Sprucing Up for Spring, Momo-Man Style

Spring has arrived and with it, spring and summer clothing. Hooray! The holiday season decimated our Momo Men clothing selection, so we are especially happy to be receiving more pieces by the day. So, for your perusal, a small taste of what you can currently find in store:

Rodd & Gunn Italian linen shirts are luxurious, durable and perfect for the seasons ahead. Based out of New Zealand, Rodd & Gunn focuses on natural fibers like linen, cotton, wool and leather. We have two colors of their linen button-up shirts: a classic royal blue and yellow plaid and a subtle dusty teal.

Italian linen in a royal blue and yellow plaid. 

Gorgeous soft linen weave. 

Dusty grey-green Italian linen by Rodd & Gunn.

The Wolf & Man vest is both stylish and utilitarian. We love the pockets on the back of this piece! Details like this are what elevate an article of clothing to a higher level. Wolf & Man is an independent menswear line based out of Los Angeles. Momo was fortunate to be visited recently by the two young men who started this company. Charming guys who truly believe in their fashion vision.

The Wolf & Man vest has a modern twist on a classic design.

Pockets on the back - brilliant!

Shown layered beneath the Wolf & Man vest is a terrific shirt by Report Collection, a contemporary sportswear company based out of Montreal. Again, details are what make a piece really special. Report Collection shirts always feature playful patterns tucked away on the lining of cuffs and plackets. 

Fun floral details make this Report shirt special.

Check back for updates on new arrivals! In the meantime, stay dry and enjoy the random bursts of sunshine. 

One Size Fits Most (Really!)

One of the things that we really strive for at Momo is providing clothing that is both stylish and versatile, easily mixing in with your already existing wardrobe.

Today we are featuring three brands that we feel truly epitomize this ethos: Metalicus, AMB and (new to Momo!) Vigorella. All meet at the intersection where fashion and function collide. They really are one-size-fits-most (honest!), utilizing comfortable fabrics with stretch. Not only do they fit a multitude of body shapes and sizes, but they’re lightweight, exceptionally easy to layer, low maintenance and excellent for travel.

New for spring from the ever-popular Australian brand Metalicus:

The Bronx Drape tank dress has super cute tucked detailing on the sides.

This is the Dash tunic (also available in heathered grey)
with the Bronx cardigan (also available in black/white).
We love the deep pockets on this dress.

The playful Ziggy tank dress with the Port cardigan.

AMB tops come in a rainbow of colors.

AMB tops are ideal for a base layer. They’re snug, soft, slightly sheer and provide lightweight arm coverage. Momo has a plethora of colors and patterns to choose from.







We’re so excited to introduce Vigorella. Like Metalicus, Vigorella is made in Australia and employs a mix of high-tech fabrics and renewable textiles like bamboo. The simple shapes are designed to be layered and layered, without bulky binding. So right for Seattle!

Vigorella’s A-Line tank is deliciously soft thanks to a blend of bamboo and cotton.

Long cami dresses by Vigorella can be worn under a tee as a skirt:
classic black, cheerful spring greenand a summery blue.

Luscious Leather

New for you at Momo: a carefully curated capsule collection of artful leather goods from Seattle designer Francine Moo-Young.

The “Alex” bag is aged, oiled buffalo hide. Durable, beautiful and sinfully supple.

Francine’s work is as eclectic and interesting as her background (Jamaican and Chinese), ranging from rugged aged buffalo leather satchels to delicately painted wristlets. With a background working in the fashion industry and a lifetime of crafting, Francine found herself in the perfect position to solve a ‘personal’ problem: the need for a small wristlet to hold her phone, keys and lip gloss. When she couldn’t find something to meet her needs, she made her own. Et voila!
A line of lovely leather accessories.

Momo selected a handful of oiled buffalo pieces that are perfect for
a man or a woman. We love the fact that Ms. Moo-Young works with
the leather, embracing and incorporating the natural scars, scuffs
and brands rather than excluding them.

More buffalo! iPad case and sleek, chic wallets.

Momo Mama Lei Ann also chose an array of hand-painted works. These are gorgeous statement pieces, with large feathery swathes

of paint creating depth and visual texture on traditional cow-hide
leather. Painted with leather-specific paints and followed with
a sealant, the ethereal brush-strokes are scratch-resistant.

Painted clutch, with shoulder strap.

A closer look at flowing layers of paint. 

Painted leather goods! Wallet, wristlet and clutch.

Francine also crafts these delightful leather and silver bangles. At $34 for a set of 7, they are an incredible deal and a sprightly splash of color.

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!

Bench Warmers

New at Momo: Bench jackets for men and women!

Bench Clothing remains at the forefront of fashion-meets-function street wear. The reasonably-priced brand hails from Britain where they certainly know how to face the dreary days with style. At Momo, we’ve just received a batch of cozy, washable jackets that will help you navigate the winter-to-spring transition with ease.

For Women: The Northwood Zip Thru jacket features kitten-soft faux fur lining and handy thumb-holes.

The Northwood Zip Thru

The Tigereyed moto-jacket is water-resistant and has an asymmetric zipper and removable drawstring hood.

The Tigereyed Jacket

For the Gents: The Dymano jacket features a plethora of cargo pockets to house your goods.

The Dynamo Jacket

... And the Enhance Jacket is a great lightweight option, with a hood that conveniently zips into the collar.

The Enhance Jacket

Treats for Your Sweet

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Here are a few ideas, if you find you’re in need of inspiration.

Chocolate ‘sticks’ by local chocolatier Lilli-Pill. Fair Trade dark chocolate in toasted sesame and rosemary salt flavors.

Sweet enameled teapot and teacup+saucer set from Japan, plus local Jaipur chai tea.

The ever-popular Vivi button scarf can be worn in half a dozen ways. Momo has a rainbow of colors to choose from.

Sparkling druzy quartz earrings by Leslie Francesca.

Affordable punches of color! Refillable retro pens and zippered leather pouches.

Origami Fortune Hearts! Made by Momo Girl Lexi, these adorable paper hearts
have a sweet fortune inside and are complimentary with your Valentine’s Day gift. 

“Less Is Not Always More”

This is one of the philosophies of Pearlesque designer/local artist Margaret Chodos-Irvine, whose lingerie and layering pieces are both classic and sultry. Intended to be seen on the streets, the diaphanous separates bridge the literal gap, say when a top needs sleeves or a skirt is too scant.

Pearlesque’s sheer pantaloons have a distinctly Victorian feel, while the “Shnickers” tap pants are evocative of the pin-up girl era. The off-the-shoulder top offers lightweight coverage with the added touch of elegant and enticing lace around the neckline.

Sheer black pantaloons are reminiscent of the Victorian era. 

"Schnickers" tap pants are available in a rose print and sheer black mesh.

Sweet off-the-shoulder top is arm coverage at its best. 

Momo is also stocked with the sheer rose-print Tent Dress. Sweetly feminine as an outer layer (we like it paired with a long cami and leggings) or as a base layer (perhaps topped with a simple black frock)?

Sheer Tent Dress.

Already regarded as an illustrator, this is Margaret’s first foray into designing clothing for someone other than herself. She’s been sewing since the age of 11 (both her grandfathers worked in the garment trade) when she couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for in the retail world. After receiving constant compliments on her work, she decided it was time to take the leap. We at Momo are so glad that she did! We’re very excited to be representing her line of subtly seductive apparel.

 

Wouldn’t a wee bit of Pearlesque be a lovely Valentine’s surprise for someone you know?

Happy Lunar New Year!

2014 brings us the year of the Wood Horse. According to Momo’s handy-dandy book of Chinese horoscopes, the year of the Horse is a fast-paced one. Filled with periods of hectic activity and high-spirited adventure, it will be exhilarating, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding and profitable.

To  kick off the start of this exciting year, the Chinatown/International District will be hosting a neighborhood celebration  this Saturday, February 1st, starting at 11 a.m. at Hing Hay Park. Lion and Dragon dances, taiko drumming, children’s costume parade, scavenger hunt, $2 food walk — these are just a few of the festive events you'll find! Bring your friends and family and enjoy a unique, fun-filled cultural experience.

Message from Momo: Happy Lunar New Year!

Get ready for a wild ride in the auspicious year of the horse. The speed of the steed
will find us traveling the world and engaging in new adventures, possibly including unexpected trysts! Brave, energetic and powerful, the noble stallion champions both business and personal pursuits. In this fortunate year, harness your luck to bring about long-awaited change. Follow your hunches, be decisive — take swift action and your goals will be within reach.

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.