Kickin’ It

It was just an old model being added to the line, and it wouldn’t get a marketing push. But trend watchers noticed it anyway, attracted to its quirky design that bordered on dorky. After all, what’s ugly, odd or just plain sick is good these days in the youth culture arena. And the Kick Highs, a basic all-purpose family bootie developed in France in the ‘70s, fit the bill . . . and the foot. “This shoe hasn’t changed a stitch since its inception,” says Larry Dula, president of Kickers, the distributor licensed to sell the boots in the United States. “It was one out of 30 other models in the collection and the one that’s getting the greatest recognition.” In toddler to adult sizes ($45-$80), Kick Highs come in basic black, brown and beige as well as in bright colors and pasels.

Get an A

Season in and season out, keeping “in fashion” doesn’t have to mean having a spanking new wardrobe. A few staples can do the trick. One such expected to take us well into ’95 is the short A-line skirt. “It’s definitely an essential,” agrees Veronique Vienne, spokeswoman for Express stores. “An A-line silhouette works especially great if your (figure is) a little less than pristine. The shorter length allows us to show our legs off again. It’s not a mini, but it’s short enough to allow a kind of freedom that we couldn’t have with long, straight skirts.” The renewed focus on the leg has in turn resulted in a plethora of treatments, from hosiery to high boots. Find a fall palette of A-lines at Express in chamois, black or hunter green suede ($49); black, burgundy, Greek olive or stone corduroy ($29) and black, gray and argyle wool ($49).

Young and Hip Only

For those funky ladies who demand more out of their shopping experience than fabulous clothes, there’s Ladies Lounge, above Lido Skate in Newport Beach. Upon entering the office space-turned boutique/art gallery, visitors must walk over a white vinyl floor that looks like tuck-’n’-roll booth upholstery at a swanky lounge bar. That takes them to the “closet,” a room filled with a toy record player, blue and pink faux fur furniture and traditional “housewife” tools--such as an ironing board as a shelf for baby-style Tees--used as merchandise displays. Owner Michelle Ponce’s picks are right on target for the alternative set: selections from Love, Paper Doll, Truck, Tripp, Pleasure Swell, Michael Seray, Brat, X Girl and others. She also stocks the store with second-hand finds like fitted ‘50s sweaters and ultra-feminine ‘60s dresses. “Fashion is about dressing up, like putting on a costume and assuming the mood of the clothes,” says Ponce, who loves to dabble in all periods and trends. Most items are well under $50. “I love clothes,” she adds. “But I don’t like having to pay a lot for (them), so I try to ensure that’s everything’s affordable.”