INTRODUCING - THE FIELD HOUSE

My grandma Mable grew up in the South Park neighborhood in the very south of Seattle on the Duwamish River. There wasn't much to inspire a young girl growing up during the Depression in one of the poorest parts of the city. Fortunately, there was a place called The Field House just down the street, and Mable and her little sister Margie could go there any time to take classes for free. Crafts were what excited my grandma, and the classes she took inspired her to eventually raise sheep for wool, spin, weave, knit and crochet. Her home became a collection of shells she picked from the beaches in Mexico, giant pine cones from all over the west coast and hand made dolls from Eskimos in Alaska. Her style is her own, and she inspires me more than she will ever know. The goal of The Field House is to inspire you the way the original inspired my grandma.

As with anything I do, this is just a start. We're working on a lot of great ideas we hope to share with you soon. There is so much more I would like to say, but I'll let the photos and your trip to The Field House fill in the rest for now.

Always,

Nicole

The Field House

5465 Leary Avenue NW

Seattle, WA 98107

open every day 10 to 7

HERE'S THE PRESS RELEASE

The Field House opens in Ballard neighborhood of Seattle

Blackbirds’s newest store invokes general store reminiscence

Seattle — The Field House, Blackbird’s newest store, is now open in the heart of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.

The Field House is reminiscent of general stores that were once at the heart of rural towns across America. Its shelves are stocked with a wide variety of merchandise, including classic work wear, vintage goods, basic groceries and candies, flowers, and perfumes and candles. It captures the history, geography, and folklore of times past, when goods were less disposable and had more meaning, a time when people canned their own food and took a moment to converse with strangers. It is perhaps Blackbird's most personal store, as it is inspired by owner Nicole Miller’s eccentric Pacific Northwest family and her desire to get back to basics.

“In a culture dominated by computers, The Field House is a refreshing invitation to slow down and connect with traditions that are lost and forgotten,” says Miller.

In addition to merchandise, The Field House plans to have free weekly classes on lost skills such as "How to Debone a Chicken" or "Lawnmower Repair." The store will sell Christmas trees for the holidays and will serve a "cup-a-joe" from an insulated Stanley thermos.

The Field House is an experimental pop-up shop. After three months, Blackbird will decide whether to make it a permanent part of the neighborhood. It is located behind Blackbird at 5465 Leary Avenue NW in Ballard. The brands and items currently offered at The Field House include:

Apparel for Men & Women
RRL
Filson
Pendleton
Woolrich Woolen Mills
Woolrich John Rich & Bros.
Alden
Billykirk
The Hill-side
Red Wing
April 77
Fjällräven

Gear
Stanley
Filson
Concord Flasks

Foods
Whidbey Island Trollers canned Albacore
Hammonds
Rococo Chocolatier
Gilliams
Local bulk in-shell nuts
Local beef jerky
Local organic fruits and vegetables
Bee Raw Honey
Frans

Perfumes and such
Diptyque
Cire Trudon
Comme des Garcons
Lipstick Queen

For more information or to set up an interview with The Field House owner Nicole Miller, or for press photos and materials, please contact Cal Ledbetter at Cal.D.Ledbetter@gmail.com

The Field House
5465 Leary Avenue NW
Seattle, WA 98107
info@blackbirdballard.com

HORDAK GOES BEACH CASUAL: RVCA EVIL HORDE GUY TEE

Those of you who grew up in the 80's will remember Hordak from the cartoon classic He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. RVCA has taken it upon themselves to resurrect the commander of the Evil Horde in fitting form for the California-based surf and skate-oriented brand. Their newest collaboration with artist, Matt Furie, depicts the cartoon supervillain dressed in a hoodie, b-ball shorts, and sandals as he rides a scooter (we presume he's going down to the waterfront to see who's hanging out on the boardwalk or something). Check out the new design as well as photos of Hordak in his usual duds from the epic cartoon below.

Hordak, as seen on television:

Hordak x RVCA:

RVCA - Evil Horde Guy T-Shirt
in black
DETAILS: 100% cotton screen printed T-shirt. Designed in collaboration with artist, Matt Furre, this unique print is sure to elicit some comments. Featuring a devil-dog walking, Razr Scooter-riding Hordak look-alike wearing a hoodie and beach sandals, this is definitely not your average run-of-the-mill graphic tee. Wear it with jeans and your favorite sneaks, and you're a walking conversation piece.
$28

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BLEACH: 20 YEARS LATER

This week, Seattle music fans celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of Nirvana's seminal first album, Bleach. If you haven't dragged this gem out lately, it's time to throw it back on the stereo. The Blackbird office was playing it at high volume yesterday, and we all agree it's as good now as it was when each of us first heard it.

Check out one of our local papers, The Seattle Weekly's excellent commemorative issue this week. They've devoted their cover and several pages to the album that introduced the musical world to Nirvana with articles on the band's early years, Nirvana bassist, Krist Novoselic's interviews with two of the band's early drummers, and a sit-down with Seattle music legend and Bleach producer, Jack Endino. It's a great read for anyone with an appreciation for the band that made Seattle grunge capital of the world. Click here to check it out.

Below, enjoy grainy footage from Nirvana's first recorded concert at the Community World Theater in Tacoma, Washington.

BACK IN STOCK: FILSON TOTE BAGS

Seattle's own C.C. Filson Co. came through for us with a delivery of their sought after totes. Score yours quick, gang. We don't expect them to stick around here for very long.

Filson - Tote Bag Without Zipper
in dark tan
DETAILS: Parafin treated 22 oz. 100% cotton tote bag. Filson's water repellant canvas is ridiculously tough and will wear beautifully, developing a broken-in patina over time that makes it special to each individual owner. This attractive tote sports a leather handle, four exterior pockets (2 large, 2 small), and a unembellished interior compartment. Its outdoors-friendly construction means it's significantly manlier than the silkscreened cotton bag you've been borrowing from your girlfriend - gentlemen, it's time to upgrade.
MEASURES: 14 1/2" x 13" x 5".
$99

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To check out our entire selection of Filson bags and accessories, click here.

TIDY TOUGH: RED WING 9012 & 9015 CLASSIC DRESS MOCS

Red Wing - 9015 (top) and 9012 Classic Dress Mocs
in black (top) and chestnut
DETAILS: Featherstone high shine leather moc-toe work boots with white contrast stitch, Roccia rubber grip sole, and Goodyear Welt construction. With a design inspired by Red Wing founder, Charles Beckman's own style preferences, these polishable boots are made to pull double duty - tough enough for the workplace during the day, but grown up and sharp when they're shined up properly. Red Wing says it best when they say, "These boots are built to impress." Made in USA.
$290

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DARKNESS CONSUMES YOU (WITH WOOL AND CASHMERE): JULIUS 277COM8 KNIT COAT

Julius 277COM8 Knit Coat
in black
DETAILS: 71% wool, 29% cashmere belted long overcoat with oversized drape collar. This wonderfully soft transformer of a topcoat boasts a huge extended collar panel which can be worn as a large hood or draped into a cowl or heavily-layered lapel. The high-waisted belt can be cinched up front to alter the shape of the coat's billowy folds, hung loose and untied to allow the garment to hang full length, or tied back, creating a heavy and sinister reinterpretation of the early 20th century dinner jacket with tails. Due to its formal wool/cashmere construction, this piece can supplement narrow fitting formalwear as an adventurous overcoat, but its obviously boundary-pushing design pairs well with other edgy, dark, and experimental garments. We love mixing it with tonal underlayers and complimentary textures, but a crisp white dress shirt, buttoned high at the collar, stunningly contrasts its soft folded fabric.
$1992

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Editor's Note: Special props go out to our model, Tyler, for the evillest BlackbirdBallard.com photo shoot ever. Check out dude's glare - gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "evil eye." -Kris

COURTESY OF A CONTINUOUS LEAN: THE ALDEN FACTORY TOUR

Blackbird has been proud to count ourselves in the exclusive number of Alden retailers since last summer. With the imminent arrival of our first Alden x Blackbird design collaboration to BlackbirdBallard.com, we were pleased to see A Continuous Lean's coverage of Brooklyn Alden retailer, Epaulet's recent visit to Alden's historic factory.

From A Continuous Lean:

To check out our current selection of Alden footwear, click here.

LEO PHOTOGRAPHED FOR SEATTLE STREET STYLE BLOG, IT'S MY DARLIN

Last weekend, our very own, Charles Leo Gebhardt, IV, was photographed in Ballard by Dana of the Seattle street style blog, It's My Darlin. In addition to taking some fetching shots of our man Leo, Dana had some really nice things to say about Blackbird and Blackbird's women's shop, Birgitta. Thanks, Dana! To see the original post from It's My Darlin, click here,. Check out the pics from their photo shoot below:

BLACK LIKE YOUR SOUL: ODYN VOVK DENIM VEST

Odyn Vovk - Denim Vest
in black
DETAILS: 96% cotton, 4% lycra denim jacket with narrow goatskin sleeves. The combination of rippled leather sleeves and an architectural, heavy denim torso makes for a style that looks gnarly right off the hanger and gets better and better the more you break it in. Equipped with hesher-friendly details like rough finished button holes, industrial seaming, and minimalist hardwear, it'll complete any dark rock 'n' roll look whether it's worn as outerwear or tucked under a heavier winter coat. Mostly we just want you to wear this jacket hard and send us pictures a year from now.
$895

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BLACKBIRD MERCANTILE: HEY, YOU LIKE SCARVES?

Hey, guys. BlackbirdBallard.com's Mercantile section just received over two-dozen beautiful, wool, cashmere, and silk Italian scarves from Pria. You like scarves, don't you? Check them out here.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY: WINGS + HORNS QUILTED CHAMBRAY VEST

Wings + Horns - Quilted Chambray Vest
in black
DETAILS: 100% cotton quilted puffer vest with 65% polyester, 35% rayon filling and moisture-wicking Primaloft liner. This thoughtful take on a Northwest favorite's chambray exterior and waistcoat detailing - snaps instead of zips, tailored fit, four sharp front pockets - set it apart from the pack. Great for fall in any locale, this piece layers with ease and its Primaloft lining makes sure you're not too hot or too cold. Try it under or on top of a cropped jacket or throw it on with a flannel or wool work shirt and jeans.
$288

To order, call 866-500-2524 or email info@blackbirdballard.com.

Editor's Note: Our salesguy, Jon's style is a thoughtful combination of vintage gear (dude has some sick old boots) and tailored classics. He likes Wings + Horns' chambray puffer vest because he's a layering fiend and this piece is ridiculously easy to throw into most any mix. Here in Seattle, where the weather can be sunny and warm one minute and all cold wind-and-rain the next, it's nice to have pieces in your closet that will add warmth if you need it, but won't have you sweating in two minutes if you don't.

BECAUSE THEY'RE GOOD FOR YOU: VEGETABLE TANNED BOOTS FROM JULIUS

Julius - 277FWM1 Zip Boots
in black
DETAILS: Vegetable tanned cowhide tall combat boots with heavy stitched seams and large side zip enclosure. With a slim leg, slightly bulbous aggressive toe, and a heavy stacked heel, these 16-eyelet stompers exude a brooding martial ambience that adds texture and tension to the wearer's ensemble. Lace them up snugly over slim trousers to emphasize their military silhouette or wear them loose and slightly unzipped for a slouchy, casual look. Note: These run purposefully large, so size down unless you fully appreciate the oversized look. Made in Japan.
$1770

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Julius - 277FWM2 Slouch Boots

in charcoal
Vegetable tanned cowhide slouch boots with chunky stacked heel and quadruple-stitched side and rear seams. Featuring the familiar bulbous toe and heavy heel shape of its taller cousin, this low slouch boot offers a a more liberal dose of texture and coloring. Its washed calfskin upper comes with a lovingly worn and worked in look and feel, and its mottled green/gray coloring, a product of the specific vegetable dyeing and wash processes each pair goes through, only adds to the effect. Wear these with narrow trousers, destroyed denim, or slouchy shorts for a variety of looks that will only add to this beautiful boot's distinctive flavor. Note: These run purposefully large, so size down unless you fully appreciate the oversized look.
$1506

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LOVE YOUR SHOES: ALDEN ACCESSORIES

Alden - Bone Shoe Horn
DETAILS: 100% bone shoe horn with leather strap. After regular cleaning and conditioning, using a shoe horn to get into your shoes is actually one of the best things you can do for them. Jamming your heel down hard on the back of your shoes breaks down the leather and shortens the lifespan of your footwear. This great little gift will save your shoes and the heel panels of your socks, and it looks classy hanging from a tack in your shoe closet.
$40

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Alden - Fine Boot Cream
available in black and neutral
DETAILS: Alden's Fine Boot Cream is a an all purpose conditioner for smooth leathers, and it's an excellent supplement to polish and waxes. Contains 4 oz.
$10

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Alden - Leather Travel Kit
available in black and tan
DETAILS: Fully lined 100% leather travel kit with embossed Alden insignia and YKK zipper which holds a 12" x 26" buffing cloth, black and color 8 cordovan polishes, and a 100% horsehair brush. Perfect for the shoe enthusiast on the go, this smart little case covers the basics of shoe and boot care for anyone who travels. Alden's footwear is made to exacting long-lasting standards, and preventative maintenance measures like simple cleaning, conditioning, and polishing are the best way to get a full lifespan out of them. Hint: makes a fantastic gift for birthdays or holidays.
$145

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Alden - Pure Horsehair Polishing Brush
DETAILS: 100% horsehair and wood shoe polishing brush with debossed Alden insignia. This cobbler quality brush is the standard in cleaning and polishing tools for all of your leather footwear. Horsehair is tough enough to last through hundreds of uses, but soft enough to leave your leather soft and unscratched. Measures 6 1/2" x 2 1/4".
$30

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Alden - Small Nubuck Brush
DETAILS: Nubuck brush with wood handle and debossed Alden insignia. When your suede and nubuck shoes get dirty, a little back and forth with this tool lifts dirt and fluffs the nap back to where it belongs. Measures 3" x 1".
$7.50

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CRAZY AMAZING OR JUST CRAZY?: MA 280BGU3 HOOP BAG

MA - 280BGU3 Hoop Bag
in black
DETAILS: 100% pig leather hoop tote bag with cotton lining, two two-way YKK zip enclosures, and a large interior patch pocket. This crazy-unique bag is constructed out of eight textural pigskin panels sewn into one long rectangular shape with zips on either side. It can be zipped completely open, slung around the body, and then partially closed from the bottom to create an adjustable pouch portion, but because of the full top-to-bottom zip enclosures, the entire bag is adjustable, which means the wearer can transform its shape and proportions at whim. Zip it high and sling it over one shoulder to carry longer cargo (artwork, baseball bats, your crowbar collection) or leave it mostly open and sling it across your body for a utilitarian sized carryall that's anything but ordinary. Measures 45" x 15" laid flat. Made in Japan.
$645

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