I always love working with companies who give back to charity. I do my best each year to donate my time and/or money to a local charity. I’ve worked with several in Dallas, and when the Akola Project reached out to me I absolutely wanted to feature the charity and these amazing necklaces on the blog.

Brittany Merrill Underwood started the Akola Project after a trip she took to Uganda her sophomore year at Southern Methodist University (yay SMU alum!). She saw how much of a struggle it was for these women to take care of the children there which is what inspired her to raise $1 million to build an orphanage for these children. In 2010, the Akola Project Jewelry line was created to ensure a reliable income for women in the project. Today the jewelry is sold in over 250 boutiques and 100% of the profits are sent directly back to the women. What an amazing charity!!

THE OUTFIT: Akola Project Drape Necklace in Aquamarine // Floral crop top (similar) // J Brand jeans (old – similar here) // Vince Camuto nude pumps // Gorjana gold cuff ring (c/o RocksBox)

photo by: Meredith Braden Design