Kika Clothing

Kind of with Lauren on this one.
I’ll admit that I’m a fan of Asian fashions because they’re so different from anything in the west. A lot of stuff they carry is really cute.
However, the last couple times I was there, that shop keeper was really overdoing the loss prevention. Shoplifting is undeniably a major problem, but I don’t think anyone wants to be watched like a hawk.

They have some very pretty clothes here, and affordable prices (for boutique shopping). They often have items on sale too, so you can get their clothes for even less. And I love how unique all of their clothes are– you always know that if you manage to buy an item, that you will be one of the lucky few to have it.
They also carry an amazing selection of jewellery, and some super cute shoes as well. The only problem is sizing– for their shoes and clothes, they only carry a very limited size range. It is a shame, since they have such beautiful merchandise, but if you are looking for similar styles of clothing in a wider range of sizes, make sure you check out Oak and Fort (also on Whyte ave).

I love most of the shops on Whyte Ave, but most of them seem to be way out of my price range. I usually only buy things from Whyte Ave shops as a once-​in-​a-​while splurge, or I simply window shop.
That’s why Kika was such a nice surprise. I only discovered this little much-​more-​affordable clothing-​junkie gem because it’s in the same area as Bizou, where I got my lashes done. It’s at the top of a narrow staircase just to the left of Julio’s Barrio.
The clothes here are very in-​fashion with a feminine tendency — just my style! If I hadn’t been in a bit of a hurry (and a daze — still getting used to those lashes) I would have stuck around and probably tried on a few pieces. Plus there was that issue of just having spent $ 100 on my lashes. My poor wallet. Even at good prices I was still a little hurtin’.
My next paycheque may just go straight to this little shop. Friendly service, a cute, bright, clean space, and happy, pretty, affordable clothes. It doesn’t get much better than that!

This must be a newish shop on Whyte ’cause I’ve never seen it before. It’s located upstairs, next to The Wish Shop and a kids’ shoe store. It specializes in Korean fashion imports. The clothes are really cool. Lots of thin, fine fabrics, layers, irregular hemlines, flowing pieces without tight, cinched waists, a lot of empire waists with A-​line dresses, perfect for wearing over leggings.
They seem to have only one or two of each item, so it feels quite exclusive. In some cases there’s just one of each dress or top, so you’ll likely be the only one in Edmonton with it, if you’re lucky and the shoe (or shirt or dress) fits, so to speak. The sizes are smaller, the shoes were pretty hot, but none of them looked like an eight. There was also a wide selection of purses and earrings — for $ 15 each. The shop feels like it’s tucked up in a cozy attic on the second floor, which is shares with a family law firm. There’s a bit of a steep staircase to come up, but worth the short trip for a glimpse at some unique and pretty fashions.

Kika Clothing is located above The Wish List and Friends’ Nest Eatery on Whyte. They specialize in imported women’s fashions from Korea, so everything is different from what you normally see at other stores.
Their items have a hip and edgy but feminine style. They have a lot of dresses, and a lot of it is silk and chiffon. Pretty, but kinda expensive, with the average dress starting at around $ 70 and going up from there. Kika also carries shoes, but these do not include sneakers — it’s not that kind of store.
I was surprised to see they sell wigs and hairpieces too, mostly in blonde shades. Odd … is that a trend in Korea? There are silver and gold jewelry pieces available as well.
They have a small art gallery inside their shop too, which is kind of cool. It’s just a small room, but it displays some paintings by a local artist who does portraits and landscape art.
I might have considered going back to Kika, if it weren’t for the service there. One of the salesgirls kept following me around, just blatantly watching me. I understand that some shopkeepers may feel the need to be vigilant, but this was ridiculous. She was constantly following me, standing only a few feet away, just simply watching. It made me feel very uncomfortable and unwelcome, so I didn’t want to stay too long in the shop. Needless to say, I won’t be coming back.