LouLife

The strip of Lexington Road between Bauer and Wallace avenues in St. Matthews is in the middle of a retail renaissance. It’s become a mecca for those looking for interior stylings and fashionistas searching for the latest looks. The Vogue Center seems to be the epicenter, with new and revamped-old retail sprouting all around it. And eateries abound to provide fuel for a day’s shopping. Here are some of the highlights:

Step into Poppie Design (893-1727) and it almost feels as if you’re entering an art gallery, except the track lighting illuminates gemstones and silver jewelry handcrafted and designed by the owners.

A Small World (895-9889) and the Sahara Mediterranean Cafe (895-1338) blissfully coexist in an eclectic atmosphere of worldly imports and cuisine. Buy a Buddha and try the stuffed grape leaves.

A destination for uber-chic moms and moms-to-be, The Nest (897-0050) is padded with unique accessories (including Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags), maternity clothes and all the essentials for statement-making wee-ones.

Upon entering Blink Boutique (899-9885), the swanky atmosphere and trendy fashions might fool you into thinking you’re shopping in New York, until the friendly costumer service brings you back home.

On the move again, Clodhoppers (891-0079) is set to take over the old Vogue Theatre, the new space providing room for more menswear and more of the independent designer labels and large labels, like Milly, you can’t find anywhere else in town.

Not your typical Louisville home-furnishings store, Dandelion (899-3729) has a modern edge with a retro flare. Find Jonathon Adler ceramics, sleek furniture and one-of-a-kind jewelry made with vintage lockets and silhouettes. 

Get your preppy on at the Peppermint Palm (896-9190), which houses all the Lilly Pulitzer and pink and green turtle motifs your wardrobe will ever need. It also carries men’s and children’s clothing as well as home accessories.