The OAK

Thursday, February 6, 2014

#NYFW: BCBG Max Azria, Veronica Beard, Josie Natori, Lisa Perry, Rachel Comey, Rachel Roy Tia Cibani

And so it begins! New York Fashion Week is here (!!!) and my little fashionista heart is soaring because this is basically the best week in New York ever. It happens twice a year, and now A/W14 collections are going to be making their way down the runway. This has been the crappiest winter to ever exist on the planet (not an actual proven fact, but so I think) and the last thing I actually want to do is prepare how I am going to be braving NEXT Autumn/Winter, but I suppose the only way to brave this type of cold and snow is to do it in style.

As always, I ogle and drool over every single runway show and collection throughout fashion week to bring you the fashions and trends that YOU, as a modest woman can relate to. I want you all to realize that not only is there a shift happening in fashion, where designers are dressing women as classy and sophisticated women in covered up clothing, but also that you should realize that there are designer brands and clothing that are just as editorial but still relatable to YOU. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

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BCBG Max Azria

Veronica Beard

Josie Natori

Lisa Perry

Rachel Comey

Rachel Roy

Tia Cibani

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Modest Hollywood

I know what you're thinking-- how is it possible that Rihanna, barer of midriffs, leader of the exposed ladies, woman of no clothes, is on this list? But alas, she is! And to be honest, she's probably the only person who can pull of that look. While it;s certainly a carnival of clothes, I give RiRi serious cred for covering up, because it's proof positive that she could literally wear anything and still be beautiful.

I'm having a serious moment with Drew Barrymore lately and am obsessed with everything she wears (even her Monique Lhullier Golden Globes gown), and I adore adore adore her dress this week. Up there on the favorites list with Drew are Michelle Dockery and Julianne Moore; true beauties and classic till the end. Brava ladies. Who is your favorite?

Follow me on twitter! @vinniecocoa

Cate Blanchett

Natalie Dormer

Cameron Diaz

Drew Barrymore

Helen Mirren

Julianne Moore

Michelle Dockery

Molly Sims

Rihanna

Vanessa Hudgens

Heidi Klum

Katy Perry

Zooey Deschanel

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Modest Bridesmaid Gowns for the Modest Lady

Here at The OAK, Modesty is the best policy. It's not the only policy, but it's certainly the best (in my opinion). Not too long ago, I did a post about modest wedding gowns, and it is one of my most successful posts to date.

However as a single girl in the city, I think I personally relate more to the bridesmaid in us all. That's why I decided to do a post dedicated to all the supporting ladies out there, the ones who are there for their friends on the big day, aka the besties, the sisters, the bridal party, the mother-of-the-bride or what have you. I've been a bridesmaid more times than one can count, so I know a thing or two about the bridesmaid task. It's not always fun and it's not always pleasant, and it's usually annoyingly expensive, but I must admit that on each wedding day, there is a little thrill I feel every time I get to play dress up in a beautiful gown.

I can't say that I have always dressed in the most beautiful gowns myself, and honestly, that's because the gowns were made from scratch (as most modest gowns need to be considering the paltry selection in-stores) by dressmakers that left much to be desired. Let's face it-- I wasn't working with Zac Posen on customizing my own Red Carpet gown; I had a dressmaker who was a full-time nurse by day, seamstress by night who worked out of her basement in Brooklyn. That's why, in my last few weddings I have learned that off-the-rack is DEFINITELY the way to go (and customize as needed). Every dress I have worn off-the-rack, I have loved so much more than any I had made from scratch, and I think you would too.

So, sure, it's not your day, but you want to look just as beautiful as the bride herself, and nowadays, finding modest dresses off-the-rack is a lot easier than it used to be! Below are both short sleeve and long sleeve options for gowns that come in popular colors that are not so terribly cliche "bridesmaid", you'll almost love that you're a bridesmaid. Almost.

From one bridesmaid to the next, I wish you a bride who does not give out material (blech!), a color that is never ever in a million years neon or fluorescent, and the good graces to get you through the bridal shower. To all the brides-- you owe us. Big time.

Click the link above each dress to be directed to it's page. Need help finding an off-the-rack bridesmaid gown in a specific color? Let me know if I can help!

LONG SLEEVE OPTIONS

Aidan Mattox Sequin Gown

Catherine Deane Leather-Trim Long-Sleeve Gown

Alice by Temperley Regalia Lace-Inset Long-Sleeve Gown, Red

Adrianna Papell Long Sleeve Lace Gown

Carmen Marc Valvo Lace Gown with Jewel Neckline

Tadashi Shoji Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Gown

Adrianna Papell Embroidered-Sequin Gown

Tadashi Shoji Illusion Lace Gown

Laundry by Shelli Segal Matte Jersey Gown with Lace

Tadashi Shoji Embellished Lace Gown

VON VONNI VICTORIA TRANSFORMER DRESS

This dress is my absolute favorite. I own it in black but it comes in a bevy of colors. I've worn it to a bunch of weddings before and it can be worn in a bunch of different ways! Bonus: It already has sleeves!