The Last Blast of the Holidays

Christmas is coming and so is The End of the World. So Momo is checking in with a few last-minute messages for both impending events. 

Doomsday Deals With the Apocalypse so close at hand, why pay sales tax? On Friday, December 21, we’ll pick up the tax on all women’s clothing, a selection of men’s wear, and other treats, even if they’re on sale. We’re open until 7:00 or until the world ends. 

Naughty + Nice Still searching for the perfect gift? Seems like everyone is waiting until the Nth hour this year. Be not discouraged, Momo is here for you with many perfect presents. And remember, we’re always happy to wrap in our inimitable way. Here are just a few of our favorite Naughty yet Nice inspirations:

Cashmere Me
Indulge someone in a cashmere cuddle. Fingerless gloves in luscious colors from New York’s Meg Cohen are among our picks, a great value at $62 considering she sells them online for $75. One size really does fit all, including men and women. In our plush pile of cashmere, you’ll also find ‘fits all’ wraps and ponchos, nicely priced from $120 - $150. And for the eco-chic, we have local girl Jen Gay’s repurposed cashmere/wool hand warmers, cute as a button for $28.

Adopt a Dopp Kit
Sturdy and handsome, like we like our men, this one from Au Bags of Maine is just that. Made of cotton canvas trimmed in leather, at $55 it’s an ideal gift for dad, husband, boyfriend ... Fill it with Billy Jealousy travel products ($25) and get the whole deal for $75. Guaranteed that you will be remembered on many trips to come.

Beautiful Bag-gage
Momo is becoming the place for stand-out bags, gathered from as close as Boulevard Park and as far away as Kobe. Each of our accessories is designed and created by real human hands ... Chemical Wedding using leather, metal and wood, Maruka in vintage Japanese kimono and obi dotted with precious stones, and XO Bruno using rugged canvas and leather. Prices range from $115 - $325 each is truly a fashionable, functional treasure.

Hip Flasks
These flippant flasks from Izola hold enough to warm up the winter and fit in nearly any pocket. With sayings like “May you never go to hell but always be on your way,” it’s the ultimate brother-in-law gift. In 3 and 5 ounces, $26 - $29.

And There’s More at Momo ...
... including our exclusive Naughty and Nice buttons, only $2 each. Tom designed them and Lala wrote the copy, just for you. How nice is that?

Painless Parking With your minimum purchase of $50, we’ll give you a two-hour parking voucher valid in these neighboring lots:

After 5:00 p.m. at Merchants Parking lot
NE corner of 5th Avenue South and South Main Street

After 6:00 p.m. at Bank of America lot
Behind the bank at 6th Avenue South and South Jackson Street

Park first, come in and shop, then pay your parking when you leave.
Holiday Momo hours are Monday – Wednesday, 11-6
Thursday – Saturday, 11-7
Sunday, 12-6

Many Mahalos to each of you, our lovely, loyal customers, we truly appreciate all of your support. Happy holidays and a peaceful season to you and your family. 
   

Una Winter Warmers from Susan Fedore-able

Courtesy of guest blogger, Judy Vue

Angela poses as Edward Scissorhands

After 14 years of designing for big names such as Eddie Bauer, Cutter and Buck and Tommy Bahama, Seattle fashion designer Susan Fedore took the big leap to create her own fashion line, Una. She started in 2007 and has been surviving ever since, cutting and sewing away on a 24/7 workweek in a small room in her Ballard home, which she lovingly calls “the dungeon.”

Fedore enjoyed making crafts since she was in high school, however, working in the fashion industry was something she fell into. “It wasn’t that I picked it so much that it picked me,” she said.

Coming up with the idea to design clothes was easy. Finding customers to buy her creations was a whole different ball game she hadn’t prepared for. “First, I started doing craft shows,” she said. She then managed to get her Website posted online. But she knew that wasn’t going to be enough. “I realized this wasn’t going to be easy unless I got into wholesale,” she said.

Fedore managed to find a good home for her clothes at three boutiques, and has expanded into online sales and selling smaller accessories at other venues — such as a holiday favorite: comfy cotton arm warmers at Momo.

Elements of nature inspire Una’s hand silk-screened arm warmer designs. One pair features a spread of fern in order to emulate going on a walk in the outdoors and looking at the ferns growing from the ground. Another pair features a pattern of pine needles, specifically knob cone pine trees, which remind her of trips taken along the Pacific Coast. One of her most painstakingly intricate arm warmer designs features a birds’ eye view of a moth spreading its wings.

Her design comes from other sources too. For instance, her scissor-patterned arm warmers? 

“[I did that] as a tongue-in-cheek reference to Edward Scissorhands,” she said with a laugh. In spite of her lightheartedness, she admits being a solo fashion designer can be tough. “I’ve never worked so hard for so little,” she said. In her first two years of starting Una, she experienced days where she felt she couldn’t do it anymore.

But Fedore isn’t letting the exhaustion get to her. “It’s not just a monetary thing,” she said. “It’s just an honest pursuit of what I love.”

If you’re interested in getting a pair of Susan Fedore’s arm warmers this winter, stop by Momo or check out Susan’s Website.

Celebrate the Season in Japantown, Kampai!

Happy Birthday, Momo!

Momo Turns Five

And Tom & Lei Ann have Survived!

Big Five Birthday Party 

Thursday, November 15 from 5:00 – 8:00

Sips & Snacks at Momo

600 South Jackson Street in Japantown

We are alive and kicking, so please join us for a celebration of our fifth anniversary. Mommy and Daddy will be visiting from Hawaii and making their famous Spam musubi. And to make your holiday shopping easy, you can sign up for our Partner Gift Registry, so snoop around for something for yourself and we’ll pass hints to your special someone. We’d love for you to come, even if it’s simply to give hugs and say hello.

Sail-Inspired Bags

AU waxed cotton, handsome and rugged

Modern-day fabric waxing evolved during the 1920s. Initially developed as a way to make boat sails water-resistant, durable and breathable, it quickly became a popular way to treat clothing and other outdoor gear. Perhaps one of the most appealing qualities of waxed cotton and canvas is that it becomes more attractive the more it is used.

Momo is pleased to have new waxed cotton bags - waterproof and stylish, perfect for the inevitable rain.

On the more masculine side: AU bags from Maine. These are all from their aptly named “Sail Wax” line. Shown here are the “Dopp” (perfect for a shaving kit and other assorted toiletries), the “Attache” (a cross-shoulder strap will help distribute the weight of your laptop) and the “Tote.”  Not pictured is the handsome and large “Bogie,” a classic overnight/carry-on bag. All have rugged leather straps and zipper enclosures.

xobruno - versatile and attractive!

On the more feminine side of the spectrum we have xobruno (“Bruno” being the maiden name of designer Michelle's grandmother). We have the “Kilim” a woven wool and twill tote, and the “Alvar,” a wonder of versatility that can be used as a backpack, tote, shoulder bag, or rucksack!

Designer Michelle Kline is a Portland, OR-based designer who makes her xobruno bags by hand. These are quite possibly the most intelligently designed, ergonomic bags that this Momo Girl has seen.

Happy Monday from MomoLand!

Baby, It’s (Almost) Cold Outside

Momo has begun to receive winter jackets and scarves just in time for the rain, wind and chilly evenings.

Spiewak jackets are among some of our new arrivals. Spiewak is a Brooklyn-based, family owned company that has been producing uniforms (for firemen, police and EMTs) since 1904. In more recent times they’ve branched out to include edgy, stylish and durable streetwear/outerwear for both men and women.

The “Warren”: quilted down but tailored through the waist (nice for those of us who don’t want to resemble the StayPuff Marshmallow Man!), it also has some fabulous details like snapback extended cuffs and a cozy hood. Available in a rich, subtle olive.

Spiewak’s “Warren” quilted down jacket.

The “Beeson” is perfect for the months of drizzle that constitute the Seattle winter. It is waterproof, has a hidden inside drawstring waist and a detachable hood. Fun fillips include a gun flap at the shoulder and a droptail hem, all in a rich navy hue.

Spiewak “Beeson” has a removable hood and structured collar.

Thick, cozy, simple: perfect unisex scarf.

Scarves! Scarves are a wonderful multipurpose accessory, keeping your neck toasty warm AND giving you an opportunity to add a splash of color or texture. And we have a wide variety of weights, colors and materials (cashmere, cashmere/wool, cashmere/wool/silk blends). Come and get cozy at Momo!

Lovely and whimsical wool/cashmere/silk blend.

Momo Helps Keep You Dry

Here at Momo we are lucky enough to have two new arrivals: rain boots from Canadian outdoor footwear company Kamik and...a new awning!

With the combined efforts of Jackson Building owner Paul Murakami, Momo and Joyce P. from the SCIDpda, both Momo and neighbor Kobo were able to install high-tech retractable awnings (that even detect when the wind is blowing and retract themselves!)

In the 1930’s, the original Higo featured simple green awnings over its doors. With the idea of restoring some of the building’s original character and authenticity, a plan was set into motion to recreate a tiny piece of Higo’s past. Here is the lovely result: 

Fancy new awning!

In addition to trying to keep your heads a bit drier, we’d also like to keep your feet dry. Kamik has been a family-run Canadian company for over 100 years. They are devoted to the concept of sustainable, eco-friendly footwear. This is directly from their website:

• Kamik makes over two million 100% recycled boots per year
• Kamik boot liners are manufactured using recycled polyester and polypropylene fibres
• Every product that we make in our injection molding plants in Montreal, QC and Littleton, NH is 100% recyclable
• Kamik’s injection molding plants use hydro- generated power to run the machines. No fossil fuels are used
• The machines are cooled with recycled water. A cooling tower on the roof of our plant has a closed-loop distribution system where the water is collected, distributed and recycled and reused
• Oil used in the hydraulic pumps is filtered, recuperated and reused
• Boot scraps are collected and reused. Nothing goes to waste

Impressive, no? They are also colorful, cute and will definitely keep you dry (at least, from the knees down). We have two styles: the traditional "Heidi" and the slightly edgier “Olivia”, which is taller and has a side buckle. Momo Girl Angela (that would be me) has the “Olivia” version and plans to wear them whether it is raining or not. 

Sweet and functional rainboots from Kamik

So...come on down to Momo, where we are reconstructing a small piece of Nihonmachi’s rich history. And keeping your toes dry. 

Old and New, Japan-style

Today's story: old and new, traditional and modern, antique and contemporary.

Thanks to the Kyoto Art and Antique sale, Mr. Momo was able to acquire a number of lovely antique patinated Buddhas. As the photos demonstrate, the cast iron pieces are intricately detailed and beautifully crafted.

In contrast to the antiquity of the cast iron Buddhas, a new shipment of Tokyo Five tees has arrived - casual, contemporary style with a Japanese flair. The new shirts are dark grey or neutral brown, both of which are perfect for the (someday!) Fall weather.

Momo for Men

Lest we forget 50% of the population, today’s post will feature our newly-arrived men's clothing. Mr. Momo (aka Tom) has chosen some particularly fantastic pieces to herald in the new season.

Momo has received a terrific collection of merino wool and cashmere sweaters and cardigans by New Zealand clothier Rodd & Gunn. Luxuriously soft and built for both comfort and durability, these are a must-have in any winter wardrobe. Here we have a zippered cardigan paired with a shirt made by Montreal-based Report Collection.

Another new shirt by Report Collection is this dark blue plaid. It's versatile enough to be worn casually or with a tie. 

Report Collection is always a classic.

In addition to dapper shirts and sweaters, Momo men have a selection of coats!

First up: a warmup jacket by Bench (layered atop the ever classic Saint James), which features a thin hood rolled and zipped into the collar. Sporty, stylish and functional, all in one sleek package.









Our final Momo Man designer for the day is David Bitton (best known for Buffalo Jeans). Momo has a finely tailored button-up shirt as well as a fitted nylon jacket that has both buttons and a zipper. Notice the smart red detailing on both!

Handsome season-spanning jacket by David Bitton

Happy Monday, everyone!

Heaven-sent Scents

Greetings from Momo!

Today's guests are Fabulous Fragrances for both body and home.

First, from local girl Cory Smith: Sweet Petula soaps. Sumptuous lather and scents, elegantly packaged - these are great for a tiny self-indulgence or as a gift.

Next up is a personal favorite of Momo Girl Angela: Tokyo Milk. This brand features an impressive array of perfumes ranging from delicate florals to sensuous musk. Momo carries both the parfum and the hand creme.

Now on to treats for the Home.

Makana candles smell good enough to eat. These candles are hand-crafted from non-toxic sustainable materials. The scents don't fade over time and they are self-contained in pretty little tins.

If you're looking for a more immediate change in your environment, Momo carries Esteban room sprays and incense - Japanese-inspired and straight from France.
Happy Monday, everyone!

Fall Fashion Fresh From France

Momo has just received the Fall lines from Paris. Cop Copine, Sunlight and Deca - incredibly elegant, yet completely wearable (even for the casual Pacific Northwest).

Here are a few of our favorites, in no particular order:

 Two pieces from Sunlight: a sweet, versatile dress paired with a skirt laden with feminine flounces and ruffles.

Detail of adjustable ruche and skirt.

The dress has a zipper that zips both from the top -and- the bottom, allowing maximum adjustability. In addition, there are buttons on the bottom hem that enable the wearer to change the degree of the ruching.

A richly textured mod dress from Cop-Copine, this features a '60's vibe and playful oversized buttons on the back.

Another dress by Sunlight, this also features a zipper that zips from both top and bottom. Sweet-as-sugar ruffles adorn the chest.

Sunlight and Deca make a perfect couple.

Here is the same dress with a gauzy Deca hoodie layered overtop.

Seasons Change

The days are growing shorter, the nights cooler. Soon the sidewalks of Seattle will be littered with brilliant leaves as autumn encroaches.

Here at Momo we've begun to stock up on some of our favorite fall colors by such designers as Only Hearts, Tabisocks and Prairie Underground. Gold and russet, crimson and plum - all of the shades that evoke the crisp coolness of Fall and the pleasures of hot apple cider, corn mazes, the first crackling fires of the season.

Stop by to peruse saturated wine-red petticoats, dark amethyst tulle tops and chocolate brown leggings as well as new Prairie Underground Cloak Hoodies in mulberry and ink-pot (a deep, delicious purple). Stock up on essentials and stay stylish and cozy this Fall!

Lovely autumnal goodies!

Spam-O-Rama!

Mark your calendars:
Saturday, August 11th from 4pm - 9pm

Japantown will be hosting Nihonmachi Nite! And here at Momo, we will be hosting an extra special, super fun event: Spam-O-Rama! This is our Second Annual Musubi-making Contest.

You may wonder “What is this musubi?” Today is your lucky day, for it is the day of Musubi 101.

First, the ingredients: a typical musubi will consist of Spam, sushi rice, furikake (those tasty sweet/salty sprinkles you often see in Japanese restaurants) and nori. A slice of Spam is fried, often with a splash of teriyaki sauce, then laid atop a pile of sushi rice that has been dusted with furikake. A strip of nori (dried, roasted seaweed) encircles the whole thing, which is pressed into a Plexiglas cube. This is done to compress the musubi into a condensed, portable “sandwich.”

Here is a musubi press:

And this is musubi:

Here is a little history:  Musubi became wildly popular in Hawaii after WWII. Spam was a staple for the troops stationed there and it soon became commonplace in the local cuisine - although musubi is the form one will usually encounter it in. Indeed, many visitors to Hawaii don’t feel fully initiated until they've sought out a musubi (available virtually everywhere) and eaten it!

So. Now that you know more about musubi...won’t you come to Momo this Saturday evening and partake? Better yet, compete! Regardless, everyone is a winner on Nihonmachi Nite.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a Tower of Spam.

Attention All Musubi Makers

Call foa Entries!
Momo Second Annual Spam-O-Rama
Saturday, August 11

So, you tink you can make moa bettah Spam musubi den Uwajimaya?
Den, go entah our contest during Nihonmachi Nites! Here’s da scoop:
1. Gotta use Spam, rice and nori. Da rest is up to you. 
2. Make at least 3-4 foa judging, and moa for da hungry crowd.
3. Drop ’em by ready to eat by 4:00 pm on Saturday.
4. Let Lei Ann know you going entah: 206.329.4736
or lala@momoseattle.com.

We like you have fun, tink out-of-da-musubi-maker!

Oh, Obi

Obis (which literally translates into “sash”) are a quintessential component of traditional Japanese garb.

Prior to the Edo period, the obi was a simple cord or ribbon sash. But by the end of the 18th century the obi had evolved - quadrupling in width as well as having greatly increased in both complexity and formality.

Some fun factoids about the obi:
There are more than 15 types of obi for women, but only 2 for men.
There are over a dozen different ways to tie an obi.
The colored “belts” that one receives in martial arts are a type of informal obi.

And...you guessed it...we have obis here at Momo! They are truly works of art.

Eyebob Extravaganza!

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, June 23rd Momo will be hosting our second annual Eyebobs Trunk Show. Visit between 1-5 to check out the huge selection of fun, flirty, edgy readers and sunglasses. You will be able to buy a pair on the spot, special order different colors or magnification, or find the perfect frames for prescription lenses! We will have dozens of styles to choose from - what better way to update your look?

Kawaii Kokeshi

Kokeshi dolls originate from the Tohoku region of Northern Japan, an area well-known for its onsen. These handmade wooden dolls are thought to date back to the middle of the Edo period (1603-1867), when Kijiya (woodworkers) began using their woodworking skills to make simple dolls to sell as toys and souvenirs to the hot spring visitors.

There are two major styles of Kokeshi dolls: traditional (dento) and creative (shingata). Momo can supply you with both! Here are some examples of both Traditional and Creative Kokeshi for your viewing pleasure. 

Three Kappa Kokeshi and a Tanuki

Momo Man

Momo would like to remind everyone that an entire section of the shop is dedicated to Momo Man. Yes! It's true! In addition to a tantalizing selection of women's clothing and treats for your home, we also carry manly goods, like:

Esquire and Men's Health winner, Billy Jealousy grooming products.


And check out these awesome tees by Sumo Fish and Tokyo Five!

Accessorize, Baby!

Did you know that Momo carries itsy bitsy teeny weeny kimono jackets? Made by local designer Pennie Laird exclusively for Momo, they come in a wide array of patterns and sizes (ranging from infant to toddler).

More Summer Fun!

Our happy Momo couple models some of our latest summer goods. Gentleman Momo deftly shows off a Report Collection shirt, checked in handsome shades of blue. The cotton/linen blend gives it a lovely texture. Lady Momo is wearing a fantastic new skirt made by La Fee Verte. 100% knit linen and...wait for it...it has POCKETS. Yes! Paired with this sumptuous skirt is a Metalicus tank dress and a TriColor scarf made by local designer Tuesday Scarves. 

Momo has also recently received a batch of wrap skirts by Zand Amsterdam. If you're feeling feisty, funky or seeking something totally unique, you should check these out. Snap closures ensure one-size-fits-nearly-all; they are colorful, adjustable, reversible (both the skirt portion AND the unzippable belt!) and come with a detachable mutli-compartment pouch. 

Momo Goes Mobile with Instant Gratification!

Join us for a spontaneous style mixer,
presented by Studio 904 and Momo

Wednesday, May 9 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Studio 904 on Mercer Island

3041 78th Avenue SE with plenty of parking

$10 Admission, RSVP requested: 206.232.3393

Enjoy sips and snacks as we share easy tips for instantly updating your locks and looks while still feeling comfortably yourself. Men, you’re welcome to come along, too. Summer is here soon, what are you waiting for?

The evening is a benefit for Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that assists women in need with interview appropriate clothing. The $10 admission fee will be donated to Dress for Success. You are also welcome to bring along gently used professional clothing, accessories and shoes.

For more information on Studio 904, visit studio904.com

Summer Dresses Are Floating In

Momo has been preparing for spring and summer. Have you? We can help! Some newly arrived lovelies include this flowing linen dress from Koch (shown with a braided leather Alabastra belt) and this fun and flirty floral Only Hearts dress.