BEARD AND STACHE FEST 2010

In the time honored tradition of gentlemen growing hair on their faces, it's BEARD & STACHE FEST 2010 time again. Let's spend the month of February celebrating facial hair (on men) and raising sacks of cash for Treehouse, and the foster kids of King County.

Teams from all over the city will participate but this year, Blackbird has a team of our own! All the guys had their pictures taken and we'll post those once they are published.

TEAM BLACKBIRD

Adam Garnich

Alexander Ingle

Ben Fife

Charles Leo Gebhardt IV

William Moore

How can I donate, you ask?! All it takes is a dime, a quarter, a buck...any loose change you have lyin' around. Just drop into Blackbird and pick your favorite beard or stache pictured on a can, and drop in your contribution, as many times as you wish! Each team is trying to gather as much money as possible by collecting your donations. There will be many more events happening about town in honor of this festival and cause as well.

Here are the voting locations:

The main event kicks off tonight, 8pm at Blue C Sushi in Fremont. This will be the only time where all the participants cans and photos will be seen in one venue! As for the rest of the month, follow this link to view the calendar, and get a more full perspective on the festivities which include a bearded lady contest and a foot race: http://www.twifseattle.com/calendar.htm

Leo from the 2009 BSF

As for Blackbird, we will also be having a little bearded competition within the store for all of you to participate in. Stay tuned into the blog, or stop by the shop for more details...

EN ROUTE: ROBERT GELLER SS10 - DELIVERY 1

Email info@blackbirdballard.com for questions, orders and pre-orders.

THE FIELD HOUSE (FREE) CLASSES: KNOT TIEING - JANUARY 31st

Impress your friends! Tie something to the top of your car that will actually stay on! Increase your chances of participating in Duck Dodge! Join us for a fun-filled hands-on hour of knot tying.

• The five knots that everyone should be able to tie upside-down, under water, in the dark
• Overview of fancy knots for everything from monkey’s fists to baggywrinkles
• Splicing and other advanced topics
• Recommended reading, resources, and marlinespike lore

You'll learn foolproof techniques for tying loops, binding parcels, and securing loads, and we'll practice the essential knots, know what knot to use when, and learn the different kinds of rope, line, tools, and their properties.

Former students say:

“Knowing how to tie knots is like knowing how to drive stickshift.”

“Wow, I thought you were totally kidding about the upside-down under water part.”

“I’m glad I finally know how to tie a rolling hitch – my wife will be so impressed!”

Teacher Bio: Katie Oman is a Coast Guard licensed captain with over 20 years of practical experience attaching things to each other with rope. She has logged over 10,000 bluewater miles of sailing, and has taught sailing and ropework skills to students on both coasts. In real life, Katie is a green building consultant in Seattle.

FREE

Sunday

January 31st, 2010

4:00 pm

Space is limited

THE FIELD HOUSE

5465 LEARY Avenue NW

Seattle, WA 98107

+1 206 297 6093

OBEY: GOT YOUR T-SHIRTS

Hey, gang. We just unpacked a big box of Obey tees. Most of them are 100% cotton and all of them are super-comfy and feature simple black, gray, and white silkscreens with gnarly graphics. Check 'em out!:

Click here to shop BlackbirdBallard.com's Obey section.

TOP OF THE CLASS: ALDEN'S CORDOVAN CHUKKA

Alden - Cordovan Chukka Boot
in 8 Black
STYLE: Alden's essential two eyelet chukka boot
LAST: Barrie
UPPER: premium Horween oxblood/black shell cordovan (for details, scroll to the bottom)
OUTSOLE: double leather with long wearing rubber dovetail heels
INSOLE: leather
MID-SOLE: cork midsole with steel shank for long-lasting strength and support
LACING: round waxed lacing through blind eyelets
WELT: high quality Goodyear leather storm welt construction
LINING: fully leather lined.
Note: these shoes run large. We recommend sizing down half a size. If you don't see the size you're looking for, please contact us for assistance.

Alden's world famous cordovan chukka is as versatile as it is beautifully made. With a highly polishable leather that can shine to military brilliance (or not), these low boots look great with jeans, chinos, or crisp wool suiting. Just make sure you give your pants a little roll to show off their subtle detailing and deep, dark oxblood shade. Note: Alden shoes are available to special order in C and EE widths. We stock D - if you don't see your width or size, let us know. We'll order a pair just for you.
$570

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A NOTE ABOUT ALDEN'S SHELL CORDOVAN LEATHER:

Using the centuries-old method of pure vegetable tannage and hand finishing, the single tannery still producing genuine shell cordovan today is indeed practicing a rare art. The tanning process takes a full six months to complete and produces leather that is soft and supple, yet very durable. Alden's classic patterns take on a unique character when made from genuine shell cordovan.

By virtue of their long experience, Alden stands as the acknowledged master in working and finishing this special leather into extraordinary footwear. The crafting of shoes from shell cordovan recalls, indeed depends on, shoemaking of the old school. The special qualities of the leather are elusive, unresponsive to high volume production methods. Cordovan demands the measured pace of hand shoemaking and patient finishing, responding to such careful work with unmatched luster.

Over time, the patina in Alden's genuine shell cordovan shoes will only improve, deepening with each polishing and showing to full advantage the especially rich character of the leather. As durable and comfortable to wear as they are beautiful to look at, genuine shell cordovan shoes truly are Alden's masterworks.

(SPEAKING OF SUITING) SALE ITEM OF THE DAY: ROBERT GELLER DIAMOND BLAZER AND DRESS PANTS

Robert Geller - Diamond Blazer
in grey
DETAILS: 56% wool, 44% cotton two button suit jacket with diamond pattern. This sleek and slim mid-weight blazer cuts a mean silhouette with its narrow lapels, sharp no-flap pockets, and slim notch lapels. When you get up close, the fabric's intricate diamond pattern weave stuns. Wear it with a narrow black tie and Robert Geller's matching Dress Pants or, for the rock 'n' roll treatment, pair it with slim black jeans, cap-toes, and an open collar oxford.
$988 $691.99

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Robert Geller - Diamond Dress Pants
in grey
DETAILS: 56% wool, 44% cotton suit pants with diamond pattern. These super-slim suit pants sport flap pockets and the same tiny pattern that makes the matching Diamond Blazer so beautiful, and they're cut well enough to wear by themselves with any collared shirt you own.
$449 $314.99

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THE SURFER SUITS UP: NONTRADITIONAL SUMMER SUITING FROM KZO

This spring, KZO's surf-inspired collection is covering suiting in a whole new way, and we're stoked on the possibilities. Check it out:

KZO - Highland Blazer
in black
DETAILS: 51% cotton, 28% acrylic, 21% polyester three-button blazer with diagonal zip chest pocket, three patch pockets, and working button at the collar in gray and cream Native American print. Surfer friendly and super comfy, this piece's metal buttons, shirt-style cuffs, slim and short cut, fun pattern, and sweatshirt feel come together to create the season's perfect casual jacket. Wear yours with KZO's matching Stills shorts for a considered statement making look or try it out with a pair of sun faded khaki cutoffs on sunny days or layered under a jean jacket for a little extra warmth around the bonfire on summer evenings. Won't be long now. Made in Japan.
$257

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KZO - Stills Shorts
in black
DETAILS: 51% cotton, 28% acrylic, 21% polyester sweatshorts with drawstring waist and zip fly and front pockets in gray and cream Native American print. These versatile shorts' comfortable construction and functional cut makes them a wearable mid-weight short perfect for all seasons. Slouch them low and layer them over a pair of ratty long johns and boots for a warmer grungy look or roll them to just above the knee and wear them with deck shoes and a cheerfully colored casual button-down when the sunshine shows up. They'll add character, pattern, and a fun textural element to just about any casual look. Note: our more daring sartorial risk-takers will want to look into KZO's matching Highland Jacket for the truly unique suiting look of the season. Made in Japan.
$204

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KZO - Arc Blazer
in charcoal
DETAILS: 100% linen three-button blazer with double layer front patch and flap pockets, working button at the collar, and subtle western style yoke. Beautifully put together with shirt style cuffs, two small vents at the back, metal buttons, and a partially lined interior featuring all taped seams, this rumpled midweight jacket's carefree attitude looks flawless with your most skated in, ripped, and faded denim. We also like it with a pair of the season's alternative casual pants - try them out with slim or cropped trousers (you guessed it: KZO's got you covered with a matching pair) or the right pair of sweats for the comfort obsessed (not the stained and holey ones you sleep in. Try a more fitted pair in a decent fabric. This season, there will be plenty of options). Made in Japan.
$449

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KZO - Deluxe Trousers
in charcoal
DETAILS: 100% linen short trousers with slanted coin and front pockets and tapered legs with centered front and back seaming. Patterned after last Spring's super popular Factory cropped pants, this season's incarnation comes in a slubby midweight linen that's thick enough for regular wear in mild to warm weather. Dress yours up with a summer blazer (think KZO's matching version), sockless cap toes, and a buttoned up button-down, or try them out with a pair of beachy plimsoles and a wrinkly oxford. Note: although they're cut short, these trousers come with a generous 4+" seam allowance, so they'll work for you even if you're not into the cropped look. Made in Japan.
$280

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WINTER CLEARANCE SALE: NEW MARKDOWNS ON GREAT STUFF!

Blackbird's Winter Clearance Sale Rolls On with New Markdowns!

Right now, get 30-80% off designers like:

A.P.C.
April 77
Band of Outsiders
Chronicles of Never
Coming Soon
Cosmic Wonder
Craig Robinson
Diet Butcher Slim Skin
Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair
Harmon
Julius
KZO
Lad Musician
Lars Andersson
MA
Moleskine
Obey
Odyn Vovk
Rag & Bone
Robert Geller
Rogue's Gallery
RVCA
Wings + Horns
Woolrich John Rich & Bros.
Woolrich Woolen Mills
and more...

Visit our Ballard stores or check out BlackbirdBallard.com while the gettin's still good on the goods you want to get.

BLACKBIRD RECOMMENDS: GARAGE NIGHT AT THE HAZELWOOD.

Garage Night with CMRTYZ
9pm
The Hazelwood in Ballard

Continue the monthly neighborhood tradition! Come sip on fine cocktails (or Bitburger on the cheap) with friends while Carlos and Ty of CMRTYZ spin your favorite lo-fi rock 'n' roll records.

SALE ITEM OF THE DAY: COMING SOON WOMEN'S SHORT SLEEVED JACKET

Coming Soon - Short Sleeved Jacket

in dark navy

DETAILS: This little jacket is great for layering with a long sleeve or throwing on over a tank for the warmer months. It is light weight and has a gauzy feel, which complements the ribbed sleeve and waist hems. Made from a flax/silk blend and lined in light weight white cotton. The front pockets have internal snaps and the zipper is double sided so it can zip up from the bottom as well as the top.

$570 $342.99

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NEW AND IMPROVED: FILSON WOOL LINED GOATSKIN GLOVES

Filson - Wool Lined Goatskin Gloves
in light tan
DETAILS: 100% goatskin gloves with 88% virgin merino wool, 7% nylon, 3% acrylic, and 2% Lycra lining. These tried and true beauties have been the hard-wearing work gloves of choice for generations of ranch hands, cowboys, and farmers, and for good reason. Their sturdy goatskin exterior can take a beating and looks great with age, and their cozy merino liner keeps hands warm and dry all year long.
$70

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KZO: SPRING/SUMMER 2010 NOW IN STOCK

Into the blue collection is now in Blackbird and available on blackbirdballard.com

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SALE ITEM OF THE DAY: ROBERT GELLER OVERSIZED SOFT TOUCH TEE

Robert Geller - Oversized Soft Touch Tee

in top grey

DETAILS: Super soft basic t-shirt with a slightly oversized fit through the body. Relaxed neckline with cotton taping on the backside to prevent too much stretching. Backside of the hem is slightly shorter than the front to give a more unique look. Subtle stitching detail between the shoulder seam and neckline on both sides. The material is made from a 70% rayon/30% nylon blend which is very breathable and has the perfect amount of stretch for comfort. Made in Japan.

$175 $140.99

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PATRICK STEPHAN ATELIER BAGS: NOW AVAILABE ON BLACKBIRDBALLARD.COM

Patrick Stephan - Medium Leather Atelier Bag
in black
DETAILS: Horse and cowhide bag with adjustable side and shoulder straps and combination zip and snap enclosure. Equipped with two exterior pockets, five interior pockets (3 open, 2 zip), and made by hand in signature style, this messenger can be adjusted to maintain a slouchier look or carried, as pictured, as a more structured piece. With an interior featuring a light-colored graphic print, and an exterior with impressive metal detailing and super-soft leathers, it's sure to catch a lot of eyes on your shoulder.
MEASURES: approximately 17.5" x 14" x 5".
$995

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Patrick Stephan - Large Leather Atelier Bag

in black
DETAILS: Large horse and cowhide bag with adjustable side and shoulder straps and combination zip and snap enclosure. Equipped with two exterior pockets, five interior pockets (3 open, 2 zip), and made by hand in signature style, this messenger can be adjusted to maintain a slouchier look or carried, as pictured, as a more structured piece. Featuring the same light-colored interior graphic print and beautiful exterior details and construction as its smaller counterpart, it's got room for everything and panache to spare.
MEASURES: 25" x 18" x 6".
$1250

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