Pages

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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I neeeed these for teaching!!

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. awesome clogs! loved the tour!

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great post, would love to win!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!)

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Clogs?! Yes thank you!!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  31. fingers crossed for these beauties!

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love me some clogs!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I would love to win those clogs!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  39. Amazing! Please pick me!!

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  54. Nina Z clogs are my favorites also!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Lovely space and gorgeous clogs!

    ReplyDelete
  61. LOVE! Those clogs are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Love this! Clogs & studio tour. Heavenly

    ReplyDelete
  63. Custom clogs sound amazing!

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

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

    xo

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  72. what a truly beautiful studio!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  75. beautiful shoes, especially the peep toe version!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Beautiful, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  80. AnonymousJuly 30, 2014

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

    ReplyDelete
  81. Love these! My feet want them.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  84. love her studio, love her clogs.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  87. So cool! Would love these amazing shoes!

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  89. awesome that she does this! cool shoes!

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  97. Love both the studio visit and the clogs!

    ReplyDelete
  98. This is my dream studio!!!!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  101. I would LOVE some clogs too!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  104. This comment has been removed by the author.

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

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

    thatsmeinthemiddle.com

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  114. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  115. Would love these for a friend :)

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

    ReplyDelete
  117. What beautiful shoes!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  122. 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!!!

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  125. These clogs!! Swooooning.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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 :)

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

    ReplyDelete
  131. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

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

    ReplyDelete
  132. Those clogs are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  137. AnonymousJuly 31, 2014

    I love the Mona! Classic!

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  142. Love these! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ashton

    ReplyDelete
  164. Lovely story, lovely clogs, lovely organized studio

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  167. Madly in love! Fingers crossed!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!!

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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 ;)

    ReplyDelete
  174. Custom made clogs? Yes please!

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated because mama ain't no fool.