PHOTOS FROM THE SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

 Thanks very much to everyone who attended our Summer Solstice Spectacular on the 16th! We had tons of happy shoppers, great discounts, new merchandise and yummy cheese, berries, wine spritzers, and more. Watch the blog for more exciting events this summer!

NEW ARRIVALS - VARVATOS LINEN/COTTON CHOCOLATE SLACK

Cotton/linen slack - John Varvatos Collection - $315

Who says you can't wear a cotton/linen slack during the fall?! John Varvatos Collection just sent us this incredible pant, which is a soft, textural (but not papery-wrinkled) fabric and a medium-slim leg, perfect for year-round wear in Seattle. Pair this with your favorite unconstructed jacket from LBM 1911 for a casually tailored look.

SKIN GAME OF THE WEEK: BRONZE BAR

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TAN | 5,000 BB SKINS

Our professional airbrush technicians provide a customized sunless tanning experience for every skin tone. Whether you want a sun-kissed glow or a deep bronze, get beautiful color at Seattle's premier airbrush bronzing salon. Since opening in 2003, The BRONZE BAR has become recognized as the premier destination for professional airbrush tanning. The BRONZE BAR has been featured in Allure, Allure Bride, Lucky, The Seattle Times, and Seattle Weekly. Citysearch.com ranked it at the top of its list of local tanning salons in 2004. The BB Skin Game participant will receive a gift certificate toward the tanning service of their choice. More information at The Bronze Bar. ($250 value)

CONGRATS TO BUTCH!

Congrats to our fearless leader emeritus - Butch Blum - who, along with Eric Jensen, won the Best of Bend golf tourney this past weekend in the Senior division - note not only did they have lowest gross score - which is the pure win - but they had the second lowest net score too - must have been the pants! Click the 3rd day final results link to see who else competed....

DADS AND GRADS CUSTOM SUIT PROMO - ONE DAY ONLY

Create a beautiful new suit or sport coat from ANY of our custom MTM collections for Dad (or the first suit in your Grad's wardrobe) with a special one-day-only 20% discount, June 16 only! Made-to-Measure specialist Kent Rogers is taking 3 1.5 hour appointments that day for fitting, selecting fabric, and styling your new custom garment.

Please email promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com to RSVP. 

FATHER'S DAY VIRTUAL GOLF!

On Sunday, June 16 (Father's Day!), in addition to our Summer Sale offerings, we will be hosting a drawing for a Hotel 1000 virtual golf experience. Three lucky winners will get to spend the day with a craft beer and an electronic golf game, the perfect indoor relaxation for our rainy city.

You don't need to be present for the drawing itself to win, but you *DO* need to stop in on the 16th to enter - email promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com to RSVP and for any questions. 

LADY GRADS CAN DRAW FOR AN EXTRA 10% OFF

Build a workable college wardrobe for your female graduate on a budget! Come in for a 45 minute appointment  on Sunday, June 16th with Savvy Stylist Cameron Levin, who will show you which categories are important in a modern woman's wardrobe.  Available times: 12:15, 2:30,  or 4:15. 

You can also draw for additional 10% off summer sale styles from designers Martin Margiela, Blumarine, Armani Jeans, Jean Paul Gaultier and more. Each appointment includes a $100 gift certificate for services at Salon Divas.

Reserve your spot - promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com - only 3 appointments are available for this event! 

HUGE MAJESTIC SHIPMENT

Assorted styles from Majestic Filatures

We have just received a large shipment from Majestic Filatures, a fabulous resource for fashion-conscious ladies looking for the best underpinnings, cardigans, light jackets and leggings in ultra-soft viscose, cotton, cotton/cashmere and linen fabrics.

Check out this fabulous line while the selection is still good, and find out why we go back every season for more!

THIS JUST IN - FREE GARDEUR SCARF

The first 20 RSVP'd clients for our Summer Solstice party this Sunday will receive a free Atelier Gardeur cotton scarf! This cotton scarf is a lovely palette of marine blues, lavenders and purples, and is perfect for men and women.

Hurry and RSVP to promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com and drop in Sunday, June 16 to find out if you're among the top 20! Only 35 lucky guests will be allowed in to participate in the special savings, cool giveaways, and delicious treats.

SUNDAY - JUNE 16 SUMMER SOLSTICE SPECTACULAR

Put Father's Day - June 16 - on your calendar as the perfect day for stylin' Dads and Grads. The Summer Solstice Spectacular includes special discounts, one-day-only giveaways, and rare styling opportunities with your favorite associates. Additionally, enjoy festive beverages and bites, and party games to earn additional savings on Summer sale merchandise.

Reservations are limited to 35 people - RSVP to promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com and get your foot in the door early!

NEW MARKDOWNS FROM ARMANI

Silk/Cotton ultrafine cardigan - was $525, now $395

Stop by and check out some of our excellent Armani items, marked down for Summer! Lightweight silk, linen, cotton, and more, in the Master's signature neutrals.

Silk/linen casual pant - was $365, now $270

NEW MARKDOWNS FROM CULTURATA

Assorted styles from Culturata - were $195-225 each, now $145-170

We just recieved a huge shipment of styles from Culturata - over a dozen new colors/patterns each in 5-7 sizes per style - which we've marked down an instant 25%! Find everything from dressy solids and micro-checks to bold, fun madras plaids - in linen and in cotton.

NEW MARKDOWNS FROM SAMUELSOHN

Assorted Samuelsohn sportcoats and suits in wool, silk, etc blends

We just received a huge shipment of Samuelsohn merchandise for immediate markdown! Each suit and sportcoat is marked down from their original $1295-1895 pricepoints between 20 and 40% off.

For those of you who haven't tried one of these excellent garments, Samuelsohn is a Canadian manufacturer based in Quebec, that produces a hand-finished, machine sewn garment similar in quality to Ermenegildo Zegna or Canali, but is priced anywhere from $500-1000 less at full retail.

JOHN VARVATOS USA LEATHER JACKET

Leather and canvas jacket - $845

This lightweight calfskin jacket from John Varvatos' "USA*" collection features an intriguing contast lapel - linen over leather - that gives an extra little touch of texture.

AMERICA'S BEST SHIRT

Since 1883 the Hamilton family has been crafting America's finest men's shirts. Each is made in the workshop in Houston, where every detail is overseen by skilled technicians. Every Hamilton shirt is hand cut according to a paper pattern, custom drawn for each individual client. Fabrics are sourced from the finest mills in Switzerland and Italy, and include sumptuous long-staple cotton, summery linen, and cotton/linen blend materials perfect for any season. Hamilton's unique collars and cuffs feature captive canvas inserts with no fusible interfacing (glue used to stiffen most shirt collars), which helps prevent shrinkage. 

Hamilton's library of thousands of patterns

Hamilton Bespoke
Butch Blum is proud to feature Hamilton Shirts' bespoke product, their most custom, labor-intensive shirt. Butch Blum staff will photograph you in one or more sample shirts, and make notes about the fit. The photos and notes are sent to Hamilton's master pattern maker, who draws a custom pattern to your specifications. Bring us your style ideas for the perfect shirt, and Hamilton can often make them happen - right down to copying a favorite shirt, or using details from something that you've seen in a magazine. 

Hundreds of fabric options

For more information, or to make an appointment with one of our skilled made-to-measure specialists, please call 206-622-5760 or email promotions@BUTCHBLUM.com.

REWARD OF THE WEEK: BOKA

BOKA KITCHEN AND BAR | 3,000 BB SKINS

BOKA is a vibrant, communal blend of lounge, bar, and restaurant. Sleek, urban design is infused with a menu of contemporary American food, handcrafted cocktails, and a wine list reflecting a heavy Northwest influence. Meal services include breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour, dinner, late night, weekend brunch, and seasonal patio dining. Seattle magazine readers recently voted the restaurant "Best Hotel Breakfast/ Brunch" in Seattle. The lucky BB Skin Game player will receive a terrific dinner for two at BOKA. To learn more, please visit bokaseattle.com. ($150 value)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Congratulations to Mihyon and her new hubby Robert! They happy couple just celebrated their nuptials in a destination wedding in the Bahamas.

SPRING SCARF WONDERLAND

Scarves from Blui, Luisa Brini, Faliero Sarti, et al - $165-495

 Our spring scarves are incredible this year...featuring linen, silk, modal, baby cashmere, and more, we brought in every pattern and texture conceivable to make your outfit unforgettable.

AGAVE SUPIMA DENIM

Agave Indigo-wash pima cotton denim - $265

In addition to the special-order options we are featuring this weekend, we also have a great assortment of Agave stock product in our spring selection. This denim is literally one of the softest fabrics we've ever come across. A 10oz Japanese Supima cotton denim, it's hand sanded and stonewashed to break down the fibers, reducing shrinkage and creating a lovely feel against your skin. The cut is great for men who want something current - but not trendy/skinny.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING - ANDY SAMBERG IN HAMILTON SHIRTS

Saturday Night Live alumnus Andy Samberg wore a custom Hamilton made-to-measure dress shirt for his photocall for Variety Magazine, to promote his new show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," a police dramedy. Samberg keeps his louche style dressy in a tailored suit, cotton madras necktie and white laceup sneakers.

MORE FROM THE MAJESTIC SHIPMENT

Left: Stripe linen tank - was $145, now $116
Center: Open front blazer - was $225, now $180
Right: Silk trim linen stripe boatneck - was $195, now $156

The wonderful shipments from Majestic continue, and just in time for summer, they're all an instant 20% off! Find fun colors and neutral basics, in innovative, trend-right shapes.

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 (a long, temporary stitch) 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 tighter 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.

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.

CANTARELLI SUMMER NAVY

Matte 130's wool - Cantarelli - $2195

This season, in addition to the Cantarelli Jersey Planet soft jackets, we are featuring Sartoria Cantarelli, a lightweight suit with a hint of traditional Sartorial construction. Each Sartoria Cantarelli jacket is made with the lightest canvas and just a sliver of shoulderpad, while maintaining their legendary feather-soft feel. This particular suit, though it doesn't read well in the photo, has a beautiful micro-stripe in the fabric, which adds some interesting 3-dimensionality to the material without clashing with your shirt or tie.

BB DESIGNER BIO - BLUMARINE

Blumarine's SS13 leaf motif was a huge hit for us, and appeared on trenches, cardigans, skirts and dresses.

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." The line frequently uses floral, animal, lace, and other glamorous themes, over their preferred luxury textiles and skins which include precious furs, silks, ultrafine wool and cashmere. This combination gives the brand a personality that is bigger than life, without feeling too flashy.

Look for Blumarine and its younger sister Blugirl in our Spring/Summer 2012 lineup - we have some incredible pieces in stock and more on the way!

GARDEUR "NEVIO"

"Nevio" by Gardeur - $195

One of our most enduringly popular casual pants, the "Nevio" by Gardeur is the perfect pant to transition out of a dated, baggy wardrobe and into more modern cuts - without the 'skinny-shock.' It's not especially low rise and not especially slim through the leg, just enough of both to look hip and current.  This season we have three washes in their signature lightweight twill - Cappuchino (shown), light olive, and chalk.

MANNEQUIN MOMENTS PART II - GAULTIER AND JUVONEN

Outfits by Jean-Paul Gaultier, LBM 1911, and Samuelsohn

This installation took its colors from Peter Juvonen's fabulous abstract art, with tones of teal, salmon, acid yellow and royal blue. Our ladies are wearing Gaultier Soleil's fabulous printed chiffon tunics, which can be draped on the body multiple different ways and worn with different underpinnings to create different effects. During the day, wear them with a tank and leggings, at night, with a simple full slip.  Our gentlemen are similarly versatile - their "spezzato" (unconstructed) jackets perfect for chinos during the day and wool slacks for evening.

ARMANI JEANS DOT CARDIGAN

Cotton/viscose cardigan - Armani Jeans - $195 (Also available in mint/white dot)

Armani Jeans prominently featured the polka-dot motif this season, one of our favorite looks EVER from this versatile collection, and this cardigan is no exception. It's ever so slightly short, perfect for a high-waisted jean on its own (as pictured) or layered over your favorite longer tunic or tank for a waist-elongating look.Also available in mint and white dots over navy.

CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Have a terrific Memorial Day weekend! Butch Blum will be closed in honor of the holiday today (Sunday, May 26) and tomorrow, and will open our normal hours Tuesday the 28th at 10am. 

SUMMER-SAVVY FASHIONS

Outfits by Cantarelli and Antonio Gaspari

The best summer clothes always have that certain quality to them, of lightness and effortlessness. Update your summer wardrobe with silk/wool or wool/linen jackets, tropical weight pants and for ladies, lots of chiffon, like these crystal-pleated tunics. You'll look effortless and feel cool as a cucumber.

We'd like to give another special thank-you to the Ryan James gallery for loaning us these beautiful works of art by Peter Juvonen, a Finnish-born artist who has lived in the Seattle area for several decades.

OPEN TODAY - CLOSED TOMORROW/MONDAY

Jasper Johns - Three Flags (1958)

Make a shopping trip to Butch Blum a part of your Memorial Day weekend plans - we're open this Friday and Saturday, and will be closed Sunday and Monday in honor of the holiday.  See you this weekend!

SAMUELSOHN DOUBLE-BREASTED WINDOWPANE

Super 150's wool and cashmere - Samuelsohn - $1395

It's no secret that double-breasted suits are making a slow comeback- an elegant choice for those who have need of a more tailored wardrobe. How then, to incorporate this style in a closet that's had nothing but single-breasted for years?

Try a double-breasted suit that's a little bit shorter in the jacket and a lot narrower in the shoulder than they were 10 years ago. Your jacket should cross the center of your palm so that you can curl your fingers underneath the skirt without rumpling it. For the very fashion conscious, try an inch shorter than that - about even with your thumb joint.   The shoulder caps should fit squarely on the edges of your shoulders without drooping over, yet not so tight that your tricep bulges out of the sleeve. 

A fabric like this wool/cashmere windowpane is an excellent alternative to stripes, as it flexes more easily into sport-coat territory. Tuck the pocket flaps in and pair with a slim pant in a clear-finish charcoal gray fabric.  Your shoe should also be slightly sportier - a suede oxford or perhaps a light colored nubuck. 

(detail)

NEW ARRIVALS - ARMANI SHIRTS

End-on-end cotton - Giorgio Armani - $275

The latest arrivals in shirting by Armani are exciting yet tasteful, elegant variations on menswear staples. Among the half dozen designs new to our Spring mix are herrinbones, tattersalls, and other classic shirtings, each rendered in a uniquely Armani way.

ALEXA CHUNG IN MOSCHINO

Another celebrity fan of Moschino's is Alexa Chung, who is a model, writer, television presenter and contributing editor of British Vogue. She's seen here in the SS13 sheer geometric coat with organza floral details at the Glamour "These Girls" event, a celebration of all things feminine in our decade.

CINDERELLA'S MARGIELA 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.

VARVATOS DERBY BROGUES

John Varvatos Collection - $498

Varvatos takes the classic derby and re-imagines it for daily casual wear, using an innovative double-lacing and a distressed cement color that is anything but ordinary. Wear these with a casual cotton or linen suit, or pair them with your favorite pair of slim jeans for a rocker look a la Varvatos' collection.