Tax-free Tax Day

April 15th is traditionally the deadline for filing income tax. It may not be your favorite day of the year, but Momo has an offer that makes it a little more pleasant: guilt-free retail therapy. This Sunday, we’re Sales Tax Free for cash purchases over $25. Come down to Momo and enjoy a brief respite from paying tax. Remember to visit an ATM beforehand — Cash is King for the discount!

Looking Forward to Blues Skies . . . and Shirts

Spring’s promise of brighter skies is reflected in this capsule collection of new menswear.

Toronto-based shirt maker, & Sons, considers developing their own fabrics as an essential component of design. Their easy-to-wear shirts bring a distinctive style that both elevates and complements a man’s wardrobe. We love & Sons hand-printed woodblock pattern in subdued shades of taupe and blue.

& Sons subtle blue-on-blue floral shirt in 100% Tencel,

a sustainable pulp product, has the heft of sturdy cotton
with the feel and sheen of silk. 

Copenhagen-based Bruun & Stengade’s designs always convey a bit of dapper urbanity. The pure cotton shirts with micro patterns feature a cutaway collar for subtle-yet-stylish European flair.

Enduring Saint James cotton knits mirror the sea
in two flavors of blue.

Bench is designed with British weather in mind. This windbreaker has a drawstring waist and snap pockets, perfect for our chilly Pacific NW mist and gusts.

Say Oh K! to K-Beauty

K-Beauty is taking the world by storm. Marie Claire has deemed Korea the “skincare superpower,” declaring that they are a decade (or more!) ahead of other countries when it comes to products for those seeking flawless skin. Fierce competition paired with perfectionism has driven rapid innovation at easy-on-the-pocketbook prices. An especially appealing aspect of K-Beauty is a strong focus on natural ingredients – it’s not surprising to find elements like bamboo sap, snail mucus, seaweed and various fermented botanicals in a facial mask.

Why am I talking about Korean beauty products? Because we’ve got ’em at Momo! Straight from Korea: Oh K! sheet masks to suit every face’s needs. Like a mini facial, nutrient-packed masks pamper and replenish the skin in one no-brainer step.

We stock two varieties: ‘hydrogel,’ which is squishy and gelatinous (in a good way!) and ‘sheet’ fabric, which is woven and more flexible. Hydrogel offerings include Gold Dust, which won a 2017 Beauty Awards gold medal, and Luxe editions of Pearl or Caviar. In simple sheet masks, you’ll find soothing Cucumber, moisturizing Avocado or Bubble. The Bubble Mask was shortlisted for 2017 Beauty Awards “Best Innovation!” Way to go!

Cool, sesame-seed studded hydrogel mask refreshes tired skin.

 

Bubbles sheet mask: on the short list for “Best Special Innovation”

2017 Gold Medal winner!

Classic fabric masks, saturated with
soothing and smoothing goodness.

Fun to use, Oh K! masks are a great springboard for exploring the brave new world of K-Beauty. Priced from $3.75 - $8.50, they’re also an affordable way to share together time with someone you like, providing an excellent excuse for lounging and swapping stories.

Despite being at the absolute forefront of perfecting the art of skincare products, Korean beauty adherents believe that flawless skin starts on the inside. Eat healthy foods, cut back on fat and sugar and most importantly – drink your water! If we moisturize ourselves from the inside out, we'll be far more likely to achieve the dewy glow we love. In the meantime, thank goodness for Oh K! Beauty!

The Little Shop That Could

For nearly 10 years, Momo has occupied the sun-filled space on the corner of 6th and Jackson. We weathered the economic downturn, we've watched our International District evolve into something more than a mere food destination, we’ve continued to be a happy Hapa shop.

Momo Mama and Mr. Momo pride themselves on hunting down the perfect items for our “lifestyle” store. Goods ranging from locally handmade jewelry to Japanese antiques to clothing from around the globe to delicious mochi mix flown in from Hawaii ... if it’s amazing and happy-making, odds are that Momo has it.

It’s with excitement and gratitude that we are sharing this recent shout-out from Seattle Met. Momo is one of the Best Little Shops in Seattle!

Thank you, Seattle Met!

Marvelous Momo mention!

Thank you, Seattle Met. And thank you, Momo Friends!

With Love,

Momo Peeps

PS. Please joins us as we raise a ‘kampai’ to you!
Thursday, November 9 from 4-7 at Momo
Come if’n when you can! See you there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Momo, circa 2007!

Tape This: Cute + Crafty

Straight from Japan: Juice Planning tape! This is no wishy-washi tape – unlike its cousin, this happy-making plastic tape is glossy and durable. At Momo, we use it daily to secure our gift wrapping and envelopes as it stays stuck, in a good way. Perfect for the crafty set, a little goes a long way to cheer up any project, and it’s only $3 a roll. We have tons of fun patterns (22 to be exact) and Juice Planning tape is available only at Momo!

Tower O’ Tape!

Here how we use Juice Planning tape to spruce up envelopes and packages:

Add a little vintage button for extra cuteness.

Why not seal your envelope with a unique tape?

A touch of patterned tape adds a wee bit of fun.

Rain AND Shine

With the indecisive weather we’ve been experiencing, we’re never sure how to prepare. Layers, with a base of a tank or linen dress? A bulky sweater over a tee? To hoodie or not to hoodie? 

Momo can outfit you for the elements, be they blustery, rainy, balmy, or positively warm (summer will get here eventually ... right?).

Momo Man : Rain

Brand new to Momo is Baro – functional and fashionable. Water resistant fabric, bonded waterproofing taping on the inside of the seams, and breathable inner membrane will all ensure that you stay dry and stylish.

Momo Man : Shine 

Check out the tiny fish print!

In anticipation of sunshine! Our Kahala shirts (straight from Hawaii) will keep you both feeling and looking cool.

Momo Girl : Rain

From Vancouver, BC (which is, dare I say it? rainier than Seattle) is Three Stones. The “Essex” raincoat is a terrific lightweight option for an urban outing. A generously sized hood and over-length sleeves with elasticized cuffs will keep you comfy on windy, drizzly days. 

Momo Girl : Shine

Fresh from Barcelona is Wom&Now. We are really loving the pop of cherry red and white paired with varied stripes. Pair with a strappy sandal and you’re ready for the hottest weather Seattle can throw your way. Bring it on!

Spring Scarf Style

Daffodils are starting to push their way through the soil, trees are beginning to bud – spring is approaching! It’s time to trade your heavy winter wraps for light-as-air luxuries wafting in to Momo. Here’s a tiny glimpse of our current selection.

Amet & Ladoue: A match made in heaven, featuring French designs crafted in small textile mills in India. Gorgeous fabrics and flawless craftsmanship transform these scarves into small works of art. 

Contrast stitching gives this tiger extra punch. 

Scarf Shop: Straight from Minneapolis, Scarf Shop scarves are hand-dyed 100% cotton. Extra long for creating a multitude of styles. 

A rainbow of options!

Moment By Moment: by way of Amsterdam. Easy-to-wear patterns in lightweight cotton make these simple to pair with your spring wardrobe. 

Are you looking for new ways to wrap your scarf? Here’s a video with a plethora of fun and easy ways to swaddle yourself in style: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes. Check it out, and then come play with us at Momo!

Going Green (or Pink or Blue ...) with Furoshiki

 

Furoshiki. A simple square of fabric. Uncomplicated yet boundlessly versatile and useful. How very Japanese! 

Furoshiki are used for an infinite number of things – bundling items, wrapping up food (it can work double-duty as your napkin), as a table cover, an elegant way to present a gift, as a head scarf or belt ... the utility of a furoshiki cannot be overstated. One of the things that makes us happiest, though, is the fact that they are so eco-friendly. Furoshiki are the antithesis of disposable or “single-use.” They are meant to be used until they wear out. 

Momo has just received an array of 100% cotton furoshiki from Tokyo. Engagingly graphic in design (we call them Scandinasian), they range from 20" to 40" square. Here’s a peek at more of our whimsical patterns and colors:

Plain or playfully patterned, monochrome or bright, small, medium or large – there is a perfect eco-chic accessory waiting for you. If you’re curious about the various ways to make use of yours, have a gander at this amazing tutorial page or watch this video — fun with furoshiki!

The Layering Season

Our lingering summer has faded into fall ... launching the intermediate ‘layering season.’ Fluctuating temperatures (with nights dipping into the 40s while daytime temps hit 70+) mean that we will be shedding and adding clothing multiple times throughout the course of the day.

Momo is here to help ease you into this mutable time of year with many ‘middle-layers’ – pieces that are warm enough to act as an outer layer during the day while being streamlined enough to fit under your coat when the chill sets in. 

Here are some of our favorites this week: 

Three Stones ‘Reflection’ zip-through sweater has a terrific heft without being bulky. An especially perfect feature for layering is the second zipper, which allows for a a super snug and flattering fit.

Second zipper on the ‘Reflection’ hoodie. 

The ‘Portia’ cardigan by eco-chic Skunkfunk is an incredibly soft, retro-collegiate sweater that will pair with a vast array of outfits.

50% merino wool and 50% cotton, our Damask cardigan is both elegant and practical. It even has a generous hood and deep pockets!

For a super-fitted, super-thin yet insulating middle layer, we have this Bench zippered top/jacket. Stretchy and silky, with sporty inset panels around the shoulders, it is hood-free. 

We love to play around with clothes and layering ideas. Creative layering is one of Momo Mama Lei Ann’s specialties, actually! Pop in and let us demonstrate the versatility of ‘middle layer’ clothing and how to maximize for comfort and utility.  

Basque in Green Style

Bilbao, Spain, mid-’90s. A small clothing concern with a big concept launches its first line: eco-conscious and socially responsible tees made from organic and recycled materials. The company? Skunkfunk.

In classic Skunkfunk teal, the ‘Gaxi’ is reminiscent of Jackie O frocks. 

Now known globally for their intense focus on sustainability, Skunkfunk is one of the elite Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified clothing makers, meeting and exceeding the incredibly rigorous guidelines of the organization. Skunkfunk monitors their clothing production from start to finish – from farmers to weavers, manufacturers to shippers, with the aim of achieving 100% transparency to their consumers. 

Soft-as-a-cloud drawstring cowl-neck has playful neon details.

Not only is Skunkfunk a company you can feel good about supporting for environmental reasons, they are also creatively progressive. Each season they collaborate with different artists in a variety of fields, creating lines that are stylish and au courant. 

We are loving the Asian-inspired geometrics!

‘Rebecca’ raincoat is perfection. Water-resistant waxed cotton, secret hood that zips into a structured collar, adjustable back belt buttons, patch AND slash pockets, and a completely unique feature: interior elastic ‘backpack’ straps that let you sling your jacket across your back without fear of losing it!

Momo has received an abundant collection of Skunkfunk for fall, ranging from dresses with a retro-mod flair to Japanese-inspired skirts and cowl-neck tops — truly something to appeal to every taste. Plus, the European sizing runs smaller than US, perfect for our petite customers. Drop by Japantown for a trip to Spain!