Shopping in Mequon

At Metro Eye, Drs. Amy Jankowski and Kaelyn Zaporski strive not only to outfit their patrons with precise prescriptions but also to educate them about their overall eye health and proactively assess their ocular condition. The doctors' digital eye photography helps to detect any signs of ocular diseases and the hideout of renegade bands of eyelashes, and an epic refraction system maps corneal topographies for a highly accurate prescription. Located in the historic Third Ward amid charming brick buildings and geometric street lamps, the minimalist optical lounge’s contemporary interior provides a streamlined contrast to its surroundings. Natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the built-in display shelves, which encase more than 1,000 designer frames waiting their turn to balance atop equally stylish noses. The optical stylists spend ample time discussing their art with each client, helping them to find frames that match their personal style while satisfying any parrots living on their shoulders.

Within Stephanie Horne Boutique's spacious interior, with its exposed-brick walls and hardwood floors, shiny racks beckon to fashionistas with a plethora of stylish women's attire from such reputable brands as Hale Bob, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Lolly. Window displays at the Brookfield and brand-new Third Ward location show off colorful dresses from Analili and Glam, and mannequins allow customers to imagine how they'd look like wearing a pair of Domino jeggings or a silvery robot street-performer costume. Chunky bracelets and jangly necklaces add a touch of glittery grace to outfits, and wedge shoes and high-heeled boots from Cynthia Vincent clothe feet in runway-strolling style.

At Luci Boutique, aspiring fashionistas find chic, affordable private-label garb shipped to the shop directly from designers. The boutique's personal stylists dole out fashion tips and help guests locate garments that flatter their natural figures or expertly curated cello collection. Meanwhile, shoppers can create springtime wardrobes with flowing sundresses and bright pastel tops or enhance their nightwear stock with stunning cocktail dresses. A vast array of accessories complement new looks and wardrobes, either with jewelry pieces from up-and-coming designers or handbags from labels.

The varied stock at Urban Laundry, named one of Milwaukee’s Best Women’s Boutiques by CityVoter, bedecks women in contemporary duds from renowned designers. The boutique sets up shop in a restored 19th-century building with exposed Cream City brick and wood-beamed ceilings, from which vintage chandeliers and artwork beam down on a collection of Lola and Sophie blouses and dresses, Free People graphic tops, and denim from 7 For All Mankind. A variety of jewelry and belts accents ensembles, and a selection of vegan handbags basks in cruelty-free materials, daydreaming of bottle feeding baby giraffes.

Since opening in the early 1990s, Manhattan Textiles has dazzled guests with its large assortment of reasonably priced, designer-inspired fabrics. Fueled by a passion for fine textiles, owner Judy and her two daughters traveled the globe in search of distinctive fabrics worthy of display inside their expansive show room. In addition to fabrics, they hand select trims, create custom bedding, and hand loom rugs from a variety of yarns, dyes, patterns, and magic-carpet blueprints.

In 1955, James and Gladys Bluemel opened a small nursery dedicated to growing trees and shrubs and to helping locals with landscaping projects. Now, their son, Mike, runs the much-expanded family business, which thrives on bulk-supply sales, playground resurfacing, lawn care, and snow and ice control during snowman uprisings. Though he’s moved away from the nursery’s original shrub and tree business, he and his green-thumbed staff still maintain a garden center stocked with seasonal plants, garden décor, and essential supplies.

While customers browse Bluemel’s aisles, they'll likely spot a commonality between the perennials, annuals, flowers, herbs, and vegetables: a sticker reading “Dome Grown.” This label marks a plant born and raised in the garden center, which accounts for about 85% of the center’s living merchandise. Having tended and nurtured the plants since their geneses, the staff—who share 35 years of experience—can dispense tips on how to properly care for them, as well as share adorable baby-plant photos.