No-Sweat Sweaters

’Tis the season! Fall is definitely upon us and it’s time to play the layering game. Here are a few of our favorite picks that make sweater style easy. 

The first, from Matinique. Founded in 1973 in Copenhagen, Matinique has been a go-to for comfortable and high-quality men’s clothing for over 40 years. Made from a hefty cotton (perfect for the guys who don’t get along with wool!), “Benny” features interesting details like a collar and a contrasting woven pocket. Zip it up over a turtleneck or tee and you’re chic in seconds. 

 

Another definite classic-to-count-on is our cotton crew neck Bruun & Stengade (also from Copenhagen!). Pop this one on over a button-down and under a jacket and you’re ready for the office or a night out. 

And of course, no sweater season would be complete without our perennial fave, the Raffi quarter-zip made of the softest merino wool. We have it in a rich Navy or as shown here, Iron Grey. No layering required with this one, but if you insist, it goes great over a mock turtle. This one makes a welcome holiday gift for nearly any man on your list. 

Can you tell we’re digging Scandinavian sweaters? A brand we’re loving for the ladies is Maska, a wee company from Sweden (owned by Maria, she’s super nice!). Their pieces are especially global: merino wool from Australian lambs is sent to spinners in Scotland. From there, the yarn is shipped to Sweden, where it is knit into incredibly warm and beautiful sweaters like the “Helga,” shown here in Teal and Black. And here is something we can never say enough: it has pockets!!!

Momo Mama personally likes hanging with “Helga,” wearing her over a turtleneck and paired with a short skirt and sweater tights, or slim pants. The thick, ribbed sweater can even sub for a jacket, she’s that cozy. And did we mention Pockets???

An elevated basic in black.

Our Maska “Nell” oversized pullover is a deliciously soft blend of lambswool and cashmere, so reassuring with a comfy cowl neck. We have this in creamy taupe and brick red. Wear her over anything and you’re ready to take on winter.

The shade of a perfect latte. 

The super simple and versatile “Mia” is a 90:10 blend of ultrafine wool and cashmere for maximum warmth with minimal bulk. Definitely an indoor weight, she can go over jeans, a sleek skirt, under a jacket and anywhere. “Mia” is all about the color — that perfect pine green, so sought after this season. 

And oui!, we love the French brand Cop-copine which always brings something fun and slightly quirky to the table. Three variations on a theme can be found at Momo: the fabulous sweater dress and color inversion sweaters, all featuring stripes! We love this one layered over leggings, and the shorter styles with high-waisted pants or the coordinating long skirt (ask us about that one).

She’s got sheer legs, so French. 

A pocket!!!

Winter white.

And did you know that cool colors are hot this fall? Glacier blue but warm as toast, the Cop-copine wool “Tuban” sweater features romantic curves. This is Momo Girl Kaitlin’s favorite, she’d wear it with wide pants. With the hi-lo hem, it would also be cute over a woven collared shirt for that borrowed-from-the-boys look. 

Whatever way you style yourself, we do our best to supply you with a fabulous sweater selection. It’s what we love about our Seattle seasons, popping on the layers and peeling them off!

The Good Fortune Sale is Back!

The Momo twice-yearly Good Fortune Sale is here! This is when we offer you incredible double savings on “wear now” clothing while making room for new Spring arrivals. Win-win!

For the uninitiated, here’s The Discount Download: 

• Decide that you need to go home with a SALE item. 
• Bring said SALE item to the counter. 
• Pick a tasty, crunchy fortune cookie out of a jar and open it.
• Inside is a special fortune giving you an ADDITIONAL 10% - 30% OFF THE SALE PRICE.
• Eat cookie. Do not eat fortune (or discount!)
• Spend the day feeling great about your good luck!

... And a little sample of the the fabulous finds that could be yours:

Classic cuffed and cropped Cop Copine trousers.
Perfect for all seasons! Available in Small and Medium.

From Sweden, this Maska tunic adds a ray of sunshine to the season.

Two Danes “Yulia” sweater is extra long and extra cozy, in a 50/50 super-soft
blend of merino and yak wool. And it has pockets! Size Small and Medium.

Swing into spring and summer in this flirty and flattering Cop Copine “Kardi” dress.
We love the saturated peacock blue. Available in Small and Medium. 

Straight from Portland is the “Nolan” sweater. 80% lambswool,
it will keep you toasty warm. Small and Medium still in the shop!

Fabulous tomato red! Maska's 100% Italian lambswool sweater,
Small and Medium on the rack!

Speaking of great colors, what about this peachy keen jacket from Cop Copine?
Generous pockets adorn this piece, which we have in Small and Medium.

Let’s not forget accessories! We’ve still got a decent selection of Sticks and Stones leather bags in an assortment of fun colors.

Looks like a little coin purse. 

Leather backpack? Perfect!

Oh, and of course, there are still more than a few great finds on the Man Rack, too. (You’ll have to ask Mr. Momo about that!) In the meantime, stop by and take advantage of our freshest cuts, the sale goes on until the last cookie crumbles — or through March 3, whichever comes first. May the auspicious Year of the Pig smile upon you and bring you good fortune!

Pretty in Pink

Spring is nearly sprung! The plum and cherry trees that line the International District’s streets are blooming and birds are singing songs and claiming nesting territory. 

As the weather changes, so should our wardrobes! It’s time to shed layers ... to lighten and brighten up from our comfortable-but-dark Seattle palette of black and grey. One of our favorite color trends for this spring are all the soft, feminine shades of pink (plus, they’re fabulous with charcoal grey). Here’s a little peek at what’s new and peachy-keen at Momo:

From Montreal designer Bodybag By Jude, we present the “Tunis” dress. In a fully lined linen/viscose blend, it features an open back (to show-off that amazing tattoo) and generous pockets.

One of our top picks: Cop Copine “Asio” jacket. With its beautiful texture and dramatic zipped front, we think this one is terrific for layering. And you know we love the roomy pockets.

Our perennial crush, Fog Linen. The “Karen” top is sweetly romantic.

If full-body color is not your thing, add a pop of pink with accessories. The “Caatje” scarf from Moment By Moment glimmers with lighthearted sparkle to perk up your outfit.

Or ... pink pearls. Need I say more? Classic and classy, straight from Hawaii. Pink Power!
 

Cozy Up to Color

Maybe it’s just Momo Mama, but I swear it’s sunnier in Seattle, even during this recent cold snap. So does this mean our love affair with shades of black and grey — or as we like to call it, light black — is fading? Could it be that in our brightened winter, we are seeking more cheer in our lives?

Seattle’s favorite Prairie Underground makes it easy to stay cozy in color with their great line up of sweatshirt-weight hoodies. Like this Ribbon Victorian in Emerald.

And one of their newest styles, Tiny Dancer ... a dash of detail and shorter length. Love this Deep Blue.

Another new take on a favorite swing top: the Amulet Pullover. It’s here in Ink Pot, a rich shade of aubergine for you purple people.

Speaking of Eggplant, Seacliff from Curator of San Francisco keeps out the cold with a deluxe collar in super-soft fleece.

For French Wine lovers, Musas is an easy dress to pop-on for work to weekend from Cop-copine Paris.
The fabric is amazing, with the feel of scuba knit. Ideal for travel.

Navy is the new black: Yannic is spiced up with flecks of turquoise and rose by Skunkfunk of Spain. Plus, it has zippers and pockets!
So Seattle.

One of the prettiest colors and shapes in the shop is brought to us by Curator of San Francisco. They call it Darling in Evergreen. I call it charming! The nipped in waist is enhanced by a vintage kimono obi from Katherine Ragghianti.

And if you really want to go wild with color, try wearing white in Seattle. Bench brings us the Portwood, a cuddly hoodie in luscious Winter White, like jammies for the street.

 For those of you who still desire the reliability of neutrals, we offer these ways to stay warm. From former snowboard gear designer, Three Stones, the seam-sealed Getaway jacket in Charcoal.

And Leadplay, a Black-and-White flecked sweater from Bench ...

... and hello Dali, so right for that holiday party, a very cool graphic dress. Note zippers at shoulder and hem — from Sunlight of Paris — sleeveless yes, but just throw on a basic black cardi!

Nihonmachi Nite : 2014

This Saturday, September 20th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Japantown will be throwing a party: the annual Japanese-style street festival Nihonmachi Nite! The festivities, mostly centered at South Main between 5th and 6th Avenue South in the ID, will provide a diverse array of cool and cultural things to see, do and eat.

See and Do:

• learn origami from the Origami Wizard
• enter your wee one in the kimono and yukata costume contest
• watch the Shi Shi Mai (Japanese Lion Dance)
• ramen eating contest (yum!)
• sidewalk sales

Explore the Food:

• food trucks galore
• Japanese street-food snacks from Fort St. George, Maekawa, Fu Lin and others. Perfect to go with:
• Japanese sake and beer at the Beer Garden in our Jackson Building Chiyo’s Garden

While you’re here, check out our Momo Girl New Arrivals:
Inbound from Barcelona - SkunkFunk
Pulling in from Paris - Cop-copine
Coming from Copenhagen - Just Female
And just arrived from Georgetown - Prairie Underground!

For the Gents we’ve got lots of new shirts from New York’s W.R.K, Portland’s Bridge & Burn, L.A.’s 7 Diamonds and all the way from Montreal — Report Collection. Daily departures from 11 - 6 here at the shop. Don't miss the Momo train! 

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. 

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.

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!