Ch-Ch-Changes (turn and face the strain)

Ch-ch-Changes
Where’s your shame
You’ve left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can’t trace time (Changes Lyrics by David Bowie)

When in doubt, express it in song…..We are girls who aren’t afraid of change, which is why when it comes to our website, you’ve been riding the roller coaster of change with us.  There have been ups, and downs; we’ve directed you, redirected you, informed you and invited you to parties.  Thank you for sticking with the kick chicks during all of our upgrades and website changes.  We appreciate you.

So what’s the deal, you ask?!?! We don’t make a habit of airing our grievances, we like to suffer in silence; but to describe where we are going you have to take a peek at where we have been.

Our Second Website Homepage

We launched our first website in 2007, a couple months after we opened.  “Hot, sexy, fun” quickly got upgraded to “stylish, smart, kitsch” and it wasn’t until our third upgrade that we integrated e-commerce into our site and started to ship shoes nationally.  Then, in anticipation of our big move around the block, we changed kickonmain.com to shopkickshoes.com.

Looked great, but no E-Commerce.

In 2009 we finally bit the bullet and employed a local ad agency to take our website to the next level.  We trusted they were among the experts in web development, design and implementation.  We were wrong.  It was a classic case of over promising and under delivering.  After coming to terms that the relationship was not what it seemed, we broke up and moved on.  Our online store was left with two domain names, two homepages, and a confusing web customer experience.  This decision hit us where it hurt; compromised customer satisfaction, business image, and our small business pocket book  (Wanna know more?…ask us in person).

But don’t worry, friend, we are women and we get right back to work.  We turned their “best guess” into our biggest opportunity for positive growth and change.  We have put on our big girl shoes and are now doing all graphic design, including our website, in house.  This now means you only have to go to one website www.shopkickshoes.com for all things kick shoes has to offer.  Every new style, every event, everything!

We invite you to take a peek at our new clean, modern, homepage at (the original) www.shopkickshoes.com and THANK YOU for following us, changing with us, and for your fellow shoe loving ways.  We couldn’t do it without you.

kick is 5 years old and we want to celebrate with you!

They say time flies when you are having fun!  For 5 years we have been doing what we love and we want to Thank You for allowing us to bring fashion, fun and shoes to Downtown La Crosse!

Everyone loves a shoe sale!  so that is how we are celebrating 5 years in business.  We always give you 20% off the whole month of your birthday, so we are going to kick it up a notch and for 4 days; Thursday, February 16th-Sunday February 19th everyone get’s 20% off storewide!  Yes this means YOU! Whahoo!

Let’s get sentimental.  What does it really mean to be in business for 5 years, you ask?  Let me tell you:

• Amazing Customers: 4,533
• Pairs of Shoes: 14,779
• Hours Open: 11,882
• Number of Costumes: 21
• Press Features: 37
• Pounds of Chocolate Consumed 260 (and that’s just in the store)

5 Years in Business: Priceless

We can’t wait to see you this weekend during our 20% off Birthday Sale.  We know there is a pair of shoes that is dying to go home with you!  And as always, there will be plenty of tasty treats to tempt you, too!

XOXO, the kick chicks; Allison, Andrea, Teddi, and Chloe

Etcetera Clothing to Wear Now & Later

We have been pretty lucky lately with this mild Wisconsin winter. *knock on wood* However experiencing the four seasons in the mid-west is always a joy.   Why?   You get to have MORE shoes AND clothes to fit your every weather need!  A closet for each season; yes please!  On a recent field trip to see Etcetera clothing, we were definitely thinking SPRING.

Here’s the thing about Etcetera clothing line, brought to La Crosse by Barb and Jonella of JoBa Flat; you’ll want it all!  We drooled over (not on) every sequined skirt, pin tucked shirt and adorned blazer.  The attention to detail in this clothing line is exquisite.  We couldn’t help but touch the metallic taffeta then, ooooo and ahhhh, over the silk chiffon, all-over sequined blouse.

So how is a girl suppose to pick her favorite?  Take a hint from us kick chicks;  we like to buy Etcetera pieces that can be worn now and worn later.  Staple pieces that can be reinvented season after season.  Check out three pieces we’ve picked from three different spring trends.  We’ve paired each piece with the shoes we’d wear them with today and then another pair to reinvent the piece for spring!

Gold is the metallic of choice this Spring 2012.  The Memento straight skirt features gold sequins over black knit fabric.  Take this high glam piece and pair it with an unexpected fashion forward platform wedge such as Prime Suspect by Seychelles.   Elongate your legs with opaque black tights and top it off with a crisp white tee and denim jacket.

Then… surprise! Your High School Class reunion rolls around and you take your glam sequin Memento skirt and become the Apple of Your (own) Eye by simply changing your shoes and removing the winter tights.  Voila.  Vintage glam..fantastic!

A pop of bright color is always welcome in winter (hello, light deprivation)  and is a sure sign that Spring is around the corner.  We love us some color here at kick, and in some cases feel as though it is more versatile than your basic black or brown.  Take a nod from mod and pair the Bliss Magenta 5 pocket, ankle-length jean with Triple Crown by BC Footwear. The cloth faux sock just covers the ankle length pant to keep you warm, bright and cheery in winter.

Later, add some springy personality with the faux fur, leopard print Canela by Sacha London.  Pair with a crisp top and light brown belt for an outfit that is business appropriate without being boring! And, as an extra treat; you will be able to wear these babies all year long! You won’t believe how many faux fur, print shoes we’re seeing for Fall 12, too!

This Mythical dress immediately caught our eye.  With an enchanting print and the vibrant colors of spring styles. We instantly paired the stretch cotton dress with brown tights and Pikolinos Liguria boot.  Perfect for right now.

When the snow has melted and the flowers are blooming, lose the tight and waterproof boots.  This spring we’re opting to wear the Laguna by Earthies.  Earthies is a brand new company coming to kick.  We’re debuting their line soon and Laguna will be in the first batch to arrive.  We love how it picks up the cream of the dress and plays up Spring’s neutral style trend.

Being fashion girls on budgets of our own, we understand the hardwork that goes into building an amazing wardrobe.  We hope our tips for buying quality pieces that are super versatile inspires you and gets you pumped for spring.  We definitely are!

Flavor of the Week: [Salty]

We’ve decided to make January Sweeter! Us, kick chicks will choose our Flavor of the Week, each week in January.  We’re choosing the shoes that satisfy our taste and the definition of Flavor of the Week.  Indulge in the sweet deals for each weekly pick.  And PLEASE don’t miss the weekly in-store giveaway…all themed with our Favorite subject: Candy.  Mmmm….Yum!

Shop the deals direct at our NEW SOCIAL STORE or on our WEBSITE.

Salty [sawl-tee]: of, tasting of, or containing salt

Andrea’s Choice: Bacio61, Natura

Salty treats are an awesome balance for the regularly sugar filled ones.  They create a unique flavor sensation and add a new spin on the word treat. The Bacio61, Natura does the same thing for a wardrobe.  The unexpected olive color is subtle but compliments a wide variety of colors.  We know this boot can take any favorite or over-worn outfit and put the fresh new spin on it.

Allison’s Flavor: Spanx Blue Tights

Our Spanx Tights in Ocean reminded us of, well, the Ocean.  In all of its salty glory!  These tights are fun, and durable. They definitely know how to turn up the volume on an outfit and leave the rest of the girls…salty.

Teddi’s Pick: Poetic Licence,
Apple of My Eye

With little snow and spring on it’s way, Poetic Licence, Apple of My Eye is a perfect contender for a change of season in your heels. Colors found in salt water taffy; light blues, pinks, greys and whites make every foot look dainty and feminine. This is a great shoe for a date, dinner out with the girls, or simply showing off a new pedicure.

Chloe’s Choice: Pikolinos, Berna

Here’s something different to add to the mix, the Pikolinos, Berna. A stylish, yet casual mid-heel in burnt red is unexpected during the winter months of black and grey. We like to switch up our candy flavors with something new, we suggest you do the same with your shoes. The Berna is the ideal shoe for swapping in a diverse shoe style.

Giveaway: Hanky Panky Underwear

Vibrant colors like hot pink and a sapphire blue are amongst the bunch of Hanky Panky rolled thongs and boyshorts that we are giving away for the this week’s FREE Flavor of the Week. These undergarments speak for themselves! Come in and win your FREE pair and see what all the hanky panky is about.

- xoxo, the kick chicks

Flavor of the Week: [Sour]

We’ve decided to make January Sweeter! Us, kick chicks will choose our Flavor of the Week, each week in January.  We’re choosing the shoes that satisfy our taste and the definition of Flavor of the Week.  Indulge in the sweet deals for each weekly pick.  And PLEASE don’t miss the weekly in-store giveaway…all themed with our Favorite subject: Candy.  Mmmm….Yum!

Shop the deals direct at our NEW SOCIAL STORE or on our WEBSITE.

Sour [sou-er]: having an acid taste; tart.

Andrea’s Pick: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Clutch

The instant shock of sour candy reminds us of the vibrant pop of red leather that makes up the Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC.  One of the largest celebrity designers around right now; it would be awful sour of us to not pick at least one RM bag.  Did I mention that this bag is convertible too?! A lot like that Love/Hate relationship we have with sour stuff!

Teddi’s Flavor: Seychelles Apostrophe

One of the most sour candies from any childhood must have been WarHeads.  Kids continued to dare each other who can keep one in their mouth longer.  I triple-dog-dare you to try out the funky and fun leopard patterned, sophisticated kitten heel by Seychelles; Apostrophe. Because honestly, nothing makes a wardrobe refreshed or a mouth water more than a Leopard Print Shoe.

Allison’s Pick: Hanky Panky Underwear

Don’t get me wrong, it may be because we’ve always had our Hanky Panky merchandised in clear candy jars but, but when we decided this week’s candy flavor was sour.. the brightly colored rolled thongs and boy shorts looked too similar to a jar full of sour candies at The Pearl.  With a handful of colors, or should I say flavors, to pick from,  I just had to choose Hanky Panky for this Flavor of the Week! Since we do not sell these treats on our website, come in store to enjoy the Rolled Thongs for $10 and Boyshorts for $18.  Don’t live in town?  Give us a call girl!  We’d love to hook you up (608) 782-5425  Enjoy!

Chloe’s Pick: Seychelles Prime Suspect

Girls that can handle those uber sour candies like Lemon Heads and Sour Patch Kids have got to be tough.  Much like the Prime Suspect, those girls may look a little tough but they’ve got one wicked sense of style. The jet black suede, platform wedge by Seychelles adds a sharp sting to your wardrobe and turns up the notch on any outfit. Did I mention I own it too?

Giveaway: Rebecca Minkoff Coin Purse

In store for our Week 3 giveaway is a Rebecca Minkoff Coin Purse with a (sour) tongue-in-cheek phrase! This little treat is one amazing wallet, makeup bag, etc.  Make sure to come down this week…we know you’ll be super sour if you miss out on this one!

- xoxo, the kick chicks

Flavor of the Week: [Chewy]

We’ve decided to make January Sweeter! Us, kick chicks will choose our Flavor of the Week, each week in January.  We’re choosing the shoes that satisfy our taste and the definition of Flavor of the Week.  Indulge in the sweet deals for each weekly pick.  And PLEASE don’t miss the weekly in-store giveaway…all themed with our Favorite subject: Candy.  Mmmm….Yum!

Shop the deals direct at our NEW SOCIAL STORE or on our WEBSITE.

Chewy [choo-ee]: to be cool, awesome or in style;
something that is a mix between choice and awesome

Teddi’s Choice: OTBT Arvin

Owners and admirer’s of the Spring 2011 OTBT wedge sandal, Aiken, will fall in love once again for another OTBT creation, the Arvin. With a 3 inch wedge, platform sole, and round toe box, the Arvin and the Aiken are structurally the same. Updated, however, for your fall and winter wardrobe, the Arvin has a delicious chewy light tan color, which will brighten up the dark and dreary colors that inhabit your closet at the first sight of snow fall. The shearling lining is up to date with current trends, but is one you will never have to throw out or store for a couple of seasons. It’s a great girly spin on a chunky winter boot.

Andrea’s Pick: Pikolinos Lisboa Lace-Up Boot

Layer after chewy layer, Lisboa does not disappoint. Rich, caramel brown scotch-guarded leather covers the top 3/4 of the boot, only to be finished off with a chocolate brown waterproof rubber bottom, making this the perfect choice for a winter weather boot. Peaking out from every corner is faux fur which also lines the inside of the boot keeping you extra warm. Although lace-up is in its name, the Lisboa comes with an easy access inside zipper which would make any Midwesterner squeal in delight. Did we mention it looks great with everything?

Allison’s Pick: Pikolinos Ginebra

My favorite is the Pikolinos, Ginebra. With its’ smooth caramel colored leather and burnt chocolate embellishments, no one can deny this ankle boots’ got taste. The 2 inch heel/wedge makes the boot formal enough to dress up any outfit, but is wearable during a 9-5 work day. The Ginebra looks great with skirts, but because of its slim toe box, it also looks great peeking out under a pair of wide leg jeans.

Chloe’s Pick: Nicole Lee Brown Belt

The waist belt is back in style, this is true. But as bulky sweaters and knit cardigans come back into play during the cold months of winter, we see the waist belt make far fewer appearances. Don’t let the waist belt be only for accentuating your waist line in tight dresses and shirts. The Nicole Lee Brown Buckle Belt is perfect to place over chunky sweaters to add shape to your outfit. The belt is elastic and will stretch over any type of material or size. Its western look will look great against wool and other thick materials. We proclaim this a must have winter accessory.

Giveaway: Ozone Sock

What’s better than a sale? Free, duh! Come into the store and register for our weekly giveaway! This week’s chewy choice is a pair of fun and funky Ozone socks. Curious as to which style we’ll be giving away? We’re letting YOU pick!  Just stop down to see the styles you can pick from.

Cheers to something smooth, chunky and chewy!

- xoxo, the kick chicks

Flavor of the Week: [Sweet]

We’ve decided to make January Sweeter! Us, kick chicks will choose our Flavor of the Week, each week in January.  We’re choosing the shoes that satisfy our taste and the definition of Flavor of the Week.  Indulge in the sweet deals for each weekly pick.  And PLEASE don’t miss the weekly in-store giveaway…all themed with our Favorite subject: Candy.  Mmmm….Yum!

Shop the deals direct at our NEW SOCIAL STORE or on our WEBSITE.

Sweet [sweet] : sensation of happiness; sugar, honey.

Andrea’s Flavor: Seychelles Ampersand

Ampersand has been on my Wishlist for weeks.  It is the perfect heel to wear with all my dresses or casual with my jeans.  The almond toe, platform heel, and bow is extremely girly.   The rich Raspberry color reminds me of a sweet, sugared fruit candy that I can wear with an color in my closet!

Teddi’s Pick: BC Footwear Ruffles

I’m so excited to announce my Week 1 Flavor Pick is BC Footwear Ruffles!  The sky high wedge is actually wearable and the Oxford-like lace up reminds me of the sweet styles at a Prep School.  I would definitely pair Ruffles with a bright sock or tight to evoke the fun atmosphere of the candy shop.  Plus, I think the name is sweet too–Ruffles?!

Allison’s Pick: Sacha London Athena

What is more sweet than a romantic date night in which you would wear the Athena?  Besides the scrumptious occasions; the details of this heel remind me of the candy shop!  The rhinestone cuff reminds me of Necco Button candy and the layered strips resemble sophisticated strips of taffy.  What’s sweeter than a metallic toned dressy heel that you can wear with so many different color dresses?

Chloe’s Flavor: Frye Kira Carry Handbag

When I think Sweet, I think of Pink!  My Flavor of the Week definitely had to be the Frye Kira Handbag in Berry color.  It screams over the top girliness, fashion and fun.  The bright and cheerful nature of the bag is bound to have the same affect on any fashionista as the sweet sugar candies at the candy shop.  I’m so excited for the Lucky Lady who buys this bag!

Giveaway: Nicole Lee Flower Belt

Aside from Candy, Shoes and maybe Us (wink) we can’t think of anything else sweeter but Flowers.  They’re delicate shapes and smells put a smile on any girl’s face.  Since we love you all so much, we decided to put a smile on your face!  Our Week 1 Giveaway pick is our Nicole Lee Black Flower Belt!  Come down to the store to register and we’ll draw our winner on January 9th.

Cheers to something Sweet and Delicious!

- xoxo,
the kick chicks