Run away baby...

I have a not-so-secret:  I'm running. Not just a little bit (see: triathlon training where I ignore the run portion). I'm running a lot a bit (for me). Ever since January 23rd, I've been lacing up 3x a week. It started with 2 miles - pausing for walk breaks, water stops and scenic stretching. Now, I'm up to 5 and a half! Slowly but surely, I'm working my way up to 10 miles on May 6th for the Broad Street Run.

I'm doing this for a pretty fantastic cause (visit my DetermiNation page here), but also to challenge myself in a way I've never done before. Unfortunately, I have another secret. When I get into something, I REALLY get into it. Mostly along the "if I train hard and reach my goals, I might as well look cute doing it" kinda way. Yup, clothes, sneakers, gear.... if you thought running was a cheap sport, you haven't met this girl ;)

So without further ado - please indulge my latest running window shopping obsessions ;) I'm hoping by putting them here, they won't end up in my actual closet ha!

Lululemon is a weakness of mine...

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Devon on Pinterest

And wouldn't it be adorable with these?!

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Devon on Pinterest

Preventing me from splurging on the run:speed shorts? The fact that they will not in fact make my tush look that fantastic. I don't care HOW magical others claim them to be ha!

I run in Asics - but how adorable are these for post run comfort or cross training?

Source: store.nike.com via Devon on Pinterest

Why no tops? Because with DetermiNation, I race in an American Cancer Society singlet, letting everyone know I am kicking cancer's butt with every step I take!

Whew... Now that those lovelies are out of my system, I can hopefully get my mind out of the closet in on to more important things ;)

Do you have any workout gear obsessions?

Cozy home

We had a guest over this weekend and I realized while cleaning- our house still needs to be more of a home. We have the necessities- couch, tables, chairs.... but not enough cozy. Not enough character. I partially blame this on Nicole of LovelyGirls - who has the most gorgeous style and made me want to redecorate immediately after our meeting last week. But I digress. This week has me longing for those extra touches... bowls instead of stacks of magazines. More candles, less clutter!

Source: zgallerie.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Devon on Pinterest

A Perfect "His and Hers"

Today, I ran around a few stores with my momma to round out our registry. The boy is VERY involved with all aspects of the wedding, which I adore! But- when it comes to shopping, he likes to see 3 choices and pick the one he likes. We are trying to stay away from unnecessary frivolities, but I couldn't resist these old fashioned glasses from Kate Spade. Won't they be the perfect addition to our whiskey date nights on the couch?

Source: macys.com via Devon on Pinterest

I think the boy will love them :)

I take it back...

I take back my professed love for red glitter that I threw out there on Friday. Now- I'm all about the copper...

Source: liveinvogue.wordpress.com via Devon on Pinterest

bike crush

Meet Lexa S.

Isn't she pretty?

I saw her today after riding 12 miles on my 6th grade mountain bike, and I have a girl- errr- bike crush now. Of course, with a wedding to plan and some summer adventures around the corner, dropping a grand on a road bike isn't really in my budget.

So in the meantime, I'll just visit her online after spin class. *sigh*

-Tri update is coming! I have to get the pictures from Momma bear!

Dear J Crew....

Please put these on sale ASAP. Thanks!

Source: jcrew.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: jcrew.com via Devon on Pinterest

Love,

Devon

Sunny day wants

I feel SO alive today! 6 am spin class with my little sister got me going (LOVE the crazy instructor that picked on me the entire class), and the promise of sunshine this afternoon is making me happy. Then again, I could just be amped on coffee ;)

Even though I am going to be stuck in a semi boring work wardrobe this afternoon watching some lax bros battle it out, I have an a few pieces in mind that would be perfect for the sunny days ahead.

Ralph Lauren Color Block Sunglasses

Alicia Patio Dress from Banana Republic (Reportedly seen purchased by the lovely Kate Middleton)

JCrew's new Cecilia Dress (the orange color scares me a little online, but the SA said it's gorgeous in person!)

Ecote Strappy Sandals from Urban Outfitters

JCrew Sidewalk Shorts

Since it's this girl's birthday in one week (and I'm getting ready to head to sunny Alabama), a shopping trip may be in store! What's on your spring shopping list?

Shoe Love

I ran across these on Style Me Pretty the other day and fell in love.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Of course, I immediately went over to the Nina site and found something similar (minus the peony shoe clips). They fit my wedding shoe needs- low heel (2.5), pretty affordable at under $80, lovely, and the option of something blue!

Nina Culver heels in New Navy

Now- a search for a pretty shoe clip. I love how this bride personalized something classic to make it her own :)

Love is in the air!

Happy Monday everyone!

This morning has kicked me in the butt. So to recover, I'm celebrating all things heart filled and lovey. Yes, it's 14 days till Valentine's Day. A commercial holiday, but it's my mom's FAVORITE. She decorates the house (including the bathroom), and it's like a pink and red hued Easter in the morning. Her love for all things amorous has rubbed off on me over the years too. I don't expect lavish gifts or a big event from the boy (we are making dinner at home and something sweet under $20)- but I love love giving pretty gifts. Especially to my momma and little sister!

Adorable coral flats

Pretty enough to wear to the table

Something fun and cuddly!

A sweet, delicate charm

A bag to carry stories around in

Make her sparkle and glow

Cold nights require cozy sheets

Spring Wishlist

It's freezing, I've worn every sweater I own, and I want to go shopping.

So I look around online and notice a disturbing trend- everything I like is for warm weather! Please note, I live in the north east. There is 6 inches of snow outside :(

The good news, I have a ton of pretty things to look forward to! Gauzy dresses, chunky strappy sandals, and good times out on my little red deck. Just looking at these items makes me feel a little warmer :)

Spring Wishlist by devonclaire featuring a line dresses

Blurred Shapes Dress, $168
Orchid Grey Dress | Mod Retro Vintage Dresses | ModCloth.com, $54
Seychelles Filigree Heel, $98
Marguerite leather wedges - J.Crew (toffee), $165
Nine West: New Arrivals > Stylin, Ships 4/26 - color block, $89
Jen Loves Kev Dress, $45
UrbanOutfitters.com > Ecote Strappy Sandal, $28
Women's Merona® Maribel Peep-Toe Wedges - Blush : Target, $27

The only item I've actually seen in stores are the blush toned Target wedges. I was tempted to take them home today since they are a perfect balance of girly and comfortable, but again- I couldn't validate it with all the snow. Even tights can't save a perfectly pink pair of peeptoes right now! I am getting ready to pull the trigger on the Modcloth Jen loves Kev dress though. I adore Jen's blog and how she styles herself every day. The dress is gorgeously feminine, but has humor with the fox print! I'd definitely wear it out to fussy brunches just to lighten the mood :)

What's on your wishlist right now? Are you still in love with winter's cozy layers or are you ready to put the tights away for good?

The family jewels on display

This is for my friend, Kemi. I went over to her adorable apartment last night to battle with the internet company, armed with some charm and a bottle of red. After completing my conquest (free installation? Thank you!), we toasted to victory and started talking about this and that. Somehow, we got to the topic of jewelry and she showed me her fantastic collection of rings, necklaces, and bracelets...all hidden away in a plastic box :(

It's something many girls struggle with. How do a keep my baubles safe and stored away without forgetting what I have? Since I'm in the process of decorating my own little dressing area (oooh, more on that soon!), I scoped out a few organization options for Kemi that I think will fit her style, keep things safe, and display her gorgeous collection like it should be!

First- bowls. The boy has come to terms that I love pretty bowls. Our kitchen is overflowing with them, all shapes and sizes. Of course, you can never have too many! I think small bowls are the perfect vessel to store chunky rings, pins, and the like.

Glass Jewelry Dish from Urban Outfitters

I have a slight obsession with ikat. This little bowl is perfection!

Ikat mini bowl from Anthropologie

Inside out bowl from Anthropologie

For longer necklaces, I love two separate options: Wall hooks and mounted decorative knobs.

This first jewelry rack is fantastic because it not only will keep delicate chains untangled, but you can hook earrings onto the lattice work.

Lattice Jewlery Hooks from Urban Outfitters

A series of hooks does the same. To customize this affordable but boring option, I would break out some spraypaint and go to town. 

Expandable hooks from Target

Choosing a series of decorative knobs is a favorite of mine. This can be hard for renters (big holes=small security deposit return), but I think mounting them on a strip of stained or painted wood to make a custom jewelry rack is a great alternative. Even better, find some reclaimed wood for a rustic feel!

I love these from World Market, they play off the mini ikat bowl perfectly without being matchy.

Ceramic Floral Knobs (set of 4) from World Market

Aged Zinnia Knob from Anthropologie

Granita Knob from Anthropologie

The options are endless, but I think a few of these would fit great into the vintage feel of Kemi's walk up.  

How do you keep your jewelry accessible and safe?

It's Snowing!

It's officially our first snowfall! We've had a few flurries here and there, but this time it's actually sticking. In true First State fashion, everyone is freaking out and has forgotten how to drive. So, instead of braving the elements, I'm searching for a new winter coat!

During a trip to NYC with the fam last weekend, I lost 2 buttons on my current coat- a great Guess brown wool number. Short, but warm with great details. For my next coat, I have a few guidelines:

• Long. Or longER. My last coat showed off the bottom of my long cardis, etc. This time around, I'd like to be completely covered up.
• Closed collar. I have a gorgeous dress coat from The Limited, but I have to wear 2 scarves to make up for the open neckline.
• A defined waistline. It's cold, that doesn't mean I have to look like a sack of potatoes!

Pretty simple, but I had a hard time finding some favorites. These might fit the bill though...

What do you think? The JCrew and DKNY are about the same in terms of styling, but I like that the DKNY trench comes in a deep hunter green. I'm the queen of neutrals- maybe it's time for some color?