review: Youniquely Chic

Since I'm starting to buy a lot of cosmetics, jewelry and accessories from small businesses, mainly on etsy, I've decided that I am going to start writing reviews for some of them. Small businesses need more love! To my followers, I will try and keep these review posts few and far between. X)

Note: I am not being paid or compensated in any way to write any of these. The opinions expressed here are complete, honest, and 100% unsponsored. I am doing this purely on my own accord :)

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I thought that I could escape the Cyber Monday rush. Honestly, I did. My Black Friday shopping was minimal and generally within the boundaries of sanity (aka, during daylight hours), and I was mostly working during the day anyway. By the time the weekend was over, I thought I had most of my Christmas shopping done. But being a chronic resident of the Internet, Cyber Monday turned out to be  another obstacle that I could not just gracefully jump over.

I don't remember how or when I managed to stumble upon YouniquelyChic's etsy shop, but rest assured, I have been generally stalking the shop in between homework and readings ever since. These pieces of jewelry were unlike anything I had ever seen before--intricately put together, well designed, and completely unique. The source of inspiration behind these creations tickled my inner geek--Greek/Roman mythology, planets, moons, and other cosmic phenomena. What's more, for Cyber Monday, Tara, the shop owner, was having a buy one get one free deal. That's right. Free. Not 50% off, or whatever nonsense other stores will do. Free.

So after much cringing, thumb-twiddling, rocking back and forth, muttering to myself, and sleepless nights, I caved in and made a purchase.

I am now a proud owner of this gorgeous thing.

(c) Tara Wood 2011

And this as well. 

(c) Tara Wood 2011

Design and quality: Contrary to what you may think, these are actually not bulky, large, or heavy at all. I confess, I was a little worried that they would either end up looking very strange on my neck, or I wouldn't be able to wear them except for special occasions. Wrong and wrong. They are just the right size, and are incredibly light weight. They fit beautifully, and frankly, regardless of occasion or outfit, I'm going to wear these all the time! The crystals capture and reflect any light in the room, they look just as beautiful in real life as in the photos. Everything is very sturdy and secure; I have no worries whatsoever of these randomly falling apart on me. 

Price: These necklaces were both $39 each, but of course, this time one of them was free. Even for one individual necklace, I personally think that this price is completely reasonable for the amount of work put into the design, and materials used (clock parts, Swarovski crystals, etc). These easily could've been way more expensive, but they're not. Not to mention that shipping is free for all U.S. orders! 

Customer service: Tara was incredibly nice, friendly, and shipped my stuff out early the next day. She sent me personal e-mail updates, and even upgraded me to priority shipping for free! 

Packaging/shipping: I ordered my necklaces on November 29th. They were delivered and in my hands by December 2nd, although this is mainly because we are actually both living in western Washington (you hear that, Seattle? Buy local!) Everything was packed neatly and securely, and included a nice little thank you note. No complaints whatsoever. :) 

Overall: 5 stars! *****

Would I recommend to anyone? Yes! :)