Baby Bibs, Bowls + Beads

From the creator of our baby kimono comes a delightful new feeding-time accoutrement: the bib! Momo is delighted to introduce this sweet offering from local designer Plastic Pony. Made from kawaii Japanese cotton, it’s designed to stay put with an adjustable snap closure, so little Hector can’t yank it off during dinner.

Buddha was kind enough to model a bib for us.

We love the charming Japanese fabrics of our new bibs!

Speaking of meal time, look what just touched down for the table — adore-a-bowls.  The perfect size for rice (of course), morning cereal or evening ice cream. Adult supervision is advised if using these for baby as they are breakable!

Petite “Scandinasian” bowls.

Wee spoons by local glass artist Elles Beads. 

Every good bowl deserves a spoon ... Bon Appetit!

Hawaiian Butter Mmmmochi!

Butter mochi. If you are familiar with this hugely popular Hawaiian favorite, you know that it’s essentially a baked custard that tastes like cubes of heaven. Not familiar? Get ready for a toothsome treat. Pleasingly sweet, the slightly caramelized crust is contrasted by a smooth, rich and chewy inside — all the characteristics you crave in a decadent indulgence ... a gluten-free indulgence!

Momo now makes it easy to experience this island delight with Hawaii’s Best Butter Mochi Mix. Just add water, eggs and butter, put it in the oven and presto! Luscious no-fail dessert, perfect to take along to the season’s potluck gatherings. The most difficult part is deciding whether or not you want to share.

We stock the classic flavor as well as a brownie-inspired mix for the chocoholics in your life. Either way, you’ll say, “Stay so ono!”

Mobile Dressing Room: Built with Feathrr

Awhile ago I.D. neighbor Kenny popped into Momo to share his idea for an app, ‘Feathrr,’ a virtual dressing room where shoppers could ‘try on’ outfits on their mobile devices — like playing with a paper doll. Yeah, yeah, I thought to myself, another social media chore. Kenny continued to bounce in with reports on incremental progress, asking if he could photograph our inventory, blah blah blah. I would nod and wave, busy with a customer or rearranging merchandise.

Then one day he showed me the images he and his partner, Julie, took of all our Momo clothing. Nice job! And then he showed me how it all came together — what fun! Now I’m a Feathrr fan, and I’m here to share.

>> Go to momoseattle.com
>> Click on ‘A Closer Look at This Outfit’
>> Swipe away! The app totals the cost of the entire outfit, too
>> No e-commerce as of yet, so if you’re truly keen on an item, click on More Actions and email Momo, we’re here for you
>> Cute shoes courtesy of Clementine Shoes in Pioneer Square, give them a call if you see anything you crave: 206.935.9400

If you’re interested in learning more about Feathrr, check out their website: http://www.feathrr.com/#

Happy shopping!

Bring Me the Sunset in a Cup

Beer Mug

Emily Dickinson said, “Bring me the sunset in a cup,” at Momo we say, bring me a beer in a Bowl Maker! If anything can make drinking more fun, it’s the cups of The Bowl Maker of Bellingham.
Bring me the sunset in a cup
Reckon the morning’s flagons up
And say how many Dew,
Tell me how far the morning leaps—
Tell me what time the weaver sleeps
Who spun the breadth of blue!

Tumbler

Artist Cary Lane lives just a Bolt Bus away from Seattle and spends her time creating poetic pottery while she raises her kids. We think she’s super sweet, too.
Write me how many notes there be
In the new Robin’s ecstasy
Among astonished boughs—
How many trips the Tortoise makes—
How many cups the Bee partakes,
The Debauchee of Dews!

Wine Glass

There’s a size to fit any hand and thirst, and a lucky beast to please any animal lover. What’s your totem animal?
Also, who laid the Rainbow’s piers,
Also, who leads the docile spheres
By withes of supple blue?
Whose fingers string the stalactite—
Who counts the wampum of the night
To see that none is due?

Shot Glass

Her sturdy cups are dishwasher safe, although we always advise hand washing. Prices range from $9.50 to $18.
Who built this little Alban House
And shut the windows down so close
My spirit cannot see?
Who’ll let me out some gala day
With implements to fly away,
Passing Pomposity?
- Emily Dickinson

Layers for Life

It’s getting to be that ‘what to wear today?’ time again, when warm days are sandwiched between cool mornings and evenings. The answer — Vigorella. Yes, strange name, but we only pick ’em for what they do and that is layer like nobody’s business. 

Momo is one of the only boutiques in the US that carries Vigorella, an Australian brand — MADE IN AUSTRALIA. “Layers For Life” is their catchphrase and indeed, it’s perfect for this transitional season. With low-to-no maintenance, it’s ideal for travel. Versatile, fluid, soft, comfortable and über-stretchy, one-size fits both the figure and lifestyle of most. 

Come try on a garment ... or two ... or three ... and feel for yourself. We think you’ll love it as much as we do (and you won’t even mind the name)!

Dear Daddy

Thank you for all the lessons you’ve taught with me through the years. Like how to work hard and earn my stripes. 

 

And to posses resilient character and strong
moral fiber.

Yet retain the ability to be empathetic and not afraid
to show my softer side.

And for sharing me with the keys to success: humor, humility,
and true love and respect for others.

You’re the best Daddy a Momo Girl
could ever wish for. Happy Father’s Day.

Repurposed with a Purpose

“Repurposing” and “up-cycling” are becoming an ever-increasing theme in many independent designers’ work these days. A rising concern for reducing waste, taking a step back from being a throw-away society and an appreciation for the beauty an object acquires over time — all of these are merging to create a new approach to design.

One of our favorite re-purposers is Chemical Wedding. Jon and Tracy use a combination of new and recycled leathers, factory seconds and post-industrial scrap to construct handbags that are gorgeous, unique, durable and functional. Momo-girl Angela has the “Devon” cross-body bag and she can say, with zero hesitation, that is the most intelligently designed purse she has ever owned.

New to Momo is designer Katherine Ragghianti from Poulsbo. Katherine’s bags are constructed from up-cycled Japanese fabrics that started out life as kimonos, yukatas and obis, with some hand-painted silks and lamb suede added for good measure. We love the juxtaposition of traditional textiles with more contemporary styles.

Both the Katherine and Chemical Wedding messenger bag have adjustable straps.

Here are two takes on the classic messenger bag. in the left is a Katherine bag made of kimono, obi and yukata fabric, with a lamb suede back. On the right is “Reiko” by Chemical Wedding. Both have adjustable straps and can be worn as a shoulder bag or cross-body bag.

Unique and wonderfully diverse versions of the classic shoulder bag. 

The “Dian” shoulder bag features inset diamonds of slate blue and grey leather and a line of eye-catching whipstitching. Katherine’s hand-painted silk take on the same style is lined with the sweetest red and white polka-dot fabric.

Tiny and Tote! The wee little Chemical Wedding “Kiko” has a long strap for cross-body versatility with the petite build and weight of a wallet. Katherine’s roomy tote offers lots of space to store your essentials without a lot of weight. Delicate yukata fabric gives this highly practical tote an elegant look.

Wallet-purse and spacious tote — both ends of the spectrum!

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!

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 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.