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