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Dempster (Purple, Evanston Express)
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Cute, cute, cute! Actually, to be more specific, I'd give the jewelry at the Mexican Shop five stars and the clothing three.
There's a wide variety of earrings and necklaces, all reasonably priced to serve as the perfect pick-me-up without feeling like you're seriously damaging your budget.
The clothing inventory seems a little out-of-date and currently lacks seasonally appropriate attire for the chilly weather we'll experience in, oh, the next few weeks.
Still, it's nice to discover a little gem of a store hiding behind the train tracks. I'll definitely be back for another jewelry pick-me-up soon!
As a lifelong fashionista (kidding) and Chicago native, Mexican Shop is a staple in my shopping boutique lineup.
+ ....... an incredible selection of unique jewelry, hair accessories and knickknacks at a variety of prices, easy street parking
- ........ dressing rooms are minimal and cramped, clothing selection is hit or miss; sometimes a little too much like the selection outside a Phish concert circa 1999.
**depending on how you look at it, the fact that the owner closes shop for a few months during spring to travel around the world and pick up inventory can be a plus or minus.
Think of The Mexican Shop as Anthropologie with more accessories than clothes or housewares.
Had I visited Anthropologie, I also bet a salesperson would have acknowledged my existence. Sure, I visited on a busy Saturday afternoon, but you'd think someone would have said hi to me during my ten minutes in the store. I had money to burn and there was plenty of stuff I would have bought, had someone asked if I needed help. Their loss.
Some "cute" stuff in this store. Pretty cheap quality though. And folks seem to think it is so cool that the owners pick up stuff on their "travels". In my opinion, the merchandise has "sweat shop" written all over it.
VERY cute stuff!
Stopped by here on a bike ride and was amazed at the amount of handmade jewelry they have in and on their counters. There are so many cute things, that I was almost overwhelmed and didn't buy anything.
Clothes were neat, but the salesgirl was sneering at my bike helmet, so I opted not to try anything on.
Prices are a bit high, but I'd definitely splurge for a gift or a piece of fun jewelry. I just wouldn't shop here very often. I found an adorable, chunky beaded necklace down the street at the vintage store for $6 while the ones at the Mexican shop ran about $30-$50.
I'll probably stop in again when I'm in the area and hopefully buy something!
Went today and it was JAM PACKED!
Lots of great stuff though I didn't spend as much moola as I usually do. I think I just couldn't move around to see as many things because of the amount of people in there. It's not always that packed but they had just opened the week before since they reopened from their annual "spring cleaning" & restocking months when they close.
I got a ton of great unique jewelry, some summer dresses and shrugs, a few housewares items, and great customer service.
Love it, love it, love it. Still the best ever.
THE BEST STORE ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET!!!
I almost don't want to give it a plug so as not to spread…
Read more »
I found beautiful, unique jewelry and some great jeans and tops here this summer. I can't wait to see what the fall merchandise will be like! Also, I thought the staff to be helpful and friendly.
Oh man, cute stuff overload, cannot compute!
Oh my goodness, tons of jewelry, scarves, belts, some clothing, knick-knacks like seashells, butterflies incased in acrylic, purses....I could wander around here for hours, no doubt about it.
The prices seemed about average for the type of shop it is, maybe a wee bit higher then what the items are worth but hey, gotta make a profit, right?
I have to say, they need to change their advertisements though, they're so boring-I would never, ever had bothered to come here if my friend hadn't pulled over and practically kicked me out of the car with orders to go shop...I assumed from the boring ad that it was all granny, knick-knack crap!
The name is a little misleading, you cannot buy an actual Mexican here.
What you will find is some fabulous hand crafted jewelry and clothing from around the world. I keep everything I buy here forever and I am not the kind of person that hoards all her possessions. Each item I buy or receive as a gift from this place becomes a favorite and stays with me. I have a couple of recycled sari skirts that are timeless, silver rings and earrings that I can't wear without being complimented on them.
I love the insect jewelry. They have great amber pieces without insects inside but the ones with them are gorgeous also. Seriously cool and unique stuff for reasonable prices.
I popped in on Friday after work on my way to have outdoor, evening cocktails, and walked out with 2 fabulously glam pairs of earrings for this (hopefully coming soon) summer season that's upon us. The Mexican Shop is the place for finding a little sumthin-sumthin for myself, and it never fails to produce a perfect gift for someone you hold near and dear. Cute stuff, unique, and very reasonable prices...it can't be beat!
I've been shopping here since high school and it's always been one of my favorites. They have such… Read more »
Yes, this is a delightful shop with a great assortment and love their accessories!
Personally, I've found the service here to be spotty. Today, they were so catty, they were nattering about this other girl they saw last night and how the top she was wearing made her boobs look soooo big.... And I think they disturbed when I interrupted their 'meowfest' to inquire about actually trying on a couple of skirts. Nattering like that tends to make you wonder what happens after you leave - but since I don't really care it's fine. But it could make other customers never go back.
Fun place to shop, just don't expect great service, imho.
i love this little store!
its within walking distance of my office, so i can pop over during lunch to see if i can find a deal.
ive yet to buy- but this will be my 'go to' when i need a birthday gift!
Awesome x 20. The Mexican shop is like stumbling upon a yard sale run by an old lady who doesn't realize she's selling amazing things. PBR earrings, hand-woven clutches, chunky jewelry, clothing, and the best part is that 80% of the things you won't see other people sporting. Unfortunately, the women who do run the shop are not old, and they do realize that they are selling kick ass things, so there is no bartering that you'll take the vest, purse, broach and rings for $2.35. They'll laugh and show you the door. But seriously, this is one of my favorite little stores, and I am thankful that I have friends that live in Evanston... I have an excuse to turn onto Dempster pay them all a visit and say, hey, wanna take a walk downtown? Who knew it would cost me so much to visit friends.
Oh yeah, their hours are kinda wacky so make sure they're open... From what I recall, they're closed Sundays and Mondays...
WOW!
I just went there for the first time the other week. I had been meaning to go but they were closed for their annual "shopping trip".
I was thinking it was only Mexican stuff...which is cool...but I had no idea this store had great clothes, purses, tons of jewelry, knick knacks, gifts, hair accessories, candle, sunglasses and more! And the prices are really reasonable!
YAY! I love you!! I really do!! I think I found my soul mate! If only we could spoon at night...
A friend of mine just took me here for the first time today! I can't believe how long I have driven past it without knowing the secret wonderfulness that lies inside!
This store carries neat and unique one-of-a-kind accessories, mostly earrings, that will fit all budgets. You can walk in and easily spend over $100 in ten minutes. Or, you can buy something for $10. Self-control is a good thing in this store.
I bought two pairs of earrings. One on the cheaper side, another set that is made by a jeweler. I will probably be back soon to pick up a couple other pairs.
I liked that the store was pretty spacious. There was lots of help and mirrors. They wrap up purchases in little fast food french fry bags and large things in a pizza bag. Kitschy and memorable.
I will absolutely be back to this place, even when I am no longer working in Evanston. It is a gem!
I almost forgot to the review this place since they've been closed for their 'vacation/shopping trip' but they're open again and they have all of this amazing stuff.
Their clothes, accessories, and gifts are just unique, wearable, useable and affordable. I've picked up some great pieces of clothing here and really love to pick out some of their jewelry, too.
Now, the fact that they're right around the corner of my home makes things for my wallet a little bit more difficult, but 5 stars anyway for great quality, great picks, great customer service and all for a great price.
I completely forgot about this place, where as a teen, I eagerly spent hundreds of my hard earned dollars on earrings and other such nonsense that I have no time for now.
I could always be certain that my earrings were the most unusual...the clothes didn't look right on me, but they were so cool, so hip, so politically correct.
Like another reviewer, this place and Cafe Express were my favorite haunts. There was nothing like getting tanked up on Ethiopian Harrar and then speeding to the Mexican Shop for earrings or buttons or bracelets or chinese shoes or something else I really didn't need.
I think it's time for a trip, my first in over twenty years, to initiate my daughter...maybe today.
This is by far one of my favorite hipster shopping spots in Evanston.
Okay first, this is in Evanston, you don't even need to trek to Chicago!
The jewelry selection is pretty much the best along the the huge selection of hipster attire and handbags. Have I mentioned the prices? Unbelievable and hot damn, the products hold up as well.
Oh Mexican Shop, I think you're fabulous!
Don't give gifts from here! They have a strict two week return policy... even for store credit. The recipient of your gift won't know that, nor will they know the place has spotty hours.
After two drives to Evanston, I finally found them open and they wouldn't let me return or exchange. Bad customer service!
I found the Mexico Shop in Evanston some years ago when working in the area. What a wonderful and ecclectic collection of weird stuff from all over the world! From Bettie Page lighters to amber jewelry, this is one of those cool little finds. I've given jewelry from other places, but it just doesn't seem to have the same sense of caring as when they produce some great little oddity from here. My daughters fell in love with it, and on a summer's day, it makes for a good stop while crusin' around the area shops. Nothing is expensive and everything seems to have a soul to it.
Just great, and the best reason for us to drive from here to Evanston :)
I love this place for unusual ethnic clothes, bags, jewelry and accessories. The owners have great, eclectic taste, and it's reflected in the items they select for their store. Everything I buy here rakes in the compliments when I wear it - some of my favorite clothes are from TMS.
It's one of those places that you almost dread going into, because you could blow wads of money here, the stuff is all so cool! If they served champagne, I'd never leave. ;-)
Fun clothes & accessories, for gifts or summertime, park, beach, zoo, etc., embellishment.
The cutest clothes and accessories, and you don't have to walk around worrying if you will run into other girls with the same dress on that you just bought at the Gap. What's not to love?
I really like the Mexican shop .. not only because I'm Mexican, but because they have awesome jewelery? In complete seriousness, I don't think they sell Mexican things there, but they do have cute jewelery especially earrings. Great place to find gifts for both yourself and friends.
Great little shop! Everything was really reasonably priced and super cute. I walked in on my way to the El and walked out a few minutes later with a new pair of earrings! Everything was so beautiful. Will definitely head back there sometime soon when I have more time to shop for clothes...
Curious about this place for months, at long last I popped in, and I can only confirm what others have found: it's a delight. If you're looking for stylish yet cheap accessories from around the world--the Turkish bags are especially pretty--you simply must come. I popped in for a quick peek, and walked out with a lovely pair of earrings (and they're very conscientious about labeling them sterling silver or surgical steel in case you have any issues with nickel in your jewelry here) and a excellent pair of laquered wooden chopsticks with little inset bits of shell. I couldn't be more pleased to have finally satisfied my curiosity, and can't recommend this place highly enough for clothes, accessories, and jewelry.
Soooo cute and sooo fun. If I have the cash, I am there buying something stylish that I know people will compliment me on forever. If you haven't yet, get in there and check it out. Staff have been really great too. The best jewelry selection, clothes are cute but often in odd sizes (pants that are small or large?). Fab selection of dresses.
I was really impressed by the affordable but stylish selection for such a small store. It's great for cute blouses and skirts, and just for basics like a black turtleneck with interesting touches. Also, plenty of accessories.
I like the review that referred to this place as delightful. I think that just about sums it up. The prices here are very reasonable, they switch things up a ton, and you can always find that perfect gift for someone... or yourself.
This place has the cutest jewelry and accessories for a really good price! The clothing line is also very unique, lots of bohemian style skirts and tops. Every purchase is wrapped unusually in a pizza paper bag. Fun place!
This is my fav store in the whole wide world. Its got such cute stuff from jewelry, purses, sunglasses, clothes, etc. and pretty decently marked! This store is very dangerous for me - I put a few things to the side then I must run for my life before I spend all of my money...if you love hip things this is the place to check out!
the mexican shop is delightful! anyone who loves jewelry and accessories must make a trip to the mexican shop, post haste! i feel that the prices are reasonable for what you're getting. i'm like a kid in a candy store here! scarfies and purses and hats, oh my! yea, that was lame - get over it.
one star off for the fact that the clothes always seem so little... a little variety, please? i guess that's typical for boutiques like this, but that doesn't make it cool!
I've been going to this place since I was little. I lived just down the street. They have an unbelievable selection of jewelry ranging form dirt cheap to not so much. And it's all different. An ok selection of clothes-kinda cheapy. Great scraves, headwraps, etc. and great sunglasses. Lots and lots of random kitschy stuff that wouldn't find anywhere else. They close for a couple moths in the winter which sucks.
Great stop for cheap but fun accessories.
This place is hidden....kinda hard to find. But once you do, it could be your very best discovered jewel. Their jewelry is phenomenal. Such a variety. Very affordable. Sucks that it's all behind cases b/c you feel a little intimidated when the sales girl(s) look at you like you are going to steal something the whole time you are shopping. They have very inexpensive clothing. Not as much as I remembered in past visits. The clothes are cute and trendy, definitely not something you are going to have forever. But there wasn't too much of a variety, and the racks mostly fill up with multiple items of the same style. I would stop in if I had to buy a gift for a friend, specifically jewelry or perhaps a fab pashmina. Another bonus for being an independent, non-corporate boutique!
Love this place. I try to do most of my gift shopping here for friends. You'll always find unique pieces of clothes, jewelery, bags, etc.. and they won't blow your budget like the rest of the super trendy and expensive boutiques you'll find all over Evanston.
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