Medusa’s Circle

Loved shopping here forever until I moved to Seattle. Was so happy to find MEDUSA’S MAKE-​UP recently at a boutique here. The makeup was just like the store– unique, colorful and fun! Haven’t been to Medusa’s in a while but the staff was always nice and Pierre always made it a good experience to shop there.
Where else can you buy a scorpion in a glitter globe?

I like to visit this store just to browse and look quickly. Their fare is pleasing and fun to look at. I have almost bought things (Cupcake pillow, neon lightning bolt shirt, cigarette holder/​wallet), but I can’t say it’s my style completely, so I don’t feel comfortable paying too much for one item.
I think some of their things are overpriced, but if you are into neon and 80’s styles, then I’m sure you’d like this place. I tried their neon pink eyeshadow, and wasn’t too impressed with it. Think I’ll stick with MAC.

This store used to have fantastic clothing, and staff for that matter years and years ago. But as times have changed so has their selection and now things are boring and no longer unique and gorgeous. I suppose fashion stores must sell out to culture craze ey? Sad to see you go old medusa’s circle, I’ll miss you.

I think it’s funny that everyone’s recommending the makeup. I bought six colors and split another six with a friend of mine. I wasn’t impressed with the quality at all– though you do get what you pay for. If you’re looking for strong pigments, grab MAC or Ben Nye. This stuff has a great color selection, but absolutely doesn’t hold up all day. If I wanted bright eyeshadow that looked like I applied it four days earlier, maybe I’d be more impressed.
As far as the rest of the store, it’s fine. Decent salespeople, huge selection of random 80s hipster accessories. I guess it’s just not my scene. Just wanted to put my two cents in on the makeup recommendations.

My friend was visiting and I thought I would take her on a stroll down memory lane, aka to the Alley. I knew she would appreciate the shoe selection there, if nothing else. However, neither of us bought anything there and we moved on to Medusa’s Circle, where I really hit the jackpot.
I know a lot of people are crying overpriced, but I was in the market for a Tina Turner wig (it was nearly Halloween) and I found an excellent one here. It wasn’t that horrid type that winds up tangled and weird after one wear; it’s actually still wearable after about 5 nights on the town — and I think it was $ 25? I recall being really impressed by the price. I also found a cute unicorn tshirt on sale for like $ 10. I thought it was a bargain of a trip, in addition to being rather magical regarding the wig I thought I’d never find.
The sales ladies were really awesome, too.

This is the one place that I miss the most ever since I left Chicago.
They have a great selection of clothing regardless of the fact that some things in there are way too pricey.
I miss. this place.
I remember wandering in here and finding a sweater that I was oogling online for a long while. Of course they didn’t have my size because it was an awesome sweater but. I think that scores points.
A lot of the clothes that I bought here are one of those one of a kind, cute, never will find it anywhere else types. I don’t think this place gets enough love.

Quite pricey (for me), but there really are some cool designs.
I once picked up a sweet pair of hot pink/​neon green ‘Roos & some really fun earrings/​accessories. I’ll have to try the make-​up!

This place gets a 5 if only for their makeup. I can’t afford to buy all the sweet clothes I would like to, but Medusa’s Makeup is amazing. The colors are vibrant and stay on all day. I’ve also gotten a number of cute purses and some earrings. All of which I’ve thought were reasonably priced.

I really love this store. I absolutely love the bright neon colors everywhere. I also love the awesome cheap bling in the counters, I always leave with a new lightning bolt necklace or something.
The other thing that I think is truly a well kept secret is their awesome makeup line. I guess it is not so secret now, because I have seen it for sale in other stores. It is like MAC, but way cheaper, and much more dramatic and cruelty free! I think I own like every color of eye dust that they make and almost all the glitters.

Lots of cute items. Cute, overpriced items. Cute, overpriced items for the ‘vintage 80s’ connoisseur.
It’s not HORRIBLY overpriced though. It’s overpriced in the same way Urban Outfitters is overpriced. You’ll pay 30 bucks for a designer t-​shirt, but it’s an independent designer and the shirt is 1-​ply jersey cotton. The kind that’s holy after a couple of washes.
I’ve gotten a few cute purses here, though. I do not bother with the makeup because…
Well, I’m not a drag queen.
The cashiers were usually quite nice, but I can’t get down with the handwritten receipt. Come on guys, what year is it again?
Oh, right. You think it’s 1985. I forgot. :)

Electro. Clash. Two little words that mean so much. Where were you in ’02? Future generations will view Medusa’s Circle as a nostalgic monument of futuristic nostalgia.
This store is too important to actually shop at.

Probably the only store in Chicago I don’t mind spending money at. And by money I mean more than what I spend on food in a month. Love this place. They sell everything from makeup to clothing to zines… well those are free. I love that they sell indie designers as well as brands such as Lip Service. Be prepared to spend money here, even if it’s clearance.

One star off because more than once the employees have been rude to me. I reccommend checking out the makeup because it’s unique and pretty good quality. Just don’t bring anyone over like 38 because they will complain that the store is «so 80s». I added star 4 because of their cool parties that I will definitely check out someday. The three first stars are for impressive makeup, clothing and styling.
EDIT: Hey! I take it back, maybe the people working there were having a couple off days but the past couple of times I’ve gone, the cashier was so nice. Maybe if somehow the prices could be dropped a little, it’d have five stars. Again, I urge you to check out the makeup!

This women’s clothing boutique is bursting with color; neon tights, shiny skirts, blinding pumps, outlandish t-​shirts… Everything about it has a very edgy feel. Though small, they have quite a selection. I came here to grab some tights for a film shoot and simply enjoyed looking at the splashes of color everywhere. There’s also plenty of unusual black clothing for those with darker tastes. Their products are quite unique in that I’ve never seen them anywhere else. If you’re looking to stand out in a crowd, definitely check out Medusa’s Circle!
This store is noteable because I saw a bright orange skirt with green trim there. I do not wear skirts ever. I pondered wearing that one.

This is a really cool store. they’ve got tons of black and neon stuff, they really put a crazy spin on classic clothes. Their owners put on a monthly dance party with totally 80s stuff, it rocks!

This alternative clothing boutique is much smaller than The Alley, but offers so much more in unique fashions. Unlike the Alley, they have evolved with the times, adding to their goth and punk specialties by venturing into glam, a little bit of fetish-​themed wares, and custom designed items. Even if it’s not your style, it’s fun to visit and soak in the brilliant colors, and eye beautiful people trying on sexy outfits.