Jean at Extra Petite is one of the few bloggers whose advice I trust implicitly. I’ve bought many of the things she’s shown on her blog, and been happy with all of them. So when she contacted me as part of her new job as a representative for M. Gemi, a handcrafted, luxury shoe brand, I happily agreed to review their product.
The company let me select a pair of shoes to try, and being a girl who loves flats, I selected the Viale (above). I love the mesh trim. It makes a basic shoe something special. I’ve worn them to class with black jeans and to a professional event with structured sheath dress.
Truly, all the shoes look great. They have casual loafers, and summery sandals, and chic stilettos. They offer a wide selection of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find a pair you love. And every Monday, there are new styles to choose from.
The company touts the accuracy and consistency of their shoes’ fit. Their promise is that once you find your size, you’ll never have to wonder if the next pair will fit the same way. So how comfortable are they?
On a scale of one to 10 for ‘out of the box’ comfort, we’re talking a 7. The shoes need to be broken in a bit. As a result, the first time I wore them they rubbed in a couple of places and I changed them after six hours. By the fourth wear, the comfort level rose to an 8.5 and they could go all day. Basically, I wouldn’t advise commuting in them, but for regular office wear, they’re a solid performer.
The shoes are handcrafted in Italy. The quality of the construction is obvious, and the materials feel luxurious. I own two pair of Jimmy Choos that I picked up at the Gilt City sale, and the quality of these shoes is just as good. So while price points between $178 and $278 are not inexpensive, the quality makes them a good value.
The highest endorsement that I can give M. Gemi’s shoes is this: After they gave me a pair for free, I liked them so much that I ordered another pair (the summery Vero sandal) on my own dime. So if you’re looking for a shoe made with quality materials, awesome style, and decent comfort, give M. Gemi a try.
Disclosure: I don’t accept payment for reviews. However, M. Gemi did send me a complimentary pair of shoes to try. All opinions are my own; the photo belongs to M. Gemi.
Hi Belle, I appreciate that you are so upfront about c/o items and your reviews. For that reason, I wanted to alert you that but Jean now works for M. Gemi. She hasn’t disclosed it on her blog or professional social networking profile, but there is an article about it in the Boston Globe. The way the first paragraph is written makes it seem like Jean was contacting you as a fellow blogger, not as a paid representative of the company. I’m not sure if you were already aware, and perhaps that doesn’t influence your implicit trust in her, but I felt it important to say something anyway.
Thanks for sharing, A! This is good to know.
Hi ladies! I value transparency as well and contacted Belle fully disclosing that I am part of the startup team at M.Gemi. I asked for her honest feedback on fit, quality, and style as that is the best way a new company can learn and grow. As some of my own readers may know, I spent many years building my career in the finance industry but felt so compelled by the values behind this brand that I made the leap. I would not choose to be part of a fashion company that I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend to my own family and friends, which I consider Belle to be. So to me it’s one and the same, but perhaps Belle could clarify the first paragraph so there’s 100% transparency!
At Jean’s suggestion, I clarified the post. I know her well enough to know that she wouldn’t go to work for a company if she wasn’t sure the product was awesome. But it was a good thing to point out, regardless.
Hi Belle,
I saw these flats when you posted a picture on Instagram and they’re gorgeous. Can you comment at all on what the fit is like width wise? True medium? Narrower than usual?
Hi Belle – the Vero sandals are gorgeous! Can you comment on the fit? I usually wear a size 8 in flats, but often need at 7.5 in heels…I am wondering if sizing down a half size is necessary in these sandals? Thanks!
You should e-mail the company, and they’ll be happy to help you find the right fit for you.
Ciao Katie — We’re so happy you’re interested in the Vero! On mgemi.com there is a fit assistant tool to help you find your perfect size. Please let us know at assistant@mgemi.com if you need any help!
I have the flats in blush…and LOVE them. I’m from Atlanta on a business trip to Shangahi. I wore in the airport and virtually every day for the last week. Comfortable and adorable and go with everything. I can’t wait to order more.
Fit: I’m a 7.5 in Stuart Weitzman and ordered 38 based on reviews. A little tiny bit on the wide side but still awesome.
Looks like they don’t have size 11 (42) at least not in the ones I checked. Boo!
I love their styles, but most are not available in my size, 11 (42). I tried the 41, but just too snug. Any chance they can start providing us with size 42?
I ordered a pair of the Firenze loafers size 40 (9). The slate color is beautiful and the shoes are gorgeous. But unfortunately the shoes fit a bit too snug and narrow even after wearing around the house and office a few times. However my experience with M. GEMI has been excellent to date so I’m going to exchange these shoes for a size up in hopes of finding the right fit and a place I can treat myself to beautiful luxurious shoes every now and then!
I discovered M. Gemi about a month ago and have now ordered 4 pairs in two different sizes due to the fit of different sizes. They’re absolutely incredible from start to finish, their customer service team is incredible and a lot of help. I received my shoes in 2 days and they’re perfect. As someone who has a closet full of thousand dollar shoes, I’m completely hooked and have no affiliation with this brand or company. They’re amazing and I hope they’re around forever! It makes me wonder how much of what I used to spend for other brands was just for the middle man or the name stamped on them.
(due to the fit of different styles)