Why the M. Gemi Petalo Flats are My Best Investment

How was 2017 nearly a decade ago? If you asked me, I would instinctively say “oh, just a few years,” but the calendar definitely says otherwise… whoops! The reason 2017 is on my mind is because that spring, I invested in my first “adult” pair of sparkly shoes. I even dedicated a whole post to them back then: The Petalo Flats in Gunmetal Glitter from M. Gemi.

At the time, I knew I loved them, but I had no idea they would become the most reliable companion in my closet, hence the latest installment of my Really Love My…. While many “sparkly” items feel like trendy one-offs, these gunmetal beauties have proven to be a true neutral. They have survived office moves, international travels, a pandemic, and even a pregnancy!

From London Offices to Royal Palaces

Whether I was styling them with Navy Pleats at Hampton Court or wearing them for a “fit check” before heading into the office in London, they always seem to elevate a look without trying too hard. The gunmetal glitter is sophisticated rather than “costume-y,” making them just as appropriate for a business casual OOTD as they are for a weekend exploring Dover Castle.

Comfort That Actually Lasts

Usually, when someone says a shoe is “comfortable enough for a 10-mile day,” I’m a bit skeptical. But these have actually done it. They’ve walked the halls of Harrods during the pandemic and trekked across cobblestones.

Perhaps the most sentimental moment for these shoes, however, was the day I gave birth to Lily. By the end of the third trimester, my feet were… let’s just say uncooperative. These flats were one of the only pairs of shoes that still fit comfortably and made me feel like myself during those final days.

Why Quality Matters

Looking back at these photos from 2017 through 2026, the quality of M. Gemi really stands out. Despite the miles and the years, the glitter hasn’t flaked off, and the structure has held up beautifully. If you’re looking for a sign to buy that “investment” shoe—this is it. They aren’t just shoes; they’re the timeline of my last decade.

Fit check in London