NOW ONLINE: INAISCE LEATHER BOOTS

As a brand, InAisce (previously introduced here) brings to us a great number of things to be excited about. The fabrics used, construction, styles, everything is unlike anything else we have seen. From spring/summer 2011 InAisce designer Jona has introduced incredible footwear, handmade in Italy, that is bound to transcend any stylistic preference. Made from a super tough reversed horse leather, these boots are built to live in and are just going to get more beautiful with age.

Shop all InAisce here

InAisce - Low Boots
in tar
DETAILS: Gorgeous fully lined reverse horse leather boots with a waxed finish. Square deerskin laces, 9 eyelets, angled full zipper at inner left with deerskin pulls, reinforced ankle with double stitched details through out, and a 3" stacked heel finished with 1/4" bottom. Handmade in Italy.
$1212
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InAisce - Low Boots
in steely dirt
DETAILS: Gorgeous unlined reverse horse leather boots with a waxed finish. Square deerskin laces, 9 eyelets, angled full zipper at inner left with deerskin pulls, reinforced ankle with double stitched details through out, and a 3" stacked heel finished with 1/4" rubber heel cap. Handmade in Italy.
$1299
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InAisce - Tall Boots
in tar
DETAILS: Hoogly Woogly! In Aisce take the low boot design and add six inches of height. Unlined reverse horse leather boots with a waxed finish. Square deerskin laces, 15 eyelets, angled full zipper at inner left with deerskin pulls, reinforced ankle with double stitched details through out, and a 3" stacked heel finished with 1/4" rubber heel cap. Handmade in Italy.
$1452
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BLACKBIRD VINTAGE- ALT HEIDELBERG

Blackbird recycles. Do you? Now you can. We went on a treasure hunt and found this gem. A Classic 1935 Jumbo Alt Heidelberg beer bottle from what was the Columbia Brewing Company.

"Emil Kliese (pictured seated on the far right) was a 35 year old, German-born brewmaster who had emigrated in 1883, and by 1890 was working at a brewery in St. Louis.

In the mid-1890's, Kliese made his way west securing a position with the newly established Capital Brewing Co. (later the Olympia Brg. Co.) in Tumwater, WA. By 1899 he was their head brewmaster. A business opportunity arose when some Tacoma investors wanted to open another brewery in that town. They required an expert brewmaster, and he wanted to operate his own brewery. So he, along with, William C. Kiltz (pictured above seated on the left) , filled for articles of incorporation on the 8th of February, 1900 "to brew and sell at wholesale and retail beer and other malt beverages" at a company to be known as the Columbia Brewing Company." The brewery's start-up was aided by the larger Pacific Brewing & Malting, a major shareholder. By 1900 it became a brewing company, and by 1906 the company controlled Columbia but allowed it to operate and martket itself independently. They had a number of brands of beer and in September of 1912 they added "Alt Heidelberg" (Old Heidelberg). Fast forward and Columbia Breweries, Inc. was purchased by Heidelberg Brewing Co. in 1949 but continued to do business as Columbia. On July 15, 1953, the brewery officially changed its name to Heidelberg Brewing Company.

The Student Prince was the main character in "Alt Heidelberg," a popular play that opened in 1903. Then in 1924 the play was made into a successful operetta titled "the Student Prince," and was also made into a silent movie of the same name. The operetta was revived in the '30s, so the Student Prince was a very popular character to connect with the brewery."

All that to say- it's cool to find a local product like this in such great condition all these years later. We encourage you to follow the motto "reuse! reduce! recycle!" and pick this up as a great addition to your bookshelf or coffee table.

Alt Heidelberg Beer Bottle

Blackbird Vintage

Extremely large Classic 1935 10 inch tall Alt Heidelberg Jumbo Extra Pale Beer bottle with "Student Prince" label from Tacoma, WA Colombia Breweries Inc. Thick amber colored glass and a piece of beer and American history that would look fantastic as a display piece. You can set this on a shelf to shine on its own or use it as a vase. Fill it with rocks or coins and use it as a book end.

$115

contact arleigh@blackbirdballard.com if interested in purchasing

BLACKBIRD CLEARANCE SALE CONTINUES WITH BUY 3 GET 1 FREE THIS 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

The Blackbird Clearance Sale will continue in store this 4th of July weekend (Saturday- Monday) with one of our favorite deals. Buy 3 clearance items and get the 4th of equal or lesser value FREE. Both Blackbird and The Field House are brimming with deals from floor to ceiling, but the best deals always leave first. The Portland Blackbird will also be participating in the fun this weekend with the same deals, and we just restocked their sale section as well this week along with the arrival of Rick Owens (also on sale!) 

Get in here while you can and have an amazing Holiday weekend! 

ps: all stores will be open Monday, July 4th.

AND THE WINNER IS! - TINA BUE OF PORTLAND WINS A RICK OWENS TOAD LEATHER PHONE CASE

Congratulations to Tina Bue of Portland for winning this beautiful Rick Owens Toad Leather Phone Case. We hope you enjoy it in all its splendor (ps - we just delivered a great assortment of Rick Owens to the Portland store, so stop on by and check it out with our devilishly handsome sales guys Seneca and Eamon).

The arrival of Rick Owens to Blackbird has been such an exciting time for us and represents so much hard work and dedication to bringing you, our fans, what we love and respect. Thanks again to all of the Twitter users for their tweets and show of support. This won't be the last time we do something crazy like this, so keep your eyes peeled for new contests, events, and other wackiness from your friends at Blackbird.

shop all Rick Owens most of which is 30% off with FREE SHIPPING!

...also check out our fantastic sale section

HERBS IN HEAT

A week ago today we reached Summer Solstice here in North America. Which means, to make a gross generalization, that it's hot out. And this warmer weather has led us to an astonishing discovery: herbs smell fantastic in the heat.

Clary Sage:

Used for: removing lodged objects from the eye, flavoring in wine, its fragrant essential oil, and relieving fear and anxiety

Incense Series: Quarzazate

Comme des Garçons

50 mL

$78

shop

Originally with Quarzazate I thought it smelled so much like a desert that it wasn't enough like a perfume, but over time I realized that was a very good thing. It successfully replicates the scent of hot arid terrain while leaving the wearer comfortably cool inside their air-conditioned home. It's a beautiful juxtaposition. Alternatively, wear it out on a sunny day for full effect, effectively transporting you from sitting at a bus stop to basking in the tranquil sun North of the Mediterranean. Labdanum resin, Kashmir Woods, Pepper, Clary Sage, and Vanilla to soften the edge (see shop for a more complete notes list)

Bay Laurel:

Used for: spice in Mediterranean cooking, Bloody Mary mix, ornamenting the house, arthritis in massage therapy, ear-aches in aroma-therapy, and crowning the heads of ancient Greeks and Romans as a symbol of high status and victory

Scent Two: Laurel

Monocle Magazine X Comme des Garçons

50 mL

$120

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Laurel is a whole different story. Here you've got a similarly natural, herby accord comprised of cinnamon leaves and bay laurel, but it's dressed in a way that creates a stark contrast between the two fragrances. Whereas in Quarzazate you see a complimentary list of warming notes, really sending the wearer to the desert, in Laurel you see the introduction of cool notes intended to turn the herb focus into something a little lighter, a little cleaner, and fresh. Laurel, again like Quarzazate, smells like its odor could radiate directly from wild herbs, though mantains a level of personality and character difficult to achieve with such a non-perfumey focus. Grey pepper over bright thyme and lemon, accented by patchouli and violet, on a bed of woods, with a touch of galbanum. It's just so cool!

Just ask Apollo, who fell for the wood nymph Daphne, who then turned into a laurel tree to avoid Apollo's lust, who then withdrew several leaves and branches, molded them into a wreath to adorn the head, and proclaimed the Laurel tree sacred. Those Greeks sure know how to tell a story..

BLACKBIRD APOTHECARY

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SALE ITEM OF THE DAY: ROBERT GELLER STRIPE PLEATED ARMHOLE SHIRT

Robert Geller's shirting is tough to beat. The slim, tailored fit is very flattering and works just as easily in a casual outfit as it does with a suit and tie. These these light and airy fabrics are also something we love. Completely ideal through the warm seasons when you really don't want anything extra weighing you down.

Robert Geller - Pleated Armhole Shirt
in gray stripe
DETAILS: 100% cotton long-sleeve dress shirt in light gray with a vertical double striped pattern in a darker gray. Standard 2 inch collar, 1 1/2 inch front placket with 7 white buttons, and Robert Geller signature stitched detail at front-right. Pleated arm holes, two piece sleeves with 2 1/2 inch cuffs with single button closure, and a scooped hemline.
$266 $186.99
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Robert Geller - Pleated Armhole Shirt
in beige stripe
DETAILS: 100% cotton long-sleeve dress shirt in beige with a vertical double striped pattern in gray. Standard 2 inch collar, 1 1/2 inch front placket with 7 white buttons, and Robert Geller signature stitched detail at front-right. Pleated arm holes, two piece sleeves with 2 1/2 inch cuffs with single button closure, and a scooped hemline.
$266 $186.99

FRIENDS OF BLACKBIRD - DYLAN CLAYTON

Blackbird friend Dylan Clayton sent us this great photograph of him in Seattle sporting some of the great deals he got at The Blackbird Half Yearly Clearance Sale. Looking fresh Dylan, Thanks! You can visit Dylan where he works at Cafe' Weekend and also get your but down to Blackbird and The Field House and say howdy while scoring amazing deals on anything and everything.

THE FIELD HOUSE SUMMER SALE ITEM OF THE DAY - OBEY SHOREBREAK SWEATSHIRT IN NAVY AND CREAM

The Field House Summer Sale marches on and on with great new items being added constantly. This great pullover hoodie from Obey is just one small example of the great deals that you will fine in store and even online. Stop by, log on and snag some amazing steals before they are gone!

OBEY- SHOREBREAK

in navy and cream

DETAILS: Lightweight 100% cotton hooded long-sleeve pull-over poncho in navy and cream horizontal stripe pattern. Four button loop neck closure, draw string hood, and large pouch pocket with vertical stripes. Single piece sleeves with unfinished cuffs and hem-line. Who's ready to hit the beach?

$94 $65.99

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shop the entire sale section here.

NEW ARRIVALS - A.P.C. BRINGS YOU THE SUN (AND YOU CAN WEAR IT, TOO)

The folks over at A.P.C. have done it again, hitting the ever-dark racks at Blackbird with a few Summer sunbeams. We present to you, the Boy Lin in Jaune (a.k.a. The Perfect Summer T-shirt):

A.P.C. - BOY LIN IN JAUNE

$82
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This gorgeous crewneck t-shirt (in a bright, sunny yellow, as you've noticed) just about the best damn item to acquire for yourself this season. Featuring that A.P.C. signature perfect fit and a handy front pocket, this slightly-sheer beauty is the perfect shirt for a day out in the city, a boozey backyard BBQ, or even a leisurely lakeside bike ride. As always, the beauty is in the details—the fabric has been cut ever so carefully, as to guide the grain of the cloth diagonally across the body (a pretty subtle move for such a loud shirt).

Get one now before they're gone, fellas. This Summer jam'll be gone long before Summer will be.

Shop all A.P.C.

HALF YEARLY CLEARANCE SALE ITEM OF THE DAY - RICK OWENS BASKET SWINGER SHORT IN BLACK

RICK OWENS - BASKET SWINGER

in black

DETAILS: If you wanted a way to add an air of toughness to looking extremely comfortable than these 97% cotton 3% spandex shorts should do the trick. Elastic waistband with Rick Owens' signature flat woven cotton drawstrings, loose fit waist and thigh with a slightly tapered leg with split-seam side hem, dropped crotch, deep side welt hand pockets, and slanted rear slash pockets with silver zippers.

Made in Italy

Born and raised in Southern California, Rick Owens studied pattern making at Otis College of Art and Design before dropping out to work for local companies. In 1994, he established his own label selling exclusively to a Los Angeles boutique before expanding to well known department stores. In 2002 he won the CFDA's Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent. He draws inspiration from old black and white Hollywood movies and is known for his architectural jackets, asymmetrical dresses, long and clingy t-shirts and embellished outerwear. Owens works and lives in Paris

$678 $474.99
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SHOP ALL HALF YEARLY CLEARANCE SALE

DARK NIGHT

Oh, hello there. Tough to start a conversation around the Bird here lately without Mr. Owens coming up, and with that in mind, we got to thinking...

You're ready for your night out: you've got your leather jacket, your boots, your fancy black tech pants, and all seems well. Except for one thing. You realize while stepping out of your ride that you still smell like the Pho you ate for lunch. Fear not, Blackbird's got your back. Here's a few fragrances perfect for your dark nights out, carefully curated to accentuate the RICK OWENS blanket you haven't been able to unwrap yourself from, or maybe just the Rick socks we don't blame you for forgetting to take off in the pre-leaping into bed commotion.

Read: Deeper, darker fragrances with rich, sultry notes, perfect for twilight rendezvous

Ulrich Lang

Anvers

100 mL

shop

Leather and moss base with notes of geranium leaves, jasmine, bergamot, sage, touches of mint and basil, and a lightly sweet complexion given by sesame and honey. This unmistakably masculine, undeniably unusual fragrance is set apart from others in its class by its brilliant contrast and extremely high quality ingredients. You'll smell what we mean.

L'Artisan Parfumeur

Méchant Loup

100 mL

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Translating to "Naughty Wolf," or even "The Big Bad Wolf," Méchant Loup skulks around the dark shade of a hidden hazelnut tree, seductively imploring you to lend your nose to its fruit. The deep and smokey blend here is impeccable, moving from one genius note to the next, marked at the fore by big notes of hazlenut, honey, dry leaves, and licorice. Tonka bean, sandalwood, and myrrh add heft. Completely in a class of its own.

L'Artisan Parfumeur

Dzongkha

100 mL

shop

The most femme-accessible option we're presenting to you for your dark night out (or your night in with your dark knight) is Dzongkha. We think it's the bees knees. Peony, iris, incense, and vetiver create an accord in Dzongkha that's nostalgic though I cannot place from where exactly the memory comes. Leather, tea, cypriol (cypress oil), and my personal favorite, lychee, compliment this woody floral that smells unlike any bouquet of flowers I've ever smelled. Dzongkha is perfectly suitable for man and woman alike, and smells even better shared directly from his skin to hers (or vice-versa.)

The Blackbird Apothecary

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HALF-YEARLY CLEARANCE SALE - BLACKBIRD AND THE FIELD HOUSE - SATURDAY JUNE 25TH

Blackbird and The Field House

Semi-Annual Clearance Sale
 

Starts Saturday June 25th at 8 AM (early)

Look for deep deep discounts on almost everything

Obey
RVCA

Barbour
Whillas & Gunn
Filson
RRL
Gant Rugger
A.P.C.
Creep
Maiden Noir
Stanley
...and oh so much more!

We will also continue our Designer Clearance Sale 

Odyn Vovk
Julius
Lars Andersson
Rick Owens

Online markdowns will start happening tomorrow and will roll until Saturday morning so keep watching BlackbirdBallard.com

ITALIAN AFTERNOON IN BLACKBIRD ATTIRE

Blackbird friend and customer Sam Van Fleet just returned from a three-week trip to Italy with his wife and sent these pictures of him enjoying the sun in a couple items he picked up prior to the journey. We always love seeing Blackbird purchases out in the wild!

Sam works as a commercial photographer and you can see his work at http://samvanfleetphotography.com.

Below he is wearing a short-sleeve button down by A.P.C. (still available in the long-sleeve version) and Lightweight 5 Pocket Pants from Gant Rugger.

BLACKBIRD GIVEAWAY - TWEET FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A RICK OWENS TOAD LEATHER PHONE CASE

BLACKBIRD GIVEAWAY

Do you want to win a free Rick Owens Toad Leather Phone Case? Since this is Blackbird's first season carrying Rick Owens we need your help to spread the word and connect with all Rick Owens fans far and wide.

This is where you come in. Tweet, tweet, and re-tweet and your friends will thank you later.

Step 1: Copy and tweet the following line below.

Blackbird has Rick Owens: 30% off plus free shipping @HelloBlackbird

Step 2: On Wednesday June 29, we will pick a name at random from anyone who posted this line on their Twitter account, and the winner will receive a Rick Owens Phone Case.

Easy, right?!?! NOW TWEET!

Check out the entire Rick Owens collection here