Real Cities: Our Luxury Manager’s Guide to Seattle
If you live in Seattle, we’ve got good news for you — we recently expanded our White Glove luxury consignment service to the area, and welcomed local Luxury Manager Kelsey Otter to the team. With a background in fashion merchandising and professional organizing, she’s the perfect match for Seattle consignors looking to edit their closets. A seasoned Seattleite, she showed us around town giving us the lowdown on each neighborhood we visited, and was quick to point out the best places for shopping, weekend escapes and, of course, coffee. Read on for her mini guide to the city.
Did you grow up in Seattle? What’s the best part about living here?
Yes, I have lived in Seattle for over 25 years and I love my city. The best part about living here is having almost anything one could ever want or need to do at your fingertips. Whether it’s a cool restaurant in Ballard, a hike in Issaquah, a trip to the airport, or a chic coffee spot on Capitol Hill, everything is within a 15-minute drive. Most people think it rains constantly in Seattle but really it is just overcast and gray. I love the change of the seasons and getting to wear chunky sweaters and boots in the fall.
What neighborhood do you live in?
Mercer Island. I also spend a lot of time in Lower Queen Anne.
Where can you usually be found on the weekends? What’s your off-duty uniform?
One of my favorite local spots to pick up some fun pieces is La Ree boutique in Bellevue. I have my eye on a pair of boots and a Jamie Joseph ring! I love a good skinny jean, pointed-toe flat, and a tee with a leather jacket to top it off. Layering is key in Seattle so I usually carry an extra scarf or cardigan with me in an oversized tote.
Best new spot in Seattle?
Stateside has amazing Phở and is the perfect way to warm up on a cold Seattle day. Their interior is super chic and the staff are friendly. Definitely worth the trip to Capitol Hill!
Your favorite coffee or tea shop in the city?
Seattle is home to the first Starbucks and you can pretty much find one on every corner. Since I am constantly on the go, Starbucks is always there when I need my grande nonfat latte with one pump of vanilla. Storyville is also a fun spot to grab a latte since it’s in the heart of Pike Place Market.
Where’s the best Seattle getaway?
Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington is about a three-hour drive and is the perfect spot for a long summer weekend. It has amazing wineries and the lake is crystal clear. I also love to explore Bellingham, WA since the town is super charming and the hiking is beautiful. My boyfriend’s family lives there so we head north about once a month for a relaxing staycation.
Who serves the best cocktail in the city?
I am a major fan of the cocktails at Oddfellows on Capitol Hill. I will never pass up the opportunity for a Mango Margarita from Cactus!
Where do you recommend your clients take items that don’t get accepted for consignment?
I donate a lot of extra items to The Mercer Island Thrift Store and it isn’t uncommon for me to pick up a fun treasure while I am there.
Interested in luxury consignment in Seattle? Contact Kelsey at kelsey.otter@therealreal.com for a local White Glove appointment. You can also find out more about consigning with The RealReal from any location here.
Images by Sevlynn Photography
