Shoes, the bane of my existence, or bank account. I think a person can have enough jeans, tops, and dresses, but shoes, absolutely not. As a result, I have had to make some rules (guidelines really) for shoe shopping. No impulse shoe purchases, unless it’s on sale and the very last pair is in my size because that’s just fate, if you ask me. When encountering a to-die-for pair, proceed with caution. I ask myself, is there a pair in my closet that I would reach for before this shoe. Have a purpose in mind while shoe shopping. And finally, when in doubt, go for the quality shoe. The budget shoes that I have worn once then discarded easily add up to the one splurge purchase that has lasted season after season. 

M. Gemi has always intrigued me. It claims comfort and quality at a lower price. And they’re handmade in the US. As you can only order online, I have always opted for other brands I can touch and feel on the shelves at Nordstrom. Their only store is in Soho, so a pitstop was necessary. 

First impression was awesome. I was promptly handed a glass of Prosecco and my, child-at-heart, husband was given a warm glass of hot chocolate. The walls were adorned with the company’s story and a line of leather. And the shoes were just as amazing as the service and ambiance. 

The aforementioned purpose was shoes for my bff’s engagement party and these suede mules were an instant winner. And the studded booties were on sale and the very last pair was my size, fate. But can the quality actually hold up with the Jimmy Choos of the world? Stay tuned.