so i havent played skyrim in awhile. and wanted to make a monk type build. I was wondering if the mage armor perk still works when i cast oakflesh etc then equip bracers.

or should i just make a 2hand hamma monk?

Mage Armor won't work if you have armor on. It doesn't matter if you put on a piece afterwards.

I guess a good Monk class, "Hand to Hand" would involve...

Smithing- for the unarmed damage perk

Enchanting- to apply the Fists of the Pugilist.

Alchemy- to buff up the enchants.

Alteration- for the flesh spells.

And maybe Restoration.

Oh, and Shields work with Mage Armor.