price point is so contemporary for such a designer look. The quality of their cashmere is also superb for its price point - all long-fiber yarns designed for minimum pilling.

9/13/13

DESIGNER BIO - FABIANA FILIPPI

Fabiana Filippi's story is exemplary of classic Italian luxury...a company that is profoundly tied to its home and to the people whose passion inspired its creation.

In 1985, Fabiana Filippi started a small fashion company in the center of Umbria, a region in the center of the "boot" of Italy and the only region in its area completely landlocked. She began her company with an emphasis on quality and classic style, rather than the "fast-fashions" which were so common at the time. The company quickly became known for their reliance on noble yarns, particularly cashmere - which at the time was predominantly either classic and staid, or extremely trendy, but of lower quality.

After 25 years the company still remains in its original headquarters, and pursues a boutique-oriented client, rather than a large department-store distribution. Their "entirely made in Italy" approach to fashion remains unique in a market that favors offshore production over local craftsmanship. We are very proud to have this unique brand in our roster of designers, and encourage professional, stylish women to come try their beautiful clothing - any garment or accessory from this company will remain a beautiful addition to your wardrobe for years to come.

Come see the latest from this incredible design house in store now, exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle.

9/12/13

Z ZEGNA WOOL/MOHAIR SHARKSKIN SUIT

Z Zegna - $1295

For a dose of "Mad Men" style, try our Z Zegna wool/mohair blend suit! Slim, but not skinny, with sharp clean lines and a gorgeous texture, this suit will take you from work to cocktails with panache.

9/11/13

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL!

Congratulations to Michael, who correctly answered today's question! For those who missed it, the question is below:

Q:What baseball player - 18 seasons with the New York Yankees - turns 39 this year?

A: Derek Jeter

This is the last of our daily 39th anniversary questions! For more opportunities to win big prizes, stop by the store and enter our $390 GC drawing...but hurry, we draw for it on September 25.

KAY SMITH-BLUM BIO FOR NELLIE CASHMAN AWARD

In honor of her recent nomination for the Nellie Cashman Award - given by the WBO (Women Business Owners) - we thought we'd share our CEO Kay Smith-Blum's bio. Ms. Smith-Blum has advanced beyond the initial culling to the finalist stage for the award and will find out if she's won Thursday, October 3.

The Butch Blum staff wishes Kay the very best of luck with this prestigious award and our heartfelt congratulations for the nomination - it couldn't go to a better lady!

9/10/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 9

To celebrate our 39th anniversary, every day we will be giving away a $39 gift certificate to the guest who first correctly answers our daily quiz question in the comments on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Today's question: What baseball player - 18 seasons with the New York Yankees - turns 39 this year?

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - CIVIDINI

Hooded fur trim coat sweater - $2575
Graphic print cashmere/silk cardigan - $765

As always, our offerings from Cividini have both the architectural simplicity and the graphic appeal that we've come to expect from this incredible Italian brand. Their product is 100% made in Italy - from the spinning of the yarn to the knitting of the fabrics, and exclusively at Butch Blum in Seattle.

For an even more exclusive opportunity, join us for the Cividini trunk show today- September 27 and tomorrow the 28th, for one-of-a-kind garments unavailable elsewhere in the Northwest!

9/9/13

LADIES ARRIVALS FROM TRANSIT

Chiffon blouse - $325
Chiffon-trim blazer - $625
Pinstripe viscose/ramie skirt - $325

One of our best resources for quirky, urban women's fashion - Transit once again brings us cool takes on classic ideas. One of the very best things about Transit; because their clothes are so well constructed and their style is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, you can assemble a Transit wardrobe from one or two pieces a season and wear them forever.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANGIE!

Congratulations to Angie, who correctly answered today's question! For those who missed it, the question is below:

Q: Which actress, born in Italy and known for her Sunshine Cleaning, not to mention her love of Julia Child, turns 39 this year?

A: Amy Adams

Angie gets a $39 39th anniversary gift certificate - who will be next!? Watch the blog tomorrow for the next question!

NEW ARRIVALS - ZEGNA DERBY

Pebbled leather with rubber sole - Ermenegildo Zegna - $495

We just recieved a big re-order on our most popular shoe this season! This leather shoe is indeed brown - although it may not show up that way on your monitor. It's the darkest, richest mahogany, with a crisp pebbled texture perfect for fabrics that have some texture themselves, like a silk shantung or a wool/mohair blend.

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 8

To celebrate our 39th anniversary, every day we will be giving away a $39 gift certificate to the guest who first correctly answers our daily quiz question in the comments on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Today's question: Which actress, born in Italy and known for her Sunshine Cleaning, not to mention her love of Julia Child, turns 39 this year?

NEW ARRIVALS - CLOSED SWEATSHIRT

Stretch terrycloth with faux leather - Closed - $245

Add a little bit of edge to your day-off casuals with this fantastic sweatshirt by Closed. The hem at the waist is slightly flared for an easy, comfortable fit. It's crafted from an insanely soft terrycloth, with an unusual fleece interior. As an added plus, the "leather"- like details are completely washable - toss it in the machine when you're done!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JEFF!

Congratulations to Jeff, who correctly answered yesterday's question! For those who missed it, the question is below:

Q: Which famous football player holds the all time NCAA record, as well as a record 39 touchdowns during his college career?

A: Barry Sanders

Jeff gets a $39 39th anniversary gift certificate - who will be next!? Watch the blog this afternoon for the next question!

9/8/13

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - TRUSSINI SPORT COAT

Grid pattern sport coat - $995 - Trussini...Double-collar cashmere zip turtleneck - Cortigiani - $995

Trussini is one of our best values...a hand-finished construction entirely made in Italy, perfect for a sartorially inclined gentleman...perhaps a man whose taste runs a bit towards to classic.

9/7/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 7

To celebrate our 39th anniversary, every day we will be giving away a $39 gift certificate to the guest who first correctly answers our daily quiz question in the comments on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Today's question:

Which famous football player holds the all time NCAA record, as well as a record 39 touchdowns during his college career?

FROM THE LOOK BOOK - BY MALENE BIRGER

By Malene Birger - $285

The Queen of Copenhagen has done it again with this terrific skirt. Paneled in exquisite white stretch lace, this chic grey wool jersey skirt is a whimsical take on a classic.

FROM THE LOOK-BOOK - BLUGIRL

Rex rabbit fur shrug/capelet - $1355
Brushed print viscose tee - $225

Blumarine's little sister is a dazzling lass, favoring sumptuous fabrics like Rex Rabbit fur, ultra soft and slinky viscose, and always a bit of bling and a bit of sparkle. Amp up the luxury quotient in your wardrobe with this quintessentially Italian brand.

CONGRATULATIONS, EDDIE!

Congratulations to Eddie, who correctly answered yesterday's question! For those who missed it, the question is below:

Q: Which Spanish actress, famous for being a Caribbean pirate, as well as having "all the pretty horses," turns 39 this year?

A: Penelope Cruz

Eddie gets a $39 39th anniversary gift certificate - who will be next!? Watch the blog this afternoon for the next question!

9/6/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 6

To celebrate our 39th anniversary, every day we will be giving away a $39 gift certificate to the guest who first correctly answers our daily quiz question in the comments on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Today's question:

Which Spanish actress, famous for being a Caribbean pirate, as well as having "all the pretty horses," turns 39 this year?

39TH ANNIVERSARY CATALOGUE

Left: Cardigan, top and skirt by Blumarine, $765, $225, and $555.
Right: Shirt by Culturata, $195...Jacket by LBM 1911, $875. Pocket square by Pacific Silk - $65

Fall's eclectic mix arrives just in time to coincide with our 39th anniversary, a mix of classic silhouettes and brand new ideas, each in our signature Butch Blum taste. Find intense deep fall colors like garnet, forest, plum, charcoal, and midnight, as well as exciting takes on classic neutrals. Fabrics take on stronger textures, whether it be the feathery softness of pure cashmere, or the satisfying crunch of worsted wool.

Stop by and see why Butch Blum has been a fashion favorite for 39 wonderful years!

CONGRATULATIONS TO GARY!

Congrats to Gary, who correctly guessed yesterday's 39th anniversary question! For those who missed it, the question is below:

Q: Who was the NBA's 39th draft pick this year?

A: Jeff Withey

Gary gets a $39 39th anniversary gift certificate - who will be next!? Watch the blog this afternoon for the next question!

9/5/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY - QUESTION 5

CAMERON LEVIN FOR JEW-ISH.COM

Our very own in-house designer, stylist, and fashionista Cameron Levin wrote a thoughtful article about sustainable fashion for local website jew-ish.com - a place where people can get together to discuss perspectives on the Jewish world, and the world in general. She gave us a great shout-out as well as name-dropped two of our favorite sustainable brands, Crossley and Luciano Barbera.

For more info about Mr. Barbera's mill and their standards and practices, check out this article published a couple of years ago in the New York Times.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JODY!

Congrats to Jody, who correctly guessed yesterday's 39th anniversary question! For those who missed it, the question is below:

Q: What operating system runs 39% of the world's computers, despite the fact that it is 12 (almost 13) years old?

A: Windows XP

Jody gets a $39 39th anniversary gift certificate - who will be next!? Watch the blog this afternoon for the next question!

9/4/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 4

To celebrate our 39th anniversary, every day we will be giving away a $39 gift certificate to the guest who first correctly answers our daily quiz question in the comments on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Today's question:
What operating system runs 39% of the world's computers, despite the fact that it is 12 (almost 13) years old?

MIHYON'S PICK - MARTIN MARGIELA CONVERTIBLE SCARF DRESS

Maison Martin Margiela - $985

I LOVE THIS DRESS! The fabric is just fabulous...really light merino wool, it's super soft, not scratchy at all, and you can wear it so many ways. Wear the tie as a belt, wear it as a scarf, wear it with leggings, wear it on its own, it's up to you. Super comfortable and very very chic.

Mihyon Ahn
Accessories buyer

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 3 - HANK AARON

Nobody guessed the answer to our question correctly yesterday! The question, of course was:

Q: What major league baseball player - now 39 years old or older - has the record for most home runs during his career?

A: With 755 home runs, "Hammerin" Hank Aaron holds the record for most home runs during his career.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for today's question this afternoon!

9/3/13

39TH ANNIVERSARY QUESTION # 3

To celebrate our 39th anniversary, every day we will be giving away a $39 gift certificate to the guest who first correctly answers our daily quiz question in the comments on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Today's question:

What major league baseball player - now 39 years old or older - has the record for most home runs during his career?

THE SWING FOR KIDS FOURSOME

Pictured here is the Butch Blum foursome in the Swing for Kids tournament - benefitting "The First Tee" which positively impacts the lives of youth from all backgrounds, teaching them life-enhancing values and promoting healthy choices by teaching them the game of golf. From the right - Butch Blum, Kevin Hylton, Dave Whitlock, and Craig Tall.

SKIN GAME OF THE WEEK - JOHN HOWIE STEAK

JOHN HOWIE STEAK | 2,000 BB SKINS

Experience the Northwest’s premier dining experience. Comfortable surroundings, prime custom-aged steaks, side dishes that define culinary excellence, and an award winning wine list featuring bottles from near and far. All presented with an unmatched level of service and attention to detail. These are the hallmarks of John Howie Steak--named Seattle Magazine’s, “People’s Choice for Best Steak.” Their staff will strive to exceed your expectations and make your meal memorable. The lucky BB Skin Game winner will receive a $100 gift certificate. Please visitwww.johnhowiesteak.com for more information. ($100 value)