You Will Want to Shop this Store, and the Cousin Duo of Nicolle Mailal and Kelly Nelson – and their Adorable Bulldog London – Will Make Sure of It

By Kim Rodriguez

February 2020

OAK Apparel and Home opened its doors on Valencia Avenue in July of 2017. It’s a little off the beaten path, but well worth the extra few minutes of walking from Miracle Mile.

OAK is the kind of store you look forward to going to. Local cousins Nicolle Mailal and Kelly Nelson have created something unique and thoughtfully curated right here in the heart of the Gables. “We’re bringing back the small-shopper experience to Coral Gables in a way that really warms your heart,” says Mailal. “We want you to feel like you’ve been transported to a shop nestled in the mountains in a small town, where everyone knows your name. That’s what it’s always been about for us.” When asked “why the Gables,” the answer was quite simple; the cousins’ personal style matches that of the Gables – a perfect mix of relaxed and timeless elegance.

Mailal and Nelson decided to go into business together because they both wanted to create something special of their own, and their partnership allowed them to bring their individual talents and passions together
in one retail outlet. Mailal had spent over a decade working in women’s retail and was ready to finally take her love of fashion to the next level. Nelson had worked in marketing and sales since she graduated college, and she wanted a way to express her entrepreneurial spirit. She had also always loved interior design, so she wanted to bring the “home” aspect of OAK to life with her cousin. Their combined love of all things stylish, the importance of home and relationships, and their overall hard work, has created a thriving retail emporium.

There are so many things to look at, and all senses awaken when shopping at OAK. You will find a mix of edgy fashion and classic wardrobe essentials, home goods and décor, organic and natural skincare, gourmet confections, fragrances and even metaphysical goods such as crystals and sage. The girls shop products throughout the U.S., but love to support local artisans, women-owned brands, and small batch goods.

Overall, the merchandise is well edited and accessible to just about anyone, with about 99 percent of their inventory priced at under $100. Aside from their brick and mortar shop they have a great online presence as well, and have worked hard to build a local e-commerce community. Enjoy shopping this treasure of a store, and follow them on Instagram for all things home and fashion!

OAK Apparel and Home | 116 Valencia Ave. | 305.384.1337 shopoakonline.com

Kim Rodriguez is a personal shopper whose clients include many Coral Gables residents. krpersonalstyle.com