NINOBrand, one of my longtime favorites, is one of Philadelphia’s most coveted brands. Designed in Philadelphia by Bela Shehu (and made in the USA), I’d like to say that her line is timeless (and it is)…but timeless is too often synonymous with ‘classic’ and that simple word doesn’t do NINOBrand justice.
NINOBrand’s clothing is, quite simply, very, very cool. It’s cool in a way that many trends are not: unique and different, while perfectly walking that ‘classic’ line.
Bela’s designs are ones I never seem to tire of…in part because her designs are as much about practicality as they are nonchalantly cool-girl. And Bela is one of the most nonchalantly cool girls I’ve ever met. Her backstory is fascinating — she grew up in communist Albania (read a bit about it here), and has become one of the most effortlessly inspiring people I know. Her entire being radiates innovation, experimentation, creativity…and love. She’s just one of those truly special people. I’m a huge fan (of both the brand and the girl).
Since NINOBrand is a small retailer, Black Friday sales look different (and I wrote a bit about why, here, and why I think it’s important to shop small this week). But Bela’s Black Friday offering, while different, is really exciting: For all purchases made this week, she’s offering a gift card equal to the price of purchase.
Um. Holy shi*t.
NINOBrand: 3 Ways To Wear The Cool Black Tommy Pants
So. Here’s one of my favorite purchases I’ve ever made at NINOBrand: Bela’s windproof, water-resistant Tommy Pants. These are the pants I’ll be wearing for all of our outdoor gatherings this winter (layering over cozy leggings if it’s really cold). I’ve already worn them a handful of times (especially in the rain), and they have a cool, unexpected feature that gives them even more legs.
(And if you’d like to see more NINOBrand recommendations…I did a big try-on last April — some of the pieces featured are still in stock.)
1. Windproof Black Pants: Winter Weekend Outfit Idea
sweater (s) | pants (size 2) | boots | similar bag (exact style, different leather) | mask
Predictably, this is how I wear them most of the time: with black. But their texture and shine give a monochromatic black look a little more interest.
sweater (s) | pants (size 2) | boots | similar bag (exact style, different leather) | mask
2. Windproof Black Pants: Dressed Up
I’m totally into the long length of these pants. That said…if you want to show off some cool shoes, there’s a little trick: zip off the cuff.
sweater (small) | pants (size 2) | similar boots | similar bag | mask | choker
3. Windproof Black Pants: With The Coolest Graphic Tee
While many of us love our Anine Bing tees…I do wish the brand was doing more with sustainability. So when I saw Bela’s organic cotton tees — with a similar, borrowed-from-the-boys fit and general vibe of feminine badassery — I swooned. Bela’s Amore tee has become my graphic tee of choice — I’m wearing it with everything.
Until the weather turned, this is how I was wearing the pants most of the time: with Vans.
NINOBrand tee (size 1) | pants (size 2) | Vans | bag | mask
We are really committed to supporting smaller brands and local retailers as much as possible (you can find all of our coverage to date under our Shop Small category). And if you guys have any small, local brands/retailers you love, leave a comment below – we’re always on the lookout for new ones.
xo,
S
Oh hey, Pinners…
