Black Is Back

Blackwells is more than suits. This revamped menswear store has trendy casual wear and fun décor, too.

THE SHOP: Blackwells, 900 E. Battlefield, Battlefield Marketplace Suite 120, Springfield, 417-887-8200. (Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.)

ATMOSPHERE: Forget what you think you know about the inside of upscale menswear boutiques. Here in Blackwell’s new location you’ll find Fender guitars, fake parrots nesting in palm trees and even a seven-foot marlin on the warm chocolate and charcoal walls. The dressing room area features a flat-screen wall-mounted television, hardwood floors and overstuffed leather chairs. Hearing the Rolling Stones playing overhead, I wasn’t sure if I should shop or dance. I chose shopping.

KEY PEOPLE: Rex Blackwell opened Blackwells (formerly Mr. Blackwells) 17 years ago but has been in the retail business for more than 30 years. With a store full of fantastic apparel the man knows what he’s doing. Mark Schuster, style aficionado and all-around cool guy, has been with Blackwells for 11 years.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND: It’s more like what won’t you find. This 1,700-square-foot store is dripping with some of the most delicious men’s clothing I’ve seen in ages. I soon found out that such style does come at a price, but I also found lots of options for every budget.

I used to feel sorry for the choices men had in clothing but not any more. Joseph’s Cloak makes some of the most gorgeous shirts I’ve ever seen, even if they are a bit on the pricey side. I drooled over a peach shirt featuring pleated stripes of light blue backed by Kelly green. At $210 it’s a lot to pay for a cotton shirt, but could be dressed up or down and worn for years.0

Most guys have a favorite shirt by Tommy Bahama, so it’s no wonder you’ll find the silk staples here in an array of colors and patterns. However, a shirt by Indigo Palms, a branch of the Tommy Bahama line, should be your next purchase. My fave was a 100-percent cotton shirt in navy and cream stripes with a navy/cream/yellow paisley pattern. A trimmer fit and thinner cotton make this $118 shirt a great investment. As a matter of fact, one was sold while I was in the store.

Then there are the suits by Pal Zileri in the most luxurious wool I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t quit touching a mocha coat with pale blue pinstripes that felt like silk and draped like a dream. Seriously, I’d sleep in the darned thing; it was just that fabulous. And expensive too, but once I felt it the $1,795 price tag seemed reasonable. I swear Mark had to pull me away from the suit area. But enough about suits.

Blackwells also features fantastic casual wear that won’t make you look like a slob. XCVI takes the simple polo-style shirt and updates it with a washed finish,
unfinished seams and an unbuttoned placket. At $72, it’s an easy way to look modern and comfortable.

The traveler who wants only the best should check out the luggage by Tumi. This lightweight, durable luggage features TSA-approved locks and regulated sizes that take the guesswork out of flying. At $595 for a wheeled carry-on, quality doesn’t come cheap, but pieces can last 20 years or more and are designed for heavy traveling. Tumi can only be found locally at Blackwells.

417 VERDICT: A new location, casual atmosphere and excellent customer service (they actually steam the fold wrinkles out of your shirts) make shopping at Blackwells a treat. I know I’ll be back soon.

Designers you'll find at Blackwell's

Tumi Luggage – exclusive to the region
Hugo Boss
Vineyard Vines – exclusive to the region
Pal Zileri
Nat Nast
Donald Pliner
Ibiza
Rocket Dog
Zanella
Tommy Bahama
Indigo Palms
St. Croix
Joseph’s Cloak
Georg Roth, LA
Georg Roth, Germany
Haupt
Alberto
Signum
Agave
Kowboys
XCVI