Modest Hollywood

Don't you just love a good covered-up celeb? I know, me too. I have to tell you, it's actually quite fun hunting down all the celebs of the week who made the modest cut, and these ladies are no exception.  You can certainly tell these women are trying to squeeze in the last glorious days of summer with their flowy and light clothing; but be wary, sweaters are a plenty in this post, and Fall is a comin'! I don't want to talk about it. While I love ALL these ladies, my OAKie goes to Nicole RIchie-- I positively love that killer outfit.

On another note, I must say that my proudest moment of this post came from spelling Camilla "formerly Alves" McConaughey's last name right WITHOUT googling it first. This was a major accomplishement for me, so allow me to revel in this glory for a moment. First, I would like to thank my Mom for passing down to me her stellar spelling skills; thanks Mom. I couldn't have done this without you. Next I would like to thank the McConaugheys for providing such a challenging last name and giving me the opportunity to stretch myself further than I thought I could go. You provided a formidable challenge, but you let me rise to the occasion in ways I never thought possible, and for that I thank you. And to the Starbucks Venti Passion Iced Tea Lemonade, sweetened that is currently in my hands giving me the courage to recite this speech to you. Thanks. And lastly I want to thank God. Because apparently anytime you experience a glorious moment in Hollywood, you point up and thank God. It's what all the celebs do in their acceptance speeches, so when in Rome. Thanks God (pointing upwards).

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Anna Paquin

Camilla McConaughey 

Christina Hendricks

Leighton Meester

Dakota Johnson

Jennifer Garner 

Jessica Biel 

Kate Beckinsale 

Kate Walsh

Katy Perry

Keira Knightley 

Heidi Klum

Lady Gaga 

Nicole Richie

Nikki Reed 

Pippa Middleton 

Reese Witherspoon

Renee Zellwegger

Taylor Swift 

Zooey Deschanel

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What's New on My Pinterest

Ladies, ladies. If there is one thing I am positively obsessed with, it's Pinterest. This fantastic little website can not only keep my occupied for hours but it has given me so many ideas about fashion, food and fun. If you are not already a member, you MUST do it now.

To give you a little taste of what I've been pinning lately, here's a look at one of the boards on my wall called My Style. I like  to think that a lot of my fashion ideas resemble what I post on this board, and what I try to deliver to you on this blog.

I'm obviously a HUGE fan of bright color and of mixing prints, as well as loose and flowy clothing. These are some of my favorite things to do in my own wardrobe, and while it's not everyone's taste to do so, I find that Pinterest allows me to view other ladies' wardrobes so that I can explore the boundaries of my own. Take a peek below, and don't forget to follow me on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/the_oak/

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Peplum Item of the Day

I know there are many of you who either love or hate the  peplum. There really is no in between here, and i happen to be of the philosophy of love it. Hi/Lo hems-- those I hate. Peplums, however are having such a moment and I think this top from ASOS is the perfect introduction for you peplum newbies. The flounce is big enough to be trendy, but not too structured to cause an eye sore; the place it hits will minimize your waist, and the color is altogether slimming. PLus the peplum does all the styling for you. Imagine this with a black pencil skirt! Meow. This would be great at the office, on the weekend, or even a night out, just make sure it's the colder months--it's wool!

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ASOS Peplum Top in Textured Wool

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Refuah Shelaymah, Mayim Bialik

So, unless you have been under a rock the past week, you have heard that one of my favorite celebs and The OAK follower, Mayim Bialik was in an intense car accident last week. Such a bummer. I know what it's like to be in a horrific car crash - ahh flashback to 2009 - but I also know that it takes tenacity, strength and faith to literally wake up the next day and get back to business, and that's what Mayim did. Kudos.  (PS I did that to, but I'm not going to the Emmys, so it REALLY doesn't matter.)

Any lady who can be traumatized, hospitalized, put under anesthesia, have major surgey, and be splinted and cast in some wild medical device, and then go home and be a mom, as well as a major celebrity attending the Emmys and Emmy pre-parties looking like a million bucks deserves a slow clap. Slow, slow clap.

In today's People article, Mayim was asked about what she will wear to cover up her now injured hand. She says,

"We had already planned on a long sleeve dress. I'm a modest dresser anyway. There are not many dresses that cover your fingertips though so it might take a little of expanding the fabric, trying to get this contraption in a sleek black," she said of the splint she has to wear as a result of the accident."

This makes my Jewish fashionista heartbeat  do somersaults of joy. Good on ya Mayim, and we at The OAK are wishing you a speedy and healthy recovery, and a major Refuah Shelaymah! Go win that Emmy!

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And God said, "Let There Be Mode-sty". Can I Get An Amen?

Raise your hand if you shop online? Wait, hold up. Raise your hand if you shop at all? I’m raising both of my hands right now. Now raise your hand if you are that girl who can’t wear anything in the stores because it just isn’t modest enough. Hands still raised.

Enter Mode-sty, an online shopping experience that caters exclusively to those looking for modest clothing. Check it out here! http://www.mode-sty.com/

So what’s the deal with this site? Here’s the rundown. Mode-sty is a boutique clothing website born out of the same frustrations that we ladies in the frum Jewish world, and of the modest world over. Shopping for modest clothing in today’s day and age—the era of the bare midriff, cutout dresses, and itsy-bitsy teeny-weenie anything—makes for a difficult, frustrating and deflating shopping experience. It’s no wonder then, that when a really good find comes along, we modest women get giddy, and that’s the point of Mode-sty; it’s about making shopping easy, effortless, and fun again, and not the chore it has so obviously become.

“The idea really began to shape when my husband curiously asked me about why I got so excited when I found a cute, high neck top”, says Zahra, co-founder of the Mode-sty and professed woman of modesty and practicality who finds that even finding blouses and formal wear is difficult. Zahra explained to her husband that shopping options for modest women are always limited and especially time consuming when searching and sifting through stores that cater to a more revealing society. “I would shop at a 'modest' boutique and face limited (usually vintage) selection or unflattering pieces”.

Originally from California, Zahra now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and son, and Mode-sty has become her second baby. “Our site will cater to the full spectrum of modest dressers; at one end are garments that don't show any cleavage, have short sleeve and are knee length, and at the other end are full length sleeves and hemlines. Also, we'll have a greater representation of skirts and dresses as it is easier for women to find pants elsewhere.” Sounds awesome, no? I know all you frummies are jumping up and down right now. Don’t’ lie.

While not in any way shape or form geared only to Jewish women, this site will address the whole spectrum of Orthodox (and non-Orthodox) Jewish women, which we all know is so varied. It’s exciting to have a website come out that is recognizing the need for modesty in tandem with the need for fashion! In fact, when a site is being endorsed by a celebrity stylist (ahem, Alison Kahn, stylist to Big Bang Theory star and The OAK follower, Mayim Bialik), you know it’s worth the buzz.  

So how does it work? As the site is currently in beta testing right now, there are only flash or pop-up deals (think ideeli, Gilt and Rue La La), as well as giveaways, which you should totally get in on! In fact, the most current giveaway is this stunning dress from a NY designer. When it fully launches in a few short months, however, “the site will offer a curated and personalized selection of beautiful modest outfits for all seasons from both established brands and up-and-coming designers,” Zahra states, many pieces of which will be limited edition. The boutique will be updated twice a month with new pieces. Hi awesome. Sign me up.  

Want to sign up and enter the giveaway for a positively stellar dress? Go here, and see below for the dress you can win! http://www.mode-sty.com/
 

 When there is a need in society, there needs to be someone there to fill it and that’s what Zahra and the Mode-sty team are trying to do. When I asked Zahra how dressing modestly affects her lifestyle, her answer to me was that modesty is her lifestyle—it is a part of who she is. Relate much? The website is there for exactly that—to help you lead the lifestyle you want, not get frustrated by it. “I definitely don't think being modest is confined to just the way you dress; you can be modest in your behavior and demeanor”, says Zahra, “but in the context of Mode-sty, we're focused on clothes. I'd define modesty as expressing your style and beauty without being revealing.” Any site that endorses that sounds good to me.

Check out these links!

To become a member of Mode-sty

To read more about Mode-sty's mission

Want to feature your brand on the site? Click here!
To enter the giveaway for the dress below (deadline is Spetmber 7!)

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Bright Item of the Day

Gotta love brights! If you follow me on Pinterest (click here if you don't), you would know that My Style incorporates a lot of bright colors (and prints too)! There is nothing that makes me feel better in the A.M. than putting on something bright and cheery to set the tone for the whole day. This skirt, on sale through Thursday at J. CREW for only $50 with Promo Code LOVEIT is the absolute perfect skirt for just that this fall (in fact I already have the blue one en route to my house). The colors are divine (that yellow is to die for), and for all you tame babies out there-- fear not; this skirt comes in black and charcoal as well. WINNING! The possibilities are certainly endless, so make sure to snatch this baby up!

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Factory wool-blend pencil skirt

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Chic Item of the Day

Don't you just love those pieces that are "go-to" and ready on the days when you have nothing to wear, and yet you will still look put together and chic? That's what this dress from Gap is. I'm a bit skeptical to buy it online because there are some complaints in the reviews about the waist fitting oddly, but there is nothing that will stop me from trying (and buying) this dress in the store. UPDATE: This is an online only product. Ordered. Wish me luck.

This dress hits all the major marks in the modesty department: elbows, knees and collar (I know it seems a bit short on the model but let's remember she's probably about 5'10, whereas the majority of the we Jewesses are not). The freakishly adorable cherry print is cute without being too juvenile, the colors are muted and perfect for fall, and the overall cut is sophisticated making this the ultimate dress for a day at the office!

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Cherry print blouson dress

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Essential Item of the Day

Another fabulous print item that comes to you via BCBG. This dress is the ultimate in perfection for any lady of any size. The wrap look is always flattering on any body shape and type, the gradients of the design flatter the parts you do like and hide the parts that you do like, and there is nothing more classic than a black and white piece. This dress is practically a go-to must for any and all occasions! If there is one dress you invest in for this coming fall season, let it be this!

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BCBGMAXAZRIA Adele Wrap Dress

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Mixed Print Item of the Day (P.S. I'm Back!)

Yes, it's me! I know it has been a real long while since I have done an item of the day, but I have missed this too much to stay away for too long! Time to start blogging again, and what better piece to get started with than this whimsical from Anthropologie. I saw this skirt and stores and have not been able to take my eyes off it yet. Trust me when I tell you it will be mine in the near future.

I know there are many of you who are scared of wearing prints, let alone mixed prints! But keep in mind that there is nothing more "now" than mixing prints, and I positively love a piece that does the work for you. Gone are the fears of which prints to mix because this skirt does it for you. This would be the perfect addition for your Holiday and Rosh Hashanah wardrobes! 

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Beryl Skirt

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Duchess of Perfection

So, I know this isn't exactly modest by halachic standards, but at least she's not baring a midriff. With that said, this is one of my absolute favorite Kate Middleton looks in a really long time. She not only exudes elegance and class, but she manages to make the most stellar outfits look like a demure attempt at looking good. She isn't overly coiffed, overly done up, over-dressed, or over-done; she is simply perfection. No doubt this dress is already sold out. PS Totally loving her pinned up. Classic beauty.
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Kate Middleton

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