Meet our OG customer Nicole! We’ve enjoyed meeting Nicole many times over the years- at Field + Supply, Sample Sales, and other local markets, and always love how she styles Namai and takes such care with her clothes. We invited her over to our studio to pick out her favorite pieces from the site and style them with her own wardrobe.

Nicole has been a preschool teacher for eight years now, and is currently a teacher at a Reggio Emilia inspired school that aligns with the Bank Street philosophy, and loves it! She grew up in the Hudson Valley and lives close to where she grew up, with her fiance and two long-haired dachshunds, Bailey and Lola. She’s happiest being a tourist in her own town with her fiance, going out for coffee on the weekends. This summer she's excited about her annual summer trip to the New Jersey Beaches, a tradition that has been carried on for generations. “The smell of sun- screen always brings me back.” 

How did you first discover Namai? 

I remember my first time seeing Namai at a local makers market, I was attracted to the various colors and texture of all of the pieces, each one their own piece of art that you could wear. I would say the way I go about getting dressed has changed since wearing Namai. I have my basics, or pieces that I start with, but normally add in a statement piece. I am also much more open to repeating outfits, but at the same time one Namai piece is really two. I have so much care for my clothing and intentionality when it comes to what I put into my closet. 

It feels so hard to say whether or not I have a favorite Namai piece, there are for sure one or two that I wear more frequently than others.If I’m not wearing a Namai jacket or vest then I normally am using a Xoti tote instead. 

How does sustainability factor into the way you shop or the brands you support? 

I love to peruse a few second hand platforms a couple days out of the week. I feel like it's a great way to help be sustainable but also try something new out. It feels more thoughtful too, it’s not a place where five people could go on and order the same exact thing. My first Namai jacket I actually purchased second hand. 

What role does clothing play in your self-expression? Is there a difference with what you express at work or going out?

At work I love to be comfortable and up for anything while still being professional. My most recent Namai piece has been a vest which has been perfect for having pockets while being able to wear flowyer pants as its summer camp time and we are outside as much as possible. The other day a parent commented on my vest, loving the colors, while telling me they in fact have a jacket and are obsessed! It’s always fun to run into other Namai owners and many other people who compliment and stop to ask where it’s from. 

How do you typically approach color when getting dressed—do you follow your mood, seasons, or something else? 

I can be a bit contradictory as I love my neutrals, yet also have a few favorite bold colors that I sprinkle into my closet. That is kind of the mix up that I come to when getting dressed, always comfortable, but sometimes a bit more loud than other times. 

Where do you find inspiration for how you style your clothes?

I feel like some people just love food and to taste and try all of it. I think that's how I feel about clothes. I for sure have my favorites, like I love a good pair of denim jeans, but I also want to try a silk pleated pant too. Clothing is such a fun way to express yourself and try different styles. I think through social media, magazines, and just walking around I gather an idea of an article of clothing that I want to wear or how to style something, along with my own ideas and personal style. 

What does creativity mean to you, and how does it show up in your daily life? 

I feel so happy that I believe I get to be creative everyday. I started my journey with acquiring a fine arts degree; though going on to early childhood education, I don’t think I sacrificed my creativity at all. Being a teacher, you need to be able to be creative and think outside the box and have an open mind. I feel like I have the perfect mash-up. 

What are you excited about right now? 

Right now, I am excited about a tie-dye study we are doing at school this week for the three and four year olds. We are going to try out various methods of dyeing fabrics. 

What's your favorite thing to do in the summer? 

Over the summer I love that I am able to enjoy all the things with more intention; whether its watering my many house plants while playing some music, sitting down to continue a weaving that once was started, or making extra trips out and about to pick up a coffee. It is great to have some time to slow down.