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How This Boutique Owner Burns Off Weekend Donuts

By Julie Davis
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By Julie Davis

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Welcome to Playing Favorites, wherein local shopping and fashion gurus provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around Philly that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.

She's the kind of gal who lounges in Lemlem, not sweats, but Menagerie boutique owner Kate Lawson has a vice just like us common folk: sweets, particularly of the glazed and frosted variety, the calories from which she burns off during "killer" ballet workouts.

After the jump, Lawson reveals the bakery that sates her sweet tooth, then shares the Main Line spots that keep her inspired, toned—and in the good graces of her husband.


· Menagerie [Official Site]
· All Playing Favorites posts [Racked Philly]
· Philly's Top 21 Shops for Trendy Fashion Jewelry [Racked Philly] Read More
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Clay's Creative Corner Bakery

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Clay's fresh donuts and muffins are a Sunday morning staple in my home. Not only are they my go-to for breakfast sweets, but also my first pick when selecting custom-made birthday cakes for the most special celebrations: my daughter’s first birthday, weddings, and showers. [Image credit: Clay's Creative Corner Bakery]
700 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
(610) 647-2119
(610) 647-2119

Valley Forge Flowers

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As a business owner and jewelry designer, I need a lot of alone time to gain my inspiration. My favorite serene spot to tap into my creative juices is VFF’s espresso bar. Drink of choice? A skim cappuccino adorned with a rock crystal candy lolly, which doubles as a delicious sweetener. Time seems to stop amongst the enchanted garden-like feeling of their décor and fresh blossoms. You can literally spend three hours in there if you’re not careful! [Image credit: Valley Forge Flowers/Facebook]
503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 687-5566
(610) 687-5566

Pure Barre

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When I’m in need of a killer workout, I immediately choose Pure Barre located in Wayne's Eagle Village Shops. While I can’t say I’m a Pure Barre regular because IT’S HARD, their pump-up playlists and the seemingly instant results allow the 55-minute class to pass in a flash. I always search for a spot in the corner where no one will notice how awful I am but, in that class, YOU CAN’T HIDE. I owe it to the Pure Barre team for giving me my pre-baby body back in no time! [Image credit: Pure Barre Philadelphia/Facebook]
503 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087
(484) 588-2628
(484) 588-2628

Theory

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I adore the crisp, clean lines of Theory’s collections. Theory is my first stop when looking for everyday, flattering basics, from navy pants to the LBD. As an accessory and jewelry store owner, I like to select classic, timeless clothing pieces to pair with stylish accessories. [Image credit: Theory]
1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-1034
(215) 735-1034

Trove General Store

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My husband loves when I pick out a piece of clothing I think he will look good in. At Trove, I am guaranteed to find unique, high-quality items. From button downs to vintage-looking cords, you can be sure that the purchase will not be worn by every guy on the Main Line. Although Trove has an unexpected location between ACME and Ace Hardware, this hidden gem sure holds its own upon entry. [Image credit: Trove General/Instagram]
82 E Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301
(484) 320-8626
(484) 320-8626

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Clay's Creative Corner Bakery

700 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
Clay's fresh donuts and muffins are a Sunday morning staple in my home. Not only are they my go-to for breakfast sweets, but also my first pick when selecting custom-made birthday cakes for the most special celebrations: my daughter’s first birthday, weddings, and showers. [Image credit: Clay's Creative Corner Bakery]
700 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
(610) 647-2119
(610) 647-2119

Valley Forge Flowers

503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
As a business owner and jewelry designer, I need a lot of alone time to gain my inspiration. My favorite serene spot to tap into my creative juices is VFF’s espresso bar. Drink of choice? A skim cappuccino adorned with a rock crystal candy lolly, which doubles as a delicious sweetener. Time seems to stop amongst the enchanted garden-like feeling of their décor and fresh blossoms. You can literally spend three hours in there if you’re not careful! [Image credit: Valley Forge Flowers/Facebook]
503 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 687-5566
(610) 687-5566

Pure Barre

503 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087
When I’m in need of a killer workout, I immediately choose Pure Barre located in Wayne's Eagle Village Shops. While I can’t say I’m a Pure Barre regular because IT’S HARD, their pump-up playlists and the seemingly instant results allow the 55-minute class to pass in a flash. I always search for a spot in the corner where no one will notice how awful I am but, in that class, YOU CAN’T HIDE. I owe it to the Pure Barre team for giving me my pre-baby body back in no time! [Image credit: Pure Barre Philadelphia/Facebook]
503 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087
(484) 588-2628
(484) 588-2628

Theory

1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
I adore the crisp, clean lines of Theory’s collections. Theory is my first stop when looking for everyday, flattering basics, from navy pants to the LBD. As an accessory and jewelry store owner, I like to select classic, timeless clothing pieces to pair with stylish accessories. [Image credit: Theory]
1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 735-1034
(215) 735-1034

Trove General Store

82 E Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301
My husband loves when I pick out a piece of clothing I think he will look good in. At Trove, I am guaranteed to find unique, high-quality items. From button downs to vintage-looking cords, you can be sure that the purchase will not be worn by every guy on the Main Line. Although Trove has an unexpected location between ACME and Ace Hardware, this hidden gem sure holds its own upon entry. [Image credit: Trove General/Instagram]
82 E Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301
(484) 320-8626
(484) 320-8626