Announcement: Ballard Boutique Warehouse Sale

Looks like the Seattle P.I. picked up on our warehouse sale this weekend. A few years ago when this happened we had thousands of people lined up waiting to get in. This year, if that happens we will have a system where we give you a time to come back (ala Ticketmaster). Get in line early if you want the best deals.

Caffe Fiore is near by on Sunset Hill, so grabbing coffee will be easy. We will also be selling simple food and beverages inside.

The weather report says light rain so bring your slicker or umbrella. We're going to see if there is a covered area to line up in. We want to do everything to make sure it remains a fun and positive event.

BRING CASH. Many vendors will not take cards as we will not be connected to phone and Internet at this location, but then again, many will, like Blackbird.

I am exitced also to announce that Marqsmen from Bellevue Square will participate!!! We are very happy to have another men's store in the mix. They always have cool stuff.

TIME MAGAZINE Article - America: Conquerer of the Global Menswear Market

...also entitled, WHAT MEN WANT, a Time partnership with CNN. Although a mouthful and extensive, it reads well and features Blackbird friends, Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders and Alex Carleton and Jay Carroll of Rogues Gallery and their new store in Portland, Maine. You'll find eleven articles in total including a nice write up called The New Sartorialists. Clearly it's a great time to be a man, if Time Magazine is backing the movement.

Rogues Gallery store in Portland Maine

Band of Outsiders' Scott Sternberg, left, Adam Kimmel, Thom Browne, Michael Bastian and Taavo Somer of Freeman Sporting Club, all wearing their own designs.

Model wearing Band of Outsiders

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony - Reversible Overcoat
in gray/off-white
DETAILS: heavy 100% wool flannel with reversible 97% cotton/3% elastane twill side, five buttons, two side pockets, fully reversible, fabric made by Woolrich, Inc
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$588


Opening Ceremony - Outdoor Suit Jacket
in gray plaid
DETAILS: soft 80% wool/20% cashmere outer with 100% cotton flannel lining, two button, single vented, removable neck flap which can be used to close the jacket up top; note that the fabric matches the Outdoor Suit Pants shown previously in this post
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$612


Opening Ceremony - Vest
in black or heather brown
DETAILS: 60% supersoft wool/20% nylon/20% acrylic blend, five buttons, two pockets
sizes/black: XS, S, M, L, XL
sizes/heather brown: XS, S, M, L
$156


Opening Ceremony - Motocross Vest
in dark heather gray
DETAILS: 60% supersoft wool/20% nylon/20% acrylic blend
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$180

RAG & BONE

Rag & Bone - Dakota Jacket
in mushroom
DETAILS: 100% cotton twill outer with removable quilted full body/arm lining
sizes: 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
$545

KSUBI ARRIVALS

Ksubi - "Dusk to Dawn" Sequins Jumper
in black
DETAILS: soft 70% bamboo/30% cotton blend; sequin design is made from sequins in a matte and shiny black which results in a surprisingly subtle detail; sizing runs slightly large
sizes: S
$339


Ksubi - Hooded Scarf
in charred gray
DETAILS: 45% wool/40% visvose/10% nylon/5% cashmere; the large size works great as a scarf/wrap or hanging freely for a more dramatic look
sizes: one size
$216

PRIA SCARVES

For a brief rundown on the history of these great scarf makers, check out this post (please note the styles shown in this previous post are sold out.)

Pria - 105 Scarf
in black or maroon
DETAILS: light 100% wool
sizes: one size
$102



Pria - 135 Scarf
in charcoal, brown, gold, or gray
DETAILS: heavy 100% virgin wool
sizes: one size
$75


Pria - 873 Scarf
in black/white
DETAILS: 100% virgin wool
sizes: one size
$115


Pria - 136 Scarf
in brown
DETAILS: heavy 100% virgin wool
sizes: one size
$75


Pria - 128 Scarf
in charcoal/white
DETAILS: 100% virgin wool
sizes: one size
$80


Pria - 862 Scarf
in blue
DETAILS: 100% virgin wool
sizes: one size
$85


Pria - 105 Tartan Scarf
in red
DETAILS: heavy 100% wool
sizes: one size
$102


Pria - 537 Scarf
in maroon or black
DETAILS: light 90% wool/10% silk blend
sizes: one size
$125


Pria - 861 Scarf
in brown
DETAILS: 100% virgin wool
sizes: one size
$95


Pria - 564 Scarf
in camel or brown
DETAILS: heavy 65% wool/35% silk blend
sizes: one size
$102

BOUTIQUE WAREHOUSE SALE - SAVE UP to 75% OFF

It's that time of the year!!!
This season we've rented a HUGE venue to house our left over goods plus treasures from some of Seattle's best shoe and clothing boutiques. Oh... and did we mention that we'll have used/vintage clothing from some of the most fashion forward closets in Seattle? That and fixtures and other bazaar type gadgets and gear. Get ready!

SAVE 50% to 75% off retail price.

BELLA'S
BLACKBIRD
CLUTCH
DOLCE VITA
IMPULSE
KIMBERLY BAKER
LAMB's EAR
LES AMIS
TRICKWOOD
TWEED

OCTOBER 4th
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Nordic Heritage Museum

$5 admission to pay for the space rental

SNACKS AND BEVERAGES

Video: ON THE STREET with Bill Cunningham

WATCH THIS VIDEO from The New York Times street fashion god Bill Cunningham.

DBSS SPRING/SUMMER 2009 "GASP"

Last week we were in Tokyo visiting a number of brands for the S/S2009 season and one of the exhibitions included the always wonderful Diet Butcher Slim Skin. Less conceptual as some recent collections, this one brings to mind the fun quirkiness of some past collections with familiar details popping their heads up again. The collection's title, 'Gasp', is simply a title this time as opposed to a true theme. Taking a look at everything piece-by-piece, it seems a collection of garments and images that we can wear and interpret as we wish, to whichever extreme we prefer.

The fits and fabrications give a real spring/summer feel this time. Lighter weight fabrics are in heavy usage and everything feels very soft and relaxing against the skin. Even the toughest and grungiest looking pieces manage to keep a beautiful delicate feeling.

Pictured above is the current entrance design descending into DBSS's flagship shop "Venom" and below are some images from the spring/summer 2009 collection.

LAD MUSICIAN IN MEN'S NON-NO OCT 2008

A couple Lad Musician items we will be receiving with our shipment from them were featured in the newest issue of Men's Non-no. We will be receiving the star cardigan shown on the left, as well as the silver foiled corsage shown on the right. In addition to these items, we will also be receiving a raglan sleeve pullover crew neck sweater of the same style/color as the cardigan and end on end chambray corsages in navy, blue gray, and black.

Lad Musician - Intarsia Cardigan [on left side]
in black
DETAILS: 32% wool/25% modal/20% nylon/10% silk/8% angora/5% cashmere, features a white intarsia-style knit star mid-stomach and on the left hand wrist, comes as only one size
sizes: 44
$370

Lad Musician - Small Foiled Brooch [on right side]
in silver [pictured] or gun metal
DETAILS: foiled leather, comes also in a larger size
$165

MORE FROM COMING SOON

Coming Soon - Chalk Stripe Blazer
in black
DETAILS: 88% virgin wool/9% cotton/5% flax outer, 47% polyester/28% viscose/25% cotton partially lined body, 100% polyester lined sleeves; two button, single vented, piping along lapel and sleeves, hidden button holes at sleeves; fit is slightly large but falls nicely on the body for an oversized Yohji-esque fit -- wear your normal size or experiment with bigger sizes to create your own perfect relaxed feel!
sizes: 46, 48, 50, 52, 54
$675


Coming Soon - Wool Blazer
in black
DETAILS: thick nubby 92% virgin wool/5% cotton/2% flax blend, two buttons, no vents, made in Italy; fit is slightly large but falls nicely on the body for an oversized Yohji-esque fit -- wear your normal size or experiment with bigger sizes to create your own perfect relaxed feel!
sizes: 46, 48, 50, 52, 54
$622


Coming Soon - Hi Top Sneakers
in white or black
DETAILS: canvas upper with rubber soles; please note that we are expecting womens sizes to arrive later!
sizes/white: 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44
sizes/black: 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44
$159

RAG & BONE

Rag & Bone - Scedke Coat
in blue
DETAILS: 90% wool/10% nylon with partially lined body and fully lined sleeves, two front and two rear button flap pockets, one internal pocket
sizes: coming soon
$660

FILIPPA K - SOFT STRUCTURE KNIT

This Filippa K cardigan was shown in a previous post but I thought we should revisit it to show off the amazing fit. With a slightly oversized fit through the body and long slimmer fitting raglan sleeves, this piece is perfectly suitable for both men or women. Try it out as a replacement for your fall jacket or layering piece as we move towards winter.

Filippa K - Soft Structure Knit
in dark gray
DETAILS: 33% mohair/23% nylon/23% lambswool/18% angora blend
sizes: S, M, L
$355

New Jack Spade

Just in......new styles and a new Nylon Canvas color from Jack Spade:

Jack Spade - Grain Leather Eaton Duffle
Black, Saddle
$625

Jack Spade - Drill Nylon Utility Brief
Black
$375
Drill Nylon Laptop Field Bag
Black
$425

Jack Spade - Waxwear Laptop Field Bag
Chocolate
$350
Waxwear Sloop Tote
Chocolate
$325

Jack Spade - Grain Leather French Market Bag
Black
$495

Jack Spade - Grain Leather Bombadier Brief
Black
$485

Jack Spade - Nylon Canvas Computer File Case
Navy, Tobacco, Black, Forest, Tank, Chocolate (front to back)
$225

Jack Spade - Nylon Canvas - (NEW COLOR!) Forest
(front to back)
Day Bag $135
Field Bag $150
Bale Case $145
Canvas Gym Bag $250
Tech Field Bag $195

Comme des Garcons

Brand spanking new Comme des Garcons wallets........you're welcome.

Comme des Garcons SA310E - Embossed Letters Wallet
Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red
$106


Comme des Garcons SA310E - Embossed Numbers Wallet
Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red
$106


Comme des Garcons SA210E - Embossed Letters Wallet
Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red
$219

Comme des Garcons SA210E - Embossed Numbers Wallet
Black, Blue, Green, Red
$219

FILIPPA K

Filippa K- Classic Melton Coat
Black
100% Wool
$654

Filippa K-Tom Herringbone Blazer
Dark Grey Mel
$626

Filippa K- Melange Knit R-neck
Dark Grey Mel
100% Wool
$248


Filippa K- Soft Structure Knit
Dark Grey
33% Mohair, 26% Nylon,
23% Lambs Wool, 18% Angora
$355

Filippa K- Soft Knit Scarf w/ Hood
Dark Grey
33% Mohair, 26% Nylon,
23% Lambs Wool, 18% Angora
$173

Filippa K- Solid Tie
Navy, Dark Grey, Black
$137
Thin Mini Check Tie
Crimson
$108

WINGS+HORNS

We finally received our first delivery of the much anticipated Wings + Horns!
Have a gander.....

Wings+Horns-Organic Jersey Scarf

Black (not shown), Heather Grey
Details: 100% Organic Cotton
$48

Wings+Horns-100% Merino Scarf
Black Grey Plaid
Details: 100% Merino Wool
$96


Wings+Horns-Reverse Striped Jersey Scarf
Oak Brown/Grey, Black/Grey
Details: 32% Cotton, 32% Micro Modal, 36% Polyester
$48




Wings+Horns-Thermal Tube Scarf
Heather Grey, Black
Details: 100% Cotton
$53



Wings+Horns-25oz Blazer
Black
Details: 95%Cotton, 5% Polyester
$360


Wings+Horns-Slim Fit Tiger Fleece
Yellow/Grey
$168

Wings+Horns-Coated Terry Zip Cardigan
Black
$187

Wings+Horns-L/S Reversible Crew Tee
Oak Brown/Grey, Black/ Grey
$96

Wings+Horns-Short Sleeve U-neck Tee
Heather Grey, Black
$60


Wings+Horns-Coated Terry Full Zip
Heather Grey, Black
$197




Wings+Horns-L/S Reversible U-neck
Oak Brown/Grey, Black/ Grey
$96


Wings+Horns-L/S Zip-up Flannel
Coal Grey
$180


Wings+Horns-V neck Tee
Set of 2
Heather Grey, Black
$108


Wings+Horns-Crew neck Tee
Set of 2
White, Black
$108


Wings+Horns-Tiger Fleece
Small Blanket
Size: 0.8m x 1m
Grey, Black
$96


Wings+Horns-Tiger Fleece
Large Blanket
Size: 1.5m x 2m
Grey, Black
$144


Wings+Horns-French Terry
Large Blanket
Size: 1.5m x 2m
Oak Brown, Midnight, Black
$144

A.P.C. Denim Arrives!

A.P.C. Denim has arrived in three styles:
New Cure
New Standards
Rescue
All in Indigo/ Raw
$155
Come try on your new favorite pair of jeans, before they're gone!

SEPTEMBER 2008: THE ROYAL DANISH BALLET WEARS ACNE

CHEAP MONDAY - AUTUMN WINTER 2008

Cheap Monday - Timber Shirt
in purple
DETAILS: soft cotton flannel, little skull tag on front pocket, slim fit, not yucky western lapels
sizes: xs, s, m, l
$75

Cheap Monday - Timber Shirt
in red
DETAILS: soft cotton flannel, little skull tag on front pocket, slim fit, not yucky western lapels
sizes: xs, s, m, l
$75

22 Vintage by Cheap Monday - Hasse Sweater
in navy
DETAILS: 100% lambswool, roll collar, Velcro closure, knit changes to pearl to create stripes in the the texture of the sweater
sizes: xs, s, m, l
$110

JACK SPADE - CROWN TWILL COLLECTION BOMBADIER BRIEF

Jack Spade - Crown Twill Bombadier Brief
in gray
DETAILS: burley hardware, leather trim details inside and out, waxed canvas reinforced bottom, thick webbing adjustable strap, laptop area
$345

JACK SPADE - MACKINTOSH COLLABORATION

Jack Spade - Mackintosh Sloop Tote
in authentic Mackintosh fabric
DETAILS: black webbing handles, dark brown leather reinforcements, zipper top, black ripstop lined with chocolate trim
$415

Jack Spade - Mackintosh Hanging Travel Kit
in gray plaid
DETAILS: lots of pockets, rubber lined main area with mesh outer to hold all of your soaps and shaving gear, Velcro flap reveals two rubber lined pockets for small goods, strap snaps at top to create a loop that can be hung off any door knob or hotel towel bar
$225

THE THE

JACK SPADE - BOARSKIN ACCESSORIES COLLECTION

Jack Spade - French Wallet
in yellow/white or black/chocolate
DETAILS: boarskin leather, 6" x 4", Metro card and ticket slots, holds Euros with ease, great for the continental traveler or the lady in your life.
$150

Jack Spade - Boarskin Billfold
in black/chocolate or chocolate/turquoise
DETAILS: boarskin leather, 4-1/4" x 3-1/2", herringbone canvas liner
$125

Jack Spade - Boarskin Credit Card Holder
in black/chocolate or yellow/white
DETAILS: boarskin leather, holds credit cards with ease, 2-3/4" x 4"
$80

Jack Spade - Boarskin International Wallet
in black/chocolate, tuqouise/yellow or chocolate/turqouise
DETAILS: boarskin leather, 4-1/4" x 3-3/4", coin holder for Euros, Yen or CAD, herringbone canvas lined
$135

Jack Spade - Boarskin Card Holder
in black/chocolate or yellow/white
DETAILS: boarskin leather, herringbone canvas lined, 3" x 4"
$95

Jack Spade - Boarskin Luggage Tag
in (see above)
DETAIILS: boarskin leather, indicates that this bag is your bag
$45

OKOK! I GET IT... IT'S AN OPENING!

Neighborhood favorite OKOK Gallery is hosting an opening this Saturday, September 15th, for L.A.-based artist Sean Higgins. Titled Apocrypha, the new exhibit features Higgins's collection of NASA-inspired works that "blur the line between reality and fiction."

Walk that line at OKOK from 6:00-10:00p this Saturday.

OKOK Gallery

5107 Ballard Ave. N.W.

Seattle, WA 98107

206.789.6242

info@okokgallery.com

BEHANCE - MAKE IDEAS HAPPEN

According to Behance you should "show your ideas some respect." These guys went out and studied people what were highly organized, somewhat organized and a total mess (that's me), and came up with these simple little tools to help you get through the day.

1. Capture Action Steps, relentlessly. During a brainstorm, meeting, or on the run, ideas are fleeting unless they are transformed into action steps.

2. Think beyond lines and boxes. The dot matrix on the back of each page serves as a subtle guide for your notations and sketches.

3. Tend to your Backburner. Keep a "backburner" to catch ideas that may someday become actions - or just to clear your mind of the little things. Preserve your creative energy and focus on action steps.

Behance - Action Runner
in orange, blue or gray
DETAILS: 80lb premium blend paper in 3" x 5" format; 50 pages
$9.50

Behance - Action Pad
in orange, blue or gray
DETAILS: 80lb premium blend paper in 5" x 7" format; 40 sheets
$9.50

Behance - Action Stickers
in orange or blue
DETAILS: 60 lb adhesive stickers in 3"x 0.53" size; 15 sheets and 120 sickers
$6.50

Behance - Action Book
in orange or blue
DETAILS: 80 lb premium blend paper, spiral bound, black rubber like cover resists damage, 8.5" x 10.5"; 50 sheets
$18.00

Behance - Dot Grid Book
in dots
DETAILS: 80 lb premium blend paper, spiral bound, black rubber like cover resists damage, 8.5" x 10.5"; 50 sheets
$18.00

Behance - Action Pad (small)
in gray, orange or blue
DETAILS: 80 lb premium blend paper in 5"x7" format; 40 sheets.
$8.00

Behance - Action Pad (large)
in gray, orange or blue
DETAILS: 80 lb premium blend paper in 8.5"x10.5" format; 40 sheets. GREAT FOR MEETINGS!!
$9.50

N. HOOLYWOOD - UNDER SUMIT WEAR

Please welcome Under Summit Wear from N. Hoolywood (sic) of Japan. Please consider these garments as the finest quality underwear to be worn as laying pieces or on their own. All items come in these out of this world boxes.

Under Summit Wear boxes all stacked up. Olde world charm. Collect them all!

Under Summit Wear - Crewneck T Shirt
in T. Gray
DETAILS: 100% cotton Jersey, pocket, very slim fitting
sizes: 36,38,40
$155

Under Summit Wear - Long Sleeve Crewneck
in C. Gray = brown/plum/grey (best color ever)
DETAILS: 100% cotton with micro thermal texture; slim fitting
sizes: 36,38,40
$185


Under Summit Wear - V Neck T Shirt
in T. Gray or O. White
DETAILS: soft 100% cotton with pocket
sizes: 36,38,40
$145 (one per box)





Under Summit Wear - Sweat Shirt
in T. Grey
DETAILS: raglan sleeve, slightly angled seam down the back, super soft cotton that FEELS LIKE CASHMERE, knit looks like super fine French terry that is smooth on the outside and rippled on the inside, banded cuff and waist band.
sizes: 36, 38, 40, 42
$286

Under Summit Wear - Three Pack Socks
in Black, Gray and White (all three)
DETAILS: 90% cotton, 5% poly and 5% nylon
sizes: one size
$148

Under Summit Wear - Tank Top
in T. Gray
DETAILS: 100% cotton jersey, slim fitting
sizes: 36, 38, 40
$148

TERRIBLE PICTURE!!! REALLY GREAT SWEATER!!!
UNDER SUMMIT WEAR - High Gauge Knit
in Black
DETAILS: 100% fine wool, U-neck, banded cuff and waist, tag folds over back neck of sweater (see above), semi sheer
sizes: 36, 38, 40
$285

BALLARD ANNIVERSARY SALE - 3 YEARS

Wow! September 8th was our 3 year anniversary here in Ballard. We sort of forgot.

Enjoy 20% off store wide*
Thursday, Sept 11th - Sunday, Sept 14th


*Discount can not be combined with other discounts, and only applies to purchases made in store.

SLIDELUCK COCA SHOW: BALLARD ART BEACH PARTY!

Slideluck Potshow is teaming up with the CoCA -- Center on Contemporary Arts -- to host a beach party grillin' at Shilshole bay. Come and join in. Bring some potato salad and an appetite for sweet photos.

If you haven't heard of Slideluck Potshow, it's a brilliant non-profit organization that combines new photography with the delicious tradition of a potluck dinner. Artists submit a variety of photo slides for the exhibit, and we the people can enjoy them while swapping dishes!

Potluck Beach BBQ: Thursday, September 11th, 7-9p

Slideshow: Thursday, September, 11th, 9p
Shilshole Bay Beach Club, 6413 Seaview Ave NW, (near Golden Gardens)

SHIPLEY & HALMOS

Shipley & Halmos - Updike Shawl Collar Sweater
in Gezzer black
DETAIL: 85% cotton 15% cashmere
sizes: S, M, L, XL
$375

Shipley & Halmos - Polo Shirt
in stone cream, granite cream, or red cream.
DETAIL: rubber buttons
sizes: S, M, L, XL
$100

Shipley & Halmos - Straight Leg Suit
in Gezzer black
DETAIL: 90% wool 10% cashmere, 2 button jacket, suspender buttons on waistband
sizes:
Jacket: 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
Pants: 28, 30, 32, 34, 36
$465
$260

Shipley & Halmos - Straight Leg Suit
in Granite Gray
DETAILS: 50% wool/50% polyester, 2 button jacket, suspender buttons on waist band
sizes:
Jacket: 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
Pants: 28, 30, 32, 34, 36
$465
$260

Shipley & Halmos - Hawthorn Jacket
in night denim
DETAIL: shell: %100 cotton, sherling: %65 arcylic %35 polyester
sizes: S, L, XL
$350

CONVERSE by JOHN VARVATOS

Converse by John Varvatos - Cotton Cavalry Twill Blazer
in dark chocolate
DETAILS: two button, leather shoulder trim and elbow patches
sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
$345

Converse by John Varvatos - Classic Mini Check Shirt
DETAILS: double placket
sizes: S, M, L, XL
$125

Converse by John Varvatos - 3 Star Chino Pant w/ suspenders
in cork
sizes: 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38
$125

Converse by John Varvatos - Horizontal Stripe Shirt
in noir
sizes: M, L, XL

$165

Long Sleeve Wool Stripe Pull Over Hoodie
in natural
DETAILS: 42% wool, 32% cotton, 26% linen
sizes: S, M, L
$175

FIBER & FELLOW

Fiber & Fellow - Pino Shawl Neck Sweater
in charcoal
DETAILS: 40% nylon, 35% wool, 5% cashmere
sizes: M, L
$192

Fiber & Fellow - Hardy Cardigan
in gray
DETAILS: 100% merino wool
sizes: S, M, L
$145

Fiber & Fellow - Hardy Cardigan
in black
DETAILS: 100% merino wool
sizes: M, L, XL
$145

OUR LEGACY

Our Legacy - Stripe Bow Tie
in blue and yellow
DETAILS: adjustable sizing
$99

Our Legacy - Round Extra Collar Shirt
red and blue
DETAILS: Collar is removable, also comes w/ extra round collar in white.

sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$215


Our Legacy - Overlap Neck Sweater
in navy
DETAILS: 100% merino wool, pocket over left chest
sizes: S, M, L
$199

HYDEN YOO

Hyden Yoo - Bloom Coat
in black
DETAIL: fleece lined nylon, 4 pocket, hood, drawstring waist
sizes: S, M, L, XL
$310

Hyden Yoo - Edwin Shirt
in blue check
DETAIL: 100% cotton, button up collar
sizes: M, L, XL
$144

Hyden Yoo - Cloney Trench Coat
in navy blue
DETAILS: %100 cotton, button down back flap
sizes: S, M, L, XL
$396

Hyden Yoo - Slim Shirt

in black check
DETAILS %100 cotton
sizes: S, M, L ,XL
$144

FOLLOW THESE RULES

Today GQ launched GQ Rules - How to become a well dressed rebel in 30 days. Trust me... everyone needs to sign up for this special club. Here's why:

1. It's hosted by Adam Rapoport, GQ's funniest and most with it Editor
2. You'll get to watch 30 hi-def videos with over the top, helpful tips for your wardrobe
3. Scott Sternberg from Band of Outsiders helps out in the first video. We love Scott.
4. You can win a $10,000 J. Crew shopping spree!

BALLARD SUNDAY MARKET - HARVEST TIME!!!

Eat well.
Support local farmers.
Save money.
See friends and dogs.
Listen to some banjo music.

RVCA X ERIN WASSON

RVCA has teamed up with model Erin Wasson for an exclusive collection for Barney's New York. We're not surprised. RVCA has always produced fashion pieces along with their great surf and skate basics. There's a lot of innovation going on down there in Costa Mesa; glad to see people on the East Coast are finally catching on.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK - RAG & BONE

Refinery29 is sharing their first hand account of Olympus Fashion Week starting with Rag & Bone. Where are the boy models. That's what we want to see! Take a peek anyway.

ADVANCED STYLE - A NEW BLOG by ARI SETH COHEN

(Ari and Mimi)

As many of you know, Ari Seth Cohen, our former Store Manager, moved to New York to pursue bigger things. Battling the normal highs and lows that New York City has to offer, Ari has found a little treasure that millions overlook every day. Advanced Style, his new blog, draws our attention to our friends over 50 and their experienced fashion sense. These individuals have seen the trends come and go, and this is what they choose to wear. These are the people to watch.

FASHION SWEDEN EXHIBITION TOKYO NOV 2007

Ever want to be a buyer? Here's an idea of what it's like to visit our Swedish friends for a market appointment. These interviews with our pals at Julian Red and Our Legacy are pretty much how things play out when we meet every 6 months. Minus looking at the actual collections. We are so lucky to work with such bright minds.

Fashion Sweden - Our Legacy


Fashion Sweden - Julian Red

NEW 4 WEEKEND

Our Legacy

Hyden Yoo

Shipley & Halmos

BLACKBIRD INTERVIEW on WE ARE THE MARKET

I guess I was interviewed by WeAreTheMarket.com this week.

Name: Nicole Miller
Age: 36
Occupation: Owner and Buyer for Blackbird
Location: Seattle

Tell us, who are you and what do you do? I own and run Blackbird and am the main buyer. I don't work in the store nor manage the store staff.

What sets BLACKBIRD apart from the other menswear stores in Seattle? I don't really think about other stores in Seattle or elsewhere. We're all just doing our own thing and if it works, then it works.

How would you defined the BLACKBIRD male? Oh gee. It's pretty much any guy of any age except for people like my dad. Those Boomers really love that Tommy Bahama and their clothes from Costco. Go figure. We also sell to a lot of women looking for masculine looks.

Men's fashion trends to pay attention to? I try not to be too trendy. Buy classics and mix with second hand items to make your own thing.

Men's fashion trends that you would like to see fade away? I would like to see trends fade away (which is impossible). The great thing about fashion today is that you can wear pretty much anything. We're all so different and I'm inspired by people that can express their personality in what they wear.

Who are some new talent that you think we should be paying attention to? KZO by Joel Knoernschild and Odyn Vovk by Austin Sherbanenko. Both are exceptional designers that are bringing in influences from Europe and Japan, but then adding their own American punk spin.

When/Why did you decide to add the accessories section to your store? Blackbird was always going to be a mercantile. Colette in Paris was a big influence on this choice. It feels so good to go into one of the best stores in the world and buy a 2 Euro lip balm and walk out with that bag.

What inspires you? I'm currently inspired by this book Omnivores Dilemma. I'm not so much a fan of acting green and not knowing if it truly has an impact on anything. I love the idea of eating food that was grown in a natural way by real people, at real farms in my area. I go to the farmers market around the corner from Blackbird every Sunday and buy crazy good food like sea beans and chantrel mushrooms that were locally foraged. It makes me really happy. That and The Clash. I have always been inspired by The Clash.

The architecture of your store is quite something. Give us a little background information on your store location? I opened Blackbird in 2004 one neighborhood over from Ballard in basement location with other shops. It was month-to-month as I was working with the landlords of our permanent location. After 9 months, the location in Ballard was ready and we moved over. My architect neglected to finish the design and basically abandoned the project so we were left with nearly nothing for a store. Since then, everything has been cobbled together from antiques and custom metal work fixtures. The loft was part of the original design, but lacked any purpose. After 3 years, that space is being remodeled to house a new space for us to house our experimental brands. The design is manly, innovative and easy to be in, just like the downstairs, only more polished.

Ballard is an old Scandinavian town that was incorporated into Seattle proper over 100 years ago. People in Ballard still resent this event and live to keep this area distinct and neighborly. What I love most is that the neighborhood has this fantastic mix of blue collar and white collar folks mingling around with one street that divides them. We have sushi restaurants and hipster bars next to the sand and gravel plant and fishing boats. Everyone seems to get along and nobody seems to care for all of the new condos going in. It's pretty cool without being cool.

I am currently crazy over Robert Geller's super soft tees. How did you discover him? He emailed me. As soon as I saw the pictures, I was smitten. The first two seasons we bought were only from looking at photos.

How is the BLACKBIRD experience different from other retail locations? We greet our customers with a "hi" and actually care about who they are. People come back for the service and for friendships.

Where do you see BLACKBIRD in 10 years from now? In a mall near you... That's a joke.

What does the future hold for both Nicole Miller and BLACKBIRD? Seriously, who knows? We could catch on fire tomorrow or get bought by Macy's. Nether would shock me.

OH BALLARD

Almost Live was a weekly local show here in Seattle back when I was a kid in the 80's. These little skits about Ballard show how things used to be in our little neighborhood until those darn hipsters moved in. OK... so maybe it hasn't changed that much. Enjoy.

DIET BUTCHER SLIM SKIN SPRING/SUMMER 2007 RUNWAY

This is from a couple years ago but it remains one of my favourite presentations of any brand, from a collection which was absolutely full of amazing pieces. DBSS's shows (whether it is a runway or exhibition) are always a lot of fun and I can't wait to see what they come up with for spring/summer 2009!

RAG & BONE

Rag & Bone - Double Breasted Waistcoat
in black or asphalt
DETAILS: 80% wool/20% silk, herringbone weave
sizes/black: 38, 40, 42
sizes/asphalt: 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
$360


Rag & Bone - Knit Waistcoat
in light gray
DETAILS: 100% cashmere, heathered gray color, lined pockets
sizes: XS, S, M, L
$264


Rag & Bone - RB11 Jean
in indigo
DETAILS: streaky selvage denim, regular straight leg fit, mid rise, hidden back pocket rivets
sizes: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36
$264


Rag & Bone - Mittens
in dark green or charcoal
DETAILS: 100% cashmere, button down finger cover/flap
sizes/dark green: one size
sizes/charcoal: one size
$120

NEW MARCOLIANI SOCKS

Marcoliani - 3025T Socks
in bordeaux, plum, ginger, or musk
DETAILS: extra fine merino wool fancy stripes
sizes: one size
$29


Marcoliani - 2926T Socks
in black, merlot, plum, or musk
DETAILS: extra fine merino wool jacquard dama
sizes: one size
$19


Marcoliani - 0669T Socks
in black, navy, bordeaux, or natural
DETAILS: extra fine merino wool jacquard graffiti
sizes: one size
$19


Marcoliani - 2804T Socks
in black, bordeaux, ginger, musk, or natural
DETAILS: extra fine merino wool microstripes
sizes: one size
$19


Marcoliani - 2925T Socks
in black, merlot, plum, or pine green
DETAILS: extra fine merino wool jacquard zebra
sizes: one size
$19


Marcoliani - 2648T Socks
in black or charcoal
DETAILS: cashmere funny stripe
sizes: one size
$70


Marcoliani - 2718T Socks
in bordeaux
DETAILS: cashmere micro stripes
sizes: one size
$70

WRATH ARCANE

Wrath Arcane - Wreckover Hvvdie
in navy
DETAILS: heavy French terry material, narrow articulated sleeves
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$145


Wrath Arcane - Hvstory Woven
in blue plaid
DETAILS: heavy flannel, high collar, harness detail on back, snap buttons, articulated sleeves
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$132


Wrath Arcane - Tvb Drvss Shvrt
in blue plaid
DETAILS: heavy flannel
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$132


Wrath Arcane - Strvp Drvss Shvrt
in hound plaid
DETAILS: houndstooth plaid weave, back strap detail
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$145


Wrath Arcane - Thv Hvnly
in navy
DETAILS: waffle knit, button and darting detail on front
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$72

BAND OF OUTSIDERS HUNTING SHIRT/JACKET

Band of Outsiders - Hunting Shirt/Jacket
in royal
DETAILS: 74% wool/26% cotton outer and fully lined with 65% cupro/35% polyester quilting; super tough wool wool tartan outer layer shirt/jacket that is sure to keep you you warm and comfy through these cold seasons; slim fit with box pleat along back, patch chest pocket, double welt side pockets, hunting flap/pad along right hand shoulder, and elbow patches
sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
$610

Jazz Butcher - Angels

This was an anthem of my youth. Now it reminds me of an April 77/Huge Magazine photo shoot. It popped into my head today when thinking about Diet Butcher Slim Skin. These guys were first called Jazz Butcher Conspiracy.

-Nicole