Believe it or not the sweet, dumure, often sultry kitten heel has been at the center of fashion controversy. A longtime favorite of mine has been seen as a fraud, neither a true heel or a flat. Some have claimed this simply stylish heel to has little to no sophistication, they've called it doudy and unflattering. There are many kitten heel haters out there and I was quite surprised to learn this as it is, in my opinion, the perfect little shoe.

This perfect little pump, also known as a "petite stiletto" became wildly popular by Audrey Hepburn, who can be revered as the shoe's ambassador. The sweet little heel has been seen on the feet of fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. In more recent years Michelle Obama has renewed the popularity of the petite heel and they now can be seen all over Hollywood and the streets of Manhattan from designers such as Valentino, Prada, Feragammo and Kate Spade.

The kitten heel is named such due to its short, slender height, generally under 2 iches, with a slight curve setting in the heel from the esge of the shoe. The shoe was created as an alternate to the high, uncomfortable and hard to walk in stilletto. They were also a perfect "introductory" heel for young girls. In recent years pumps and stillettos have seen tremendous popularity, but I am happy to report that the kitten heel is indeed making a comeback.

The kitten heel is, in my opinion, a perfect little shoe that can be worn with anything from jeans to a little black dress. The look is classic and timeless, sophisticated and yes indeed, sexy and demure. They're easy to walk in and look well on all body types and heights. Whether a fashion trend or not, I've never stopped wearing mine and never plan to!