GIFT IDEA #2: FILSON DRINKING ACCESSORIES

Some of our families tend to hit the sauce pretty hard around the holidays, and for good reason - it warms us up on a cold day, it takes the edge off of the stressful holiday season, there are a lot of interesting holiday-specific liquids that benefit from a splash of whiskey or a drop of rum, and it helps us cope with spending so much time together.

This year, why not give a practical gift that they'll actually use (and use often)? Check out Filson's thoughtful accessories for the distinguished drinker:

Filson - Leather Coaster Set
DETAILS: 100% genuine bridle leather coaster set with embossed C.C. Filson Co. logo. This set of five coasters adds a manly air to your mahogany and leather hunting lodge smoking room or coffee table gather-round - perfect for the tidy drinker! Note: Includes a felt bottom holder for scratch free stacking and storage. Made in U.S.A.
$92

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Filson - Bridle Leather and Stainless Steel Hip Flask
DETAILS: Stainless steel flask with bridle leather cover and embossed C.C. Filson Co. logo. Built to hold 6 fluid ounces of your favorite high quality hooch, and equipped with a leather exterior to shield your hand from the cold metal, this classy drinker's must-have accessory also comes with an easy-open screw top that's anchored to the flask so you won't lose the cap when you decide to crack her open in an advanced state of inebriation. Made in U.S.A.
$67.50

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THE FIELD HOUSE: FREE SUNDAY CLASS

DE-STRESS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS USING RANTING AND MONOLOGUE TECHNIQUES!
DECEMBER 6TH - 4PM

Are you tired of the holiday spirit? Is traffic moving too slowly? Is your leaf blowing neighbor keeping you awake? Are you dreading the shopping and time with relatives that is always required this time of year? The Field House is happy to offer a helping hand. If you answered yes to any of the questions above, please join us at The Field House this Sunday at 4pm for a fun filled workshop taught by Jennifer Japser, a Seattle performance artist. This workshop will use improvisation techniques (don't worry you don't have to perform or act) to rid you of some of the stress that comes with this time of year. Through physical and verbal exercises the stress demon will be exorcised. It will also teach some monologue techniques to be utilized during any season when the soap-box calls.

Jennifer Jasper has been performing and directing in Seattle for almost 20 years. She was co-founder of Kings' Elephant Theatre (10 years) and co-founder of Pulp Vixens (10 years). Most recently she can be seen hosting for the Von Foxies Burlesque as the scotch-swilling Maggie. Her latest directing credits include Keefee's House of Cards and Teensploitation in 2009 at Theater Off Jackson. She has been performing her own work in various forms including stand up comedy and monologues. She is presently developing a one-woman show for 2010.

Classes are on a first come basis but you can drop by the store early on Sunday (on your way to the market and such) and secure your place on a list. Maximum class size is 15 and classes last 15 - 60 minutes and occur every Sunday at 4pm. Please check the blog for weekly details or be sure to stop in and join The Field House mailing list if you would like to be notified via email of all upcoming classes. If you have a class you would like to see offered or a class you would like to teach, please drop by or email us at thefieldhouse@blackbirdballard.com.

THE FIELD HOUSE: FREE CLASS THIS SUNDAY

Just a reminder to come check out our Sunday classes at The Field House. This week: How to De-Bone a Chicken taught by Camille Krebs. 4PM. Be there!

KIM DOO SOO

GIFT IDEA #1: QUODDY 104 GRIZZLY MOCS

Hey, all. We hope you're recovering alright from your Thanksgiving Day food comas and that you all had a lovely time wherever you spent your Turkey Day. Now that you're all fed up for the rest of the season, it's time to focus on what the upcoming holiday season is all about: giving (no, seriously, you guys).

Each year we like to make a daily suggestion to help our customers track down great gift ideas for everybody on their list, and this year we're gonna be sure to cover everybody - from your cool guy brother-in-law to your candy maniac aunt to your super-goth cousin to your hard-to-shop-for Dad (we've got experience with and ideas for all of the above - trust us).

To start, we're going with the ultimate holiday gift: slippers. Everybody likes something comfy to slip their feet into, and the Uggs that Grandma's been sending for the last few seasons are played out (sorry, Gran, but somebody's gotta come clean). Quoddy of Maine has been around for a century, so they've got comfy down to a science. We give you Blackbird Holiday Gift Idea #1: Quoddy 104 Grizzly Mocs.

Quoddy - 104 Grizzly Moc
in peanut
DETAILS: Leather moccasins with collar style lace system, and thick Chromepak leather sole. Equipped with a layer of memory foam underneath the footbed, fully lined with deerskin, and featuring an outdoor-friendly soft leather sole that will mold to your foot shape, these luxurious handmade moccasins wrap your feet in comfort and look great while they're doing it. Wear them with any casual pair of jeans or pants this fall, and next spring wear them barefoot with shorts. Note: These mocs run a little big, and because they're so open on top we'd recommend sizing down half a size. Also, Quoddy's soles are replaceable, extending the life and value of each pair. Handmade in Maine, USA.
$250

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BLK BRD BLK FRI DAY + SOME OTHER DAYS

Nov. 27th - Nov 29th

20% off BlackbirdBallard.com purchases*

Coupon Code: BLKFRIDAY

*discount only applies to full price items, purchased on these dates, ONLINE ONLY.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM BLACKBIRD

Happy Turkey Day from all of us at Blackbird. Enjoy your friends and family today, everyone!

JUST IN: SIMON CARTER RESTOCKS

Good news, everyone! Those of you who missed out on the first round of our very popular Simon Carter timepieces (or those of you who are greedily hoarding them all to yourselves) will be pleased to find out that we've recently restocked four of this UK company's sleek watches.

Click here to check out the specs.

THE FIELD HOUSE: FREE SUNDAY CLASS

Our free Sunday classes at The Field House are underway. This week, please join us at the store at 4pm for HOW TO DE-BONE A CHICKEN. We are very excited to have Camille Krebs, a local cook at Vios Cafe, teaching this class. Classes are on a first come basis but you can drop by the store early on Sunday (on your way to the market and such) and secure your place on a list. Maximum class size is 15 and classes last 15 - 60 minutes and occur every Sunday at 4pm. If you do not know how to de-bone a chicken, you are not going to want to miss this one! See you there.

Stay tuned for more detailed information on next week's class, titled: DE-STRESS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! Jennifer Jasper, a Seattle performing artist and director, will teach this fun workshop.

These are going to be good folks so be sure to mark your calendar and stay tuned for weekly posts about upcoming classes.

REPRESENT: SMART TURNOUT CUFF LINKS

Smart Turnout's classic gilt plate and enamel chain style links hold your cuffs in place with the sophisticated aplomb of the crests and colors of England's storied military regiments and educational institutions. Add these to your French cuffs for a sartorial touch that's sure to spark conversation at the office or around the dinner table. Our favorite designs represent (from top to bottom) the English Army's Royal Regiment of Scotland, Rifles Rifles Regiment, Royal Highland (Black Watch) Regiment, as well as Oakham School and Eton College. Which one's yours?

Smart Turnout Cuff Links
$85

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FILSON SPORTSMAN'S BAG: FULLY LOADED, PARAFFIN COATED.

Filson - Sportsman's Bag
in brown
DETAILS: Parafin treated 22 oz. 100% cotton gear bag in brown. 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 heavy-duty carryall is fully equipped as a camera or hunting gear bag or a small weekend bag. Built with an adjustable leather shoulder strap and leather top carry handles, heavy YKK zippers with leather pulls, two exterior open side pockets and two exterior zip pockets with organizational compartments (plus a key clip in the front pocket), and a large main compartment with removable snap dividers, this beastly little bag does it all - no questions asked. Measures 17" x 11" x 11".
$275

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KZO SAUNTER JACKET ON SCOUTE'S WINTER GEAR GUIDE

Scoute.org recently released their list of favorite winter coats and accessories, and one of our very own winter favs, KZO's Saunter jacket, made the list. To see the what else the Scoute gang is into this season, check out the complete feature here.

KZO - Saunter

in black

DETAILS: Fully lined 100% cotton waxed mackintosh with zippered double vents. This sleek trench's subtle gothic details set it apart. Featuring a rumpled and waxy fabric, pointed flap pockets with hidden buttons, and a pair of fully-capable zippered vents in the back, it's the mid-length coat every kid in town will envy you for.

$555

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BLACKBIRD ASKS: HOW DO YOU SAY "OLDIE BUT A GOODIE" IN SWEDISH?

Fjallraven - Vintage 20L Backpack
in (top to bottom) green, dark olive, and light khaki
DETAILS: 65% polyester, 35% cotton vintage style backpack with polypropylene webbing and polyurethane coated ripstop nylon lining, adjustable padded shoulder straps, top carry handle, large main compartment, two large side pockets, and a safety pocket in the top lid, YKK zippers, and adjustable leather straps. Measures 42cm x 42cm x 15cm.
$170

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RED CARPET: BLACKBIRD 5th ANNIVERSARY SKATING PARTY

To celebrate 5 years of selling pants and having fun doing so, we skated our little hearts out at the Lynnwood Bowl & Skate this past Friday. Thanks for everyone who showed up and everyone that dressed up! What a fun time. I'm still smiling.

And to all of our friends (customers and fans), we've grown a lot of the past 5 years but we're still a small shop and still Ballard. Thanks for liking what we do. You are all appreciated.

Always,

Nicole Miller

Owner, Blackbird

(Leah and Nicole)

(L to R: Adam, Luke, Darren, Leah, Josh, Cody, Jeff, Nicole M. & Nicole B.)

(behind the scenes)

REMINDER: BIRGITTA PRIVATE SHOPPING EVENT

Sunday is quickly approaching. Don't forget to R.S.V.P. to the

Birgitta Holiday Shopping Event.

Enjoy 20% OFF everything you need for the holidays. Join us for

an evening of Hot Toddies, Champagne, Personal Shopping, Make-up Consultation,

and Holiday Recipe Ideas.

All of our stores will be participating in this event with activities and special offers.

Wander through Blackbird, Blackbird Candy Shoppe and

The Field House for the full experience.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2009

FROM 4 - 8PM

BIRGITTA

5410 22ND AVE NW

SEATTLE, WA 98107 206.547.2524

R.S.V.P. birgitta@blackbirdballard.com

WHAT'S BLACK AND BLUE AND SUPER-SOFT ALL OVER?

Wings + Horns' 85% cotton, 15% cashmere shirts, hats, and scarves of course! Check it out:

(In order from left to right)

WI-2044 LS Cotton Cashmere in charcoal.
$128. Click here to shop.

WI-7033 Cotton Cashmere Beanie in charcoal (top center) and indigo (middle center).
$48 each. Click here to shop.

WI-7009-8 Cotton Cashmere Scarf in charcoal (also available in gray).
$84. Click here to shop.

WI-2044 LS Cotton Cashmere in indigo.
$128. Click here to shop.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE A COMIN'

The video is a little choppy because that's how it was.

THE FIELD HOUSE: FREE SUNDAY CLASSES

We are excited to announce that, starting this week, The Field House will host free, informal classes every Sunday. This week's class is Fresh Herbs and Spices for Pennies and will be taught by owner, Nicole Miller.

Class begins this week at 2pm due to events happening at all Blackbird stores but will be every Sunday at 4pm starting Nov. 29th. Classes are on a first come basis, so get your farmer's market shopping done early this Sunday and come on over to The Field House before the class fills up. All you have to do is show up at The Field House before the class begins. Classes will range from 15 minutes up to an hour.

Be sure to check the blog or come into The Field House next week for more details and a full list of scheduled classes through 2009. Next week will be How to De-bone a Chicken. Stay tuned folks.

WINTER CHAMBRAY: WINGS + HORNS WI-8025 CHAMBRAY SHIRTS

Wings + Horns - WI-8025 Chambray Shirt
available in khaki (pictured) and black
DETAILS: 100% cotton chambray work shirt with button tab collar detail and mismatched pockets in drab. Fixed with unexpected details like contrasting black buttons, two left hand side front pockets, gusseted armpit panels for ease of movement, and that old school button tab collar style, this chambray stands up from the pack with signature subtle Wings + Horns style. Try this heavy work friendly cotton shirt with contrasting fabrics to add a dose of fall's diverse texture options to your mix. We like it paired with soft flannels and boiled wool in the wintertime. Come spring, this piece can switch into warm weather mode with ease when you throw it on with lighter weight, tonal fabrics like linen, seersucker, and summer denim.
Made in Canada.
$252

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STANLEY IS TAKING YOUR TAILGATE TO THE MAX. CAN YOU HANDLE IT?

Stanley - Lunch Box Cooler Set
DETAILS: Stanley's Lunch Box Cooler Set sets you up for all the picnic, camping, and tailgating you'll ever do. Fully loaded with the Seattle company's legendary Vacuum Bottle and heavy-duty lunch cooler which features a durable folding handle, divided 7 quart inner compartment for easy organization, and foam insulation for hours of cold storage. Fill it up with all your lunchtime goodies and go. With Stanley's Built for Life Lifetime Warranty, this baby's guaranteed to last for decades of football and camping seasons.
$75

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FALIERO SARTI: TEXTURE, PART DEUX

Faliero Sarti - Fabiola

in chocolate
DETAILS: 48% cashmere, 31% cotton, 21% silk scarf in cocoa/gray on one side and mottled dusty seafoam gray on the other. Hand finished for unique character, each Faliero Sarti scarf is a one-of-a-kind creation. More traditional in proportion, this piece's incredible texture and tone completely set it apart from its tamer contemporaries. Ideal for a number of different styles, it can augment any aspiring sartorialist's individual look and aesthetic. Hint: We love seeing it twisted and wrapped to show off both side's unique shade.
MEASURES: 55cm x 175cm.
$279

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Faliero Sarti - Gamon
in ivory
DETAILS: 100% cashmere scarf in ivory and black stripe. Hand finished for unique character, each Faliero Sarti scarf is a one-of-a-kind creation. This gauzey shawl's dramatic knit makes for a spectral appearance when liberally draped, and its simple pattern allows it to take on a number of different appearances whether it's tightly wrapped about the neck or knotted and worn loosely. Hint: it's a perfect shot of light in your dark ensemble, but its pattern will also add structure to any textural, tonal look - you want versatile? You got it.
MEASURES: 100cm x 200cm.
$320

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SUNDAY MORNING REBUS PUZZLE

+

@

WINGS + HORNS @ BLACKBIRD

Lots of new Wings+Horns items arrived this week at Blackbird. Woven and knit shirts which include the new cotton cashmere collection to keep you toasty this Winter. Check it all out here.