Blackbird

Never went to this place so when I came to town I tried to visit. Unfortunately it is CLOSED.

Edit:
Shortly after posting this review, I was contacted by Adam, who _​did_​apologize and was able to find out that my refund request was processed in May, apparently processed under a different name than «Blackbird» name.
Second star added.
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After seeing their soap featured in GQ, I was intrigued enough to stop by the store. The cashier, Liz, an enthusiastic and helpful clerk, offered that — due to the magazine mention — they were out of stock, but taking pre-​orders, to be delivered in the next month. Sure… I’m a sucker… I am so tragically hip (er… or want to be) that _I’ll_ order $ 36 black, charcoal soap that won’t be delivered for a month…
Or not.
Gave ‘em my $$$ on 2÷24÷13 for delivery «in the next month.»
Called on 4÷15÷13 spoke to Adam, their Web guy who said «in next 2 weeks»
Called on 4÷30÷13 spoke to Adam, Web guy — now 2 months after the purchase — still no soap; still no promise of delivery date. Asked for a refund which was promised that day.
What’s today’s date?! (he says… checking his calendar) Ah: 6÷5÷13. Called their «Customer Support» number. Rang 14 times then declared «This mailbox is full. Goodbye.» Called their Ballard store number. Clerk offered, «yea, I can’t help you. Call the corporate office.» Called the corporate office: No soap. No refund. No explanation. No apology.
As far as the stor itself, although I liked the vibe, IMHO the pricing was high; «color» limited to black.
Tragically hip?! Eh… I think it takes too much work, too much money, too much time and only comes in black. Plus you never get the soap.

Worst of the New Ballard. Take your $ 100 shirts and multi hundred dollar jeans back to Belltown you killers of all that is real and genuine manly.

I ordered one of the scarves online that Blackbird creates and it’s fantastic. It can be styled in so many different ways. Great fabric quality. I got the Obsidian Scarf and it is slightly clingy, drapes well, and is fantastic to balance out black-​heavy outfits.
The best part though? Blackbird Ballard’s amazing customer service. I emailed them about the scarf and Adam helped me out a lot. A lot of boutiques have really crummy customer service and my experience with this store was a breath of fresh air!
Thanks Adam and Blackbird. I’ll definitely be back!

The fact that they don’t have any jeans in size 38 or larger is ridiculous. Good luck finding anything in an XL (tons of S & M sizes) — and if you are looking for a XXL– you can forget it.
I really like some of the clothes they have and spent 15 or 20 minutes finding some things I liked. After inquiring about finding some jeans in my size– I was told that a 36 inch waist is as large as they go.
I’m 6’2, 215lbs and by no means a fattie– and it’s very disappointing that Blackbird refuses to carry any sizes that fit normal sized men. It’s a damn shame– they’ve got some nice stuff.

I was working for several days and couldn’t get to Ballard to pick up something that I needed. So I decided that I’d bite the bullet and pay for shipping. I ordered online and the next day got a notice that the package had shipped. The next day I had the afternoon unexpectedly off so I called and asked if it had been picked up and if not if I could pick it up myself. I was assured it had gone out the day before and would almost certainly arrive.
Mail came… no package. Checked tracking info… electronic shipping data received.
The next day the mail came… no package. Checked tracking info… electronic shipping data received.
That evening checked shipping data again. Package received by post office.
So two days after it was labeled to ship, and 48 hours after they said it was shipped, they actually dropped it off to the post office.
Thanks…

I love the vibe at Blackbird. It’s hip but not too trendy, for example they have a complete selection of shoe polish and shoe creams. This tells me that they not only want you to buy nice shoes… they want you to take CARE of them. It’s fun to peruse the rack against the wall by the stairs because they have higher end, edgey original couture for men. I usually don’t find anything that works for me but it’s cool to see what’s happening in the world of Blackbird fashion. I also like the gift shop section that «popped up» recently. Last visit they had a selection of porcelin that looked like it was designed by Edward Gorey… not your grandmas table settings. Dark and twisted for a special meal in the dead of winter.

One of my favorite boutiques in Seattle!
I wish two things:
1. That there were more boutiques, for men, like blackbird.
2. A bigger selection, though it is bigger than their Portland, OR location.
I admire that Blackbird has separated itself from most boutiques in Seattle by carrying a lot of brands not available in department/​other stores in Washington. Most of the brands they sell seem to appeal more towards fashion forward customers, and along with the quality of item/​style comes a not-​so-​average price tag.
If you’re a bargin shopper, this is not the place for you. On top of their lists of designer duds from obey to billy reid. They also offer many travel (FILSON!), home and apothecary goods.
Another way they differ from other boutiques is their self-​titled label. The Blackbird collection ranges from basics, to what they obviously specialize in best, denim.
The only downside would be their return policy, which is within two weeks for a credit. Other then that they are a great way to support local business and designers while looking good!

Regardless if I were a guy or gal, i’ve gone to heaven at this store more than once.
Yes, yes the prices are a little exstordinary but the well selection pieces, especially the jackets here wham-​on perfect-​worth it!
Adjacent to store is their little apothecary and parfume shop which is another level of heaven that I died and went too. Dipytique candles, Malin+Gotez and other scented lovelies are fully stocked here!
This is the place to splurge for your fashion forward boyfriend etc. And head around the corner for a little something extra!

Stopped in and there are lots of nice clothes to look at. We even popped into the section with the dishes.
Pricey but a lot of nice things. A little bit of sticker shock, but very nice.
I need to look at the sales on their site to look for bargains.

Yes, Seattle. More of this, please.
I’m not asking for Savile Row, people. But maybe a little less cargo shorts and Northface combo, at the very least when dining in public?
It may be because I’m starved for sartorially satisfying male eye candy or attention out here but this place gets me so… bewitched, bothered, bewildered. Vexed, perplexed. Simpering, whimpering. Where are my smelling salts?
I like to feel up the gorgeous sexy merchandise while I build-​a-​man in my head. One that smells like leather and tobacco and wood and whiskey. He knows who Hedi Slimane is and reads E.E. Cummings to me in bed.
Mmmmmmm.
I also like to wear boys’ blazers and adorn myself with jewelry that doubles as weaponry and pretend that I look like Tilda Swinton.
A.P.C., Comme des Garcons, Rick Owens. But also more accessible brands like RVCA and Tretorn. Most things are pricey, for sure, but I’m a firm believer in ‘you get what you paid for’. You’re a grownup now. You have to consider things like ‘investment pieces’ and ‘cost-​per-​wear’.
The apothecary carries things that make me jump up and down clapping like a fool, sniffing everything in sight. Like Malin+Goetz and Diptyque. There is a table of beautiful notebooks and books. They carry Behance and Field Notes.
Even if I’m completely broke (most of the time), it is worth coming here as a treat for my eyes. It’s nice to look at such thoughtfully designed things to sort of recharge before heading back out into the cruel world of jorts, windbreakers and utilikilts. At the very least, I can pick up an issue of Vice. It’s totally free.
Seattle men, dress more like this. I’m starving over here.
Blackbird, do you want to make out?

Quelle petite phrase bouleversante au coeur d’un être?

If I were a boy, or a cross-​dresser… this is where I would shop. A great mix of apothecary, accessories, subtle streetwear (no trashy graphic tees here) and classic tailored menswear. Staff is very helpful, but laid-​back.
Don’t forget to check out their Fieldhouse, located just around the block. I like to think of it as a depot for the urban lumberjack.

Was looking for some good flasks for Christmas gifts and these guys had some great Filson leather ones perfect for engraving. Customer services was very helpful in tracking the product down and putting it on hold for me. They battled off a few customers asking for it so that I could buy the set. Very boutique place with unique style and great people working there.

Can’t praise enough how much I love Blackbird in Seattle. The urban swag is on a million.
Blackbird introduces Seattle… alright the world… to brands before they become brands/​streetwear followings… Over the years — rag bone, nom de guerre, woolen woolrich mills, rag bone, gitman vintage, common projects, BoO, steven alan, qouddy. list goes on… Once it goes to Barneys, then Blackbird moves onto to the next one… However I may pass on the Ninja goth (to each its own).
Gotta love it. Right now the staples our APC, Wings Horns, Geller, Gant Rugger, and whole bunch of other labels u just gotta try on. Perhaps you will find that next exclusive gem. Their price points cover the full ranges of consumers, so everybody could get a piece.
Sales staff is super nice, and the set up is very Northwest industrial with a Shepard Fairey mural in the mix. Always a delight.

This teeny tiny store is awesome, if you like a sexy men dressed in sexy dark clothes then shop here.
It’s a little pricey ($ 200 t-​shirts) but everything is nicely tailored and has quality material (cashmere, silk, etc).
They have a nice selection of denim (APC is one my favorite brands) most are recently priced around $ 150.
However, the area I really loved was the apothecary section off in its own little room. Great selection of men’s soaps, lotions, and colognes.
Perfect for Christmas shopping if you have someone to splurge on :)

One word: Apothecary.
I might be a chick, and this might be a men’s store, but the apothecary carries Diptyque candles and solid fragrances and that is pretty much all I need to give a place four stars.
The women’s section is not half bad, considering it’s a store for dudes. They have a great set of dude hats, and dude bags. Also dude shirts and dude jeans.
Makes me want to cross-​dress (while smelling amazing).

Very pricey, a great place to splurge, but some stuff you can find online for cheaper. There are women’s clothing and accessories and the staff is friendly.
Not a loyal consumer here but I do buy things in here once in awhile. The staff is friendly and helpful.

I didn’t spend much time in Blackbird and to be honest, it isn’t a store that would typically be up my alley. They definitely had some quality product, I didn’t really engage in conversation with any of the employees — but they seemed friendly. The store was much smaller than I had expected, both in size and amount of clothing for sale. I kept comparing it to the Lizard Lounge in Portland which I liked much better.
All in all, if you’re a trendy hipster with money to spend, make sure you pay Blackbird a visit. You’ll probably be more excited than I was.

I cannot categorize myself as a hipster. Nor do I consider myself any kind of urban fashionista. I’m very much a non-​ironic t-​shirt and jeans kinda guy. But Blackbird lets me dabble in the realms of hipsterdom and fashionism without having to commit myself to a whole new mode of personal appearance.
I primarily shop there for jeans, as they have a modest but well-​rounded selection of denim in cuts that favor current trends but have enough range to find the right pair for your comfort and body type. On my most recent visit, Leo helped me start with five or six pairs and winnow them down to a couple that look like they’re going work out great. While I did pay a fair bit more than I could have paid for the same pants online, being able to work with someone who is knowledgeable about their products, both from a fit and quality perspective, is worth the extra coin.
I’ve also previously bought a corduroy jacket and skin care products there, and while I tend to give the shirts, belts, and other accessories a quick glance, it’s typically just denim I’m shopping for.
The prices range from spendy to exorbitant, but they do focus on good quality gear, and the staff has always been very helpful and knowledgeable about their products. I definitely feel that I get my money’s worth when I shop there.
If there is any specific drawback to Blackbird, it’s that they don’t offer tailoring services in house, so I have to get my pants hemmed elsewhere, which invariably takes me longer to get around to than I know it should. The last time I bought a pair of jeans there, it was a month before I actually wore them because it took me that long to get to a tailor! But I suppose that’s really on me and not Blackbird…

Urban Scenesters — come check out Blackbird!
When I walked into this shop the first thing I thought was, ACE Hotel. If you haven’t been to the Ace in Portland or NYC, it’s like urban spaces meets minimalism, meets outdoorsman. Wool, denim, leather, canvas. All types of rugged materials for the rugged man.
Soaps smell masculine, belts look worn, shoes look like they’ll last forever, and the clothes while stylish and clean, have a look to them like they’ve been worn before. It’s all very sexy and sleek! Not so much for the metrosexual. I’d say this store fits the type of man who looks like he’s a lumberjack but he showers daily.
From wallets to pants, jackets, jeans, and even greeting cards, this store has everything the urban scenester needs to keep his ‘cool’.

I was lost after I literally lost my old wallet, so have been on the hunt for a few days. No luck in Vancouver, but when I arrived in Seattle, I took my broken wings and learned to fly at Ballard’s Blackbird.
I came away with a choice Jack Spade wallet, rough and smooth leather, just waiting to secure my credit cards and cold cash. And on sale, too.
Then I checked out the rest of the store and found an assortment of smooth style… as in: if you had to define urban scenester, you might have to start here. I’m not saying clothes make the man, but Blackbird gives you good reason to believe they do.
All my life, it seems, I was only waiting for this moment to arise…