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I'm a Jewish fashionista living in New York and I write this blog to try to deliver modest fashion to all women, everywhere. This blog is all about Less Is More. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @vinniecocoa and on instagram @the.oak! CONTACT & INQUIRIES: the.oak.blog@gmail.com

about The OAK

You're probably wondering what this blog is all about. Well, I am a proud religious (frum) Jew of the modern orthodox variety, and this blog is aimed at delivering fun, fearless and modest, frum-friendly fashion. For years, I have spent my time ogling fashion magazines looking for the one or two items on the page that were longer sleeved, or knee-length skirts, or not a plunging V; I would peruse stores looking for the items that fit my needs and, more often than not, come out empty handed. It really frustrated me that good, modest clothing was hard to come by, so now I scour websites tirelessly looking for clothing that I know is not only in style, but meets my religious needs, and I wanted to have a place where other women could find the same thing. I also wanted to take extra care in showcasing major Hollywood celebrities who traipse around Hollywood in garb that I myself would wear to show women everywhere that modesty is as prevalent in high fashion and in Hollywood as it is in your local synagogue.

For all of you not in the know, the Hebrew term "Aron  HaKodesh", which literally translates to "Holy Closet",  was the Ark of the Covenant which was stored in the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem. In an effort to follow my faith and the guidelines of modesty in Orthodox Judaism, I have created my own fashion tabernacle, or "Holy Closet" if you will, filled with items that are fashionable but faithful to my religion. Now, not to compare my puny little closet to a holy divine entity; I'm just trying to incorporate my own little Jewish holiness into my everyday wardrobe selection. I know, sounds "divine"!

Just to catch you all up, the Jewish dress code stresses modesty. Modesty, or as it is referred to in the Jewish community tzniut
 (ts-nee-oot), is a prevalent concept in most religions, therefore a matter of fashion contention for women the world over... literally.

The basic norms of the guidelines are as follows:


  • Skirts that hit the knee or below.
  • Sleeves that reach at least the elbow.
  • Collars that hide your collarbone.
  • No extremely tight or form fitting clothing.
  • Married women cover their hair.
Now you are all caught up. Mazal Tov!

7 comments :

  1. Truly a great blog. I am not Orthodox but I have family that is and I completely understand and applaud your efforts. I have an MA in Costume Studies from NYU and my Master's thesis was about modern modesty in the Orthodox community. Wow, do I wish your blog was around back in 2006! Keep it up, I love reading your posts!

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  2. Thanks Philis! It makes me so glad to know you are enjoying the blog!

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  3. I'm surprised someone who is interested in fashion and self expression is so closed minded and ready to jump on the bandwagon of hatred and belittling others. what a shame.

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  4. Hey what's up Philis :) I'm a Christian girl who recently moved to Hollywood, and I think this blog is a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing your fashion and faith. I definitely need to do a total overhaul of my closet to get anywhere out here (it's mostly jeans and t-shirts), so I've been looking around for ideas that are in style, but not too revealing.

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  5. Hi there, I just launched today my line of tziniut summer dresses. Well... I can't find where to communicate directly with you, so I'll leave my website here www.dellasuza.com

    :)

    Thank you!

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  6. Hi Debbie,
    I came upon your blog and loved the modest look at high end fashion.
    I'm a designer and i sell mainly to the modest Dati crowd in Israel and also abroad. I'd love it if you checked out my Etsy shop. You will find my shrugs best selling piece and also head cover with a unique look. If you like it feel free to blog about it.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/Sheeebz?ref=si_shop
    Best wishes,
    Shira

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  7. Hi Debbie,

    Is your blog open for advertising? If so, please contact me - melissa.hart@isolutionstrade.com.

    Best,
    Melissa

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