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7.30.2014

STUDIO VISIT: NINA Z / BROOKLYN, NY


I don't know if you could call this a series because I have no idea if I'll do one ever again? But hey! Today I'm bringing you a little studio tour of miss Nina Z's clog shop in Brooklyn. Mostly because I get a kick out of snooping in other people's places. :) You probably do too! And also because I'd always wanted to see how Nina's studio worked, since the first time I met her. I just think the process of hand-making such beautiful, highly functional pieces of art must be so satisfying, and kind of romantic in a way, and I wanted to see it for myself. Nina had just finished a pair of clogs custom-made for my foot (is this not the fanciest idea ever!?) and I needed to come by for a final fitting, so the timing was perfect. It was so, so, so much fun.

P.S. While I was there Nina asked if I maybe wanted to give a pair of custom SONJA clogs to one of my readers, too? And I said "DUH YES." Obviously! Just leave a comment below to enter. Our winner will be chosen Monday, and contacted by Nina for all ya foot specifics. Fancy! 


I love all of the clogs, but Nina makes my very favorites. They're a little more rustic than a Hasbeen or a Lotta, and clogs have no business being sleek, if you ask me. These are work shoes! Her leather is also much softer, so, no blisters. I first met Nina when I was hugely pregnant, at the Brooklyn Flea. We were still doing that "poor college kids" song and dance, so I wasn't able to bring a pair home with me that day, but oh man, those clogs haunted me in my dreams. A year or so later, Nina emailed out of the blue. And then we became friends. Isn't that a lovely story? I don't know, I think that's a lovely story. Anyway, this year Nina's taking the steps to both source and manufacture the entire shoe from sole to toe right here in New York City. I think that's pretty dang neat.


△ My new SONJAs. I think they look especially killer with a chunky pair of socks, but maybe that's just me ;). 


Pinkies out, Huck! 
I just have a lady crush on Nina so it's exciting for me to spread the word.

Studio visits yes? No?

P.S. Brooklyn back yards. Sigh.


www.ninaznyc.com
@ninaznyc

(You can also find her at the Brooklyn Flea most weekends. ;)
(Good luck and happy commenting!!)

342 comments:

  1. I say yes to studio tours! And I've love a pair of those clogs, they are beautiful!

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  2. Love the Nina clogs. What a dream to own a pair of those fancy shoes

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  3. Oh man, I need these in my life.
    - Crazy Cloglady

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  4. Those clogs are beautiful! I would love a pair someday!

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  5. What a beautiful place, and I totally support the studio tour idea! when I was in high school I wore my pair of clogs until their last breath but now they are so out of my budget, I've been following Nina's work on IG and I love all of them! fingers crossed :)

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  6. I hate to admit it, but I've never owned a pair of clogs... but i'd be over the moon happy to try these out :) and studio tours are fun, so YES!

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  7. I neeeed these for teaching!!

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  8. I've dreamed of owning some clogs for work and just havnt been able to throw the $$ down yet. this would be a dream!

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  9. I'd love to rock a pair of these clogs! Beautiful. Yes yes to studio visits! It seems NYC has some pretty rad ones...how fun to do the visit part though! I love your friendship story. A friend and I were just discussing how many women have "friendship stories" ...how it began/met/besties forever. And how guys don't really. Just a fun thing to think about ;) (I met that particular friend through our blogs; we had both worked at the same place in Alaska just different years so I knew that was a clue). Anywho. Happy almost August :) xoxo

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  10. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

    oh to have a pair of these clogs! thanks for the studio tour!!

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  11. awesome clogs! loved the tour!

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  12. i stalk nina + her clogs on ig and am saving my little pennies to purchase my 1st pair from her. i am wishing and hoping and praying and crossing my fingers that i can get one sooner rather than later.

    btw, love the studio visit! i think it would be cool to do visits of folks who are local owners...whether it is food or clothes or shoes, i love that you could bring attention to local businesses!

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  13. Oooh I would love love love a pair of these pretties for my big pregnant trotters! Sign me up baby :o)

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  14. Great post, would love to win!

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  15. I've been lusting after a pair of these clogs for ages!

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  16. series for sure! why yes, i would love a pair of clogs!

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  17. What a beautiful studio! I'm nosy, so I love a good peek inside people's spaces/houses/whatever (I'm not picky in my nosiness!)

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  18. Oh man, do I need some of those in my life!

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  19. Love the clogs! Would love my own pair :)

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  20. I too have a girl crush on Nina and her clogs. Crossing my fingers. Good luck with the move, the new place looks great! Xo

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  21. What a lovely little shop! I would love to see more of this "series" :) I don't get out to Brooklyn enough, there are so many gems.

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  22. as a long time clog fan (i used to sell 'em back in my oregon days), i'd love to win a pair of these beauties!

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  23. Yep. I need to get hippy with some clogs!

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  24. I haven't worn clogs in years! I would love to win a pair of these beautiful clogs!

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  25. What the what?? I'll take two. One for the left foot, one for the right foot. Lovely shoes, lovely studio!

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  26. Holy cannoli, those are some gorgeous clogs! I love the red/blue Ida's. And the boots! Sigh. Thanks for the studio tour. I love seeing artists' work spaces.

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  27. The INGRID sandal is the stuff of my dreams. I love them! But really, every shoe on her site is gorgeous. Lucky you for getting to see her studio!

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  28. Clogs?! Yes thank you!!

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  29. Alright.... Clunky comfortable PRACTICAL footwear? My kinda giveaway.... :) here's hoping!

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  30. Wow, those are some beauties. I would love to win!

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  31. fingers crossed for these beauties!

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  32. such a beautiful studio! thanks for the tour. :) i'm currently doing my own "poor college kid" song & dance, but i've been dying for a pair of clogs since my mum showed me photos of her & my dad in matching pairs (!!) in the 80s. so, here goes nothing! x

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  33. Love me some clogs!

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  34. I would love to win those clogs!

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  35. How beautiful and amazing to see how the clogs are made! What spectacular wood floors she has too!! Love everything about this post!

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  36. Yes to studio tours, yes to pretty clogs, yes to Nina, yes to you, and yes to me (winning, that is)!!!

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  37. I love how so many things in her studio are handmade and well-worn. Like more of our things should be! Would love to have a pair Nina's clogs to wear for years and years.

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  38. My feet would be so happy in a pair of clogs. I love her designs, especially the sonja.

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  39. Amazing! Please pick me!!

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  40. I also waited a year to purchase my Nina Z clogs and thought about them the whole year long :) Yes to studio visits and yes to another pair of clogs!

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  41. My ultimate dream is to work in a hospital as a Speech Therapist and would definitely need some clogs to make that possible :)

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  42. So fun! Yes to the clogs and the studio tours!

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  43. SWOON CITY! Yes to studio posts and YES TO CLOGS!

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  44. I love her clogs! You inspired me to buy some last year and I wear them all the time. I would love another pair!

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  45. I'm doing the whole poor college kid song and dance now...My dreams are about to be filled with these clogs!

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  46. her space is beautiful! and those clogs are what dreams are made of :)

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  47. Amazing shoes!! I would love a pair!

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  48. these are so awesome and nina seems like such a lovely person! seriously, how generous? I would love to get my mitts on a pair of these!

    love, arielle
    a simple elegance

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  49. It was just last week that I said "I really need to invest in a great pair of clogs, already." So why not start with the best? I am loving her space.
    -Riley

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  50. Oh gosh, I love this. I just really get into a good maker's story. Narratives of process. I hope you'll share more -- you've got a lotta good ones right out your front door (well, and maybe a brisk walk or train ride away!) and you're a great writer, to boot. Or to clog. ; )

    I'd be thrilled to sink my feet into a pair of these.

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  51. Gor-geous. Seriously, these are right up my alleyways.

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  52. Yes studio tours and omgosh I am in love with all that she makes!!

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  53. Hot Diggity Clogs! Favorite part of the studio tour? The Brentwood Rocker. Okay, okay, and the bicycle.

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  54. Nina Z clogs are my favorites also!

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  55. Those clogs are perfect! Would love to win.

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  56. I LOVE clogs. I really like her style of clogs and colors. I would be so happy to win a pair.

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  57. You are kidding! Homegrown-made and all custom-y? please pick me! :)

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  58. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

    WOW! I am obsessed, I would love to win a pair!

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  59. Seriously for reals? For really reals? I am currently on The Great Clog Hunt of 2014 and I would probably fall over dead to win those beauties. (My husband could bury me in them? See, I have a plan.) Anyway, thanks for the rad giveaway you two lovely ladies. Been eyeing Nina's clogs online for a while now! And a big fat rock on to the studio tours.

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  60. Lovely space and gorgeous clogs!

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  61. LOVE! Those clogs are amazing!

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  62. Love this! Clogs & studio tour. Heavenly

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  63. Custom clogs sound amazing!

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  64. those are so cool! my old lady feet would love them
    I love your perspective!

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  65. What an awesome studio!! LOVE it! And I would so rock some of her clogs! Thanks for the chance :)

    xo

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  66. Dressy enough for work but easy enough to walk in. Winner!

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  67. Oooh! I'm in need of a pair of clogs. My feet are sighing at the thought of it.

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  68. Oh gosh, those clogs are so perfect. I would love love love to have them

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  69. i need these as i walk the streets of moscow .. a law students wife .... reminded by the clogs on my feet that this whole broke thing wont last forever and neither will this town. except, it has grown on me

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  70. wow this would be an amazing giveaway to win... i looove her work! thanks!

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  71. Just began a love affair with clogs. Totally hooked.

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  72. what a truly beautiful studio!

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  73. Oh my! I've wanted a pair of her clogs for quite a while... Stunning! #Clogaddict. Thanks for posting!

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  74. I've never wanted to own a pair of clogs until this moment. Her work is beautiful!

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  75. beautiful shoes, especially the peep toe version!

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  76. Yes to studio tours and yes to custom made clogs!!

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  77. The Mona is where it's at for me. Classic.

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  78. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

    Dreamy space! More studio visits? Yes, please!
    Clogs are such a sweet memory for me... I wore them two decades ago while growing up in Poland. So awesome to see them back in style!

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  79. Beautiful, thanks for sharing!

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  80. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

    Currently in the midst of doing the whole poor college kid thing..Loving the clog trend and Nina Z!!

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  81. Love these! My feet want them.

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  82. Her studio is precious with all the different textures going on! What a neat visit and Huck drinking tea- too sweet!! Her clogs are beautiful and I love that she completes the entire process in NYC. Products made in the USA are great!

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  83. Uhm, her studio is beautiful. Also, YES please to a pair of those bad boys! Awesome giveaway... thank you!!! :)

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  84. love her studio, love her clogs.

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  85. Would love to win a pair of these lovely clogs

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  86. so cool you got to go to her shop/studio. looks amaaazing! would love a pair of those sonja's, size 9!
    -k
    www.kerryjune.com

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  87. So cool! Would love these amazing shoes!

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  88. Love the studio tour! And after a hefty chunk of time recently lusting after a different pair of peeptoe slingback clogs, this giveaway is literally my alley!

    -Isabel

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  89. awesome that she does this! cool shoes!

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  90. I would LOVE a pair of these! Custom made? Sounds likes my cup of tea.

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  91. Yes! I would absolutely love a pair of these beautiful clogs!!! Great giveaway!

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  92. So you're saying they're clogs made especially for my feet? This is the best idea. I also love the studio tour.

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  93. Great Giveaway! I would love a pair of these beautiful clogs!

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  94. My husband tells me I have a clog problem, but that's not going to stop me from entering. I can't resist. So gorgeous!

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  95. Beautiful tour. More pics please! Also, the clogs would be gorgeous on my pregnant feet!

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  96. What a great giveaway! Sounds like a company I'd be happy to support. Beautiful products and mindful designer....super combo!

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  97. Love both the studio visit and the clogs!

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  98. This is my dream studio!!!!

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  99. yes. please. i need more clogs in my life.

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  100. YES! I need a pair of clogs :) Where will my Sonja clogs go? EVERYWHERE, also hopefully with not too much pepper on my paprikash

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  101. I would LOVE some clogs too!

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  102. Eep!! Fingers crossed that a pair of those have my name on them :) alsoooo, her place looks amazing!

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  103. love these! id love to win! Especially since we are still in that "poor college student" phase.

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  105. Gimme dem clogs! For real, I ordered Svens and they don't fit and those dudes don't let you return! Wahhh. :)

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  106. Gah! I would love to have those clogs on my feet right about now. Please and thank you :)

    thatsmeinthemiddle.com

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  107. Definitely more studio tours! They're fascinating. Totally wouldn't mind winning a pair of these bad boys either…

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  108. I'm OBSESSED with these clogs. Have been wanting a pair of Swedish Hasbeens for forever, but these take the cake.

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  109. i love clogs! my new cotton dress waits for a new pair which complement the perfect summer look!

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  110. what gorgeous shoes!!! i've been searching for just the right pair of clogs to fall in love with :)

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  111. Wowwwww. I would love to live in that studio space always and forevermore thankyouverymuch. I'd also love a pair of those gorgeous clogs, they are truly beautiful pieces of art let alone footwear! So beautiful. And love that she creates every piece of it... truly special.

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  112. These clogs look amazing! I've never owned clogs and would loooove to win a pair! Awesome giveaway natalie!! Thanks :)

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  113. Those clogs look delightful! (I bet Anne Shirley would wear a pair.)

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  115. Would love these for a friend :)

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  116. Beautiful studio and what a great friend to have! Sure those clogs could find a good home with me too!

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  117. What beautiful shoes!

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  118. What a gorgeous studio, but I bet a pair of those clogs would feel just as much at home in my bedroom.

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  119. Pick me! Pick me! Love the studio and the clogs!

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  120. I remember wearing clogs in the mid-80's. I wish I had saved all those pairs. Currently I don't own any clogs, and I would love to win a pair.

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  121. The studio is lovely and those shoes are so beautiful and special. I would feel so lucky to own a pair!

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  122. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    HOLY DREAM COME TRUE! I have been wanting a pair of clogs ever since last winter when I saw all your posts with the camp sock+clog combo. I LOVE IT. But unfortunately, that wallet of mine won't agree. Stupid wallet. Anyway, I'd love to be chosen for this!!!

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  123. Oh dear. I, too, have been afflicted with the post-Flea Nina clog haunting. What a great giveaway! And here! here! for studio visit series!

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  124. I would love a pair, obviously! What a beautiful space she has to create.

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  125. These clogs!! Swooooning.

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  126. Clogs please! What a lovely friend to have!

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  127. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    I love these, and have been eyeing them for a long time. Maybe I should pull the trigger, yes? Maybe on some clog boots. Or these lovely sonjas. They would be the perfect fall shoe. xxo

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  128. I love her clogs. I have a pair (NINA) but I'm saving to collect more!

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  129. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    I have wanted a pair of these for so long. They look like the most perfect every day shoe and also my feet would love them! Fingers crossed :)

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  130. How awesome!!! Her studio is amazing!!! Love the ones she made for you! So chic!

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  131. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    Oh gawd, her clogs make me so twitterpated - I cant even!

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  132. Those clogs are gorgeous!

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  133. Thank you Natalie and Nina for the chance to win...my last pair og clogs came from a thrift store and I wore them out, had them for years though. Never replaced them because of the cost. Would love another pair.
    kristy

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  134. I've been eyeing Nina Z clogs for the longest time. Love love love!

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  135. Fabulous giveaway! Kudos Natalie and Nina. Fingers crossed for a win.

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  136. What a beautiful studio. I would love to win, fingers crossed! =)

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  137. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    I love the Mona! Classic!

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  138. I would love a pair! Keep up with the studio visit tours.... love it!

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  139. I love the studio tours and I would also love a pair of clogs! :)

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  140. Yes to studio tours and yes to clogs! Thanks!

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  141. my first pair of clog were purple Hanna Anderson. I'd love to have a "grown -up" pair. :)

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  142. Love these! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

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  143. The Sonja clogs are a dream! I recently ordered the Katarina after a year of swooning over them. I first saw Nina's clogs at the Brooklyn Flea and then on the feet of stylish women all over the subways. I would love another pair, they require no breaking in and are so comfortable!

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  144. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    i LOVE these natalie! Lucky you getting to see where and how they are made! So neat having them made to suit your feet too! oh and no blisters? AAAAMAZING! I would love love love to get lucky with this giveaway! :)

    Anna

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  145. Thanks for the peek into this studio. I wasn't familiar with this brand, but the clogs are great. I'm on my feet all day as a teacher, and I love to wear clogs!

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  146. Everything on her site is so beautiful! And the Sonja's are SO cute. Great giveaway.

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  147. Way cool! Dunno if I have the swagger to pull of clogs + a chunky sock? But a lover a clogs all the same.

    Nicole B.

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  148. I love this giveaway! I hardly ever enter but this got me! I have admired Nina for a long time, since my first ever trip to NYC brought me to Brooklyn. Even if I don't win, thank you so much for this post and reminding me of those special memories!

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  149. this is awesome. I love all the shoes!!

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  150. If I win can I get a red pair?!?

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  151. Would LOVE to win some Sonjas! I have a pair of the black Agnetas already and they are amazing....expensive! But amazing. Also, Moheda clogs are pretty rad. Really, you & Joanna Goddard converted me to clogs a few years ago and since then I've amassed a somewhat embarrassingly large collection, but they're just so perfect!

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  152. Swooning over here! Everything is lovely.
    ....and my vote is YES to studio tours!

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  153. I love clogs!! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  154. Yes please! I've worn a pair of her boots literally to the ground so this would be awesome.

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  155. Oh my gosh they're beautiful! I'm currently doing that poor college kid song and dance over them

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  156. I would please love a pair! I hope I win.

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  157. Ugh! I am clog obsessed; I'd love these! Also, yes to studio tours!

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  158. Oh, my heart. They are all beautiful. I'd love to win a pair!

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  159. They're beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. I'd love to win a pair!

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  160. Gorgeous and local! I would be so lucky....

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  161. uhm, duh. YES to studio visits. they're freakin' awesome. and also, killer shoes! i'd loooooooove a pair. c;

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  162. Oh boy, oh boy! Please pick me!

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  163. How pretty are these... I mean seriously. And what a lovely story.

    Ashton

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  164. Lovely story, lovely clogs, lovely organized studio

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  165. I lovelovelove Nina Z! I have 2 pairs of clogs from her, would love to add the Sonja to my clog collection :-)

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  166. um, YES PLEASE! i've never owned a pair of clogs!

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  167. Madly in love! Fingers crossed!

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  168. I feel awkward because I've never done anything like this before. BUT I NEED THOSE FREAKIN' CLOGS. Great. Thanks!

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  169. I mean, I don't know how you're choosing, so is this an essay moment? Should I get into my life right now and why I need the clogs? Or is this more of like a random choosing of sorts in which I should just say basically nothing except a prayer? I feel like I need to know!

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  170. I never win anything but how cool are those laces? Love 'em!

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  171. Clogs! Ahhhh, who wouldn't want a pair? And by custom I hope she does lower heel heights!(I'm such a klutz, I have a higher pair of clogs that are sorely neglected due to the too tall heel:( ) yes please!!

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  172. such beautiful shoes. i am mourning a pair of hasbeens that have become too small for my post-pregnancy feet which grew 1/2 size with each baby.

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  173. As always, you never fail to find the most amazing stuff! Would love to add a pair of clogs to my wardrobe! With socks of course ;)

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  174. Custom made clogs? Yes please!

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  175. I love the ones you are wearing but say no to socks!! Ahh flea markets, I went to one at the weekend and am still thinking of the chair I left behind. One day I will have my own place to buy much stuff for!

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  176. These are AMAZING!!! Fingers crossed :)

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  177. Oh yes, count me in!
    fashionkitten03 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  178. What a gorgeous studio! And the clogs!! Fingers crossed ;)

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