The Cat's Out of the Bag

CEBU, Philippines - Some people call it the ugly stepsister of the sexy stilettos. 

Others deem it as an article from the past. I think kitten heels are just as sophisticated and sexy for the alpha female on the go. 

Kitten heels are making a come back and it’s safe to say that they’ll be staying throughout Summer 2011 so if you still don’t have these darlings in your shoe closet, it’s about time to stock up on them in all candy colors, if you’re the type who simply adores going rainbow, or in the safest neutral shades of tan, grey and black, if you’re the no-nonsense chick who’s out to conquer the board room.

Offering roughly only a couple of inches in terms of elevation, kitten heels are not flats and yet, not yet high heels, if you know what I mean. In the entire spectrum of footwear elevation, kitten heels occupy that gray area between good girl flats and sex bomb high heels.

Offering more stability than the stiletto, considering that the heel slightly curves inward, kitten heels make for a comfortable substitute if you’re always on the run and yet you totally hate having to compromise that air of sophistication and class.

Although kitten heels are almost always linked to the silhouettes of the 50s and 60s and the prom-type full circle skirts and sheath dresses this is not to say that kitten heels cannot be worn ala carte. Wear then with updated versions of the pencil skirt complete with a foray of architectural details, and you’ve found a way to break free from the perpetual vintage image.

In choosing your kitten heels, go for dainty yet sophisticated pairs that you can keep on wearing and that you can wear from day to night. Kitten heels with pointed toes can go from office to bar without necessarily cramping your style or crushing your toes. Go for a creamy white pair with a muted gold piping or embellished black ones that scream chic.

Big bows, rosettes, and other feminine details will add oomph to this type of footwear. The trick here though is to keep it simple and grown-up. Too many frills, fringes, and embellishments may only serve to spoil the look. For a more retro touch, go easy on the details and try interesting fabrics like leather.

With the right touch of nice and naughty, veer away from the trypical retro silhouettes by giving your kitten heels an added spike of individuality—something that will make this trend totally you.