Meeting The Miz Mooz Team - YLF - YouLookFab

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Last month, while in NYC for Fashion Week, Greg and I popped into the offices of Miz Mooz located on a bustling Broadway Avenue. If you aren’t familiar with this fabulous footwear brand, read about them in this recent product review. Our readership is as enamoured of their fun colours, retro styling and cushioning footbeds as I am.

The Miz Mooz showroom and head office is located behind one of their stores, which in itself is fabulous. Can’t get closer to your customer than that! So we walked through the store first in order to get to the showroom. There we were met by delightful employees, Cheryl Matson and Jeffrey Bart, who made us feel right at home. I couldn’t resist wearing my own red Miz Mooz Alcott pumps to the meeting. Needless to say they received a standing ovation.

Miz Mooz runs an impressive and tight operation. You’d never guess that aside from retail staff, the entire company is seven people, and the oldest employee is 30. Quite the young and dynamic bunch.

Cheryl and Jeffrey ran us through both their Fall and Spring collections and I was in my element. The experience took me back to my buying days as I handled all sorts of samples and prototypes. So fun! As I browsed the showroom racks, I couldn’t help but shout out: “Those are in the YLF store!”, and “Oh! I have the apple green Carlitos. I love them because they are hip and comfortable!”, and “I have a friend who bought those boots in both colours because she liked them so much!” What can I say? I’m a fan.

I asked about the origin of the unusual name and chuckling followed. Well, it turns out that aside from having a nice ring to it, “Miz Mooz” is a play on the Hebrew word for foreplay: “Meez Muz”.

The name is not the only Israeli connection. Miz Mooz also draws from Israeli footwear brand “Gazith”. According to Cheryl, Gazith is more of a sister brand than the Israeli Miz Mooz brand. “Our shoes share the same inspiration as Gazith, but we alter the line significantly to make it more suited to our market, and add our own styles. The Israeli shoes are a bit more… extreme!”

When I traveled to Israel last year, I did notice their fearlessly fashion forward footwear. I guess it makes sense to tone things down to suit the American market.

Cheryl explained that the unique distressed look of Miz Mooz footwear is created in a finishing process. “Whereas most shoes just work their way through the production line and are then placed in the boxes and shipped to customers, we have a team at the end of the line that polishes or distresses the product to the desired look, be it an extreme distressing with sandpaper or just a light burnishing with polishes. Each pair gets its own unique look through this process. It is a traditional way of making shoes — more hands on and less automated. We feel this process adds so much character to the product”. It does indeed.

The most interesting piece of information that Cheryl shared with us: black is their worst selling colour. “People don’t want to buy black footwear from us”. It makes sense. Why purchase black Miz Mooz shoes when you can choose from an abundance of happy colours. On that note, the next pair of Miz Mooz shoes on my shopping list are the Ansel oxfords in green or the Histeric oxfords in chestnut.

Another nugget to bear in mind with gift giving season around the corner: Miz Mooz recently launched a small menswear collection.

Our last stop before leaving was a wall of previous ranges. It was a great illustration of all that this little company has achieved in a short space of time. We look forward to many more winners from Miz Mooz.

Footwear 53 comments · Add a comment

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Inge

Oooooh!! I wish I could have been there with you!! Miz Mooz (smiling about the origin of the name) has been on my radar ever since I first started browsing American fashion sites. I absolutely love their variety of styles and gorgeous colours.

Such beautiful pictures again too. I bet you had a ball during this look behind the scenes, Angie, and the MZ team look like a fun and very stylish bunch. (and only 7 people, wow!).

I also think I need to go to Israel asap, if only for the shoes alone!-)

October 12, 2010 at 4:13 am

Scarlet Veteran

I really love these behind-the-scenes posts. You look fab, as always, Angie

October 12, 2010 at 4:23 am

Tanya Veteran

This was such a fun read! Love Miz Mooz shoes and hope to get a pair or two next year.

October 12, 2010 at 4:41 am Dee

I just bought my second pair of Miz Mooz boots and this is quickly becoming my favourite brand. They are so comfortable, and I agree that their best selling point is all the colours available!

October 12, 2010 at 5:03 am

Polly (thunalata) Veteran

Always a pleasure to see a post with pictures on Angie on it! Fab as ever. Great post – love reading about the company. Amazing that it’s so small and so young. Wish they were available in the UK.

October 12, 2010 at 5:32 am

Barbara Veteran

Great post, Angie. I am DROOLING over the photos. Those strappy sling-back flats are SO cute, the boots are to DIE for – I would probably buy one of each color! The high quality of all their footwear is obvious. Thank you for sharing. You are FAB!

October 12, 2010 at 5:40 am

Sally McGraw (website) Active Member

Oh, how FUN! I adore Miz Mooz designs. Just got my first pair to review recently, too! So nice to see a shoe company that isn’t afraid of COLOR.

October 12, 2010 at 5:46 am

Sparky Veteran

Fascinating peek into the workings of Miz Mooz; thank you, Angie! I love the European flair to their shoes ~ and now I’m really curious to see the more extreme styles for Israel.

October 12, 2010 at 6:31 am Diana

How fun! I love Miz Mooz shoes, and they sound like a great company. I would love to see the Israeli styles!

October 12, 2010 at 6:55 am

Vani Veteran

Ooh, what a fun read! Those colorful shoes look so luscious. I love the look of Miz Mooz shoes but can’t seem to pick one, they are all so cool! I hope to one a pair very soon. Thanks for the inside scoop Angie!

October 12, 2010 at 6:56 am

Queen Mum Veteran

You must have been like a kid in a candy store! What a treat to get to meet the creators of one of your favorite shoes

October 12, 2010 at 6:57 am

Lisa Veteran

I don’t own a pair of Miz Mooz shoes or boots, yet. But I really like the variety of happy colors they come in. It is interesting to hear that this small company is staying true to their roots right now, and not upsizing like crazy. I like that a lot, they give a “bright eyed and busy tailed” vibe which just brings a smile. And I really like the green oxford you are trying on Angie. I wonder if they are available yet?

October 12, 2010 at 6:58 am

Jonesy Veteran

Echoing Queen Mum, some of the pics really remind me of a candy store. All of the colors all lined up together–yum! They sound like a great company.

October 12, 2010 at 7:09 am

Reneeb Veteran

All the colors look so pretty. Thank you Angie for introducing me to this brand. I got my first pair of Miz Mooz Alcott in red and they are already my favorite shoe. Not only are they super cute but very comfortable. Great post I love that shirt on you.

October 12, 2010 at 7:12 am Joy

Lovely! I need to get some happy colorful Miz Mooz footwear and the light grey boots pictured second from right (what are they called?). The Miz Mooz name has reminded me of a cow so it’s good to know the true origins.

October 12, 2010 at 7:46 am

AJ Veteran

This was so fun to read..definitely personalizes the brand for me now. Funny, I shy away from colorful shoes because I feel I wouldn’t get much wear out of them. This post and your FAB outfits are making me reconsider that.

October 12, 2010 at 8:06 am

Debbie Veteran

Love this post. What a fun way to spend a day in New York. I love their shoes and if I ever get brave enough to buy red boots their’s are the ones I’m buying.

October 12, 2010 at 8:10 am

Beth Veteran

Great post Angie, and how interesting to see the behind-the-scenes action. My favorite pair of boots ever are Miz Mooz and they never fail to get compliments when I wear them. And no, they’re not black!

October 12, 2010 at 8:16 am

Sarah (website) Veteran

I have half a dozen MM boots in my wishlist right now. The rustic textures + rich colors are so appealing to me. I’m excited to browse the mens shoes, too.

October 12, 2010 at 8:17 am

RoseandJoan Veteran

Simply fascinating, I love your insider insight, it gives a whole other dimension to the blog. Killer.

October 12, 2010 at 8:34 am Cheryl (website)

Thanks so much for stopping by Angie! It was a pleasure meeting you and both Jeff and I had a blast showing you around.

October 12, 2010 at 9:22 am

Sihaya Veteran

What a great writeup. As a future Miz Mooz owner, I loved hearing the behind the scenes story and loved the story of its naming

October 12, 2010 at 9:43 am

marianna Veteran

Love the shoes, love the Israeli connections, love the young staff! Very very exciting! I’d totally be a Miz Mooz wearer if only they made my size. Alas, I guess I will just have to appreciate the shoes for their beauty for now! Eye candy for me!

October 12, 2010 at 9:53 am Sarah

Hah! I just bought my first Miz Mooz shoes – Hysterics, in BLACK! Oh well, I’m hopelessly pragmatic, and really *need* a pair of black shoes (at least I think I do – maybe if I keep hanging out on YLF, that will change). And these are VERY cute, and VERY comfortable. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Very fun to hear about your tour.

October 12, 2010 at 10:25 am

Srujana Veteran

So great to get a peek inside a company that makes such happy shoes…thanks for the write up Angie!

October 12, 2010 at 10:25 am

Antje Veteran

Oh what an awesome post. I LOVE the look of Miz Mooz! Don’t own a pair yet, but just got seriously renewed interest I love your “behind the scenes” reporting. You must have loved it in there – and I know how much you treasure Israeli style and footwear in general. Very cool.

October 12, 2010 at 10:37 am

Antje Veteran

And did Greg take all those fab photos? Love. Makes us feel as if we were right there with you. (I wish!)

October 12, 2010 at 10:38 am Amy P.

LOVE Miz Mooz! I have at least 10 pairs… I work in them, play in them… they are amazing! Super comfy while still being stylish. Thanks for the great, well deserved, review!

October 12, 2010 at 10:52 am

Angie (website) Fashion Stylist

Thanks, ladies!

Great that you chimed in, Cheryl. The vote is unanimous. You need to start exporting to Europe and make size 12 shoes so that everyone can enjoy Miz Mooz fabness!

Antje, Greg did all the photography

Lisa, the geen oxfords are in the YLF store. Hope you love them as much as I do.

October 12, 2010 at 11:06 am

Marley Veteran

Oh Angie – how did you keep yourself from hyperventilating when you walked into that place? I mean, gorgeous shoes everywhere!!! Thank you so much for giving us a behind the scenes look at one of my very favorite footwear designers! (And I love the meaning behind the name – just makes me smile.)

October 12, 2010 at 11:16 am

Becky Veteran

I’m drooling over the fabulous footwear in the pics. Miz Mooz leadership, please consider this a plea for wide sizes! Even duck-footed girls want to wear fab shoes!

October 12, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Kari Veteran

What a wonderful post! The shoes are pretty, and I really want those boots in green featured in your picture even though the last thing I need is a pair of bright green boots! I had to head to Nordstrom this past weekend to check out the two-toned Histeric oxford in person. It is really a gorgeous shoe. I’ll have to head back later this week when the footwear department is less busy to try it on.

October 12, 2010 at 12:43 pm

rute Veteran

What a fun post!

October 12, 2010 at 2:06 pm Nafisa

Great post and awesome photos! I’ve always liked Miz Mooz shoes and have tried several of them but dont own any yet. The shape of their shoes is very comfortable and the styling is really cool. I had a pair of boots 2 years ago that laced up in the back, they were perfect except the sole peeled off after 2 wears. I should have gotten them fixed instead of trying to exchange at Nordstrom. They had run out in my size and I never got the exchanged pair I also find their leather a little hard, so even though I adore their pumps I can’t wear them. If you find soft leather pumps from them, please put them in the ylf store.

October 12, 2010 at 2:06 pm

taylor Veteran

I really LOVE the back story and Israel connection!! How Fab you got the Royal Tour.!! Great Post!!

October 12, 2010 at 2:33 pm

Laura (website) Veteran

How great to get the inside scoop on Miz Mooz! I don’t own a pair but believe me, those heeled oxfords are on my list. No wonder Fashion Week was so hectic – you did all this plus the shows?!?

October 12, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Meredith Active Member

What a coincidence that I have my Miz Mooz boots on today!! I have thoroughly enjoyed my boots in both brown and black (very interesting to learn they don’t sell many in black).

It looks like a wonderful company, and I just adored your blog post about them.

I got a Nordy’s gift card for my birthday. I’ll definitely be checking out the Miz Mooz Shooz there!

October 12, 2010 at 4:38 pm

Lena Active Member

What a fun tour! It must have been like visiting a Willy Wonka factory…for shoes.

I don’t own any Miz Mooz yet, and this blog post has renewed my interest I adore comfy colorful and whimsical shoes. I’m also intrigued with that shade of turquoise-green-teal we can spot in Greg’s pictures. I hope it appears on the market some day.

I’d like to see Israeli footwear styles someday – I’m very curious.

Thank you, Angie and Greg, for a very fun post.

October 12, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Kari Veteran

Darn – looks like Miz Mooz boots are too small for my calves anyway. Oh well. I can always try out the oxfords!

October 12, 2010 at 5:25 pm

Anchi (website) Active Member

OMG I *love* this brand! Love, love, love! I have a pair of black Miz Mooz boots that I have to hold back from wearing too much for fear that they’ll wear out. And I have my eye on two pairs of lace-up boots from their new collection. How lucky you are to get to go on a behind-the-scenes tour!

October 12, 2010 at 5:45 pm

Maya Veteran

What a remarkable coincidence. I just bought these boots this morning.

http://www.endless.com/Miz-Moo.....aunch_date

Yes, in black–but I only had two options and you know I wasn’t going for brown. On that note, THANK YOU, Miz Mooz, for giving us narrow calf girls some options! I really look forward to getting my Kailia boots tomorrow and hope they fit.

Miz Mooz, stylistically, is right up my alley. They are colorful, cute, fun shoes. I used to work across the street from one of their stores and loved peeking in at all the pretty colors (it was in Noho, across from an Au Bon Pain I think–don’t know if it’s the same as the headquarters). Unfortunately I found many of the styles quite hard, but the ones that are comfortable are VERY comfortable. I’m very curious about their more extreme Israeli cousin now.

I think you should get both the green and the brown Angie. They are different enough to justify it

Thanks for taking us on the tour with you.

October 12, 2010 at 6:11 pm

Lisa Veteran

Thanks for putting the oxfords in the store Angie!

October 12, 2010 at 6:23 pm

Angie (website) Fashion Stylist

Lisa, we might be Ansel Oxford twins!

Maya, thanks for enabling me and I think you’re right. Go tell Father Christmas for me :-). Hope the boots you bought work out because they look fabulous.

Bummer, Kari. Try their other styles for sure.

Meredith, you are the friend I was talking about in the post! So glad you chimed in.

Nafisa, I’ve found that the leather Miz Mooz has been using for their footwear over the last year is much softer. Honestly, my Carlitos feel like slippers they are so soft.

October 12, 2010 at 6:43 pm

yublocka (website) Veteran

Ooh reading this post was fun. Talk about some gorgeous coloured shoes. I am in the market for a pointy-toed flats in red, purple and green, so I’ll be hoping this brand comes out with some!!!!

October 12, 2010 at 7:04 pm

elpgal Veteran

I wish they offered at least a few styles in wide widths. As a habitual black-pants wearer, I love colorful shoes.

October 12, 2010 at 10:15 pm Sara

Hi Angie! Miz Mooz is my favorite brand of shoes! Would you mind telling me where the store is located? I’m in desperate need of boots!

October 13, 2010 at 8:42 am Cheryl (website)

Hi Angie and all you YLFers! It’s been such a treat reading these comments, and we’re thrilled to find some Miz Mooz fans!

October 13, 2010 at 3:16 pm san

I love their shoes and their prices.

October 13, 2010 at 4:21 pm

Donna Active Member

I love colorful shoes! I haven’t tried this brand but I will now.

October 13, 2010 at 8:43 pm

shana Veteran

What a great post, Angie! I’m still laughing about the true meaning of the company name I’m rediscovering my love of funky shoes (believe it or not, though my taste in clothing is boring and classic, I always wore fun shoes) and Miz Mooz is offering lots of options! Unfortunately, so far I have not found any that I have also found comfortable for my fussy feet but I’m going to keep looking because I love the styles & colors!

October 14, 2010 at 7:52 am Mooz Nooz 10.14.2010 | Infinity Shoes (website)

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October 14, 2010 at 10:39 am

Laurel Pederson Active Member

Okay. I’m totally in love with the Ansel Oxfords, although I don’t like the green! I prefer the red or brown. Anyway, I could order them through the ylf store, but i really would rather try them on first… Nordstrom doesn’t seem to carry them! Help! Where are you planning to procure yours? I suppose I could try on some other Miz Mooz shoes to determine what size I should buy?

October 19, 2010 at 4:09 pm Ella

I purchased a pair of Miz Mooz boots (Siri in black, size 9) only a month ago and already the leather is splitting at the sides where the top of the shoe attaches to the sole. I have maybe worn them a dozen of times and I’ve treated them and taken good care of them. I am a repeat customer of the Miz Mooz brand but this is ridiculous! I had expected the usual quality that I have come to appreciate. Disappointing.

December 8, 2011 at 12:20 pm

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