On a recent vacay to Mexico City, I continued my ever-dedicated research on petite clothing by shopping the best Polanco and Condesa boutiques in the city.
As an ex-pat many years ago, I was well-acquainted with the nooks and crannies of Mexico City, and I had the closet to prove it. But since then, a plethora of stylish boutiques have opened, allowing me to fall in love with the city all over again.
One of the many great things about clothing in Mexico City is its sizing. Most of the women’s sizing runs smaller than in the states — the small/chica size fits perfectly without alterations.
My favorite areas include Condesa and Polanco, both a short metro ride from the other. For second-hand shops, check out El Centro with its flea market-like jewelry and unique clothing.
On this trip, I was especially interested in searching out contemporary Mexican designers and über hip boutiques. Here’s what I found…
Polanco Shops
The Polanco neighborhood is like the Beverly Hills of Mexico City — much of the city’s upscale boutiques, shopping centers, and restaurants reside here. Stroll Av. Presidente Masaryk, and you’ll find Gucci, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton.
Artefacto & Ula Dres
Off Masaryk on Luis Urbina sits a refurbished house-turned-boutique, home to both Artefacto and Ula Dres.
Artefacto
Artefacto is filled with accessories for both the home and the wardrobe. Scarves, modern home décor, bags by Sensacional and Tuna, and unique jewelry — it was here that I fell in love with Olga Prieto.
Olga Prieto | Brass & Obsidian Ring
Artefacto has locations all over the city, including Condesa.
Luis Urbina #74
Col. Polanco Chapultapec
Mexico DF CP 11560
artefacto-polanco@artefacto.com.mx
Jimena Ysita | Clutch
Ula Dres
By far, Ula Dres was my favorite shop in Polanco. Even the sales staff was fabulous. Here, you’ll find fashion from popular designers, including Trina Turk, T-Bags, and Nieves Lavi. But for those searching for the perfect accessories (like me), you’ll find Mexican jewelry designers Cindy Goldstein and Adriana Gutierrez, and handbag designers Pantera, Magot, and Jimena Ysita. I was especially impressed with the clutches by Pantera and Magot, and the necklaces by Cindy Goldstein.
Inhala T-shirts
Nook
Stay in any major hotel chain on Av. Campos Eliseos, and you’ll be within steps of Nook, a boutique filled with hip clothing, lingerie, and jewelry — all at U.S. prices. Specifically, you’ll find Inhala t-shirts, Olga Prieto jewelry, and other great designs in super-chica sizes.
My favorite? The Inhala t-shirts. The designs are not only cool — they also fit perfectly. I should’ve purchased the full line…
Nook Fashion Gallery
Campos Eliseos #215
Mexico DF
5281-1250
fashiongallery1@gmail.com
Condesa Shops
Laden with hipsters and the cool boutiques and cafes that attract them, La Condesa is the Silverlake / Los Feliz of Mexico City. Its tree-lined streets are bustling with a younger crowd that’s dressed as trendy as our east-side Angelenos. The best shopping is found on Michoacan and Amsterdam.
Macarena Gutierrez
Macarena Gutierrez is a reputable Mexican women’s shoe and swimsuit designer. So, in the name of research, I paid a visit to her shoe boutique on Michacoan in la Condesa. I was not disappointed.
Macarena designs her shoes, boots, and sandals with the finest quality leathers, rivaling most U.S. and European designers. Her designs are slightly more conservative, but classic — the kind you’ll keep forever. And because she fits each with a padded insole, her shoes are as comfortable as they are elegant.
Av. Michoacan #72B
Col. Condesa
Mexico DF 06100
5256-1660
Pasaje Polanco
Presidente Masarik 360
Col. Polanco
Mexico DF 11560
5282-3209
Unikos
For a great selection of hip sweaters, jackets, wide-legged pants, and scarves, head over to Unikos on Amsterdam. I tried on everything from floor to ceiling, and, as expected, everything fit. I took home a new favorite that day: the Zoompy Paris puffy jacket. I wear it out almost every night.
Mosquito
Service and selection define my Mosquito boutique experience. Dresses, shirts, and pants — all muy chilanga chic. They had a pair of cargo pants with embroidery that is similar to Burning Torch. The dresses were super sexy, too. And as an added bonus to those whose Spanish vernacular is limited to donde esta el bano, the sales staff speaks perfect English.
Michoacan #128
Col. Condesa
Mexico DF 06100
5256-1622
Slick
In Condesa, Bari swimwear has a store called Slick. This swimwear line is ubiquitous — you can find all over the country. And, that’s a good thing ‘cause these hottie Mexican suits come in every color and style of the rainbow. The girl’s size 14 fit me perfectly top to bottom, and without the addition of crazy padding. To note: I generally refrain from featuring kid’s sizes on serafina (for obvious reasons), but because this suit fit well, covering all nether regions, and was on sale for a mere $25, I had to mention it.
And for those lucky petites with a bust larger than ‘A,’ you’ll find a bounty awaiting at Slick.
Av. Michoacan 151
Col. Condesa
Mexico DF 06100
5256-1406
El Local
The city’s popular, contemporary fashion designers are featured at El Local. In particular, I recommend checking out Ximena Fernandez, whose pieces were super contemporary and trendy, blending color and materials to create pieces that stood out above and beyond other designers in the city.
Amsterdam 248
5564-9148
