What You Need For Summer

KAT MACONIE SLIDES 

The unofficial kick-off of summer has finally arrived - its memorial weekend! That means, if you haven't been getting summer ready {sans the body because I'm still working on that} then you most certainly better use this weekend to step up {pun intended}. To get you started, we've complied a quick hit list of summer must-haves. 

I mean there's never enough time in a day or a year or a week for this type of coverage, because everything is a must-have, seriously! Anywhot, check out these styles for some shoespiration and get to steppin this week to rack up. 

SLIPPITY SLIDE: The summer is about ease and comfort and with 'bedroom antics' making its way to mainstream, you can't go wrong with a slipper style slide. Dress it up or down, its an all out winner for chic and comfy. 

Featured here: Gucci @$280, Supreme @$140+, and Givenchy @$395. 

LACE UP: Add a little fun, flavor to your flats with embellished lace-ups. Since we're the type of women that like to keep it low maintenance on the clothes in during the summer i.e. practically naked, these are perfect for outfit jazzing. 

Featured here: Sam Edelman @$130, Almedea Turquesa @$250+, and Elina Linadarki @$189.

LOAFERS: Good for work or play, you can never go wrong with a pair of classic loafers. Pair them with bermuda shorts, jeans or a skirt. They're ripe for every occasion. 

Featured here: Stuart Weitzman @$450+, Fratelli Rossetti @$300+, and Good Ole Bass @$89.

KICKS: No major explanation necessary. Kicks in the summa time are a MUST. 

Featured here: Stan Smiths @$90, Rihanna Creepers @$140 {good luck finding 'em}, and Nike Blazers @$100.

BLOCKS AND BUCKLES: Not to be outdone, the blocked heel is your comfy alternative to a sexy stiletto in the summer months. We most certainly don't want to be clonking around in heels in the sweltering heat, but we also want to maintain the sass. These will do.  

Featured here: Nine West @$109, Laurence Dacade @$500+, and Aldo @$80.

Enjoy your weekend, be safe, and shop savvy.

P.S. Click product name for direct links out to purchase item or similar styles.

Everlane: Shoe Park In The City

IMAGE: EVERLANE.COM

I always knew that Friday the 13th was my favorite day. For perspective, I turned 13 on Friday the 13th and had one of my most memorable birthdays. I like odd things and firmly believe that in order for you to be number one, well you have to be odd! But I digress. I started this off with Friday the 13th and here's why, this Friday, May 13th Everlane will host the coolest experience in the city, Shoe Park, to try and buy their latest summer shoe collection.

Shoe Park, an interactive installation, will be located at 83 Wooster Street and last for 10 days ending on May 22nd. At Shoe Park, consumers will be required to remove their footwear at the entrance and try out the summer collection. The installation, set up as a mini obstacle course/playground, allows you to 'test drive' the shoes' comfortability and ease. If you love 'em, you'll leave with 'em that day.

I appreciate the brands foray into footwear - they're approach and marketing tactic have been clever - after its successful launch and ascension into providing the best basics.

Since I'll be heading up to Syracuse for my nephew graduation this weekend, I will miss the grand opening, but mutha will be sure to pump thru the following week and I simply can't wait.

Footwear available for try on and purchase range from $98-$190.

Slide Sandal

Street Sandal

Modern Babo

Leather Street Shoe

Modern Ankle Boot

Modern Loafer

IMAGES: EVERLANE.COM

P.S. Bags from the collection will also be on hand to test out.

The Met Gala: Best In Shoe

ZOE KRAVITZ ROCKING VALENTINO

IMAGE: COURTESY OF VOGUE.COM VIA GETTY IMAGES

Yesterday was the First Monday in May AKA the indelible night of the Met Gala. While I was a little underwhelmed by the red carpet looks that were supposed to take the theme Manus x Machina to the next level, there were some who came to slay and not to play. Of course at FTBUP!™ we were most interested in seeing what shoe stories were being told.

Not too many people took risk, but get ready to see a resurgence of rocking combat style, structured boots/booties with elegant dresses courtesy of Louis Vuitton - this seems to be a moment that has now become trendless, its been around forever, had a big moment in early 2000's went away and is now back, again.

On the flip side like Ms. Kravitz, who in my opinion KILT it, some ladies keep it dainty with unexpected detail. Taylor Swift gets a feature for this well done gladiator look. Overall, I think everyone played it safe. B O R I N G. Nonetheless, here were my picks for best in shoe show. Enjoy!

Jennifer Connelly in Louis Vuitton

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton

Taylor Swift in Louis Vuitton

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

SJP in custom SJP

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton

Solange in Loewe Clear Slides

IMAGES COURTESY OF VOGUE.COM AND FOOTWEARNEWS.COM

Shoe of the day: Vic Matie

Image: Vic Matie

Snowmaggedon 2016 really had people tripping this past weekend! And I will admit, I yearned for Summer for about 20 minutes, but that's only because I was traversing the web doing what I do best, looking for shoes! In my quest, I stumbled upon Vic Matie. I've known about this italian brand for a bit now {they've been on the scene since 1987}, however, they fell off of my radar until now! 

These sandals are, as my mother would say, 'rough and ready.' They remind me of Marni sandals from seasons past and they are on my summer shoe hit list. Check out the site and see what you can find. Vic Matie.

Shoe Damage: $480 

P.S. They are currently running a 40% promotion - get in there ladies!

Pahty On Your Feet: Holiday Heels

Giambattista Valli Party Pumps - Shoescribe.com 

Hey lovas, its been a while since the last post, but trust the crew at FTBUP {AKA MOI} is working on few things to keep you shoetained! Continue to stay tuned and check out the site. But enough of that, lets get to the point because its PAHTY time.

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season quickly approaches, soireés and fetes will be in abundance. From office parties to happy hours to intimate gatherings with friends, your social calendar should be full of joy. 

And to keep you in tip toe shape, here's my hit list of the funnest - I make up words - shoes of that should keep you dancing {or tipping} all night long. 

The Jimmy Choo's are simply divine. For the woman that wants to make a statement, here's your answer dolls. And you can have them for a whopping $1,500 from Bergdorf Goodman. Consider it an investment and wear them at EH-VERY party! #CostPerWears gyals. 

Be the star in the room in these studded Charlotte Olympia platform pumps. Pair it with some leather culottes and a chic blouse et voila belle of the happy hour! Own 'em for $895 and throw 'em in your shopping bag

Be mistaken for Santa's little helper in these of the moment and not even on purpose, on trend Miu Miu slingbacks - whew! Considering the heel is stacked AND short, I highly doubt you'll need to shoe swap at the end of the night. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present {and maybe you're only present} for $790 at NETAPORTER.

Here's a little shimmy shimmy yum yum for your feet. These delicious fringe happy sandals from Topshop will keep the party going all night long. For $90 bucks, they simply can't be beat! 

Go from day to night in these crushed velvet bow flats from Nine West. At $79, I'd probably buy two pairs {they come in grey and black patent leather - yippee}.

ASOS never lets me down. Get into the spirit with a little faux fur action by Australian super brand Senso. Spice these up with a body hugging sweater dress or rock 'em with a pair of cute jeans and a blazer. Either way you do it, you're winning. Damage: $285.

Understated glam is always the right choice. Dorothy don't know nothing about the click of the rose gold heel hunty. Personally I'd get dressed in all black like the omen and then POP turnaround, kick my heels and turn the mutha out! Proenza Schouler on FarFetch $745.

Be prepared for the bitter nights with these knee-high Jeffrey Campbell boots. The lucite heel adds a some pizazz and take these from being plain to be plain ol' fun. Damage: $180

ASOS for the win one more time with these festive flats for a mere $63. They're called the Merry flats, I mean does it get any better than that? I don't think, lets just end it right there. 

I saved the best for last because a girl loves to dream. This Gucci bow-up, round-toe, stacked heel is LIFE. I have nothing else to say. Catch me somewhere in New York on the corner getting my coin so I can have these in my closet. #dontjudge ;). Bergdorf Goodman I'll see you soon. Oh and they're approx. $2,400.

Happy Holiday Shoe Shopping dolls. 

P.S. Click on brand names or retailer names to be taken directly to the site for purchase.