How to Score the Best Deals at Kick (Not during a Sale)

Ok strictly-sale-shopping-ladies; we want you to start shopping between those sale events (Spring Fling, Krazy Daze and Holiday Open House).  By only coming downtown during those events you’re missing out on some seriously amazing shoes.  Our business model brings in fresh shoe styles all of the time, and we only order a small number of each size.  Shopping at kick three times a year means you’ve missed hundreds of styles of shoes!

Ok discount-delving shoppers; we want you to know we offer great incentives all the time.  Let’s be clear: No, we don’t offer multiple pair discounts. No, we don’t offer ‘we’re from out of town’ discounts (unless our sales tax is less than your state), and it kind of hurts our feelings when you boo and hiss at the shoe saying “I’ll come back when they are on sale because no one will pay that price.”

We’ve never denied that we’re not the cheapest shoes in town.  We’ve never wanted to be.  We promise, our shoes are the prices they are because of their QUALITY.  Quality, that  makes them more unique, more comfortable and last way longer than those $20 fabric flats.  If you breakdown how much you spend on your shoes vs. how long they last…we bet our shoes will win nearly every time. So, to show you how fair we can really be, let’s break it down.  We’re GIVING  you the secrets to get the best prices you can, at all times.

The Best Deals in Black & White
(besides those 3 insane events)

5% Pay Cash
Really, just pay with cash-money.  Credit card companies have some crazy service fees and those definitely impact small businesses.  So help us, help you.  Cash=5% off your entire purchase.  Cash really is king, er, queen. Sweet right?

Poetic Licence Cutie Pie

10% Work at a Downtown Business
Ask anyone, we LOVE our downtown. We think working downtown is the best place in the entire world to be.  To make it an even better place, we offer anyone who works downtown and who’s business is affiliated with Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. to receive 10% off their entire purchase.  Just bring your Employee Downtown La Crosse Discount Card in over your lunch, after work…heck, even play hooky.  We’ll hook you up, with 10% off baby!

15% Military Discount
We are so thankful for those who work hard every day to defend our right to live out our dream; owning a shoe store.  We totally believe they should be honored for all they do.  Please bring in your military ID card, and we will gladly apply a 15% Military Discount to your purchase!

20% Birthday Month
Better than a Birthday or Birthday Week, celebrate the whole month of your birthday.  That’s a guaranteed 28-31 days a year of 20% off all kick shoes goodness.  How could we beat that?!  We do need to note; that we cannot allow you use your Birthday month to buy for your friends, neighbors or strangers.  If it’s your dog or daughters birthday, it doesn’t count either.  Please don’t put us in that awkward position of having to say no…we hate having to be meanies and want to keep Birthday month around for a long time! Bring in your Driver’s Licence or ID Card and we’ll gladly celebrate with you!

Other Ways to Save or Budget Wisely for
the Love of Shoes

Attend Local Benefits
Get out and get involved in the community around you.  We can’t begin to describe what a wonderful, supportive community we have.  We are constantly asked to be involved or donate to charity events.  Last year we donated $3500 to these events.  And the best part?  Most of them were in the form of Gift Certificates for Silent Auctions and Raffles. So, if you go out and participate in raffles and silent auctions at benefits, we can make it all come full circle.  (And you’ll, score some awesome Gift Certificates along the way).

Last Call
We’ve moved Last Call downstairs, which means we now have an entire floor of sale.  We

OTBT Lubbock

know it can be tricky, and we don’t recommend banking on your size making it down there.  We won’t feel too bad, we’re common sizes too!  So, we suggest saving the ‘last call’ for styles that you don’t HAVE to have, ones that you don’t dream about, or will be devastated when they’re all gone.

Layaway
Yep, lay away.  Just like any other store, we totally understand a budget. And we’ll work with it not, not against it!  Put 20% down on your must-have shoes and come back to pay them off over a month!  It feels so much more responsible and grown up if you can pay your bills and split your splurges between paychecks!  We get it girl!

Ok, now-always-shopping ladies, we feel you are now armed with all the knowledge to make your kick shopping experience the best it can possibly be, for you and your pocket book! Just in time for spring…

xoxo,
the kick chicks

Field Trip : Earthies

We’re getting back on the tour bus here at kick and introducing our newest addition; Earthies!  When Earthies called after seeing us in Footwear News, they knew we’d be a great pair.  We must agree!  While we have only received 2 styles, our customers are already raving.   We can’t wait to have the rest come in.

Earth, Inc. has been around for over 40 years and is most well known for Earth Shoes. The company focuses on their promise, ‘wellness elevated’, through specially designed footwear.  Their shoes feature three distinct design parts; a cupped heel, anatomical arch, and cradle toe area to create their signature comfort style. Never sacrificing fashion, they offer Earthies in several styles from casual to dress.  Many of our incoming styles sport beautiful heels and wedges.  Perfect for any where a summer adventure may take you.

Although their newest venture, Earthies is rather new in the industry; they’ve manage to chock up numerous recognitions and awards. “Earthies [was] awarded “Best New Footwear Launch Of 2011″ by Footwear Plus Magazine”  Their creative and sensible approach to ‘style’ is bound to grow on women of all ages.  After all, fashion isn’t fun when it isn’t comfortable too!  Shop the Earthies styles we have in now, and check back often for the rest of the collection coming in through the rest of summer!

Shoe love forever,
the kick chicks

Kick Chick Collections: Part 1

Working at Kick keeps us kick chicks in constant contact with fabulous ladies.  We love spending time gushing over our favorite things (shoes and more) and picking up some tips, new products, recipes, etc. to try at home.

We decided to start documenting our favorite things, in hopes it inspires someone else, gives them something new to try or just lets them get to know us a little bit better.

Please feel free to comment with your favorite things too.  We’d love to know!

kick chick Teddi

Part 1: Teddi’s Collection

Name: Teddi-Ann Carini

Age: 23

Hometown: Menomonee Falls, WI

Current Residence: A 2 bedroom Apt on the Southside with my Bf

Education:  Marketing major with a minor in International Business, graduated May 2011

Kick Position: Manager

Shoe Size: 8-8.5

What you do at Kick: Act as the sound board, filter, organization and creative for/with the girls.

 

Hutchinson by OTBT

 Favorite Shoes: Combat Boots

As you can see in the picture, my Hutchinson’s are pretty beat up.  But I like to think of it as a true testament to my love for them, or at least their durability.  I purchased them with half persuasion from Allison thinking they would be one I’d have to put effort into to wear with my wardrobe.  But boy, was I ever surprised.  Hutchinson is my first choice of shoes for any given day.  And I have worn them with just about everything you can imagine.  No lie; I have worn them with cuffed jeans, colored jeans, black pants, leggings, patterned socks, patterned tights, dresses, skirts and even bare legs.  They’ve molded incredibly to my feet and the recycled tire sole is the perfect amount of support.  For anyone willing to take a leap of faith into something new, I definitely recommend a combat (or masculine) boot like this one!

 

 

Favorite Way to Refresh an Outfit: Nail Polish/Nail Art

Having just graduated college I’m still on a budget, and a tight one at that.  Since I’m not able to go shopping anytime I want to change my wardrobe or dye my hair; I’ve found a lot of comfort (and FUN) in changing up my polish color.  It’s probably

OPI, Rimmel London Polishes & Salley Hansen Nail Art

the easiest, quickest and cheapest change/addiction a fashion girl can have.  Especially if you’re willing to do it yourself like I am.  I’ve found that the best polish colors, durability, and textures come from OPI (available at Metropolitan) and Rimmel London Lasting Finish (available at Walgreens).  Tip: Be sure not to skimp on the clear coats (and stay a pinch away from the cuticle with color). I love spending my time diving into Nail Inspiration Blogs, my favorites are usually at Refinery29, find a new nail art technique to try.  I’ve tried pretty much everything.  Well, except for ones that have more that 3 colors-who has the time or patience for that?!

 

 

Favorite Body Care: Philosophy Purity and Olay Complete

Philosophy Purity Face Wash and Olay Complete Lotion

I’m not quite sure when I found and paired this wonderful duo, but I believe it was sometime in high school.  I absolutely love the Purity face wash by Philosophy (Availablein a Value Set at Sephora).  The tiniest amount goes a long way so it lasts me forever and is really budget friendly.  It doesn’t leave my skin feeling tingly, grimy or dry…ever.  And I make sure to follow up with a pea sized dab of face lotion from Olay Complete (Available at Walgreens).  It comes in a couple different types depending on skin type and has the perfect amount of spf to wear year round.  Besides the moisturizing benefits, I love that it doesn’t make my Bare Minerals powder foundation cake-y (if that was a word).  Even if I put it on right after.  I don’t think I’ll ever ditch this combo!

 

Favorite Drink: Coffee

Coffee has always had a significant spot in my life.  Of course, its main objective has always been to wake me up in the morning, give me a pep-talk in the afternoon and made late nights studying in college more bearable.  I

Coffee Mug & Trader Joe's Medium Roast

probably became a full blown coffee-addict when I began working at Java Detour (now Moka) in college.  This is also where you probably recognize me from…I’ve had lots of people ask!  Jamaican coffee will probably be at the top of my list for my favorite brew for a long time.  Java & Coffee also introduced me to my boyfriend.  Who was a customer while I worked there and who apparently couldn’t get over a girl who smelled like coffee all the time. : )  So there you have it.  I have coffee to thank for much more than a warm beverage!  It gave me a job, got me through college and helped me find a pretty amazing guy!

 

P.S.  I love any and all things from Trader Joes.  I always make sure to bring back a huge haul when I come back from Milwaukee.  There coffee is equally amazing and reasonable.  My mom taught me a fun blend of their Joe’s Medium Roast and their Dark Roast.  Its the perfect blend of bright acidity and oils!  Also, the coffee mug in the picture was made by me at All Glazed Up, right around the corner from kick!  I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something fun and creative to do!  I’ve gone with my girlfriends from college to catch up; and taken John’s niece and nephew for a play day.   It really is fun for all ages!

 

Garbanzo Bean Salad (vegetarian!)

 Favorite Food: Red Pepper and Garbanzo Bean Salad

Hands down, Hats off, No question my favorite food (at least lately) has been Red Pepper and Garbanzo Bean Salad (with feta).  I was introduced to this delicious little ditty by a co-worker at Moka, Natalie.  I don’t think she knows how obsessed I’ve become.  It is the perfect mix of something filling, a little sour and super flavor-full.  And it can do all of this while being ridiculously quick and easy to make!  I always make a batch after a big grocery store trip and usually chow down so much have stomach cramps after.  Its just that good and impossible to stop!  Let me know if you’re interested in the recipe.  Side note: I think it was originally made with some kind of meat in it, which I nixed since I’m a vegetarian!

 

 

 

 

Favorite Accessory: Rings

 Ask any of the other kick chicks and they’ll tell you I’m the least girly girl they know.  In fact…my absolute last

Some of My Ring Collection

favorite color is pink.  Go figure!  Therefore, I’ve never been huge on jewelry.  Especially matching sets or bright colors.  But one accessory I do love is rings.  They’re always my favorite to look at, try on and wear.  Most of my rings have been given to me by my family and some from friends.  Others have been found or purchased at outdoor markets (try out the Cameron Park Market).  My absolute favorite ring is a black stone and gold ring that is a semi-floral design.  It was my grandmas and I’ve always loved it.  My mom gave it to me on my college graduation and I wear it all the time! 

 

 

 

 

 Please be sure to share your favorite products that are tried-and-true for you!  Next up, we’ll have kick chick Andrea’s Collection of Favorites!

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