MOMOseattle

Thank you for the sweet little painting to keep our wire *Trickles* company and make the blue bird happy. Love this little corner of our cottage.

✏️Markee your calendar!

Markee Family Handmade ♥️
Sat & Sun, August 10 & 11, all day
Bitters Co Studio
14034 Calhoun Rd in Mt Vernon

Make a day of it — between the Markee makers, Bitters barn and Bow-Edison right up the way, there’s plenty to see, shop and eat. Road trip!

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Markee Family Handmade at Bitters Co in Mt Vernon, August 10th and 11th 2024. This is our first family event and I am so excited. Brent .markee will be selling his raffia/wool crocheted hats and raffia lampshades lamps and crocheted cotton rugs. George and Charlie will be selling their hand stitched clothing. (If you have seen me these past few years, you will have seen their work. I wear them daily.) I will have my whole jewerly line available, new items too. I will also have my abstract sculptures, mobiles, trickles, and some of my representational work like owls and people bookmarks and my new wool tufting cushions and pillows. Mark your calendar. We hope to see you! Bitters Co Studio 14034 Calhoun Rd. Mt Vernon, Wa 98273

I met Stephen back in the day when we were both copywriters for Nordstrom. Today it’s been three months since he opened ⭐️Junior’s⭐️ in Belltown … plenty of time for him to cut his own shop-owner chops. 😉 And now it’s time for a visit, just in time for Pride. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Junior’s
Vintage Galore
2405 1st Ave in Belltown
Tu-Sa, 11:30-5:30

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Introducing , the newest gem in Belltown! 🛍️ Meet Stephen DeWilliam, the heart and soul behind this cozy spot. Since opening in March, Stephen has been welcomed by the Belltown community. “The folks that come through are the nicest people,” he shares. “I’ve actually met so many really great people here.” 🤝 With a focus on providing easy yet thoughtful gifts, Junior’s is your go-to destination for last-minute surprises and special finds. From delightful cards to beautiful wrapping paper, Stephen has you covered! But what truly sets Junior’s apart is the genuine connection Stephen has formed with his customers. “I really liked the people so far,” he says, “they’ve really made it kind of fun to come to work every day.” Join us in celebrating this wonderful addition to Belltown! Swing by Junior’s today and experience the joy of shopping local.

’s

Speaking of , The recently named them one of The 15 Most Fun Dinner Spots in Seattle. Sounds like it’s always happy hour at 😆

How do you measure a small businesses contribution to their neighborhood? Is it by the vitality it adds, bringing in customers that wouldn’t usually be coming around? Or by the connection it nurtures with other storefronts and restaurants nearby? Or by the heart and soul it shares with everyone who enters its doors, and all the love and energy it generates for the surrounding community?

Whatever metrics you use, the closing of Velouria is a great loss for Pioneer Square, and bigger yet, the Seattle retail scene. The lingering effects of the Pandemic are still claiming small businesses. It saddens me that this city is losing yet another independent boutique, owned and run by two local women.

Hell yes to F*ck That!

I stopped by yesterday to pay my respects to Cat and Chika, genuinely the nicest shop owners around. Back in the days of Momo, new faces frequently popped in saying they were sent by Velouria and we, in turn, pointed people their way. It was a heartwarming sisterhood of shopkeepers.

May I suggest that you make your way to and show them a little love for all the strength, courage and wisdom they've dedicated to the women of Seattle for more than a decade? The last day to shop in store is Sunday, May 19, online is open until May 31.

To walk in, you wouldn’t know they’re closing, there’s plenty of lovely clothing, accessories, jewelry, cards and gifty items to choose from. Along with a few other treats, I bought myself a comfy Jungmaven top that I will live in for spring and summer. And as a final remembrance, Cat gave me a sewing tape … Velouria rules!

Velouria
Fri - Sun, 11 - 5
145 S King Street
shopvelouria.com
206.788.0330

I just got this announcement from 4Culture () via email that may be relevant to some of my Seattle artist friends. It’s a final opportunity to recoup a bit of pandemic associated loses. I’ve posted the list of what are considered Cultural Producers. Unfortunately, Recovering Retailer isn’t on it. 😁

If you are interested and want me to forward the email, message me at [email protected] otherwise, you can find more info at this clunky link: https://www.4culture.org/grants/cultural-producers-recovery/

Examples of Cultural Producers
• Actor • Archivist • Art fabricator • Art or museum preparator • Arts and cultural journalist • Book Artist • Ceramicist • Choreographer • Collections manager • Composer • Costume Designer • Craft artist • Cultural Resource Consultant • Cultural resource researcher • Curator • Dancer • Dramaturge • Ethnic/cultural traditions practitioner • Exhibit designer/developer/ planner/interpreter • Fiber Artist • Fiction Writer • Filmmaker • Fine Art Painter • Fine Art Photographer • Fine Art Printmaker • Folklife and traditional arts practitioner • Genealogist • Graphic Novelist • Historian • Historic Preservation Instructor • Historical interpreter • Interdisciplinary Artist • Librettist • Lighting Designer • Media Director • Movement Artist • Musician • Museum education • Non-Fiction Writer • Novelist • Oral historian • Playwright • Poet• Preservation Architect • Production Assistant (Film) • Public historian • Public programs developer • Registrar • Screenwriter • Sculptor • Set Designer • Songwriter • Sound Artist • Specially trained craftspeople restoring and maintaining historic structures • Spoken Word Artist • Stewards of designated historic properties (owners and managers) • Telewriter • Theater Director • Traditional knowledge bearer • Video Artist • Vocalist/Singer

Good luck! 💗

Another Ballard-based bowl on a quest for the consummate khao soi in Seattle. I read that Pink Bee was the best one reviewer tasted, not sure I agree. I still dream of my first encounter at Thaiku back when it was on Ballard Ave, with the hidden o***m den below and Fu Kun Wu upstairs, serving elixirs like Radiant Flower and Oolong Tea-ni. That was my introduction to the Northern Thai specialty dish: spicy curry soup noodles traditionally topped with crispy noodles, chicken and the crunch of pickled cabbage.

khao soi is a bit sweet for me, but on the up side, the service is incredibly sweet, too. As I’ve sat here observing the many customers duck in and out, the young man behind the counter is consistently cheery and attentive. He in fact, gave me a cup of tea that he steeped, just for me! And the woman clearing tables is congenial, too.

So, in all, I’d say this is a worthy stop if you’re in the neighborhood on a grey day looking for something warming to eat after you’ve gotten your hair cut. For $17.25 plus tax and tip, you’ll experience a friendly neighborhood spot serving generously portioned mama-style Thai food. And that’s good enough for me. 🙏

Happy International Women’s Day!

Here’s to embracing our personal power. ♥️

It’s been awhile since I took myself to Mike’s Noodle House in my old stomping grounds of the ♥️. Thankfully, very little has changed in the warming bowl of Sui Kau dumplings, bathed in the most delicious broth and resting on a bed of stringy, chewy noodles. As many of you know from my previous posts, there is nothing I love more than a steaming bowl of soup noodles on a wintry day. And to turn up the heat, I make sure to spoon on the chili oil mixed with a splash of shoyu. Chill be gone!

Mike’s Noodle House
418 Maynard Ave South
Noodles and congee
Cash only

This is a size small, plenty for this hearty appetite; $12 plus tax and tip.

🌸🌸🌸 Happy Girls Day! 💗 Isn’t it interesting that Japanese holidays take place on twin pairs of odd numbers? New Years is observed on 1/1 (as opposed to lunar), Girls Day on 3/3, Boys or Children’s Day on 5/5, Star Festival on 7/7, Chrysanthemum Festival on 9/9 and Pocky Day on 11/11! (Yes, as in the snack 😁).

Hinamatsuri marks the official heralding of those glorious pink blooms we are so lucky to live amidst in Seattle. 🌸🙏🌸🙏🌸

Find someone to spoil you today! ☺️

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

At Momo, Shelli Markee was one of our favorite local jewelry designers and artists. Now she’ll always be hanging around our home because Tom and I recently commissioned her to create a trio of wire ‘Trickles’ to lighten up a lonely corner of our living room.

The installation was fun! We were treated to a visit and Shelli art directed while Tom did the heavy lifting. It’s interesting how the sculpture changes from every angle as I walk around the room.

We are so tickled with our Trickles … they’re like having jewelry for our home. You can see more of Shelli’s wire wonders at In The Shed on March 2 where she’s participating in a lighting show with Karra and other collaborators.

Thank you, 🙏💗

Lately, I’ve gotten into sewing garlands. There is something so satisfying about the child-like act of cutting paper and sitting at my machine to string the shapes together. ♥️♥️♥️

Sharing love and one of my favorite buns on Valentine’s Day!

Thank you 🙏

♥️🐰♥️🐰♥️🐰♥️🐰♥️🐰♥️🐰

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Happy Valentine’s Day 🐰❤️

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Happy Lunar New Year! In strides the magnificent dragon: hold your breath, buckle up and be prepared for major change. It’s time to reflect, revive, renew and reboot. ~ scmp.com

What sweet thing are you doing for your Valentine this year? 💖

For nearly all occasions, I love consumables. They are so in-the-moment, and leave me with happy memories and nothing to store. So you can imagine how delighted I was when my friend Susien Lee of messaged me that she had a Valentine’s Day surprise for me: a special Ispahan Macaron Cake.

Now there’s a new word for me: Ispahan. I had to look it up. Evidently, it’s a type of rose, and more relevant, it’s the name of a beautiful dessert, originally created by the ‘Picasso of Pastry,’ Pierre Hermé, a Parisian chocolatier.

And what a work of art Fuji Bakery’s rendition is: rose pink macarons sandwiching layers of fragrant rose mousseline, housemade raspberry jam, lychee nata de coco (lychee in coconut jelly) and a dotting of fresh raspberries. Adorned with a single berry and velvety red rose petal, the melding of crisp, smooth, tart and sweet makes for music in the mouth.

At four inches in circumference, it’s tiny perfection, just right for generous servings for the two of you. Or in this case, one for me, three for my husband, Tom (he’s Mr. Sweet Tooth). If your squeeze is gluten free (or not!), this is the dessert for you.

Fuji Bakery requests two to three days lead time, so you can still pre-order yours at fujibakeryinc.com, in time to celebrate with your sweetheart. You can even have your Ispahan customized with a personal message … maybe I ❤️ Fuji Bakery? 😉

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💗🌸💕


Fujibakeryinc.com

Wishing you the simple joys of the holiday. 🎄🌟🙏☕️💝🕊️☀️🌈🍷

🙏 I am so grateful to all of you who help me keep the love of Momo alive. I realize that as a business, the brick-and-mortar will never be again, but that is not what matters. What does is the spirit of sharing and connecting over whatever moves us.

I will bare my soul and say that the last three years have not been an easy adjustment, but your presence uplifts me so I can continue to find my way.

May this Thanksgiving find you surrounded by the warmth and support of family and friends, if not actually, then in your heart.

❤️🙏♥️🍃🧡🥧💛🦃

PS I’m not in Hawaii now, I’m just loving the feel of sunshine. ☀️

Another ‘public service’ announcement, courtesy of my .magazine doppelgänger (me!) Still time to decide not to decide what pie to have for Thanksgiving with 🥧🥧🥧

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Oh pumpkin pie, I love you, but sometimes I want to change it up for Thanksgiving dinner. But wait … this year, with the help of Fuji Bakery, I don’t have to sacrifice tradition to try something new and different. With the line up of mini pies from the local Japanese French bakery, I can have it all.

Making up my mind not to make up my mind, I drove on down to their C-ID location and picked up their preselected sampler of four 4-inch pies. For $19.95 you get, one each (counterclockwise from top right):
🍌Banana Nutella Cream Pie: a chocolate pudding pie made with fresh bananas and Nutella, topped with vanilla creme Chantilly and dark chocolate shavings
🍵Matcha Azuki Pie: filled with housemade matcha custard layered over candied red bean, then topped with vanilla seed creme Chantilly and white chocolate shavings
🍴Pecan Pie: made in the classic style; the deep molasses flavors and toasted pecans are classic and addictive
🥧Pumpkin Pie: created with a special method that makes it custardy and light; finished with vanilla seed whipped cream topping

For good measure, I also selected a mini apple pie (5-inch, $7.95, sold individually), which is the one with the golden brown crust in the upper left of the photo. Sweet and tart, their version is made with butter-sautéed apples, apple cider and butterscotch sauce.

Each pie equals about one generous slice. Like me, you can treat yourself to a set or consider getting a couple to take to a holiday gathering — it’s always a conversation starter to compare tasting notes with friends and family. The foursome comes as is, no substitutions or exchanges are allowed.

If you have a preference for one flavor, you can buy the pies individually, in mini or regular size. Check out the website for details and to preorder (allow 2+ days) in time for your party. fujibakeryinc.com

This is a fun lil’ Japanesque fair — stop by this Saturday! ☺️🌸👘🍱🍙🎋🍪🎏🎎🍜

A repost from my alter ego, .magazine
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One thing I look forward to as the holidays approach are the small and special pop ups that bring together community and the crafts that are particular to them. It’s been awhile since the Ayame Kai Guild, a local Japanese American volunteer group, has hosted a market, so it’s heartening to see that the mix of Seattle makers, bakers, bento, once-loved Asian treasures and random fun stuff is back.

Ayame Kai Holiday Market
Saturday, November 18
10:00 - 2:00
Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple Gym
1427 S Main St

The free event is easily browsable and this year includes handmade goods from more than 20 vendors, including









And more who are not on Instagram but definitely worth checking out. 🌸

Proceeds benefit Keiro Northwest’s ongoing elder services: Nikkei Manor – Assisted Living Facility; and Kokoro Kai – Senior Activity Program.

I wrote this tribute to Murray Stenson in September of 2021 when I was handling social — today it seems a fitting farewell to a mythical mixologist. Rest in peace, Murray. May you always have the last word.

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Who remembers when Kaname bar, now , for a fleeting and magical moment, was the roost of master mixologist Murray Stenson? It had been awhile since this legendary bartender put down his shaker; this was his first foray in a long time. The tiny Japantown watering hole was jumping, as devotees came to pay their regards to this man with an uncanny talent for remembering a face and beverage of choice. Then, as quickly and quietly as he landed, he left. Just like that.

Ever since then, the bar of our beloved restaurant at 610 South Jackson Street has carried on the tradition, remaining a hot spot of clinks and conviviality. The spirit(s) of Murr the Blur live on in the concoctions of .drinks drinks and other alchemists of alcohol.

And with Chef in the kitchen, the Hawai’i-meets-wherever cooking is as alluring as the cocktails. So, stop in for dinner and a drink — enter as a stranger, leave as a friend.

In the dating world of the Bowerbird, the male builds an elaborate structure, then adorns it with brightly colored objects to attract the eye of a prospective mate.

That’s where the new store, Bowerbird Home in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, derives its name, and like the nest of the quirky bird, the shop is filled with attractive found treasures.

At the urging of his life and now business partner, Erik Johnson opened the literal brick-and-mortar in the classic Phinney Ridge storefront, to showcase his collection of antiques and collectibles. He’s been selling online for years now, plus, as a real estate agent, he’s familiar with creating a welcoming home.

An affinity for mid-mod Scandinavian design is reflected in the mix of furniture, textiles, tabletop and art, both once-loved and new. And also, in Erik’s enthusiasm as he shares the story behind each unique find — it’s evident that his skills and passion have come to roost in Bowerbird Home.

This Friday and Saturday is the Phinneywood Art Walk, a prime time to art up/chow down on Phinney and Greenwood Avenues, and check out Bowerbird Home. For more info: phinneycenter.org/artwalk

Bowerbird Home
7005 3rd Ave NW
In Greenwood
Open Thursday - Saturday
Show them a little love a give them a follow 🪺💕

🎶 A magical evening for listening to jazz in Chiyo’s Garden in 🙏 Thank you, Hai Japantown 💕

🎺

Hai! Japantown kicks off this Saturday, August 12, in and this year they’re putting the ‘fun’ in fund raising and partying with a purpose. Come out and support a very worthy cause: the Maui wild fires. 💔

Drop off of donations are being accepted in Chiyo’s Garden. Hawaii news is reporting that good items to give are:
👚Clothes, suitable for Hawaii weather
🍼Baby formula and diapers
🛏️ Blankets and pillows
💧Towels
🪥Toiletries

And sending money may be the best gift of all — the charity of choice is Hawaii Community Foundation - Maui Strong as 100% of the funds go to victims. See the Japantown poster for details.

Many of you know that I’m from Hawaii, and my dad was born and raised on Maui. But did you know that other members of the Nihonmachi community are also island born? The Kaitlins of are both from Hawaii, one from Maui, the other, Big Island. And our master chef in the kitchen, Sean, is from Big Island, too. There are so many connections to Hawaii in Japantown, now you can be a part of sending love across the sea. 🌊💕

Hai! Japantown
August 12-20
Japantown Seattle
In the

Check the link in their bio for all the little things.

Digging into my first Khao Soi from 🍜 Hard to find in Seattle … Wish me luck! I’ll report in later. 🤞

In this day of pop-up plethora and insta everywhere, it’s reassuring to know that some things endure.

Built to last (yes, pun 😏) could be the slogan of Leolo Handmade Shoes and Leather Goods, a custom shoemaker tucked under the eves of the Pike Place Market on Western Avenue. Here owner Leanne Corcoran is in her happy place, cobbling her current order or talking with her enthusiastic customers.

Lucky me, recently I became one of them, as my sister and I discovered on a meander through . The window-paned, water-facing storefront is a far cry from the tchotchkes-filled arcade and flying fish. This place feels more like France, or Japan, or another world where truly hand-hewn is practiced with pride. The selection of specialty shoes (unisex, btw), is supplemented with other fine leather goods, some made by Leanne (with the help of her mother ❤️) or other artisans.

If a pair of oxfords created just for your feet isn’t in your future, perhaps you need a wallet, belt, briefcase, greeting card, sleek jacket or nifty leather cord holders that my sister (.drink.dezign) and I both purchased. Whatever you leave with, you know it’s going to be an item touched by the hands of Leanne herself. And that is the beauty of the Market. Despite its attraction to millions of tourists a year, it still holds something of lasting value for the local, too.

Stop by and say hello to Leanne the next time you want instant assurance that quality is here to stay. And remember, like all things worth the wait, custom-made shoes take time. Check out the details on leoloshoes.com.

👞👞👞👞👞👞👞

Leolo
1516 Western Avenue
In the Pike Place Market
Wednesday - Sunday, 11-6
206.919.5645

In this day of pop-up plethora and insta everywhere, it’s reassuring to know that some things endure.

Built to last (yes, pun 😏) could be the slogan of Leolo Handmade Shoes and Leather Goods, a custom shoemaker tucked under the eves of the Pike Place Market on Western Avenue. Here owner Leanne Corcoran is in her happy place, cobbling her current order or talking with her enthusiastic customers.

Lucky me, recently I became one of them, as my sister and I discovered on a meander through . The window-paned, water-facing storefront is a far cry from the tchotchkes-filled arcade and flying fish. This place feels more like France, or Japan, or another world where truly hand-hewn is practiced with pride. The selection of specialty shoes (unisex, btw), is supplemented with other fine leather goods, some made by Leanne (with the help of her mother ❤️) or other artisans.

If a pair of oxfords created just for your feet isn’t in your future, perhaps you need a wallet, belt, briefcase, greeting card, sleek jacket or nifty leather cord holders that my sister and I both purchased. Whatever you leave with, you know it’s going to be an item touched by the hands of Leanne herself. And that is the beauty of the Market. Despite its attraction to millions of tourists a year, it still holds something of lasting value for the local, too.

Stop by and say hello to Leanne the next time you want instant assurance that quality is here to stay. And remember, like all things worth the wait, custom-made shoes take time. Check out the details on leoloshoes.com.

👞👞👞👞👞👞👞

Leolo
1516 Western Avenue
In the Pike Place Market
Wednesday - Sunday, 11-6
206.919.5645

One more hour today, six more days to go! Kyoto Art & Antiques Sale pops up through Sunday, June 4, 11-6 daily. Still lots of great stuff!

I’m here on Wednesday, then Friday though Sunday so come say hello. I miss you! 💕

5840 Airport Way South
Georgetown, Seattle
206.381.9871
kyotoartandantiques.com

I have a very short list of reliable restaurants these days, as Tom and I don’t get out much. But when we do, we want a place that’s consistently tasty with a welcoming atmosphere, plus one that provides a decent value for our money. We also love sharing, so a menu with a small diversity of interesting options—mains, apps, sides and salads—is always appreciated.

So, I’m delighted to say that I’m adding new Cora Pizza & Plates to my roster of go-to restaurants. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Opened just in time for spring eating, is the baby sister of . The neighborhood restaurant follows the family ethos of using seasonal and local ingredients to create approachable and delicious food, delivered in a laid-back atmosphere with friendly service. Check, check and check!

Four of us visited Cora on a Thursday around 6:00. Since they only accept reservations for six or more, we got there early. Lucky us, no lines! JM met us with a smile and seated us at a booth. Although the small room is open plan, you can still hear each other across the table. ✔️

I only captured a few of our drinks/dishes before we dug in. Between us, we shared seven courses and there was not a crumb left on the table. That said, I think the perfect combo next time will be three starters/salads/sides and two mains (pizza/pasta). Oh yes, and dessert. Light and lovely, it finished the meal on an up note.

Our evening’s picks:
📷🐓Chicken liver mousse
📷🍅Fresh mozzarella
📷🍐Pear salad
📷🍕Funghi pizza
🍝Rigatoni
🥬Cavalo nero
🍋Lemon budding

Two of us tried the house special pre-batched cocktails: 🥃 Negronis and Manhattans; the others, red wine 🍷. All 👍👍. On top of the memorable food, altogether dining at Cora felt like a pre-pandemic experience: easy, affable and affordable—just like old times at a new place. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Cora Pizza & Plates
926 12th Avenue
Tuesday - Saturday
coraseattle.com
206.322.6304

Now I can add ‘Accidental Photographer’ to my list of “Life after Momo.” 🤓

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‘Through the Eyes of a Tiger’
A photo retrospective of resilience in the CID
Opens May 6
Nisei Vets Hall

Seattle’s Chinatown International District (CID) is so much more than a place to grab Asian take out or park for a game at the nearby stadiums. It’s a neighborhood—or more aptly—a community rich with age, ethnicity and socio-economic diversity. Elderly Chinese folks stroll aside students, tourists, tech workers and tattooed types who embrace the mystique of the CID.

In 16 square blocks, there’s everything you need: grocery stores, a post office, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants open all hours of the day. Upstairs in the old buildings, accountants and lawyers, chiropractors and dentists work their professional jobs.
Anchored on one end by a US National Treasure, and the other, a highly respected museum, the CID is a historic and precious gem.

‘Through the Eyes of a Tiger’ captures the everyday spirit of this scrappy neighborhood during a particularly challenging time: the lunar year of the tiger. A passion project of seven local photographers, it aims to educate the public about Asian American and Pacific Islander culture by focusing a lens on the future of the area that despite set backs, continues to stand up for itself, protected by old souls and revived by young blood.

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the pop-up is made possible through a City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Matching Funds grant. In addition to images from artists/photographers John Pai, Rick Wong, Sally Kim-Miller, Dean Wong, Sherwin Eng, Theo Bickel and Tim Mar, are photos from 17 community supporters (including me ☺️!) as they view the neighborhood.

‘Through the Eyes of a Tiger’
Saturday, May 6, noon-3:00; Sunday, May 7, 11:00-3:00
Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14, 20 & 21 and 27 & 28
11:00-3:00 each day
Nisei Vets Hall
1212 South King Street
Details at throughtheeyesofatiger.org

Admission is free; registration is encouraged through https://www.eventbrite.com/e/through-the-eyes-of-a-tiger-tickets-624977974947

In Hawaii, May Day is lei day, but I’ll take tulips in the Northwest. Here’s something to brighten your grey Monday and the rest of your month! Mahalogozaimasu 🌷🌸💕🌈🙏 Oh, and 🐰🐰, too!

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Happy Mayday 🌷🌷🌷🐱🐱🐱🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀💚🌈💓

Guess who resurfaced in West Seattle? Swan Dive Vintage!

Owner Ali Brownrigg is coming home to roost. A long-time resident of West Seattle, she’s finally settled into a storefront of her own, in a neighborhood where the commute is easy and her kids can walk to visit her after school.

originally opened back in 2017, in the basement of Linda Walsh’s Pioneer Square Clementine’s. Now located on California Avenue, Swan Dive has room to spread its wings, experiment with new ideas and grow the collection of vintage and once-loved clothing, accessories and shoes, often from hard-to-find labels. You won’t find any second-time-around yoga pants among the interesting cuts, colors and embellished pieces from a breadth of eras, carefully selected by Ali herself, who often goes far afield to source nicely-priced treasures.

In a reciprocal act of friendship, this time, Swan Dive is host to who occupies the back room of the West Seattle space. Like two roommates who get along well, Clementine’s new clothing and footwear share a similar vibe, happily melding with the mix at Swan Dive.

It’s a partnership that works well for the shopper, a browsable blend of old and new, body and abode, with price points that run the gamut. Plus, it fits in well with the community-friendly feel of West Seattle’s main street. In so many ways, it feels like vanishing Seattle. Welcome home, Swan Dive.

Swan Dive
4537 California Ave SW

PS: My connection with Ali goes well beyond this IG exploration. I first met her back in the day when we were both buying Prairie Underground, me for Momo and she for her online shop. Our paths continued to zig-zag with our mutual interests in freelance writing and retail. When Swan Dive came to be beneath Clementine’s in Pioneer Square, I’d visit with Ali as she sometimes minded the shops. We’ve spent time talking of many pursuits, challenges and hopes; I’m glad to see her nestled in West Seattle—it seems so right. Please stop in and say hello, maybe make a day of it during a Sunday farmer’s market. Support small, support a dream come true. 💕