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Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts

Sunday, 1 March 2015

Returning With A Haul.

Hello everyone. After being very absent from the blogging world due to life just getting in the way. I am finally hoping to get back into the swing of things starting with this little haul video here - well it's not little but you catch my drift. Hope you enjoy this and i'll see you in my next post! 



Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Floral Playsuit and Desert Boots.

Denim Jacket - Charity Shop
Playsuit - TK Maxx (Present)
 Desert Boots - ASOS
Sunglasses - Tiger Tiger
Rucksack - Converse (Present)

Oh, hello. I went missing from the internet for a while. Well, I say a while lets try a month - a whole bloody month. I wasn't completely disconnected, mind, rather I transformed myself into a shadow and lurked on the internet as opposed to being active like I normally am. My excuse is that I got swamped with revising for my exams (all of which I passed, yay!) and then Christmas crept up on me along with new year and finally flying back to Montpellier. I didn't fly alone this time as I was accompanied by my lovely boyfriend Niall. After staying with me a week he unfortunately had to make his way back to England because of something called a Masters in physics or whatever - pshh, what even is that? 


Excuses aside, I can't publish my first post of 2015 without addressing an exciting change that the new year brought me. You may have noticed that my pictures no longer look so shitty as I finally treated myself to a new camera. I'm still getting to grips with it as I've never had such a device at my disposal before. It is a Fujifilm FinePix S8200 bridge camera for those interested - not anything too fancy as I'm not made of money but it's got everything I was looking for. A common misconception is that if you want to take good pictures you need the most expensive camera there is and bridge cameras often get overlooked because of this. Bridge cameras are the perfect step up from a point and shoot and way more affordable than DLSRs. 


These photos were taken by Niall at the Parc du Peyrou and the Jardin des Plants in Montpellier which if you have to visit if you ever have the chance. The Jardin des Plants is a botanical garden that is still used by botanic students of the university nearby. Although the garden is a little run down it is still a stunning place to visit nonetheless.  If anything I think the garden's rough edges add a sense of charm that comes with abandoned places. Anyone else obsessed with derelict buildings and decaying theme parks? I'm definitely going to pop back again and take some more photos. I have no excuse really as it is literally 5 minutes from my house.


Moving onto what I am actually wearing: this gorgeous playsuit was a present from Niall for my birthday last year and I am ashamed to say this is only the 4th time I have worn it. It's one of those items that I love so much I never end up wearing as I am scared I will ruin it. Anyone else in the same boat as me? I often feel like this with clothes that were either really expensive or are sentimental. It's quite silly, however, when I think about it. Clothes aren't meant to collect dust in the wardrobe! 



I teamed my playsuit with my regular denim jacket and fave desert boots from ASOS. You'll be seeing a lot of my denim jacket as it's currently the only jacket I have with me because I made the major error of leaving my coat in England because I thought it wouldn't be cold here... In fairness it is no where near as cold as it is in England but the wind does get a bit nippy and sometimes a denim jacket just doesn't cut it. I'm keeping optimistic, however, and dreaming of summer and shorts already.

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and are having a great start to the new year. I'm wanting to take my blogging a lot more seriously, especially as I know how my new camera (woop). Last semester was just so stressful that I couldn't find the time or effort to do anything let alone blog. Having settled in a bit more now and adjusted somewhat to the French way of life I reckon I can find the perfect balance between studying, blogging and everything in between. 


Because I have been listening to The Cure none stop today.

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Wants But Cant Haves #2 Christmas Edition.

Eep it's December! I originally wanted to get this up on the 1st but I have been so bogged down with university work that it's a tad late. However, I have literally been revising non-stop for the past week and will continue to do so until my exams are over. Ten exams in the space of a week and no time off to revise is really kicking me in the balls - well if I had any. I digress, point being France is poop when it comes to exams; seriously how do you Frenchies do it? I'm drowning under a sea of mind-maps and flash cards. So, as a way to keep myself half sane I thought I would compile a little personal wishlist for Christmas, which, although is pretty self-centered, could be used as inspiration for presents you want to buy for others or even yourself. No harm in a little self love! So here is my second installment of 'Wants But Can't Haves' the Christmas Edition. 



Heats and bows Tartan Shorts - I am a massive fan of tartan for all year round but there is something oh so very Christmassy about it. These shorts are a nice twist on the classic school-girl skirt but still have that preppy vibe. 

Lush Sex Bomb - Everyone loves a bath bomb and I am a firm believer in that Lush sell the best ones ever. Not only are they all made from cruelty free natural ingredients they also smell ah-ma-zing. Sex Bomb is one of my all time faves and turns your bath water a lovely pink colour so you feel like a princess. 

River Island Gold Glitter Platforms - It wouldn't be a Christmas wishlist without some glitter and these platforms would be the perfect way to add a bit of festive sparkle to any outfit. With the weather being so cold I'd pair these with some quirky socks to add a bit of fun - it is Christmas after all. 

Lamoda Thigh High Boots - I've seen these boots in a couple of blog posts already and was under the assumption that they would be completely out of my price range. Fortunately they're only £32.99, safe to say I had to close my gaping mouth with my hand. They're out of stock at the moment which is a bummer but I'm keeping my eye on them!

Urban Outfitters Mug - I like tea, I like cats. Enough said. 

Limecrime Eyeliner in Lazuli - I'm a bit of a stalker when it comes to Limecrime as I have never actually tried it but I am already in love. After watching endless make-up tutorials on Youtube I've found a desire to get more experimental with my make-up. Why not start with blue eyeliner?

Limecrime Velvetine in Suedeberry - Again with the unjustified love for Limecrime. I absolutely adore the matte finish of the velvetines and have heard wonders about their staying power so I cannot wait to try them out for myself. 

Real Techniques Starter Kit - My desire to get into make-up strikes again and the praise these brushes get is unbelievable. Really good present to give alongside an eye-shadow palette as the brushes in them are always a bit naff. 

Sephora Luster Matte Lip Colour in Deep Plum - A perk of living in France is that they have a Sephora shop which I got ridiculously excited about. My sister is really into make-up so I'm sure I will find the perfect present for her as well as for myself, haha. The colour of this matte lipstick is just divine and perfect for the colder months. 

Limecrime Lipstick in Serpentina - A more 'out-there' colour but still really wearable. I've seen so many make-up looks that combine this bold lip colour with a nude eye and they look really good. Plus shimmery green is oh so festive!

Hearts and bows Velvet Dress - Velvet is always my fabric of choice for winter as it oozes a richness and warmth. I own many velvet items but am yet to add a dress to the collection. Although this dress has really simple lines, there's a gorgeous strap detailing at the back so be sure to click on the link to have a look. This dress would be ideal for a casual Christmas do!

Lush Holly Golightly - Because no one could refuse the prospect of an orange and clove scented bubble bath. 

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera - If you read this blog regularly you will know that my camera died a couple months ago (boohoo) and I've been on the hunt for a new one ever since. Being a point-and-shoot gal for ages I thought it was high time I invested in a better and more 'professional' camera. Nothing too fancy

ASOS Roll Neck Jumper - And finally a little something to wrap up warm whilst nursing a hot cup of tea (out of the crazy cat lady mug, of course). Roll necks are such a chic way to wrap up and I'd love to have one in every colour under the sun - though grey is always my go to and my fave for mixing and matching. 



Because if applied directly to my wishlist it's very fitting. 

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Sparkly Rollneck and Topshop Jeans.





Jumper - Flea Market
Jeans - Topshop
Shoes - ASOS
Denim Jacket - Charity Shop

Hello shorter hair. It's nice to finally feature you on the blog. However, I realise wearing a black turtle neck was not the best way to showcase my new 'do as I basically look like a floating head. It is shorter, I swear. I am very happy with the way it is now as its perpetual desire to flick out was getting on my wick. This is the first time since I was about five years old that I've had hair this short so it's all still a learning curve with regards to styling. I am looking forward to experimenting with it more and trying out different hairstyles. Might even make it into a little blog feature once I get my new camera. 

Anyway, shall I move onto clothes? I am so glad I can finally wear more autumnal outfits; my jumpers were getting lonely on the shelf it has to be said. I picked up this sparkly rolled neck number from the flea market here in Montpellier which I went to yonks ago but, like I said, the weather just wasn't cooperating. I managed to snap it up for a meager 3 euros and have worn it so many times already its probably down to 5 cents per wear. Only down side is it is a little scratchy but that's nothing a little vest top underneath doesn't solve. 


Whilst I was England a couple weeks ago I was a little naughty on the spending front (sorry bank balance) and ended up purchasing, not one but, two of the items from my wishlist. The first is this pair of Baxter jeans from Topshop. Being short and curvy is the bane of my life when it comes to jeans and as a result I didn't expect this pair too fit too well. These, however, are perfect. I say perfect because they are the first pair of jeans to fit me properly - I'm talking the correct length AND enough room for my butt without having a baggy waist. I have to admit, I did squeal for joy when I tried them on in the changing room. Topshop is always a little bit too pricey for me so I tend to buy things in the sales. However I did cave and pay the £42 (minus student discount) for these jeans as they were just too damned perfect. Everyone deserves a treat now and then, right?


Second thing I owe an apology to my bank balance for is these fabulous ASOS desert boots you can see encasing my feet in loveliness. As I mentioned earlier, these were also included in my Wants But Cant Haves post, but I featured the black ones rather than the tan. I was deliberating for a good while which colour to get - black or tan, tan or black? As I already own so many pairs of black shoes I decided it was high time I branched out into the brown area of the colour spectrum. I am really pleased I did as I love them to bits and they go with literally everything. Expect to see their fuzzy faces featured a lot this autumn. 


Because this is the best for exam and essay writing season. 

Friday, 21 November 2014

Grandma Skirt and Stolen Jumper.





Jumper - A Friend (Not actually stolen)
Skirt - Charity Shop
Belt - Flea Market
Crop Top - Supre (NZ)
Shoes - Converse via eBay

Before you ring the police and hang a reward around my neck, this jumper isn't actually stolen. Only partly. The poor thing had been squatting in my house for a fair few weeks after a friend had carelessly left it behind. I just couldn't have it stay rent-free and so decided to take matters into my own hands - then my arms and before you know it the damn jumper was taking up residence on my body. At first I thought I'd only wear it the once, wash it and then return it. However, that first time got me hooked and spiraled into a lengthy and sneaky love affair where I managed to wear it and wash it multiple times; now with no intention of ever returning it. So you see, it wasn't technically stealing. How can it be stealing when it chose me?

Also, please do not be fooled into thinking Montpellier has somehow managed to evade winter. These photos are highly misleading and were taken a fair few weeks ago, oops. Nevertheless, add a pair of tights, boots and a nice scarf and jacket combo and this outfit will take you right through to winter. That's one thing I really love about this skirt and has made me get more wear out of it than I initially imagined. I reckon it is all down to the colour. Although the floral print boasts notions of spring and summer, the dark blue background makes it a piece that easily transitions into the colder months making this skirt the perfect all-rounder, score. 

On a personal note I went on a little trip to Nimes on Wednesday, staying overnight - in a rather grotty hotel it has to be said - but it was so much fun. One of my friend's brother is in a band called Tenterhook who were playing at Paloma (a venue in Nimes) along side another awesome Icelandic band called Asgeir. I've added videos below so make sure you give them a listen, your ears will thank me. 

Being a busy bee has meant I haven't had time to get snap some new outfit pics just yet, though hopefully I'll get round to it soon. I am also so glad to share the amazing news that my Erasmus grant is finally coming through!! I was supposed to receive it as soon as I started my year here in Montpellier, then they said mid October, then they said end of October - but finally now I should be getting it at the end of this month. Phew. It's such a weight off my shoulders as I was beginning to panic about paying my rent and flights home for Christmas. Also allows me to get all excited for Christmas and buying presents for people. They've put up a huge tree in La Place de la Comedie and it's got me all giddy. On that note, I shall leave you with a couple song.






Because they will give you an eargasm. 

Sunday, 16 November 2014

Orange Roll Neck and Duster Coat.






Top - ASOS
Jeans - Topshop
Belt - Vintage 
Duster Coat - Primark 
Shoes - Converse via eBay

Rewind to before I went to England and to before I got my hair cut at which point autumn was still an unknown notion to Montpellier. It was boasting 20 degree heat in October for goodness sake and now it's bloody freezing - Sort yourself out France. Point being, it was far too warm even for this light duster jacket yet I had been pinning to wear it ever since I bought it 2 months ago (yes two months) and so just accepted that I would be more sweaty than usual and wore it anyway. All in the name of fashion, eh?

I picked up the wonderful duster coat in question from Primark just before I flew to France and in my head I thought I'd look dead classy in it. For some reason I always envisioned the French having impeccable and classy style and thought that the only way I could avoid carrying a giant illuminated sign saying 'foreigner' over my head would be to dress as equally as impeccable and classy. Turns out everything in my head was a lie. Not to say that French people don't dress nice, some of them really do, but I haven't been bowled over by insane outfits that wouldn't be out of place at say Paris Fashion Week. All in all it's not that different to England and I don't know why I ever thought it would be. 

Misjudging an entire country's sense of style aside, I still think I could create a more classy outfit with this here duster jacket but that will have to be for another day. As you can see here, I still can't shake off the grunge trend which I know has been done to death, yet I will continue to adopt it until comes back from the dead and haunts me like Casper the ghost (in a friendly and none-scary manner). 

It was also nice to wear this orange top that quite often gets neglected because it has the awful habit of consistently showing off my bra straps. The top is just the wrong amount of clingy to wear without a bra which is such a shame cos I'm all for everyday being a braless day - but that's a topic for another post. 


Because this video is as cute as it comes. 

Monday, 10 November 2014

UPDATE #1

I'm sure my disappearing act went down a treat eh? Sorry for not blogging in like FOREVER - I just got so caught up with uni work and I then went trotting back to England for the half term. I've been back in Montpellier a week or so now but have been bogged down with another piece of homework and getting back in the swing of things. 

So- 

I have a back log of outfits that I'm excited to share with you, a couple of new things that I bought whilst I was in England and a tag the lovely Louise from As Seen On Louise tagged me in. But before we get back into all that gubbins I thought I'd do a little updates post. Just imagine I'm a friend that you haven't seen in a while and I'm popping over for a hot cup of tea and a good ol' chat. 

Left: View from the boyfriend's room - Right: Niall reunited with his cat

So first things first (I'm the realest), I flew out to England for my half term (yes you still get half term at university in France - not complaining) and stayed at my boyfriend Niall's in Canterbury who I hadn't seen in two months. I not only had to get a plane to England but I also had to make the two hour train journey from London Gatwick to Canterbury which only worsened the butterflies in my stomach. I was so nervous when I saw Niall that I was physically shaking and tried to blame it on the cold but failed miserably. Despite the traveling it was so lovely seeing him again and I do really miss him already - sorry for being soppy - safe to say we spent the first night with pizza and lots of cuddles. The next day got the train to his parents' house for a little get together for his mum's birthday where his dad made an awesome curry and special veggie one for me - what a babe. As well as being deliciously well fed it was nice seeing all of his family and friends including the little ginger one pictured above! 

Left: Sunday roast on the go - Right: The Great Stour river that runs through Canterbury

On the Sunday before me and Niall returned to Canterbury his dad treated us to a larverly roast that disappeared as soon as it was set down on the table. Although I bloody love eating in France and drowning in the many cheeses, it was so nice to have something familiar and hearty, ya know? After all you can never beat a good roast potato. Back in Canterbury it was nice to just have a wander, do a bit of shopping and be glad to wear a jumper finally! 

Niall's Halloween costume deffo outshone mine
Normally I love making my own costumes for Halloween but being in France and having to travel light meant it made more sense for me to buy something online and send it to Niall's house in Canterbury. So I decided to go as a pumpkin and managed to find a cheap outfit online which, unfortunately, I discovered to be far too short - why is it that all women's Halloween outfits are supposed to be 'sexy'? What on earth is sexy about a pumpkin?! Anyway, I managed to salvage it by wearing some cycling shorts underneath and maintaining my modesty. Although, either way, Niall's outfit definitely trumped mine. His housemate and him chose to go as a pimp and a prostitute, naturally Niall had to be the prostitute, haha. He actually ended up looking really good - this photo doesn't do his outfit justice - he's wearing leopard print leggings and my leather skirt. I know a bunch of feminists might want to jump on the fact that his outfit could be seen as sexist or insulting towards women but it really wasn't and was just a bit of fun. 

Left: The worst falafel wrap ever - Right: The best fry up a la Beano Cafe

As well as drinking a fair bit whilst I was in England I also ate a fair bit. And by a fair bit I mean a lot. Though the falafel wrap I bought was a major disappointment compared to the ones I have found here in France - just the thought of them has got my mouth watering. The day after Halloween I went to get my hair cut (which you will see in a mo) and then met up with Niall and his friends at the Beano Cafe in Canterbury and officially lost my Beano virginity. I got the veggie breakfast and, oh my, it was just like heaven on my taste buds - best hangover cure ever. If you're from Canterbury and haven't been to the Beano Cafe then you seriously need to, it is exactly what you want from a greasy spoon and more. I especially love how villainous Niall looks in the picture, haha, the poor boy hadn't taken his eyebrows off properly from the night before. He may have looked like a girl but he deffo doesn't know how to be one.

Left: La formule de petit-dejeuner - Right: Giddy over sparklers

Back in France with early morning lectures, the only thing to get me through is the wonderful notion of 'la formule de petit-dejeuner'. For 1.80 you can get any type of coffee, a choice between a pain au chocolat or a croissant and a little orange juice. It's the best thing I have discovered so far. That and the cheese - omg the cheese. On the flip side one thing that is disappointing about France is that they don't celebrate Bonfire Night, which is pretty obvious as its an English thing. So, after a day filled with doing homework you can only guess of our delight when we found some sparklers in a supermarket. Cue getting childishly excited. Would have loved to go to an actual bonfire but we made do. 

Standard new hair cut selfie

And finally as I mentioned earlier, I went to get my hair cut whilst in England as despite vastly improving my grasp on the French language I wasn't prepared to take the risk of going to the hair salon. Imagine if I had gotten a scissor happy French hairdresser and being unable to communicate 'just a little off the bottom please'?! Nevertheless, I am really please with it and as it is all one length now I shouldn't have to suffer with it flicking out too much. 

Hope you have all be well in my absence. I am now about to spend the rest of the day reading all your lovely blog posts and relishing in the fact that its a bank holiday tomorrow. No American civilization class for me!




Because it's the best for underwear dancing. 

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Wants But Can't Haves #1

As with everyone that has been infected with the capitalist virus of consumption, I want things. Like a good consumer I want to buy the things I want, yet more often than not I am faced with one major obstacle in my way: the lack of money. Not only am I a student but I'm also on my year abroad in Montpellier - which let me tell you is not cheap, so my purse strings have been a little tighter than usual meaning I am left drooling on shop floors. In a bid to share my pain I thought I would introduce this feature entitles 'Wants But Can't Haves' - here's part one.
































Because if only I had a helmet like that then I could pretend I had all these things. 

 


Sunday, 12 October 2014

Flea Market Bag and Charity Shop Dress.






Dress - Charity Shop
Bralet - New Look
Cardigan - Charity Shop
Bag - Flea Market
Shoes - Office
Socks - Primark

I've said this before, but, I do really love it when outfit is almost entirely second hand from either a charity shop, car boot or flea market ect. There is just something about second hand clothes that I will always love. I enjoy the fact that I am able to wear a completely unique outfit and also that buying and wearing secondhand clothes is, actually, a form of recycling. By buying second hand you not only add unique quality pieces in your wardrobe for a cheaper price but you're also helping the environment. Just think about how much energy, money and fossil fuels must be needed to make new clothes for every single trend and season, every single year. It's mad. It's one of the reasons why I have never been a fan of disposable fashion or never wholly committed myself to passing trends. They do say, after all, that fashion is a cycle. You might as well hold onto items that were on trend a few years ago instead of buying them again when they next make a fashionable return. 

We live in a world where being wasteful is the norm, where anything that gets a slight defect is thrown out immediately. How about instead of throwing out that dress with a broken zip you take the time to repair it? Instead of wishing your maxi dress was a mini just chop it? I'm a firm believer in that if you don't like something then change it. But what if you just really don't want the item anymore? When I do want to de-clutter my wardrobe I go through a series of stages to ensure that I'm contributing to landfills as little as possible:

1 - Rehome: First thing I do when I have gotten bored of an item is ask if any of my friends or family would like to take it off my hands. This is one of my favourite ways to get rid of clothes as it is so nice to see people enjoying an item that you once enjoyed yourself. It's also cool to see them rocking it in a way you would never have thought of - this usually leads to me borrowing it back off them to wear it in a similar way, haha. With this idea you can also host a clothes swap party where you all bring items you no longer want and swap them for ones you do want. I've gotten so many new items in my wardrobe thanks to this. 

2- Sell: If none of your friends and family want anything you have to offer (ungrateful gits, haha) then you always have to option of selling them and making a bit of dollar. Personally I love using eBay because it is so easy to use and secure as payments go straight into your Paypal. Don't be disheartened, however, if your items don't sell for millions - I always put things up at 99p and more often than not they don't go for much more than that. You aren't just limited to eBay though! You can use Etsy, Depop, MusicMagpie (yes they take clothes) and loads of other websites besides these. You could even sell them at a car-boot if you fancy it. 

3 - Donate: So again I am faced with items that no one wants but I don't give up there, I donate. I make sure all the items that I do donate are in good condition and clean before bagging them all up and heading over to my fave charity shops. You could also use those charity bags that you get in the post and just leave the bag outside your door.  

4 - Recycle: This is similar to donating but more for those items that are in such bad condition they are beyond repair. I'm talking holey socks, stretched white T-shirts with sweat stains, those disgusting joggers that you could never get the pizza stains out of - things that reverted to being lounge wear but have even surpassed that. These things can still be put some use by being donated as fabric instead of clothes at various recycling centres. They are then used as cleaning cloths or turned into fibers for things like upholstery and the such like. 

5 - Bin: If all else fails you can bin and I am willing to forgive you - But - only if it's as a last resort. 

So, I really didn't mean this post to turn out like this but I quite enjoyed writing it. I hope I have inspired a few of you out there to think twice before lift up the bin lid. Also, want to know the best bit? This doesn't just apply to clothes - You can use these steps for absolutely anything when it comes to de-cluttering. Waste not want not. 



Because I couldn't find a song about recycling. 

Monday, 6 October 2014

Black Skinny Jeans and Borrowed Belts.







T-Shirt - Charity Shop
Shirt - Vintage
Jeans - H&M
Convers - eBay
Belt - Borrowed from a friend
Necklaces - Both eBay

I am currently watching the 1951 version of 'A Christmas Carol' for a cinema module that I'm doing here in Montpellier. I'm watching number 3 out of the 6 (yes 6) versions that I'm obliged to yawn my way through and there's only so much I can take - it's not even Christmas. So with it playing the background I thought I would write a little post for you lovely people. 

Remember that haul video I made all that time ago? Well these are the black skinny jeans that I featured in it and, although I am glad of their presence in my wardrobe, I am still on the hunt for the perfect pair. This pair are just, well, a bit lacking. First of all, they're too big. By too big I mean I panicked at the last minute that my arse wouldn't wriggle in and so bought them 4 sizes too big. With a belt the jeans look ok, but it's not the first time I've misjudged my butt. Perhaps in my head I have a butt like Nicki Minaj - I should ask her where she gets her jeans from. Secondly, as well as a gaping waist, these jeans are far too long in the leg. However, I am not sure if this counts as a real reason for the jeans being poo as I am a midget and forever destined to rock a turn up anyway. Finally - and this is a biggie -  literally everything sticks to them it looks like I have been rolling around in a sheep pen. When I wear these jeans I also wear all the fluff known to man. Continuously picking at my legs is not a good look. 

And yet, I am still wearing them aren't I? Well, I am not one to waste clothes, nor do I have a disposable income to replace them with the Topshop baxters I have my eye on just yet. Speaking of shopping, I did manage to get up early enough this past Sunday to venture to the flea market in Mosson with my friends. I am planning on putting together another haul video as I really enjoyed filming and editing the last one. I found so many amazing things including a couple belts. You may have noticed the lovely one that I am wearing here, but unfortunately it's not mine and could only grace my hips for a short while. That's the bitter sweet beauty of having friends with good taste in fashion - you can borrow their clothes but you have to give them back... eventually.

As always I hope you guys are well and have a lovely week ahead. Thanks for reading and commenting - if you leave a link to your blog I will always give it a read and a possible cheeky comment back. 




Because my friend introduced this to me and I can't stop listening. 
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