Kora: This Jewelry Is the Cow's Horn

Wide Tri Wrap Bangle Set, $150

Mmk, the title's a bad play on "bee's knees." But seriously, there's nothing bad about Kora. This jewelry is SO PRETTY in an "I'm tough and super independent and Africa is the shit, don't mess with me but yes, I'm gorgeous, admire away" way. Which I could use a little bit of right now, so bring the bling on!

Maasai Necklace, $230

This line "merges the worlds of beautiful jewelry and sustainable business development in Africa with the belief that both can and will ultimately benefit." Every piece is handmade by an artisan in a developing African community using recycled materials: cow horn and bone, aluminum, brass, and glass. They even describe the entire background of the materials here. And if you want to learn about the main artisans, there's also a link for that!

Uweza Necklace, $95

100 percent of this necklace's proceeds go to the Uweza Aid Foundation, located in Kenya's Kibera slum. Learn more about the organization here.

Ceremonial Ring 1, $30

Kora means "work" in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda's native langauge. Just a fun little tidbit for your day, courtesy of a sexy tough jewelry line. Can't get much better than that.

Learn more about Kora and get your shop on.

More Maiyet (Yay!), Side of Unreasonable Institute

1. HELLO AGAIN, MAIYET!

From Maiyet's lookbook ... So lovely.

Maiyet's target audience is someone looking for high fashion with a soul, and it has the socially conscious philosophy to back it: "Maiyet partners with companies and artisans in Colombia, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, and South Africa and marks a return to the artisanal roots of luxury while elevating an emerging generation of master craftsman."

One artisan at work in Kenya. Amazing. (Not sure what they're making. Hmmm.)

Their explanation of this picture: "Maiyet's very first prototype arrived from Nairobi in April. The hand poured brass & 18K gold vermeil ring inspired us all, and has since become a unanimous favorite."

They journey behind how the founders met and determined the concept is pretty incredible, and they tell it way better than I do. Basically, Paul worked in human rights and transitional justice for 20 years, received an award for socially conscious entrepreneurship, decided he wanted to start a business that promoted peace, and decided fashion was the best way. He then picked up Kristy, who had been president of Band of Outsiders and had had her fingers in a variety of big-name brands while exploring "tapping talent in unexpected places." Read their extended version here.

Oh, and they also partner with nonprofit Nest. So much to discover through Maiyet; I'm sure it's worth checking back often.

2. AND NICE TO MEET YOU, UNREASONABLE INSTITUTE

Speaking of awesome entrepreneurs and dreams, the Unreasonable Institute, held in Boulder (heyo, homies!) mid-summer, is a chance for the inspired to get to business. Between six weeks of think tanking and planning to networking with founders and leading figures in the field, it sounds pretty amazing. Not to mention all expenses are covered -- you've got to be that incredible. While I'm nowhere close (yet!), it's fun to check out and who knows, maybe you've got what it takes. Visit the website here.

Just Say Yes to Maiyet

Not only are Maiyet creations beautiful, but the story behind it, and its actions, are beautiful as well. I'm going to save some more pictures and the fleshed-out version of my Maiyet talk story for tomorrow, since there are so many great visuals and things to say.

Who can complain about a little pretty to start your week, (or, for me, to kick off my week's Sunday)? Tada!