Stuart Weitzman Lovebuck Kitten Heel

Blurg. It had to happen sooner or later. The weather starts warming up, everything starts blooming, and I get my first cold of the year. Apparently, we continually get colds because there are so many different cold viruses that although the body becomes immune to each one as it fights them off, there are still plenty out there to make you sick again. Wait, did that sentence even make sense? It feels like my brain is stuffed with cotton, so I may not be at my sharpest right now. You know what is sharp, though? Kitten heels. Oh yes. You’ve probably seen them quite a bit lately if you watch Mad Men, since they were super popular in the ’60s, worn with slim skirts and fitted dresses. Think Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. It’s a style favored now by First Lady Michelle Obama, and made a bit of a comeback on the runways in spring/summer collections for 2010. I just watched an Oprah show the other day all about shoes and handbags, and when talking about the different types of shoes you should have at least one pair of, they mentioned kitten heels. Wow, did you know a cold will make you type really awkward sentences? It’s apparently true. Let’s just move on to the Stuart Weitzman Lovebuck, shall we?

It’s a classic kitten heel slingback pump with a medium textured flax upper. The toe cap is leather, as is the 2.5-inch heel, and part of the bow that adorns the vamp. The bow is also embellished by a metal buckle that makes it more sophisticated than girly. The Lovebuck’s lining is also leather, and the footbed is lightly padded for comfort. The brushed leather sole will scuff up nicely. It wouldn’t be a kitten heel without a severely pointed toe, either. This beige is nice, but it also comes in black. The Lovebuck is $335 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

If you’d rather go the all-leather route, check out this Vaneli Leala kitten heel slingback. It’s made from soft nappa leather, with complementary-colored, patent leather accents on the vamp and toe cap. The slender slingback strap fastens with a dainty, antiqued metal buckle, which hides a small elastic panel to keep the strap from slipping. Padded leather lining and a cushioned footbed, along with the 2.5-inch leather-covered heel, make the Leala comfortable for standing or walking. The Leala is also available in white with black patent accents, or white with navy patent. And it’s on sale! Usually $95.95, you can get the Leala now for just $78.25 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

It doesn’t always go this way, but sometimes the least expensive option is my favorite. That’s exactly the case with this Bandolino Jarno. I love this combination of dark gray and black—very sophisticated. This would make a great shoe for the office, worn with a pair of straight-legged slacks or a pencil skirt. The upper is fabric with a leather strap over the vamp which is adorned with a fabric-covered buckle. The 2.25-inch heel is covered in the same black leather, and so is the lining. The insole has light padding, too. If you look closely, there’s also some stitch detailing all around the upper. Like I said, I love this gray fabric/black leather combo, but it also comes in a natural leather with black leather accent, or black on black. Get a couple of pairs. They’re only $68.95 at Zappos.com.