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How to Nail Monochromatic Outfits

October 25, 2020/in FASHION /by Lotte

How to Nail Monochromatic Outfits

Monochromatic outfits are a huge trend for 2020. In years past, they were deemed too “matchy-matchy” and looked either dated or tasteless. More recently, this idea was flipped on its head as they took over high fashion runways and the wardrobes of every it-girl. Now, these single-hued looks are tried and true favorites for looking effortless, elevated, and on-trend for anyone! The idea is simple: Pair pieces of the same color together to make a complete outfit. This concept is so great because it instantly makes your overall look unified and editorial. Best of all, you oftentimes don’t have to buy any new pieces to recreate this trend. I’m all for trends that you can participate in for free! Monochromatic dressing is also a huge hack for those wanting to create a capsule wardrobe. If all your clothes are similar in hue, they will pair well together so you’ll be able to create more outfits with fewer pieces. Get inspired by an example of monochromatic looks pulled from a capsule wardrobe. For those interested in having a capsule wardrobe of their own, we are happy to offer this service! Learn about the capsule wardrobe styling service.

Monochromatic outfits look so effortless that you may think they’re simple to assemble, especially because you don’t have to worry about harmonizing your outfit’s color palate. Unfortunately, it’s rarely as intuitive as we might hope. For example, is there ever too much of a color? What if it looks boring altogether? What if it looks forced? And which pieces should you choose to start building your outfit? For those of you who love the look but shy away from trying it out yourself, we have compiled some useful tips that will keep you comfortable and confident as you give monochromatic outfits a try in 2020.

The first thing to note is that there is no one right way to do the trend. Play around with it and see what you feel good in! Some approaches to monochromatic dressing are easier to master than others. For example, the all-black look has been common in a variety of settings for years. It is the uniform in certain workplaces, the traditional choice for funerals, and an easy go-to outfit for formal events. So, if a head-to-toe black look is already within your comfort zone, consider how you can push yourself one step further into the monochromatic trend.

What to Look for When Shopping

Tip 1: Start with the basics

For many people, the first thing to try will be a monochromatic outfit in a non-black neutral shade. This could be white, cream, gray, camel, or brown. The selling point here is that none of the items will clash because they’re all neutrals! Just make sure you stick to a single base color to maintain the monochromatic effect. Most people have a decent stock of neutral-colored clothing that will provide a good starting point for this first look. If you don’t, this is the PERFECT place to start your shopping list. First, choose your favorite neutral shade (such as cream). Remember that this is your base color, and some minor deviations in shade may even be beneficial to the final outfit. Next, assess what pieces you already have in this color and its cousin-colors—beige, ecru, off-white, etc. Do you notice any gaps in this subsection of your wardrobe? It’s especially important to make sure you have basics in this color that fit your lifestyle and the season. If you notice some basics are missing, this is what to add to your shopping list! Look for pieces that are simpler in construction, easy to layer, and will stand the test of time. Here, I went with a lightweight sweater, trench coat, trousers, loafer, and a simple pendant. An outfit comprised of all neutral timeless pieces like this is as fail-safe as it gets. Notice how the small deviations in color add dimension to the look.

Tip 2: Add Statement Accessories

Now that you have your essentials, try adding in some tonal statement pieces to your monochromatic outfits to amp up this 2020 trend. Mixing your basic layers with a few pieces that reflect your personality is key to feeling confident in this look. For example, if you are going for a grey outfit and have a simple sweater dress as a base, an edgier piece on top like a leather jacket will work wonders to liven it up. A great tip for grey monochromatic looks is that silver hardware and crystal embellishments add rich texture while staying on-hue. Also, notice how the snakeskin detail on the sneakers stays with the all-grey theme while adding dimension. When you’re shopping for your monochromatic look, keep an eye out for creative ways like these to inject personality and interest into the look while staying true to your color scheme.

How to Pair Like Items Together

Tip 3: Try a pre-matched set

Once you’re done shopping and have compiled all clothing and accessories of the target color, it’s time to consider how you will assemble the full look. The pieces you have to choose from will reflect your personal style already. Now you will be choosing which pieces suit the occasion, are weather appropriate, and complement each other. The monochromatic outfits included above reflected an office-ready and a casual take on the 2020 trend, respectively. I chose the items for the work outfit because they are items that I would typically style together for this setting, so styling them in monochrome colors is no major challenge. The same is true for the casual look—the dress and sneakers combo is a fun look I love, so I would feel comfortable wearing this in a monochromatic color scheme, too. When in doubt, stick to outfit formulas you’re comfortable with and try one new trend at a time! If you’re still having trouble with pairings, try looking for sets. Designers are pushing things like skirt sets (a top and skirt made of matching fabric that are designed to be worn together), matching sweatshirt and jogger combos, and monochromatic suits. Take advantage of these sets for this trend—they have already done the tricky color and style matching for you! Another option is a take on the “Canadian tuxedo”—an all-denim look you can piece together yourself with ease. When building on your set, keep additional garments and most accessories in line with your target color. Here, I included a couple of contrasting accessories since the rest of the outfit was so well-matched, I didn’t risk losing the monochromatic effect. I kept these contrasting pieces in neutral tones so they wouldn’t be distracting.

Creating Colorful Monochromatic Looks

Tip 4: Break the color up with just enough detail

The last look was somewhere between neutral and color due to its denim fabrication, but what if you’re looking for something in a bolder and brighter hue? This is where the real styling challenge comes in. Most of us are not used to wearing head-to-toe color! We have already mentioned how shine, texture, and different shades of the same color can help add dimension to a monochromatic outfit so that the color doesn’t become overwhelming. Other ways to accomplish this are through playing with silhouette, proportion, pattern, and even fabric weight. You may not need any of these accents to complete the look, but sometimes the details make it feel more wearable and interesting. I am loving the sage green trend lately and so I chose this as my base color for the next outfit. A mix of fabrics is what keeps this look especially fresh—there is a heavy knit sweater, a lightweight satin skirt, and a leather trench coat and boots. The earrings add just a pop of texture. Remember, a monochromatic color scheme provides a clean foundation to make other attributes of the outfit shine. Try to add a few eye-catching details, but don’t overload the outfit and lose its effortless quality.

Wrap-Up

Monochromatic outfits are one of the most exciting trends for 2020. Not only does monochromatic styling flatter the body by creating an uninterrupted line of color from head to toe, but it is adaptable to any style and can often be created using pieces already in your closet. Experiment with the trend using these guidelines, or if you would like a little extra help putting looks together and pushing your boundaries, set up an appointment here. We hope you have fun with this trend!

Apple Picking Outfits: What to Wear

October 19, 2020/in FASHION /by Lotte

It is mid-October and decidedly fall here in Ohio. That may mean a few things to you-embracing the season by stocking up on Halloween décor, taking the opportunity to photograph the beautiful changing leaves, or updating your usual Starbucks order to a PSL.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is by heading outside to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch for some freshly picked produce. Homemade apple pies? Roasted pumpkin seeds and jack-o-lantern carving? So nostalgic! In such uncertain and unprecedented times, carrying out traditions like these can feel therapeutic. Many of us have been doing these since we were kids. Plus, the activities are perfectly suited to social distancing while scratching our itch to get out of the house. It’s also the perfect excuse to change out of your sweatpants and into your best apple picking outfits.

Apple-picking season in Ohio runs roughly from late July to late October depending on the variety, and pumpkin season is at its peak throughout October. Take these final weeks to bring your kids, significant other, or best friend with you for these fun fall activities! If you’re heading to the pumpkin patch or orchard for a fall family photoshoot, sign up for an appointment here for a full styling session. Otherwise, keep reading for some outfit ideas.

If you are going to get out of the house, you might as well look good doing it. Something about all the time confined at home makes getting dressed for any outing feel like it takes a bit more effort. A little inspiration is definitely in order to put together your perfect apple-picking outfits. Look for fall prints and color palates, heavier fabrics and knits, and pieces that will keep you comfortable throughout the day. These 3 easy apple-picking outfit formulas will help to get you started.

Classic: Knit Sweater + Knee High Boots + Flat Brimmed Hat

The first outfit formula starts with a sweater—an essential we should all have in our fall and winter rotation. You can choose a fine knit for a more refined and classic look or a heavier knit to get in on the chunky sweater trend going strong this season. Pair with your favorite denim and a pair of knee-high boots. Skinny jeans will work best with the taller boots to create a streamlined look and prevent bunching, especially if your boots are a slim riding boot or stretch style. For boots with a more relaxed fit through the calves, slim-straight cuts of denim could also work. Alternatively, a sweater dress would work just as well.

Knee-high boots can be intimidating to buy due to the inherent fit concerns: Notably, they are typically made of rigid leathers or suedes that won’t stretch to fit different calf sizes. Petite women may worry about the shaft height “cutting” their frame and making them look shorter, while taller women may worry that the shaft doesn’t come up high enough.

So, what should you consider when buying and styling them? The best advice is to measure, measure, measure. Women with curvier calves should measure their calves to ensure a comfortable fit and search for boots labeled as a wide calf. Tall women should measure the height of where they want boots to stop and compare to the boot dimensions. Women worried about looking short may consider boots with a small heel and should take care in styling their full outfit. For example, a black knee-high boot paired with a black jean will elongate the legs rather than cutting them in half.

Finish your apple-picking outfits with a classic fall accessory, the flat-brimmed hat, to pull it all together. I love this hat with a boot because it balances the overall proportion of the look by drawing attention upward. A shade of brown or beige keeps this accessory timeless.

Edgy: Suede moto jacket + Bodysuit + Distressed Jeans + Textured Ankle Boots

We have discussed how perfect a moto jacket is for fall dressing in previous weeks, but if you’re still not convinced, allow me to mention it once more. I like a suede moto in apple-picking outfits because the texture tones down the edginess a notch and it’s a little easier to move in than a thick leather. Like most things in fall, earth tones will be your best bet to maximize versatility.

The boxier, structured fit of a moto jacket is an ideal match for something more figure-hugging underneath. A bodysuit does just that! I love the clean lines bodysuits provide in outfits because they always stay smooth and in place. A simple bodysuit is your best option. You do have choices in the shape, however. Turtleneck bodysuits are my go-to for elongating your body and providing a little extra warmth, but a V-neck or scoop neck works well for showing off necklaces. Choose what you feel most comfortable in. Match a camel-toned bodysuit to a similarly colored jacket for an easy play on monochromatic hues.

On the bottom, add a pair of distressed jeans. High-waisted denim will keep you tucked in and prevent you from feeling overexposed in the fitted bodysuit. Try slightly more rigid denim to contrast with the stretch of the bodysuit. Finally, slide on a pair of textured ankle boots, such as a snakeskin texture. This detail has been a huge trend for a few seasons now and is so versatile that it won’t feel outdated in years to come. Black-and-white or brown-and-white snakeskin prints are just as popular and easy to style as a simple embossed black boot. Other textures to keep on your radar are croc and calf hair, and there are vegan options for all of these!

Casual: Oversized Plaid + Cropped Thermal + Black Distressed Jeans + Converse

Our last outfit formula pays special attention to comfort. Start with a simple outfit base of black distressed jeans and a thermal. Black or white varieties will get worn time and time again. We’re going to pair this with an oversized plaid shirt, so to keep proportions balanced and not lose sight of your waistline, go for a cropped thermal. Cropped doesn’t have to mean exposed if you’re worried about skin showing or the cold temperatures – just meet the shirt hem with a high waisted jean to close the gap. A black pair will work well with the overall look to push the vibe slightly masculine and outdoorsy. Opt for a skinny, tapered, or slimmer straight leg to allow the oversized shape of the plaid to shine. Too much volume on the bottom risks being visually overwhelming.

For your plaid layer, you could choose a classic flannel button-down or go even heavier with an over shirt or shirt jacket style. These are often made of heavy wool, which will be more insulating as temperatures drop. Look for long lines on this layer. A hem, that hits anywhere from the bottom of your hip to mid-thigh is perfect! The plaid print is synonymous with fall style, and the oversized silhouette brings a fresh modern flair. Finish the look with a pair of Converse or similar basic canvas shoes. Try cuffing your jeans if paired with the high-top version. These sneakers will keep you comfortably on your feet for hours, making them the perfect practical choice for your apple picking outfits.

Wrap-Up

For most of us, there is no way we’re going apple-picking without snapping a few photos, and you’ll want your outfit to be attuned to the scene. Give these apple picking outfits a try for a casual and comfortable day in the outdoors that doesn’t skimp on style. They build on basics that you probably already have in your wardrobe and give them new life. Still missing a lot of the basic pieces? Check our Fall Wardrobe Essentials guide for must-have pieces that can be styled and restyled for all your fall outings. Enjoy the fall festivities and happy apple-picking!

Jean Trends 2020: What’s New In Denim

October 11, 2020/in FASHION /by Lotte

With all the fall clothing hitting stores as we enter October, you may notice some new denim styles this year. In fact, there are a TON of new jean trends for 2020 that deserve attention. Denim has an uncanny ability to define the times, thanks to its uniquely American soul and its permanent place as a closet staple – we wear denim year-round and for (almost) every occasion.

A dark wash jean for work, the “jeans-and-a-nice-top” formula for a night out, a stash of denim shorts in the summer…the list goes on and on. The right pair is well worn in your wardrobe, so they mold to you and may even earn your emotional attachment. So, which jean is the “right pair”, and how do you choose which trends will be worth investing in?

Past Year’s Denim Trends:

For nearly the last decade, the market has been saturated with variations of the dark wash, skinny-leg, high-stretch denim. These have been predominantly ankle-length or cropped. Perhaps these took over in retaliation to the early 2000s highly embellished, lace-up, and low-rise styles, and trends like JNCO jeans before that. The ’90s came with baggier silhouettes, the 80’s with acid washes, the ’70s will bell bottoms and flared styles.

It was only natural that denim got a sleek, polished makeover in the 2010s, and the dark wash skinny proved to be the ever-versatile solution. But the style is starting to feel limiting in our wardrobes. For years, retailers made it easy to forget that there are so many other options available.

If you’ve grown tired of buying and rebuying this single jean style over the years, then you’re in good company. This is your reminder not to forget just how exciting and inventive denim can be! Consider replacing some of your older styles with our top picks for 2020 jean trends below. Need help filtering out the dead weight? We offer a closet clean-out service to help.

Jean Trends 2020:

It’s not that the dark wash skinny jean is “out”…it’s more that there are so many options that are “in.” 2020 is proving to be a renaissance for jean trends. Use it as a time to re-explore what shapes and washes you love your body in. Some of the front-runners we’re seeing on the streets are straighter cut silhouettes, lighter and vintage washes, and more structured fabrics.

Straight leg jeans have seen a resurgence on the back end of the “mom jean” trend and our ongoing love affair with vintage denim. Best of all, they are universally flattering and have multiple variations to ease you into the trend. In their truest form, the straight leg jean has a constant width all the way down to the ankle. Many modern varieties may taper in slightly at the ankle or may have a slightly slimmer silhouette through the thigh and knee. These are great options to consider for women who swear by skinny jeans but want to try a straight leg or straight-leg-adjacent option! What we love most about the straight silhouette is just how long the clean lines make your legs look.

Also stemming from our love for vintage denim is the return of lighter washes. This faded, worn-in look paradoxically gives a breath of fresh air to our closets. These washes look stunning paired with more modern or tailored pieces to create a fashion-forward look with a little more character. Like the straight leg look, we don’t see these lighter shades falling out of favor anytime soon.

The final major jean trend that’s taking over the 2020 fashion world is structured denim. Again, we see how this trend rose as a counterpoint to the super-stretch jeggings of recent years and is inspired by the denim of the ’90s. These are going to have a little more weight and hold their shape better over time. An added bonus is that you won’t have to wash these as often (and in fact, shouldn’t) as their spandex-blend counterparts.

I also love that the elastic-free fabrication solves a major denim pet peeve of mine—they don’t show loose elastic threads poking out as you often notice in high-stretch denim over time. These are made to last for years to come. The structured feel may not be the most comfortable for everyone, but this often resolves itself over time as your jeans become broken in and you get used to the new fabric. It’s worth a try for how polished and luxurious they look!

How to Wear the Latest Jean Trends:

Even if you are feeling inspired by these new denim options, you may not know what to look for or exactly how to style them. Luckily, we’re here to share a few tips.

Straight leg jeans this season are most often seen in mid- or high-rises, in keeping with recent taste. High rises are particularly foolproof for a flattering denim choice, but keep proportion in mind: petites may wish to stick to a mid-rise. A simple tee will look great tucked in to emphasize the sense of vintage Americana. Add a little depth with an oversized jacket or duster coat.

Alternatively, the straight silhouette looks incredible when juxtaposed with a feminine top that shows off your curves. Try your new denim with a cropped cardigan with a puff sleeve detail and pointed bootie to enhance the femininity. A great rule of thumb is to consider what inspires you about the particular jean (e.g. west coast vibe, masculine shape, or vintage wash) and to play with this idea when putting your look together.

When looking for a light wash denim you love, you have a few choices. Light wash doesn’t just mean light blues! Off-white, ecru, and light greys are also beautiful choices that have branched off of this trend. While many of these can be great choices, they may pose styling challenges. Light washes tend to look great with neutral tones – think shades of white, camel, and beige – for an effortlessly sophisticated appearance. They are also great for making deep jewel tones pop that might otherwise get washed out with dark denim.

Structured denim may be the most intimidating of all to buy because of the assumption that it will be restrictive or uncomfortable. In fact, the discomfort more often results from a jean that isn’t best suited for your shape, so it tugs and pulls in the wrong areas. This is where it becomes important to understand your body type and how different brands fit you. Once you’ve determined your best fit, look for denim made of 99-100% cotton to attain the structured look. I love styling this trend with a tight bodysuit to emphasize the structured shape of the denim. As we ease into fall, these can also be paired with our cold-weather favorites like a chunky knit sweater or moto jacket.

Wrap-Up:

We have seen a number of jean trends surface for 2020, and for better or for worse, we probably can’t try them all. It would be a shame to spend a fortune on the split seam, yoke front, or heavily embellished jeans now just to grow tired of them in a couple of years (not to say these are unwise choices for everyone!). It’s best to invest in the trends with staying power.

Our top picks for this season and those to come are straight leg, light wash, and structured jeans. You can combine these trends into a single pair or try one trend at a time to best suit your style. These fresh, modern takes on denim can be styled in so many ways, and inspiration is everywhere!

If you would like help selecting the best pairs for you or still have questions about ways to style them, we have your back. Reach out here to set up an appointment. We hope you fall in love with these new denim looks as much as we have.

2020 Fall Wardrobe Essentials

October 1, 2020/in FASHION /by Lotte

It may not be that chilly in Cincinnati yet, but the dropping temps have me feeling inspired and eager to break out my favorite fall wardrobe essentials. Plus, last week marked the official beginning of fall, so it’s time to start outfit planning! There are plenty of trends to consider adding to fill in your fall wardrobe. Between all the new sweater, jacket, and boot options being churned out by every label, it can be a little overwhelming. Not to worry! This is one of the best times of year to showcase your style. Layering and re-layering your favorite pieces will give you endless outfits with only a few key items, so it’s the perfect time to invest in essentials that you love or hire us to find them for you. Classic pieces with a modern twist are the name of the game. Keep reading for a guide to the must-haves of the season that will keep you stylish (and warm) in the months ahead.

Chunky Knit Cropped Sweaters

I adore this trend for a few reasons. For one, thick, chunky knits are as cozy as it gets. I love that the thick fabric maintains its shape to keep you looking polished. While cropped silhouettes have been in style for tops for many seasons now, a cropped sweater is one of the newer iterations. There’s a reason for its popularity: the cropped shape prevents a chunky knit sweater from overwhelming your body by defining your waistline. This look is flattering on so many body types!

High waisted jeans, skirts, and pants aren’t going away anytime soon — thank goodness — and these styles will pair perfectly with this look. Make a sweater, high waisted jeans, and ankle boot part of your fall wardrobe essentials. It’s a great outfit formula that you can spice up with jewelry and scarves to ensure you always have an easy-but-fresh look ready for every day of the week. If you’re still mourning the end of summer, go with a cropped sweater layered over a dress or paired with a midi skirt and boots for a seamless transition look. I recommend starting with a solid and/or neutral to get the most mileage out of this item in your fall wardrobe.

Plaid Blazer

Every woman needs at least one blazer that she can throw over anything. A basic black style is always a wise choice, but there is certainly a case to be made for plaid. You’ve probably noticed it popping up more and more in stores and on your Instagram feed. What’s great about this look is that a plaid done in browns and subtle oranges, as seen here, is a neutral fabric despite having a pattern. This is the jackpot for creating easy-to-style looks that are a little more intriguing than an all-solid outfit. This blazer will become a staple in your fall wardrobe essentials collection precisely for its versatility and visual interest. The plaid blazer adds vintage flair to a t-shirt and distressed jeans, a masculine twist over a flirty structured dress, or a playful sophistication over a hoodie. Because it’s such a timeless look, you may even have luck finding great options at thrift stores. Consider adding this piece to your closet – it will keep you inspired all season!

Ankle Boots

If there is one piece you cannot go without this fall, it’s an ankle boot. There are so many variations which means you’re sure to find one that suits your personality. By nature, the ankle boot is endlessly versatile and cross-seasonal. It’s my go-to in the fall and winter with jeans and the aforementioned chunky sweaters. I also find myself reaching for them in-between seasons. They feel just right with a slip dress and moto jacket (more on this later…) during times like these when the weather is a little non-committal. Again, this is the perfect place to showcase your style. A neutral suede boot for a classic variation, a heeled bootie for added femininity, a platform sole for an edgy look…it’s the easiest way to inject your personality into every outfit without a total wardrobe overhaul. To make the best selection, prioritize finding a shoe that is versatile enough to go with the majority of your fall wardrobe while still having some thoughtful details you’ll love for years. Doc Martens are one option that is worth considering. They’re known for their durability and are an excellent example of how one pair of shoes can add some edge to every outfit. These freshen up just about any look, which make them great fall wardrobe essentials.

Moto Jacket

The moto jacket is absolutely timeless. This is another piece to include in your fall wardrobe essentials because it compliments classic styles as well as trends that change over the years. It’s perfect for tying all your outfits together. I especially love the classic leather and suede varieties because they have a good weight, will last you decades, and provide good warmth. Vegan leather is on the rise with designers this season and is no longer synonymous with a cheap “pleather” appearance, so be sure to consider these styles too. Although moto jackets are an edgier style at heart, they still work well with many styles. Look for minimal hardware and earth tones or pastel hues if you prefer to tone down the rock and roll vibe. Another bonus for cropped varieties is that they create a waistline, which is great for this time of year when we tend to wear oversized hoodies and sweaters that may hide our figures. Consider adding this to your fall rotation for effortless dressing!

Gold Hoop Earrings

Gold hoops are another classic style you’ll never get tired of. It’s amazing what a good pair of hoops can do for otherwise basic jeans + tee + cardigan combo. Adding these to your casual coffee-run looks will make you look instantly more put-together and boost your confidence. This is an easy essential to add to your fall wardrobe because there are so many affordable options at stores like Target and Zara. If you find yourself wearing them often, take the plunge on a pair of real gold hoops – they’re a worthy investment! This simple metallic accent is a great way to brighten up your look and translates well in many outfits. Try a large pair for a bold look, a small hoop for a look you can wear every day, and play around with adding coordinating hoops if you have additional ear piercings.

Wrap-Up

Another season of new trends can be daunting. Avoid the option-overload by reminding yourself what wardrobe essentials you truly need and will be wearing all season long. Though by no means an exhaustive list, investing in these not-so-basic basics is a great place to start for an effortless, confident style this fall. The best part? These items are best styled together. If you are feeling a little lost with how to style your pieces, our video content page is a great place to start. Shop with intention and choose quality items with details that showcase your unique point of view, because ultimately, these are pieces that should last you years to come. Whether you choose classic fall hues of brown, camel, olive, and burgundy or take a risk with neons and pastels, these silhouettes will look incredible on you. Stay inspired, and have fun assembling your new favorite fall looks!

How to Nail Monochromatic Outfits

What to Look for When Shopping

How to Pair Like Items Together

Creating Colorful Monochromatic Looks

Classic: Knit Sweater + Knee High Boots + Flat Brimmed Hat

Edgy: Suede moto jacket + Bodysuit + Distressed Jeans + Textured Ankle Boots

Casual: Oversized Plaid + Cropped Thermal + Black Distressed Jeans + Converse

Wrap-Up

Past Year’s Denim Trends:

Jean Trends 2020:

How to Wear the Latest Jean Trends:

Wrap-Up:

Chunky Knit Cropped Sweaters

Plaid Blazer

Ankle Boots

Moto Jacket

Gold Hoop Earrings

Wrap-Up

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