Neckalina Product Review **AND GIVEAWAY!**

Now that fall is (finally!) here, I’ve been accessorizing-slash-transitioning my wardrobe to accommodate the change in temperature. You already know I love me some tights, but I have to confess another true love: neckwear. There’s something about wearing something fun around my neck to pop an outfit that just makes me happy, be it in the form of a colorful scarf or a chunky necklace. But what would happen if that accessory were both things?

Enter the Neckalina, a hot new accessory from Cincinnati-based design shop KaVatee.

Ooo la la! Check out all of those fancy Neckalinas!

It’s a soft knit (think t-shirt… hence, the “tee” in the company name) circle scarf plus a detachable chunky necklace, which makes it a versatile three-in-one accessory for your closet. I was provided a Caroline Neckalina to review, and I decided to take it on a three-day trial run. Here’s what happened.

Day 1: Full Neckalina
I decided to dive right into the challenge wearing the full Neckalina. This is the boldest accessory I have ever worn and I have to admit – I was a little nervous to wear it. My scarves are all fairly conservative-ish, nothing too exciting. This is bright pink, right next to my face. Nothing like saying, “HI EVERYONE I’M HERE LOOKATMEEEEEE!” like a bright pink accessory, right? But my fears quickly came to pass. The Neckalina got a lot of attention, both from those who know me well (my co-workers) and complete strangers (random shoppers at Macy’s). I did find myself readjusting the Neckalina a few times throughout the day, because the scarf part of it was riding up a little bit. The Neckalina felt a little bit heavy, but not too bulky.

Day 2: Scarf only
I loved the contrast of the bright pink scarf with my neutral gray-white-black outfit, but maybe my co-workers were done with my hot pink ways by Day 2? No comments from the peanut gallery when I wore it this way. I will offer this piece of advice: Should you ever purchase or be gifted a Neckalina, I do recommend you wash it first. I have fairly sensitive skin, and I usually wash everything before I wear it. I didn’t with this, but it rubbing against my delicate neck skin (did I really just type those words?) created quite a rash. Lucky me!

Day 3: Necklace only
Wearing the necklace only was a fun way to add a pop of color to an otherwise plain outfit. I wore it to a business meeting, and I felt it gave enough of a splash to help me stand out – but not so much that I was uncomfortable.

Neckalina - with and without!

I did encounter a problem with the Neckalina on Day 3 – the necklace turned my white shirt pink! I have to say, though – I shot a quick email to Katie and Val (the “Ka” and “Va” of KaVatee) to let them know about the issue, and they were on it immediately. Turns out it was a production issue that they weren’t aware of, and they took steps to fix it for me and for all their other customers. They’re actually hand-polishing each and every one of the Caroline Neckalinas before they send them out. It was an example of excellent customer service that seems to be lacking in a lot of places these days, and a true testament to two entrepreneurs who are working hard to create a niche and good name for themselves.

All in all, I really like the Neckalina. It’s funky, fun, and definitely unique. One of the designers is actually having her bridesmaids wear the Caroline for her upcoming wedding this month! I can’t wait to see pictures of that; what a stunning sight that will be.

At $88 a pop, the Neckalina will definitely set you back a few pennies. I wish they were more in the $50 range, but then again, if they were cheaper, more people would have them. If you’re looking for a bold way to stand out from the crowd, this is it. It would make a great gift for the upcoming holidays, too. I won’t lie, I have my eye on the Audrey. I hope my husband is reading…

So, tell me. What do you think of the Neckalina?

WIN IT!

Would you like to win one?! Entering is easy, and there are a couple of ways to do so. Leave a separate comment for each entry method:

1. Visit KaVatee’s shop online and tell us what Neckalina you want to win in the comments! (mandatory entry – the rest are optional)

2. Follow KaVatee on Twitter.

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4. Subscribe to the All Things Chic monthly newsletter.

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One winner will be selected at random using the And The Winner Is plugin for WordPress and will be notified by email. Good luck! 🙂