One my daily cruise of The Sartorialist I found this picture. He reminds me of the many Blackbird customers I saw this weekend in the shop. He has a simple casual masculine look with thoughtful subtle accessories. Not too fashion and not too neglected. A perfect balance for Seattle... and Paris.
ProductDose.com beat me to the punch with it's review of the new Corpus cardi ($175) so I'm going to steal from them.
"When I was in 10th, I asked my step-mother to buy me a $75 cardigan, which she did. My girlfriend at the time proceeded to make fun of me for a week for having been involved in spending so much on an item that didn't look much different than the $4 thrift store versions she wore. Whatever lesson I learned is now long lost, as the days of the decent $4 thrift store sweater are largely gone. We've now found ourselves at time when a $175 cardigan is not uncommon. Of course, cardigan styling has come a long way, as displayed by this Corpus Mint Cardigan. The quirky mint/charcoal color mix is complemented by unique details like buttons at the cuffs, exterior (hoody-like) front pockets, a slim cut, five buttons up the front, and 100% wool. Expensive? Sure. But I never saw anything like this when I was in high school.
By: cory o'malley"
The color is actually mint and olive which in combination tones down the pastel and creates the magic color that can be worn any season. In addition to this combination we have red and charcoal. Sizes XS (for the ladies) to XL.
The Corpus guys are wearing this sweater with their skinny Stick suspender jean in black or the Tal-S selvedge suspender jean in indigo, slouchy around the ankles with slim slip-on canvas shoes or Capezio style shoes.
Sales/Customer Care
Blackbird is a community based retailer that is looking to hire people excited to participate in our community. Our customers travel from their homes in Ballard, apartments in Tokyo and farms in Walla Walla Washington. We want to ensure that they feel at home, find what they were looking for and can't wait for their next trip back to Blackbird.
Primary Responsibilities:
* Use product knowledge and selection to provide exceptional service to customers
* Build relationships with customers, provide one-on-one personal shopping and wardrobe consultation
* Make direct contact with personal customers to suggest new merchandise, and remind them of upcoming events
* You will perform merchandising tasks, such as stock, re-merchandising, display, price markdowns and cleaning
* Work as a team to ensure a clean, pleasant and safe shopping environment for our customers
Qualifications:
* Self motivated to deliver superior service
* Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with customers and co-workers of diverse backgrounds
* Able to work well as a team player
* Proven ability to plan, set and achieve goals
* Strong organizational and follow-up skills
* Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills
* Presents a professional image in appearance, words and actions
* Be a self-starter and use good judgment in all situations
Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Blackbird offers assistance with medical insurance and a generous employee discount.
To apply, please send your resume to 2blackbirds@gmail.com or drop it off at Blackbird.
On Tuesday, ProductDose.com covered our Voltaire sock ($20) from Modern Amusement. Here's what they said:
"In Defense of Socks as Style Accessories
I'm a bigger fan of socks than most people I know, and I think I'll always be a proponent of the idea that a nice pattern on a sock is a hidden weapon in terms of style details. It's unseen most of the time, but it expresses itself at strategic times, like when sitting down with someone, relaxing, and open to compliments on attire. A sock like this Modern Amusement Voltaire Sock can add character when paired with a conservative suit and shoe. Just make sure it doesn't get anywhere near another pattern.
By: cory o'malley"
Nobody tops Earnest Sewn when it comes to revolving in-store exhibitions. Here's their latest covered by The Daily and more from the Guild of Militant Rural Tailors Research Group in which the diarama-like space is based upon.
Blackbird's FAVORITE hat line was covered this week on NWSource.com. Read it here.
We carry the hat shown above; the Nils 2 pc. hat shown in "Grass" (tan and some other color also available).
As we prepare for our inaugural shipment of Sweden's Cheap Monday jeans (Tight and Regular fits $65), visions of 1983 Cabbage Patch Kids style stampedes are giving the Blackbird stock guy an ulcer. Word has it that other retailers are selling out completely in a matter of just a few days.
It appears Cheap Monday is causing deeper pain to the denim industry than I had expected. More frequently these day I hear reports like this one in the The Daily (a.k.a. FashionWeekDaily.com) of the bigger brands squirming to hold their positions as lower priced denim options are infiltrating the market. 
In my opinion, many companies want to ignore the fact that the majority of consumers are still deeply uncomfortable spending more than $100 on a pair of jeans. Especially with some brands, where excessive yet pretty processing has degraded the denim to the extent that they disintegrate well before their one year Birthday.
Now Cheap Mondays are not meant to last. They're "cheap" not only in price but quality too. What you really get from these jeans is a killer cut and style at $65. Most people buy 5 pair at a time. That's about the price of a pair of ACNE Jeans. Cool.
Blackbird is now taking preorders for Cheap Monday jeans ($65). Email or call your favorite sales person today.
