NOMAD

The most lovely gift shop! Whether it’s a secret santa, a housewarming, a wedding, a gift for a mentor or professor… I truly believe you can always count on Nomad for a gorgeous, unique gift people are sure to cherish. I’ve been coming here with my Mom for over 10 years - and it’s always a joy! The staff are so kind and I love their commitment to fair trade and to uplifting artists from around the world.

I always find something nice even when I'm not really looking. I got my hat, scarf and aBudda candle. They even let me buy a small display bookshelf.

I’ve shopped here for years and my most treasured clothing comes from here! The women who work in the store are so sweet, friendly, and helpful. They always remember me when I come in. I miss the old days when they sold furniture, but I love the children’s section and have found some great home decorations in the current setup.

I visited Cambridge and made a special stop into the store. I hadn’t been in for a few years as I no longer am in the area. The shop still features a plethora of beautiful pieces. Wonderful gift items from around the world. Some a bit overpriced but lots of imports. Everything is well curated. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I was a bit surprised that none of the staff (2) acknowledged I was even there. I was standing next to a woman tidying shelves and she didn’t say a word. I looked at clothing and wanted to try on a piece. After standing and waiting for help, I put the item back. In a world where small businesses hope to keep doors open, I would highly suggest a more friendly atmosphere. I don’t expect a red carpet, but a smile and “hello” are expected. I recall it being a warmer place in years past. Maybe it was an off day.

I love this place. I have been shopping here for over a decade. It has become my go to place to get gifts for all the women in my life. I struggle with finding gifts but not here. There is always something small or fun or interesting for everyone. Don't forget to go downstairs. There are always great little finds there tucked away. I'll be headed there for Christmas gifts. Hopefully they have the frasier fir candles for my wife again. Make sure to look through the jewelry as well. They tend to have items that are from around the world and domestic artisans. The cards are fantastic too. I like that i can get something that's a bit unusual or get a postcard as a greeting card. The best part is that there seemed to be a little story about everything in the store. These little stories help make the gift a bit more special and thoughtful.

I usually buy clothes online and textiles in Guatemala, but I wandered into this beautiful store and fell in love with the hand block printed blouses, dresses, robes and napkins. I love that the owner travels to places like Chiapas, Mexico to meet the weavers and pay them fairly for their beautiful goods. The prices are excellent. The salespeople could not be lovelier or more helpful. I’ve been stopping by so much, they say, “See you tomorrow.”

I like shopping there. Most of their clothes are made in the U.S. Good quality and great choices and also their sales are fun as well.

An amazing selection of international decorations and apparel and an infinite source of gift inspiration. The clothing and accessories are mostly oriented towards women, and the artwork tend to be mainly from South and Central America, but there's definitely something for everyone. The merchandise does tend to run on the pricey side, and parking can be problematic.

I usually buy clothes online and textiles in Guatemala, but I wandered into this beautiful store and fell in love with the hand block printed blouses, dresses, robes and napkins. I love that the owner travels to places like Chiapas, Mexico to meet the weavers and pay them fairly for their beautiful goods. The prices are excellent. The salespeople could not be lovelier or more helpful. I've been stopping by so much, they say, "See you tomorrow."

Awesome place with lots of unique gifts options for anyone and any budget. Beautiful jewelry, artwork and amazing vibe. Personal are friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely will visit again when back in town.

Absolutely amazing and friendly staff. Great and interesting selection of jewelry and clothes. Highly recommend for the person looking for something unique.

Now that Otro Lado is gone :( this is the only place that sells mexican stuff. The owner is crazy, insane, and should not be supported via your hard earned cash. Also the stores inventory is highly overpriced, buy the stuff online and with shipping you'll still pay less. Low blow? perhaps, but it's all true

I like everything in this store but I am rating it low because of the people who work there. They are so rude. I go in there several times a year. Today I was in there shopping for jewelry for myself as a birthday gift. I watched the two woman say hi to everyone else in the store but me. When a guy walked in, one of them fell over herself to help him but still ignored me. I was studying all of the cases of jewelry intensely. It should have been obvious that I was a serious shopper. Not once did either of them ask me if I want to see anything. After 10 minutes of this, I decided that I would rather spend my money down the street at Utso where the owner is a very friendly Tibetan man. I was prepared to drop a few hundred bucks on myself today because their stuff is beautiful. I ended up getting a better deal at Utso on a fun set of coral and turquoise necklace and earrings. When I did buy a pair of inexpensive earrings, I walked up, handed them to her and said hi..she didn't even say hi back. She rang me in and did say thank you in response to mine, but that's all I got. For such a pricey store, the service should be **TOP NOTCH**. I will be back because I like almost everything in here. Good place to get gifts and funky stuff but be prepared that the staff might choose you to single out as a Loser (for no reason, other than probably I am cuter than them).

Purveyors of the eclectic, beautiful and unique. A brilliant love child of Frieda Kahlo and Baz Luhrmann raised by Janis Joplin exploding in knickknacks, gorgeous home stuffs, clothing and accessories. Everything you want, nothing you need. I wish my super power was moving decimal points over one place.

The store used to be warm and welcoming. Since they moved to their new destination up the street they have a new whole new staff who can't be bothered. I asked the sales associate to help me measure a large basket I was considering. She looked at me with utter disdain. And once again I walked out swearing never to return. A good selection of clothing and home furnishings don't make up for poor attitude.

This is the store for the young newbie mommy or pregnant lady who wants to be a hippy, stylish, and comfortable and spend lots of money doing that. The clothes tend to be WAY pricey, but well tailored and usually the fabrics are very good to the skin. Then there's all this other funky stuff from Mexico and Africa that is fun to look at--lots of Day of the Dead stuff and wooden figurines that I suppose are used in some kind of bizarre fertility ritual somewhere in the globe but in America they become wacky knick knacks and conversation pieces at cocktail parties. You know, the colorful kind of rinkydink crap that looks amazing in mass quantities at a store, but as soon as you get it home it doesn't quite match your velvet Elvis paintings. But its not like I'm speaking from experience. Not at all.

Nomad is like Cambridge's version of Anthropologie (but a little more bohemian). Everything is adorable, brightly colored, stylish, and wildly over-priced. I can't tell you how many times I walk into Nomad and start oohing and aahing over something, only to flip the tag and almost pass out. So here's the secret: only but things from Nomad when they have that big-ass sale sign in the window. Sure this means buying winter clothes in spring, and summer clothes in winter, but it's worth it. Here's the other secret: never, ever shop at Nomad on weekends. It's just a zoo. It's a fairly small space anyway, and if, like me, you think shopping is an act meant to be completed quietly, effortlessly, and painlessly, then you do not want to be in Nomad on a Saturday afternoon. Trust me.

I used to go here every time I was in Somerville, but I stopped when I realized I was definitely being followed around the store by employees--and it wasn't because they were trying to offer me help. The first time I thought I was just being paranoid. Same with the second time. But then I mentioned it to friends (who are white; I am not), and they saw it happen to me, too.

I like Nomad fine. It's cute and the clothes are cute. I have a number of skirts and dresses from here...all bought on sale. In general the initial prices of many of the items are quite high, even for the area. However, they are cute and unusual, so you are paying for that. I do agree with some of the other reviewers that the staff can be particular about who they want to help. However, the staff can also be really warm and friendly.

I really love the energy of this shop! It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon browsing gifts for yourself or others. Beautiful fair trade items, especially if you are a Frida Kahlo fan!

Nomad is my favorite store in the metro Boston area. Almost every time I make it up to Porter Square I find a shirt, or a dress or a skirt that I can't live without. The style is unique enough to be eye catching; yet, still simple enough that it's classic and can be worn for many years. The clothes are well crafted, natural when not organic fabrics, practical, and pretty. I consider my clothes an investment and the pieces I've gotten here are a bargain when I consider how many seasons I've worn them and how awesome I feel when I wear them. Special note for the cash strapped: Nomad has some great sales a couple of times a year so be sure to make it up there at the end of a season when the discounts are up to 50% off. The jewelry has ethnic and folkloric appeal without the played out aspect of many jewelry designs of the hundred and one Tibetan accessory shops. Slight variations in traditional designs from Vietnam, Africa, Latin America, etc make the earrings and necklaces elegant and easy to incorporate into a look without looking costumey or incongruous. Ai, I love Nomad.

An explosion of color...this international boutique carries bohemian- chic clothing, colorful and cool stuff for your home, funky jewelry, interesting gift items from around the world and much much more....I love it for gifts....you can always find something special and unique here. I also really dig their talismans and good luck charms from around the world....build your own charm necklace.....

I love this place - I have to say that I was suprised at how excellent their clothing selection was. I went in to take a quick look to avoid the rain - and after eyeing over miles of beautiful cloths from around the world - great handicrafts from mexico, and unique jewelry I stumbled upon Cambridge's secret clothing destination and walked away with some beautiful pieces. They carry some lines little known to me but also major labels like Nanette Lepore. Some of it is a bit too "earthy and flowy" for me but there are some great pieces among their selection. The staff are gracious and helpful (as well as knowledgable about all the products carried in the store). Love it.

I don't know why I had never been into this place until last week. I must have walked or driven by a hundred times. But I finally made it in. I LOVE all of the color in this store! They sell imports from Latin America, and it's got a very vibrant feel. Strangely enough, I walked out empty-handed. Was it because the prices were a little high? Or maybe the items all just looked cool together, but I didn't actually want to transplant any of them into my living room/bedroom/bathroom...? My favorite thing in there was probably the decorative mirrors. There were some that were about $20-30, not so bad if you ask me. They also had beautiful rugs downstairs, little cabinets, jewelery, lots of decorative sculpture-things, and Frida Kahlo merchandise. Overall, a nice way to add some color into your life or home, and a good place to get a gift for someone who doesn't need anything, but appreciates fun.

Fun curiosities. A mix of various things you didn't know you needed but somehow you were drawn to. Also fun to just explore.

I love coming here to window shop, since the clothes are so pretty. Unfortunately my wallet can't afford to actually buy anything too often, since the dresses are pricey. Some of the costume jewelry is affordable, though, at under 10 bucks. In short, I loooovvveee the clothes/jewelry I have bought at Nomad, and I get tons of compliments whenever I'm feeling fancy enough to wear them. The girls who work here are super nice, too. I just wish the place was busier so I didn't feel awkward being the only one in the store.

Oh, Nomad! Why are you so expensive? Is it because Ben Afflack featured you on an Oprah show "Ben's favorite Boston things"? Is it because you are truly a class of your own in the Bosto Metro area? sigh.

I've known the owner of this store for 27 years. There's been some really nasty posts lately, which I can't figure out. Really. She's one of the friendliest and nicest store owner's you could meet. I used to work for a store right near the place, and her neighbors like her, too. I don't get the Hate Vibe, at all. Sure, some stuff is pricey, but she buys direct, and gives her vendors fair price for the items bought. She doesn't go to Import Trade Shows, for instance, and buy mass-produced crap. And, she highlights some local designers for clothes. I just don't get the negative reviews. Yup, stuff is pricier than at some other places. But, I know she isn't screwing her suppliers, either.

Someone was getting a massage in the corner when I was here this past weekend. Muh? There was no sign.. or anything. Strange. I felt awkward asking about it. So Nomad. The store is definitely a bold assortment of colors that awakens the senses. They have everything from clothing to shoes to jewerly.. books.. dolls. etc. I even saw DVDs for language immersion on the counter. Sometimes they have sale racks outside of traditional garb or Free People type clothing. A lot of it seems expensive, but I don't really know price comparisons for things that Nomad carries (except Free People.. which aint usually cheap). A lot of it isn't in my price range, but I do love sorting through to try and find the deals. I think the people working knew I was just into looking and not into buying because they didn't chat me up. Meh.. didn't bother me.

Cute store! Love the music playing in here. Love the layout! I feel like I am on vacation in New Mexico or some southwestern place. The prices can be steep, however. They do seem to have sales quite a bit, so that is good. I really like everything in here! Service is low key and no pressure, which is welcoming!

I love browsing through this store, but agree that the clothes are either too hippy or too expensive. They sell lots of ethnic stuff from Mexico, India, etc... But I have to say that the jewelry is gorgeous. Lots of handmade gold and silver jewelry - but pricey.

Really cute multicultural shop with plenty to look and smile at. If you're looking for a special gift for someone who loves to travel and loves indian or nepal decor and fashion, this is the place to go. They've got bright colored silk scarves, a small corner of boutique clothes, vintage and new rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Plenty of rare and out of the norm cookbooks and for those looking for recipes they can add sri acha to they've got that cookbook as well. They sell kids toys and clothes and have some pretty cute home decor items. The basement lower level is small but has tons of items like rugs, pillows, purses, small tables, reproduced art and hand made fabrics for those looking to make quilts and or clothes/purses. The four stars are for their prices, which are astronomical! $15 for one plate? HOLY COW...

Note: Only checked out Nomad for their Dia de los Muertos products. After reading reviews for Nomad, I decided to check it out. I called in advance to see if they did in fact carry sugar skull molds and meringue powder (which are pretty much priced at Nomad as they are if you bought them online). The phone call was answered promptly and the woman on the other end offered to hold some items for me. This store has BEAUTIFUL items. Like, ridiculously gorgeous items. Some of them are pretty out of my price range, but still beautiful nonetheless. I actually didn't have a problem with the people working there. Really did think that the guy working there was going to follow me around, but I think that may have been paranoia from reading other reviews, haha. He didn't, though. After walking around the store for a good 20 minutes, I finally collected the things I wanted. The girl behind the register wasn't overly friendly, but also wasn't rude either. I asked a couple of questions about the store and she didn't seemed bothered at all to answer me. Overall, pretty good experience, probably won't go back unless I'm feeling particularly unattached to my money.

Funny story: I wasn't really into Nomad. I'd wander in here on Sundays when I was bored and over-caffinated, but nothing ever really caught my eye. Then, while perusing old Talk threads for info on where to buy niche perfume. . . I found out from Tatsu I's post that Nomad carries CB I Hate Perfume. That day, I skipped my running routine, hopped in the car, and went to go smell pretty things. GOOD GRIEF. If you go into Nomad and don't try at least one scent, you are missing out. (They have more testers behind the counter). There's one that smells like drinking tea outdoors with your friend the morning after a debauched evening. There's one that smells like my kindergarten library. There's one that smells exactly like my ex-girlfriend's sublet in Paris. This CB character is a friggin' mad scientist. Anyway - aside from that, I'm typically overwhelmed by the goods on Nomad's shelves and don't buy anything. BUT, a friend bought me a very pretty necklace here, and it came in such a cute little recycled paper box. Great store for gifts that don't look like regular tchotchkes.

Nomad has a great selection of imported "ethnic" jewelry, much of it very high quality. (I think Bostonians are used to cheap imported stuff; no wonder so many people who've written reviews seem to suffer from sticker shock!) See especially the locked case in the right-hand corner near the cash register -- I saw some gold African (?) jewelry that I immediately fell in love with. Ask about their selection of Patch NYC jewelry. The designers for this label moved to Lexington from New York a few years ago, and this seems to be one of the few local stores that carries the complete line. The clothing isn't really my style -- think relaxed silhouettes and slubby raw silk -- but it's well-made (and worth the price, to the right person) and I find occasional gems. Same goes for the blocky modern shoes. I like visiting in the dead of winter. The wild colors featured in the store cheer me up.

If you are looking for a truly unique place to purchase gifts for that special family member, friend, co-worker, etc..go to Nomad right now! This place is a real treasure, nestled on Mass Ave, smack-dab between Harvard Square and Porter (although it's closer by foot to Porter). Featured are beautiful home-goods, clothing, ornaments and jewelry from around the world, specializing in merchandise from South America. I love nothing more than spending hours browsing through their Bolivian blankets, hand-painted wooden tiles from Guatemala, the many Mexican Day of the Dead figurines, handmade jewelry from India, three-legged "Chanchito" pigs from Chile and their lovely silk shawls, tunics and dresses. I give this place four stars instead of five because the clothing tends to be a bit overpriced. A WONDERFUL place for Christmas ornaments and Nativities and there's enough jewelry there to please any lady who's looking for something colorful and exotic.

The colors and variety of beautiful inspirational goods is overwhelming. Looking for a unique piece of jewelry or a unique Day of the Dead piece this is a great place to visit!

I found the staff to be friendly. I liked the store and its unique wares. I felt that the prices were steep for most of the kitschy stuff. I purchased a necklace and though it was pricey, I've been happy with the quality of the necklace.

Such a great find in Cambridge. I wish there were more stores like it. If you love eclectic clothing, jewelry, and trinkets that could be from there or anywhere, stop by here when you get a chance. It's like going on a pseudo-vacation, sort of like how you can buy stuff from museum stores without paying admission for the museum, you can buy something from Mexico without buying a plane ticket.

So unique, so boho, so Free People expensive. Jewelry, clothes, interesting house furnishings, and Nepal made trinkets. More of a fun place to explore than actually make purchases. It will definitely remind you of Mexico with all of its Dia de los Muertos characters, however, it strides to incorporate free traded crafts not only from Mexico, but from Africa, Afghanistan, India, South America and Southeast Asia. It is conveniently located between Porter and Harvard Square, and is therefore a must stop on Mass Ave.

I drove by a few years back while visiting Boston and thought to myself this is a must bookmark store to visit if I ever come back. I thought it would be more like Anthropologie where I would fall in love with everything but it didn't work out that way. A bit too eclectic, less whimsical. More Indian bohemian, less shabby chic. It reminds me a cross between Pier One Import goods and Anthropologie.

I do love Nomad. It's true. It's a small store but I can get lost in there for hours. (though i've been going for years I JUST realized there is a lower level) Alas, however, I find Nomad is a store for ideas for things to purchase when I travel. It is a little on the pricey side when you know that you can buy the same item for a 10th the cost in ... Say ... Mexico. And, let's face it, sometimes buying an overpriced item is STILL less expensive, time consuming (and in in this turbulant time in Mexico's history, SAFER) then booking that trip to Oaxaca! But I always try to leave the store with at least one purchase.

I think many of the things they have are attractive. I have felt, though, that they have absolutely chosen to help others over me and my husband (both people of color). I've even suspected that we have been followed around the store. They also use language like "tribal/exotic cool" to describe some of their products (in this case, earrings from Nepal that are on their website). I find that description pretty gross and makes explicit that they exotify other cultures. So, while some of the products are nice, my personal experiences here and political perspectives prevent me from frequenting this shop.

so I wrote a review a while ago and it got cut. perhaps I swore too much. it deserves it. the owner is insane and upsets many other shop owners in town. the prices are above and beyond what any retail shop should be charging, unless it went to charity or something, but no, it goes to the insane owner and her lavish lifestyle. sickens me to the core. I puke on you.

I'm on the fence about this place. The store itself is truly beautiful albeit outrageously expensive. They have some pretty decent sales, though. My problem with it is that I always get followed around the store. Today as I left the dressing room after trying something on, I caught one of the staff peering into the dressing room. When she saw that I noticed her, she scrambled away. This is not the first time something like this has happened and it feels very discriminatory to me.

I joined Yelp just now so that I could write a review about Nomad. I agree with other reviewers that they treat you like you're either a thieve or not worthy of shopping in their store. From the minute I stepped inside I felt that way. No one was particularly kind or helpful to me for the entire 45 minutes I spent there. . . and yes I made a purchase. I am a person who has 1) traveled extensively to the regions of the world where they purchase their goods, and 2) am known to shop at high-end stores . . . and despite that (or because of that) I still do not think that a scarf that is "just ok" in looks and quality should be marked at $450. That goes for many items in the store. Yes, their stuff (for the most part) is good quality but STILL waaaaay too expensive. For the kind of boutique their prices seem to try to hint that they are, their customer service should at the very least try to match the image they are trying to project .

Ugh! After a year of swearing I would never go back I stopped in one day while walking by. In the spirit of giving them another chance I opened the door and was literally stared down by the woman behind the counter. I should have just shut the door and walked back out. 10 minutes of looking around and no one acknowledges me othe

Fun, international boutique that I enjoy browsing in. Good Mexican milagros, day of the dead figurines, Haitian metal art Fun clothing, not the best quality or fit though. Beautiful ethnic jewelry, however, one can do better elsewhere. The rugs are way overpriced. Go in, take a peek and get amused if you are in the neighborhood.

I really, really, really want to like this place. It's really fun to poke around, I supposed, but the clothing seems to be either ill-fitted or too expensive. Or both, which is a real kick in the pants.

I occasionally browse in this store and sometimes have purchased items (usually the cheapest of the cheap since that's all I can really afford); they have fun and eclectic merchandise. While the goods are nice, you are essentially paying for the owner's overseas travel to acquire much of it--everything is insanely overpriced, from silver and gold jewelry, fun home decor items, to clothing and accessories. My main issue with the shop is the service (or lack thereof). Their staff rarely acknowledge customers when entering or even while browsing--in fact, the owner acts the same way. On several occasions I've stood at the register while the woman there has spent minutes chatting it up with a favorite regular customer, completely ignoring me and others in line. The main attention a customer seems to receive here is being followed around the store by staff, like you are a common thief. This has happened to me on many occasions. I did email the owner about this and she was extremely apologetic, explaining that they are victims of shop-lifting and so they need to monitor what is going on in the store. Obviously, I am whining about service and cost, but I continue to visit the shop on occasion. I do recommend it for its kitschy merchandise and occasionally being able to find something fun and unique for yourself or as a gift--like I said, it is nice to browse--but I do not recommend it if you are on any kind of budget or expect any type of friendly service. So, buyer beware.

I love this little boutique and its eclectic mix of milagros, ethnic jewelry, folk art and textiles. Items are gathered from local artisans in Latin America, Iran, India, Africa, Asia and Mexico to name a few. Nice mix of new and antique items. The only items I never fuss over are the clothing, which are not that unusual of a find at another spot for less (i.e. they sell Free People). Fun boutique to browse and gather up chotskies for yourself or as gifts.

I love, love this store. What a gorgeous, array of beautiful items from around the world... especially the jewelry! I can't believe some of the negative reviews. I went in with a friend, I am white and they are a person of color. We found staff perfectly friendly. No one rushed to offer help, and I actually prefer it that way! I don't like to be pestered in stores. If I need help, I'll ask for it. We wandered around the store and never felt that we were being eyed suspiciously (like I often feel in Barneys, for example). We even went into the basement and browsed around alone for quite a few minutes, unbothered. It was a really relaxed, welcoming environment. The owner was very friendly, and chatted with my young (as in not looking like she was going to spend lots of $) friend for a while. And why give a shop a low rating because it's expensive?? They travel the world to find unique items, that's why it's not a lot of redundant crap that you find at every other import store. (BTW, there's a huge range of items priced from a few dollars to lot$ of dollars). If you can get it somewhere else cheaper YAY for you. But that has pretty much nothing to do with rating this store.

Yesterday, feeling pretty blue about nick ashford's passing i wandered into nomad... wow what a lift.. i purchased a few items that will certainly take the chill off the coming weather.. the staff was so nice and helpful..fyi its a very dog friendly store..

i would make love to this store, but it would never have me as i don't make enough money for it's posh taste. aside from the gorgeous and wicked expensive clothing, this is totally your local Dia de los Muertos one stop shop. Meringue powder, sugar skull molds, mini altars, paper mache, all sorts of amazing and gorgeous skellington goodness resides within here. they even offer yearly classes on making your own paper mache skeleton, and you can damn well guess where i will be next october. i just love this store. i don't know of any other places where i can buy sugar skull fixings, frida khalo and johnny cash shrines, cook books, free people clothing, and gorgeous artwork.

Everytime I walk into Nomad i want to pin a sign on me that says"I Am Not A Shoplifter". I am comforted to know that it is not just me who feels watched and eyeballed when I am browsing. As a boutique manager for many years I understand that shoplifting can be a huge problem, but there are ways to prevent it without turning off your customers. That said. I love their displays. I envy their colorful oilcloth and paper flowers, and all the knick knacks and paddywhacks too. I drool everytime I come in. Their clothing is really pricey, but some are worth it since they are handmade, or made by small independent designers. I can't afford it, but I still look. They have their best selection around the holidays.

This is a great place to pick up unique gifts for others or for yourself. All of the trinkets remind me of what I used to find in Old Town San Diego, and bring back fond memories of living in So. Cal. They have nice things in a variety of price ranges, so you don't necessarily have to spend a lot to find something great. They also have really cute stuff during the "winter holiday season". I haven't checked out the clothes much, but did purchase a kick-ass pair of convertible mittens here that served me well throughout the winter. Staff is always nice and helpful.

If I was a millionaire I would buy everything here, or just go to Mexico and buy everything there. This store rules. Nanette Lepore dresses and Free People ensembles...good stuff. Furniture, figurines, recycled pocketbooks from gum wrappers, Great wares. Nice staff. Mucho dinero.