Mother Essentials: Fiona Montgomery of Dodo Banana
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
San Francisco-based mother Fiona Montgomery knows a thing or two about stylish wares. When the former PR director (for brands like Loeffler Randall and Behnaz Sarafpour) and Designer and Partner at Thomas Sires became a mom, she began her quest of perfecting a wardrobe staple for all kids: pajamas. Her 5-year-old line Dodo Banana is known for its butter-soft feel (thanks to G.O.T.S. certified 100% organic pima cotton) and playful prints created by an impressive roster of artists. The most recent collaboration is with MOTHER favorite Andrea Campos. The two partnered on a camp-themed PJ with a sweet giveback mission—25% of all profits will be donated to support California State Parks. Find out more about all of Dodo’s summer styles, amongst Fiona’s other Top 10 Mother Essentials for herself and her kiddos (Max, 8, and Elinor, 6)!
Kidamento Kids Camera. “I came across these adorable cameras and coudldn’t resist them for my kids. They love taking photos and now they can take them on their own, and even better, not on my phone.” Kidamento Digital Camera, $69.99, Amazon, Target, and Kidamento.
Iris and Romeo Weekend Skin. “All you need for a dewy summer glow with 50 SPF.” Weekend Skin SPF 50, $50, Iris & Romeo.
Adventure Awaits! Pajama Set. “I love our collaboration illustrated by Andrea Campos of Drea’s Doodles for Parks California—25% of profits go to support California States Parks. My kids love this fun, playful print and it’s a good reminder to get outside!” Adventure Awaits! PJ Set, $56, Dodo Banana.
Kamperett Oma Dress. “I don’t wear many dresses these days, but if I do, this is the one. You feel like you’re vacationing in a charming European beach town (or should be!) but it will also work for windy San Francisco.” Oma Dress, $525, Kamperett.
Le Labo Liquid Balm. “I can’t get enough of this light, citrus-floral scent and the small rollerball vile is perfect for travel.” Le Labo Fleur D’Oranger 27, $107, Nordstrom.
HTH X Domino Stripe Collection. “It’s hard to pick a favorite from these rich, candy-colored stripes. All you need for summer entertaining.” Stripe Collection, $38 and up, HTH x Domino.
The Get Out Insulated Canteen. “Works for water, wine, or a cold summer soup. I also love the color combos that will work well for a picnic on an HTH x Domino tablecloth.” Insulated Canteen, $38, The Get Out.
Marni Market Basket Bag. “I love all of Marni Market’s basket bag collection, which is handmade in collaboration with Colombian artisans. It’s a colorful, fun summer tote that I end up using year round as it is surpringly study and works for lugging a laptop.” Marni Market Large Basket Bag, $138, Marni.
Men Haver Called Her Crazy: A Memoir. “I am counting down the days until the release of Anna Marie Tendler’s memoir.” Men Have Called Her Crazy, $27.89, Bookshop.
Magic Mushrooms + Flower Power Pjs. “Our Magic Mushroom and Flower Power prints, originally drawn by Alessandra Olanow, were such hits that we recolored them for summer and offered them in new styles. I love how they turned out in such vibrant, fun colors.” Summer PJs, $56-$58, DodoBanana.com.
2024-25 Mahjongg Card. “Don’t leave home without it!” NationalMahjonggLeague.com.
For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS, APRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON, designer CLARE VIVIER, Miles & Milan founder SHENNEL FULLER, GRACE NA of Pistola, the designers behind MILK TEETH, photographer NICKI SEBASTIAN, Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, and Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA.
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