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!