Totokaelo - My Favorite Shop From Our Seattle Trip
During our recent trip to Seattle, Steven and I were wandering around the Pike/Pine neighborhood, when I came across a spectacular wall display. I immediately ran inside to discover one of the most curated selections I’ve ever witnessed - tailored to so many of my personal tastes. The store - Totokaelo - specializes in high end apparel and accessories, and boasts an extensive Art-Object selection. And while the apparel was quite stunning, I am more of an interiors girl than a fashion girl, so 90% of my time was spent pacing back and forth against the wall of ceramics, glassware and silver.
The sales supervisor came by to ask me if I needed help, and I expressed that I loved their Art-Object pieces, but was afraid that I couldn’t take any of it with me on my plane trip back to San Francisco. She then informed me that whatever I purchased could be shipped to me for free. Suddenly I felt completely at ease, shopping as if I lived right there in the neighborhood.
For those of you who visit the store from afar, don’t forget to ask your sales associate if they still offer this generous deal! And for those of you shopping their website, you’ll be happy to know that standard shipping is a steal at only $10, and absolutely free if your purchase is over $250.
Towards the back of the store, you can find their highly curated selection of clothing, shoes and accessories.
They also carry a selection of beauty and haircare brands, including my all-time favorite, R+Co!
And downstairs, you can find their collection of streetwear fashions, sneakers and boots.
Totokaelo is really an all-around lifestyle brand. The shopping experience is for the person who loves a curated wardrobe and home, and wants a one-stop shop for a variety of luxury brands and artisan-made goods. I can’t believe how many amazing brands and artists I discovered through my single visit to the shop.
After much consideration, I finally decided on three pieces to place an order for. The following were shipped to me for free, and arrived at my home about four days after my initial purchase.
What I Picked Up
Kati Von Lehman Large Speckled Bowl
The first thing I fell in love with at the store was this speckled Japanese-inspired stoneware bowl by Portland-based ceramist Kati Von Lehman. I loved its rich color, its depth of detail, and its texture. It has a delicate look to it, yet it feels sturdy in the hand. I will probably use it as a fruit bowl or for snacks and serving when I have company over. It gives a warmth and elegance to the table that made me realize I needed more of this artist’s work in my life.
Kati Von Lehman Large Flower Pot
The second piece I couldn’t leaved without snagging was this beautiful flower pot, once again by Kati Von Lehman. It was a shape I’d never seen before, and featured subtle drainage holes, giving it the form meets function touch I can’t resist. I recently potted some succulents into it, and I couldn’t be happier with the way it brings warmth and depth to my windowsill.
Georg Jensen Medium Bloom Tall Bowl
The third and final piece I purchased was this gorgeous Bloom bowl by famed Danish silversmith Georg Jensen. As someone who grew up with Nambé serving bowls on my mother’s dining table spread, I am a huge fan of silver in the kitchen. And while I’ve filled my home with many an Alessi piece, I’d never owned a Jensen silver work before. So I figured our Seattle trip was as special of an occasion as any to make my move. Originally my plan was to use it to serve food, but the more I watched the supervisor at Totokaelo handle it with intense caution and white gloves to boot, I decided to just keep it as a sculptural piece on our etagere next to our wine glasses. For me, it’s an accent piece that marks a milestone in my dining collection.
Its slick wavy form and perfectly mirrored surface is a stark contrast to the Kati Von Lehmen vessels I purchased alongside it. But nonetheless, all three pieces expressed the satisfying minimalism that I love to surround myself with.
See for Yourself
I am so glad that I stumbled upon Totokaelo, and cannot wait for my next visit. I’ll definitely be planning my next trip to New York around seeing their Manhattan location!
Next time you’re caught in the Seattle rain, be sure to visit Totokaelo in-person. And in the meantime, check out their website or their Yelp account! Happy shopping!
