






During the Renaissance, newborns were given jewelry made of coral branches as good luck charms to ward off evil (how incredible is this fifteenth century rattle?). Times have changed and while I like to think this stunning necklace from Marianne Homsy Jewelry will protect me, I can appreciate it just for the pop of color it introduces to any outfit. The designer of the line, which features bold uses of raw stones, currently lives in Miami so I'm sure there is no shortage of bright inspiration to imbue in each piece. I wanted to let the natural sun coral shine–its color is so stunning it's unreal–so I kept the rest of my outfit neutral with earth tones.
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Shirt: White Button Down, H&M
Jacket: Severt Twill Anorak Jacket in Olive, Jack by BB Dakota [$82, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in Bright Indigo Destroy, American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Shoes: Kentaro Cage Heel Sandal in Brown, Nine West [$89, available here]
Bag: Mimi Cross Body Fold Clutch in Cocoa, c/o Sienna Ray & Co. [$298, similar style available here]
Jewelry: Sun Coral Necklace, c/o Marianne Homsy Jewelry [was $225, available here]; Alex and Ani Expandable Wire Bracelets in Russian Gold










And here it is…my contribution to Sienna Ray & Co.'s [wander]lust project. For those of you not familiar with this endeavor, the designers behind the gorgeous line of handbags have selected bloggers from across the country to spend a week or so with their soon-to-be released SS12 "Makayla." Part clutch and part cross-body, I had so much fun using and styling this versatile studded purse.
I love maxi skirts for so many reasons. Besides their fun silhouette, they can be transformed with accessories–flats or heels, tanks or sweaters, etc.–and in doing so be made to suit almost any occasion in any month. A normal New York winter would never allow for bare legs and sling-backs, but when the weather got unseasonably warm this past week I took my chances, putting together this look and getting an early start to a date night with my boyfriend. I built the outfit's color palette around the buttery yellow of the "Makalaya," layering nudes and neutrals for a look that suited the pale lighting of a somewhat spring-like January day.
I've left out one last but super exciting part of the [wander]lust project: in March of this year, Sienna Ray will gather the participants' posts and let all of you–our fabulously stylish readers–vote for your favorite look. The winner will get the chance to design their very own Sienna Ray handbag with the brand's founder and creative director, Natalie Kathleen. I'd die for the opportunity to work on my own bag–every girl's dream right?–so if you love my look, please let me (and Sienna Ray) know in the comments below! As always, thanks for your support! x
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Skirt: Chiffon Maxi Skirt in Taupe, h.i.p. [was $42, available here]
Sweater: Heavy-knit sweater in Cream, American Eagle Outfitters [similar style available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Bag: 'Makayla' Bag in Mimosa, Sienna Ray & Co [not yet available]
Jewelry: Beaded expandable wire bangle, Alex and Ani; Channel-Set Diamond Band [gift]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Luxe Titanium Druzy Ring, c/o Manu [$295, available here]
Nails: "French Lingerie," Rimmel