Momo Kalikimaka

Photos courtesy of http://espn.go.com/action/photos/gallery/_/id/8770400/image/1/happy-holidays-mele-kalikimaka

We’re on our 7th Christmas this year — can you believe it?
We are grateful to every one of you who have helped us reach this amazing milestone in the world of modern retail. To customers new and long-time loyal, thank you for sharing your holidays with us, and for introducing friends and family. You made this season peaceful and joyous. To everyone, we wish you a Mele Kalikimaka.

Enough about me, what do you think about me?

Before You’re Elfish, Be Selfish
Treat yourself first during our pre-holiday Selfish Sale
Thursday – Sunday, November 21 – 24 all day
Save up to 20% off on a selection of attention-getting clothing for men and women. Get dressed for Thanksgiving, the infamous Office Party, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah festivities. And if you think that far ahead, how about New Year’s Eve? Already reduced clothing included; some exceptions apply (ie. consignment), but not many! Shop early for best picks. 

Winter is Coming

Seattle’s predicted low is 39 degrees tonight. That is seven small degrees above freezing. Freezing! Lucky for you, Momo has just received some delectable knits from Beagle House N.Y., Japanese designs via New York. Durable and comfortable, the adorable accessories are also enticingly affordable ($32-$49). Fresh for you, via Momo:

•  knit beanies, made in Japan. 100% cotton, these hats are densely woven and are sure to keep your noggin toasty. An easy fit for men or women.

Perfectly sized for a slouchy look and a tight, fine knit for warmth!

•  infinity scarves, also knit in Japan. Made from a blend of fibers, they are lightweight yet surprisingly insulative and feature a sweet pattern reminiscent of traditional Norwegian sweaters.

We love the soft colors of these infinity scarves.

• knit arm warmers. Cable-knit sweaters for your arms! They have a handy thumb-hole to keep them on your hands, and are woven with spandex to help them stay up your arms. 

Available in black, taupe, pale grey/beige and chocolate brown. 

A Good Scarf is a Good Friend

It’s that time of year again — scarf season is upon us and new scarves have been flooding into Momo. We have an enticing array of styles, colors and fabrics to choose from, ranging from affordable acrylic  to lovely linens and cozy cashmere.

Our favorite acrylic is the multipurpose Vivi button sweater-scarf. Not only is it perfect for folks with wool/cashmere sensitivities, it’s also the most versatile accessory imaginable. It can be worn as a halter (in two ways), a long-sleeved shrug, a vest, a poncho, a scarf ... whatever strikes your fancy.

Always a classic, Momo has a fresh batch of St. James “Pucker” scarves. We love the distinctive texture, as well as the ease of use (simply pull one end through the opening on the other end).

A rainbow of St. James from France.

Unique “Pucker’ scarf.

Some folks are still operating under the notion that linen is a textile that is limited to summer wear. We at Momo won’t say that they’re wrong ... but they’re wrong! Linen is one of the most durable fibers on earth (literally). Our Fog Linen scarves from Japan are thickly woven, elegant and warm. Available in solids, stripes or checks.

Fog Linen from Japan. 

Thick, shimmering linen is both elegant and comfortable.

Cashmere is, of course, the winter classic. Soft and toasty, timeless cashmere will always fend off the chill of a winter day. Momo’s new cashmere features a palette of soft greys, blues and taupes — perfect for men and women alike.

Soft-as-a-cloud cashmere.

A great scarf, like a great coat, is invaluable in the cool Pacific Northwest winter — both you'll wear every day. Why not ensure that you’ll stay warm while looking good? Come visit our scarves and find your neck’s new best friend!

Three Cs for A Rainy Tuesday

What do Candles, Cashmere and Collectables have in common?
Aside from starting with the letter “C,” all three feature fresh arrivals
at Momo.

For Sweet Petula soap lovers: locally-crafted Sweet Petula candles.
Now your favorite fragrances can delicately scent your home. We have Bourbon & Vanilla, Vintage Peony, Wildflowers & Honey and La Nuit. Yum!

Giftable, fragrant candles by Sweet Petula.

Delightfully creative Jen Gay has brought in a fresh batch of her Kitten Mittens — ever so soft, her fingerless gloves are made from recycled fine wool/cashmere sweaters, with vintage trim and buttons. A portion of the proceeds are donated to P.A.W.S. Warm and fuzzy mittens help warm and fuzzy animals in need.

Keep your hands toasty warm in the cold drizzle.

Mr. Momo and Momo Mama recently perused the treasures at Kyoto Art and Antiques and found some truly stunning pieces. Here are just
a few of the beautiful antiques they discovered:

Regal bronze Kirin dragon. It symbolizes prosperity and serenity.

Elegant white marble Buddha head from China. 

Tiny Fat Bird Lands at Momo

Glowing moonstone, carnelian and aquamarine “Swing” earrings

Local jeweler Tiny Fat Bird (aka Grace Matsumoto Wood) is making her bricks-and-mortar retail debut and we at Momo are the lucky folks who get to introduce her to you! We are in love with her delicate and feminine aesthetic.

Luminous stones adorn elegant earrings while sterling pieces show a playful organic sensibility — all the while remaining simple enough to pair with nearly everything in your wardrobe.

If “dainty” describes your jewelry tastes (or your sweetie’s, for that matter!) then we think the perfect jewelry for you has roosted at Momo.

100% hand-formed, painstakingly soldered ovals are adorned with iridescent stones

Graceful garlands of sterling

Fall Fashion for Les Hommes At Momo

Momo was lucky enough to be one of the boutiques invited to participate in the Downtown Seattle Rocks the Runway show last Wednesday at Pacific Place. We love being able to see what our fellow shopkeepers are offering and what designs we can expect to see gracing Seattle’s lovely streets. For our part, Momo showcased a number of our latest fall fashions, including:

This handsome model is sporting our iconic Saint James “Meridien II” in Navy/Caramel and the “Portobello” waxed cotton jacket by Rodd & Gunn. He’s topped of with a wool pub cap made by New York Hat Co. and an AU waxed canvas tote.

This sharp gent wore jeans by local designer Tarboo, as well as Tarboo’s “Explorer’ shirt with a Pendleton zip-front jacket. Accentuating this ensemble is a New York Hat Co. canvas hat and Vivi scarf. That’s just a small sample of the new fall season men’s clothing that’s been pouring in. Here are a few more things you can find at Momo:

Lightweight yet wind-resistant jacket by Bench is great for blustery days. 

This lightweight olive green jacket (from UK company Bench) has been paired with a button-up shirt from New York designer Matteo Gottardi’s W.R.K.

These colors are perfect for a Seattle autumn day.

7 Diamonds “Premium” shirt sports a versatile small checkered pattern in slate and earth tones.

Layering season is upon us, and Momo has clothing to keep you feeling good and looking even better.  Stop by, say “hi” and get yourself geared up for fall.

Fall in Love

With Autumn’s imminent approach, Momo has been receiving deliveries left and right, from near and far. As a result, we have an amazing selection of women’s clothing that is utterly delightful: delightfully easy to wear, delightfully easy to travel with, delightfully easy to clean.

Designed and sewn in San Francisco, Porto clothing features super high-tech fabrics with amazing stretch. Perfect for traveling, perfect for layering. Subdued colors provide alternatives to black while still meshing with your current wardrobe.

Israeli clothing company Ronen Chen is another of Momo’s favorites, especially when it comes to comfort and ease. 

Straight from Paris, Cop-Copine never fails to come through with clothes that you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over again. In this case, the must-have moto jacket has us looking forward to cool weather. Ah, the fashions of fall.

Sunny Inside

It may be raining in Seattle,

but it’s always bright inside Momo.

Come in to a happy • lucky • life!

   

Shelter from the storm.

Modern Adornments

At Momo, we believe that versatility equals modernity in clothing and accessories, and that includes jewelry, too. A handful of adaptable, interesting pieces can go a long way in spiffing up a wardrobe and creating a happy • lucky • life.

Fail Jewelry is one of Momo’s latest winning discoveries. Austin, Texas designer Christine Fail creates jewelry that is delicate, feminine and modern. Her adornments are the kind that you love to wear — they will pair well with anything and everything in your wardrobe and are easily layered for a more dynamic look.

Idaho jeweler Sarah Park’s designs embody the spirit of fluidity. Convertible necklaces become dramatic wrap bracelets at a moment's notice.

Functionality is also a Momo priority. A necklace that doubles as a useable knife? Pretty functional! Here is a sample of our current collection from Momo Girl Angela of Flora and Fawn. The tiny treasures range from post-war celluloid knives from Japan to modern mother-of-pearl, stag antler and more, all measuring less than 1-1/4" long. Sweet and dangerously stylish.

August 10: Third Annual Nihonmachi Nite

August is the only month without any official holidays. Honestly though, who needs an “official” reason to celebrate?

On Saturday, August 10th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Japantown will be throwing its own party — the Third Annual Japanese-style street festival Nihonmachi Nite. The festivities, mostly centered at South Main and 6th Avenue South in the ID, will provide a wide array of terrific things to see, do and eat.

To Do!

• for a little history, take the “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” walking tour. The Wing Luke is offering an amazing deal: $5! Normally this tour is $17.95.
• enter your kiddo in the kimono and yukata costume contest
• enjoy live music by Kimo Muraki, DJ Initial P and others
• lots of games for the little ones

To See!

• experience a bit of tradition and watch volunteers parading a Mikoshi (a portable Shinto shrine) through the ID
• watch the Shi Shi Mai (Japanese Lion Dance) 
• check out athletic kendo demonstrations 
• taiko drummers creating stirring beats

To Eat!

• sweet treats from Umai-Do and Shabu Chic
• scrumptious snacks from Umamai Kushi, Mighty Ramen, Uwajimaya and more
• SPAM MUSUBI!!

Spam-O-Rama = party in your mouth

YES! In addition to all of the Nihonmachi Nite fun, it is time for Momo’s Third Annual Spam-O-Rama! Delicious, salty, comforting, spam musubi is one of the iconic go-to foods in Momo Mama Lei Ann’s native Hawaii. Enter your own take on this culinary delight! Momo is still accepting contestants. How creative and tasty is your musubi? Come down and show off your skills! Call or email us to sign up (206. 329.4736) or lala@momoseattle.com