Shopping in San Miguel

This photo pretty much sums up the feel of the shops in San Miguel.  Natural, lightweight, handwoven materials both in clothing and home interiors.

There are goods made by artisans from Oaxaca, Leon, Mexico City, and many other towns.  Oaxaca is known for its textile production, Leon for leather and sterling silver jewelry is made by artists all over. 

I noticed the increase in quality and price of goods back in 2016 and it has continued.  There are new shops, some that have remained and sadly, those that didn't make it. 

This shop Mixta, was open when I was there four years ago.  They sell handmade goods from artisans in and around San Miguel as well as the students attending the art school, Instituto Allende.

I love how they drape the mannequins, allowing the garments and textiles to sell themselves.  There were some pretty strict "no photos" rules so I snuck in as many as possible.  

Mixta is housed in an old hacienda that is beautifully preserved.

Tile floors throughout

A beautiful courtyard with a fountain

I am sure you saw this picture I posted on Instagram while I was there.  This is the entryway to a courtyard restaurant and a shop called Mercado Collective.  This was a tiny shop but full of handmade pottery, jewelry, clothing and a lot of unusual macrame and woven home accessories.  There is also a clothing designer featured in the store which I don't see on the website.  Very Avant-garde.

Simple organic window dressings.

Roma Quince is filled with beautiful vegetable-dyed cotton caftans in dark moody colors and in another room, handmade fiber jewelry.

There is a lot of black clay pottery, crosses and "Day of the Dead" figurines too.

There is a lot of paper mache being used there right now,I also bought this beautiful paper mache ornament.

Even this chandelier with paper mache feather/leaf-like pendants.

One of the best restaurants in San Miguel is Quince with its rooftop bar/terrace.  As you walk in there is bamboo hanging overhead through the foyer and once you reach the terrace, you are greeted by one of the best views in town of the Parroquia.

 

You have to have a sunset drink and/or dinner at the Rosewood Hotel.  There is some interesting art installed right now on the Terrace level. At first glance, I thought this piece was all yarn loops but when I took a closer look I realized it is made mostly of clay rings.

I learned a long time ago that if it is hanging high on the wall that means it is old/vintage and is really expensive.

I could have spent a fortune in this shop but I used restraint and left with an oversized wrap to add to my collection.

A few of the other attractive windows and facades

There is so much more to share but I don't want to take up too much of your time.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me and I can give you a LOT of recommendations.