Watson Kennedy Fine Living

My better half sent me there on a mission: to get Mariage Freres tea, which is expensive to get outside of France. Watson & Kennedy had it, so — to quote Dubya — «mission accomplished.»
I was sweaty and in a hurry, so I didn’t poke around too much more of the store. Pleasant atmosphere, and tucked-​away.
But back to the Mariage Freres. They only had the canisters, not the boxes of teabags, but that’s OK. One canister’s $ 23 — which is pretty reasonable, considering how good the tea is, and how much of it you get.
They ship it, too.

This shop was unbelievably adorable. I have walked past it so many times without realizing but I am happy that I stumbled upon it. This is one of those places that I want to buy legitimately everything.
The store was organized by color which was so aesthetically pleasing. They had so wonderful vintage pieces, adorable cards, and delicious smelling soap. The next time I need to get a gift for someone, I know where I will be heading. I can’t believe I have walked right by for two years!

This wonderful little shop is tucked away in right behind Post Alley. You can find amazing gift items here. Tons of trinkets to choose from!

Moving into a new/​old apartment always takes getting used to. I’m always looking for ways to make wherever I am fit my ways of comfort.
Don’t get overwhelmed by all the wonderful goodness that lies within! Its similar to anthropologie but better and more unique! Plenty of local art, jewelry, vintage décor and trinkets align all the walls and shelves. If ever am I in need of a unique house warming gift this is surely the place that caters with such glorious items!

Beautiful store. I bought a vintage map which I am really excited about. The store is beautifully decorated and I just wanted to move in!

An undeniably cool store, though it looks a little more exciting from the window than it does once you’re inside walking around. I think it’s because at Watson Kennedy, the whole is more enticing than the sum of its parts.
This place is Capital E Expensive! We are hunting for little decorative touches for our wedding reception, and found a number of things that were perfect… and just stupid expensive. $ 2 a piece for letters and numbers from vintage board games like scrabble and bingo sets. We bought them, but we grumbled first. There were a ton of other things that we’d have loved to have bought, but just couldn’t justify the expense.
This is the place to go if you want to find: maps (vintage and reproductions), books on doghouses designed by famous architects, decorative lobster traps, ribbon, exotic soaps, and more. It’s certainly fun to browse, and if you have a high limit credit card, it’d be a fun place to blow your child’s college fund.

Are you kidding me? This is such a wodnerful, must stop to shop place, particularly if you love nature and all things natural. The jewelry is gorgeous. I want to work there so that I can be surrounded with all the lovely merch. Way cool, unusual finds.

The Watson Kennedy stores are Seattle treasures. These are the kind of stores that add vibrancy and warmth to the downtown area. Every detail is carefully attended to here including displays, customer service, atmosphere, and product selection. It’s almost like entering another world when you walk in the door– a world where everything smells better, tastes better, looks better, sounds better.
I like to stop in when I have a rare day off to wander around downtown. They always have lots of books, good-​smelling soaps and lotions, and other interesting things.
What I love, love, love this store for though is gifts. They have a great selection of unique things that are difficult to find anywhere else, so they feel more special. Lots of European teas, chocolates, etc., and they will wrap anything you buy there in a way that makes it feel even more special. Consistently beautiful, every single time.
So ya, I’m pretty much a Watson Kennedy groupie. The owner, Ted Kennedy Watson, also has this great blog:
Enjoy :)

I will try to remain calm while saying this: I WANT EVERYTHING IN THIS STORE!!! The displays are like a French dream filled with goodness. Anything from paper, soap, matches and just little bits and baubles which are unique. This place is ideal if you are looking or a little something different to add to your home or perhaps you need a gift for that person who has everything. This store is just an absolute pleasure also to walk through if you appreciate beauty.

It’s like a little corner of heaven. I feel like I’ve fallen in love when I walk in the door. It smells good and it feels like you’ve walked into another world.
You could spend an hour and hundreds of dollars in here if you let yourself.
SO many lovely things: cards, soaps, jewellery, trinkets, books, decorative do-​hickeys.
I bought a key chain that says «do what you love» on one side and «love what you do» on the other. Perfect, right?
I will visit every time I’m in Seattle.

Ok, I wanted to buy everything (or 90%) of the store, provided I had access to that trust fund that I just don’t seem to have been bequeathed. *Sigh*
Gorgeous, thoughtful displays. I was disappointed by amount of brands I have seen all over the US (fresh, molton brown, diptique, pine cone hill, lollia, etc) but found others to be charmingly new and delicious– esp the UK and Italian brands of body products.
The salesperson was very pleasant, offered suggestions on other local stores, and was genuinely nice to my husband and me.
Would def rec’d they focus on more artisanal brands u just can’t find elsewhere and include lower price point items (maybe travel size of the luxury brands). Next time I’m in Seattle, would definitely stop in.

LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Wish we weren’t just visiting – I could spend a fortune and buy the stock of the store :)
I love that the girls (and I feel horrible that I forgot their names!) were so personable and fun to chat with. They were helpful to recommend other places for us to check out while downtown, offer expedited shipping, the online website, and their favorite restaurants for us to check out for dinner.
This place is dainty, yet unisex; elegant, yet mainstream; whimsical, yet simple. From the apothecary options (oy vey, I luv!), to the stationery, empty liquor bottles used for designing, etc, etc, etc… I wish we had this place in the Bay Area.
Guess I’ll have to settle for shopping online for now… though, their cute little puppy that was in the store won’t be able to make me smile via internet shopping ;)
Go see if you’re downtown — I luv, u luv.

This store is very pretty and carries all sorts of great stuff in one location. It is the best place to buy a gift for someone. It is very reminiscent of a cute boutique in Paris. It’s small but thoughtfully laid out and has something for everyone, it’s not just candles. The staff has always been friendly when I have gone in and I just recently bought some nice candles for my mother in law there and the lady wrapped them for me. It was perfect all I had to do was pop it in a box and ship it. The price point is the same as anywhere else pretty much for the same stuff. I continue to shop here as I like everything the store has to offer.

Dainty, fancy, and pretty, this is the kind of gift store that I would like to open. You’ll find vintage and new trinkets, some imported, including fancy ribbons, old alphabet letters, vintage keys, vintage game pieces, etc. Some of the unique items are picked up during the owner’s travels.
There are various tables and shelves with items (soaps, notebooks, gift tags, candles, greeting cards, perfume, lotions, etched drinking glasses, candy, coasters, pajamas, linens, patterned file folders, books) organized by color. One table has items from the UK and France. Earrings are feminine and petite.
This would be the perfect place to pick up a hostess gift or something thoughtful, like Diptyque candle or Mariage Freres tea. As I wandered around admiring the inventory, I kept encountering items I’d purchased in the past. I hadn’t seen E. Coudray lotion in many years… forgot it existed till I saw it here. You can’t get it in the Bay Area.

Watson Kennedy (Home Store)
Watson Kennedy picks up where shabby chic and Martha Stuart left from in the mid nineties. The displays/​assemblage installations are pleasant many using bits of borrowed nostalgia from the last 70 years, or natures gifts. The store is staged and grouped by theme, for instance a bird area, which includes ceramic robins eggs for a low $ 5 and fab contemporary european style bird napkins for $ 7. They also feature a ocean themed bath area that in includes the common bath soap pre du provance. All of this looks grand but you half to keep a shrewed eye on the quality and the sourced over availability of some things. For instance I have a set of 70’s amber glass water goblets I once bought for $ 1 per at a charity shop. I’ve seen these common low quality glass’s several times all for low prices. Even the pricers and customers of goodwill can see that they are dull pressed glass. These same glasses can be yours for $ 25 per glass. How insulting to anyone with one drop of attention to detail and taste. Also, I saw an artist book at double the retail price. 80’s cheeky metal european tourist key chains for $ 25. If they are trying to market their store as a life style Messiah they better re think their quality to pricing and up their cultural relevance. I equate Watson kennedy to a geriatric barneys, who’s fleecing suckers at a garage sale. Over all I really wanna like this store… but…my gut is shouting at my common since… leave!

It’s cute. It’s full to the brim with random goodies, like so many other stores in Seattle. It’s fun to poke around, and you can always find something you like. It’s over-​priced. Still worth it? Probably. It didn’t stop my girlfriend and I from spending money here. I think she got enough soap to last her for a few years, while I picked up an awesome tea that I found randomly on a table.

Let me first start by saying that this store is beautiful. Ted Watson clearly has a great design sense. But I see many items for 10% less at other nearby stores. Fine. But MY GAWD are they snooty! Ted finds it physically painful to make eye contact with his customers, and even when you’re plopping down your credit card, he acts as though he’s too busy to be bothered with you. He is simply annoyed by any questions you may have. I’ve had this happen 3 times in a row, and so now I’m done. I won’t be back. Ever.
Try Stuhlbergs on Queen Anne… many of the same items, and you get a sweet, smiling salesperson! Imagine!

When I visited for my first time, it was their holiday open house and they offered us complimentary Tangerine Mimosas and Trophy baby cupcakes. Both were deeeelish. There are so many lovely gifts at this store, I just wanted to spend all my money on super fabulous presents for friends. They have an impressive selection of glass wear & cocktails makings, cheese plates, candles, soap & tea. I loved their themed sections for Italy, France & England. They have so much lovely, handcrafted jewelry in their cases. This place truly has a great selection of unique gifts and housewares. Spend a lazy Saturday wandering and you may find that perfect little something for your home. I like this place.

My favorite sensory overloading treasure trove!
This store is such a treat. I’m always inspired by the displays and the variety of items. I love that things are separated by color. I could spend days here just browsing. The mix of new and old is the perfect balance. Letterpress & handmade cards, vintage keys and games, scents, jewelry, glass… the list goes on. This is the store I own in my alternate life.
It is by far the best spot at Pike Place!

You are the physical manifestation of love.
They have everything my little lady heart desires. My little lady wallet needs to get a little bigger before I can truly enjoy this store.
Two days ago I spent six hours pillaging the city for adorable cocktail napkins for this swanky party and at the end of the day came home with nothing.
The Man: «I have no idea what you’re talking about. What’s a cocktail napkin?»
But we stumbled in here yesterday and when I asked the lady behind the counter, not only did she know what I was talking about (proving I am not insane to the bf — yeh right) she gave me the full whirlwind tour of the store and the SEVEN different beautiful styles of napkin! Yay adorable napkins for everyone!
I will be back! After I get a big kid job.