Rain, Rain Went Away (and Now it’s Coming Back to Stay)

“Into each life some rain must fall.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As difficult as it is to imagine while we are basking in this luxurious and unexpected sunshine, rain is on its way back. Luckily, Momo has got you covered. Fresh from the rain(ier) Canadian North:

HATLEY

20 years ago, artist Alice Oldland was painting whimsical farmyard animals. Husband John thought it would be fun to print them onto aprons. They were wildly successful – thus Hatley was born. Now run by their three sons, Hatley is proud to have many of their goods produced in textile-centric Tirupur, India where they support and fund the Open Door Mercy Home orphanage.

The Field Rain Jacket has sealed seams, deep pockets and a relaxed fit perfect for layering. We love their linings: black and white stripes for the classic black and whimsical wee elephants hiding inside of the purple jacket. 

Field Rain Jacket in black. 

Fantastic elephant lining! 

Momo has the Classic Jacket in two colors. “Indian Floral” is an elegant blue-on-blue and the  red/blue polka dot jacket is an adult take on a playful pattern. The Classic raincoat features adorable over-sized buttons and a removable hood.

We are sad to say that this is the last that we will see of Hatley’s raincoats, as they will no longer be producing them! Get one while you can ...

UMBRELLA SHOP
It was the 1920s in Toronto, Ontario. Isadore Flander was working as a door-to-door umbrella repair man, slowly building a successful business. Successful enough, in fact, that in 1935 he and his family moved to Vancouver, BC and founded the Umbrella Shop. Now run by his granddaughter Corry, it is thought that the Flander’s umbrella factory is the last in North America.

Vancouver receives far more rain than Seattle (62.5 inches vs. 37.41). It makes sense that an umbrella company would thrive there and that they would make a truly high-quality, durable product. Momo has a fresh batch of umbies to choose from in a ton of different colors and patterns, some of which include:

Super-compact skinny mini weighs only 138 grams and will easily fit into a purse or coat pocket.

Show your MLS Sounders love with a sporty soccer ball handle!

Two fold umbrellas with acrylic or wood handles and a leather carrying strap. Oil tempered, with steel ribs for extra strength. Collapsible and small, this will tuck right into your messenger bag or large purse.

A Van Gogh print is one of many colorways on hand.

Longfellow is right about rain falling ... so stick with us and we’ll keep you dry in style.

Chow + Fun: Saturday & Sunday, July 12 & 13

 

Saturday, July 12 from Noon - 8:00 pm
Jackson St. Sidewalk Sale 11:00 am - Close
Night Market 8:00 pm - Midnight
Sunday, July 13 from Noon - 6:00 pm

No hamburgers at this street fair — what you’re sure to find is delicious Asian food and family-friendly festivities. Come down to the District and be a part of the excitement on the street including:
 - Dragon and Lion dances
 - Japanese Taiko drumming
 - Martial Arts demonstrations
 - Chinese Girls Drill Team
 - International booths selling interesting stuff
 - Geek chic anime contest
 - And of course, the infamous $2 Food Walk
Plus, on Saturday, Japantown will be holding a Sidewalk Sale on South Jackson Street with goodies and bargains galore.

Then, on Saturday, when the lights get low, the Night Market will run until midnight, complete with:
 - Food trucks
 - More booths with more interesting stuff
 - An all-ages dance party
 - And for the thirsty, a beer garden

There’s more fun in the sun on Sunday. Check out the details at the spiffy new website: seattledragonfest.com. Don’t be draggin’ or you’ll miss out — see you at Dragon Fest!
  
  

Momo Markdowns!

Spring is right around the corner. Today we had a brief teaser — the sun came out and for an all-too-short while we were able to doff our gloves and scarves and marvel at the bright thing in the sky.

Springtime at Momo means the arrival of Spring clothing. Lots of it. Which means, dear readers, that we need to make room on our racks! We just put a slew of beautiful picks on sale. Here’s a sampling of what you might find — spruce up your Year of the Horse wardrobe while sparing your wallet.

This one is reversible, back-to-front

Essential long tunic tops from A’Nue Ligne. One light grey and one dark grey, both in size M. These are one of our all-time favorites for four-season layering (psst, a secret: I used this piece as the bottom layer for most of the photos in this blog post). Marked down to $71.

Thick knit ‘Mike’ Cop-Copine sweater with elegant batwing sleeves, size M. Yours for $216.

‘Angela’ (named after me!) faux shearling jacket from Cop-Copine in an XS, reduced to $377!

Luscious linen/wool jacket by Japan’s Fog Linen Works in a size L. A steal for $257 (plus it has pockets, a must).

Subtle Luxury cashmere can be worn two ways: right-side-up or upside-down. We have dove grey and pale beige, both in a size S/M for $217.

Our Claudia Nichole cashmere cardigans are a just-right tunic-length, cozy and have hoods. We have charcoal grey and slate blue in a size S as well as a mocha brown in a size M. Now only $194. (Great gift for Valentine’s Day!)

We have two Ronen Chen knit tops — slight ruching and a gently rolled neckline make this a super cute piece for dressing up or dressing down. Sizes 0 and 2 available, reduced to $121.

Velvety trench by Samuel Dong
in a size M. Yours for $155.




Flirty and fashionable Cop-Copine ‘Safe’ skirt, XS now only $176.






Adorable black bubble super-soft sweater dress (both sexy and flattering) from With Love from Kokoro. Size XS, for $119.

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. 

Fresh From London and NYC

Momo is excited to inform our Dear Readers that we are now carrying work by London-based jeweler Rachel Essex. Whimsical, colorful and utterly charming, her pieces are the perfect pop of color to brighten the Seattle “neutral” wardrobe.

Rachel frequents antique fairs, flea markets and thrift shops in London and Paris in search of vintage lucite and bakelite buttons and components. As a result, many of her pieces have one-of-a-kind buttons or beads.

Rachel Essex Jewelry can be found at Anthropologie in London and at Cath Kidson ... and now Momo! She was sweet enough to customize a Momo-exclusive collection — the only of Rachel’s jewelry to be found in the US.

The sweetest cherries..

can you spy the little bunny?

Don’t fret, Momo men! We've got you covered — with our latest order of NY Hat Co. hats. The “Pub Cap” in black or brown plaid, classic canvas “Rexy,” grey plaid linen “Gatsby” or the straw “Diamond Crown.”

the already-dapper Maurice looks particularly handsome in the “Rexy”

Fashion at the Wing Luke

The Wing Luke Museum has long been an integral part of the International District. In fact, it is the only museum in the country that is entirely dedicated to educating visitors about the Asian Pacific American experience.

The museum is currently showing a special exhibit that spans the history of Asian Pacific Americans in fashion (with much of the informative text written by Mama Momo herself!). The exhibit runs through April 21st and is definitely worth checking out - it presents a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at early sewing schools and what a garment-worker's sewing station would have looked like, as well as an enticing collection of elegant, edgy and dramatic pieces by current Asian American designers.

As part of this fashion exhibit, the Wing is hosting a special fashion show on January 19th at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). The show will feature designers such as Luly Yang, Lady Konnyaku, Gary Tang and others. Included in this lineup is Momo! We'll have models strolling down the runway in off-the-rack clothing by Cop Copine, Deca, Mia Fioravanti, Dress To Kill, Prairie Underground and Lysle Style. Momo isn't forgetting our Momo Men - we'll showcase men's clothing by local boys Tarboo, as well as Luke and Report.

For more information, visit the Wing Luke's website:
http://www.wingluke.org/exhibitions/special.htm

Momo would like to thank Judy Vue of the Seattle Globalist, who wrote a fantastic and comprehensive article about the exhibit and upcoming show. You can read it here:
http://www.seattleglobalist.com/2013/01/14/wing-luke-honors-asian-fashion/9323

We look forward to seeing you on the 19th!

Momo Macro Mystery!

Welcome 2013! We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Here at Momo we're ushering in the new year with a puzzle. Yes! What better way to start 2013 than with something whimsical and fun? 

These are all things that can always be found at Momo. Can you guess what they are? 

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.