10.22.06
Posted in Articles at 8:47 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
Over the past year, handbags have quickly become the most popular accessory on the market. There are thousands of styles and designs to choose from, which makes it difficult to find the perfect handbag. Many women are unsure of which types of handbags work best with the shape of their bodies and end up choosing styles which make them look large or out of proportion. In order to help you choose the right type of purse for your body type we have compiled a list of body types as well as which kind of handbag is best suited for each type.
Choose the category which best reflects your body type:
Tall and Thin
If you are long and lean, you will be able to get away with almost any form of handbag. Clutches, oversized handbags and shoulder bags will suit you fantastically, but the size of the bag needs to be considered. Oversized, large bags are going to look best on you, whereas smaller ones are going to make you look even taller than you already are. If you want to purchase a smaller handbag, make sure it fits snugly under your shoulders.
Short and Plump
Shorter girls need to pay very careful attention to the types of handbags they choose. Smaller bags tend to look best since larger ones will overpower you and make you look even shorter. Shorter purses (especially those which fit tightly against your body) will create height and make you look taller than you really are.
Curvy
If you’re lucky enough to have an hourglass figure you will want to accentuate your waistline. In order to do this, you will need to find a bag which hits just above the waist. This style and length is going to be most flattering. Medium sized bags work best to enhance your already gorgeous body type.
Plus Size
If you’re plus size you will definitely want to stay away from small bags, which tend to make you look bigger than you are. Bags with short straps should also be avoided. Try a style which is larger and slightly wider than normal sizes since they will make you appear smaller.
The type of handbag you choose will not only depend on your body type, but also on the outfit you’re wearing and what you are doing. Choose your handbags according to how you feel that day and what you think looks best on you. One handbag is never enough, so make sure you have a number to choose from. You wouldn’t wear the same pair of shoes everyday, so why carry the same handbag?
Also See:Â Coach Handbags
About the Author
Cathy Feldman is an avid purse enthusiast who has more handbags than she can count. She has become complete addicted to name brand bags and enjoys sharing her knowledge as a contributing editor of http://www.designerhandbags101.com - a site that offers information about handbags, Louis Vuitton handbags, coach handbags and more.
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Posted in Articles at 8:44 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
There are so many handbags on offer, how to select the one that would complement your figure and go with most of your outfits? See fashion expert tips.
What purse style would work best with your figure?
Never mind the current fashion: your handbag should first of all complement your figure. A tiny purse on a largish woman looks a bit silly. But even though large bags are in fashion now, don’t go overboard, otherwise the bag will distract attention from your person. See examples of how to match purses to your figure.
If you are slim and tall, go for a round or square shaped purse. If you are not very tall, a bottle shaped handbag would look best. And, of course, a not very large backpack works perfectly for any figure.
Most handbags have adjustable handles, so make use of them. Large bags should never hang at the level of your hips: if necessary shorten the handle, so the bag comes to your waist line. And if you wear a backpack, it should not hang down over your backside: adjust the handles so it is just above your waist. This looks better, doesn’t put as much pressure on your lower back, and forces you to keep a good posture.
What color should you choose?
These days handbags are very colorful. Of course, this means that you can no longer have just one bag that would go with any outfit you wear. However, if you wear a lot of blue, orange or green, a matching color purse would make your outfit complete. Fruit prints are currently ‘in’, with the most popular being cherries, peaches and apples.
As far as prints go, a plain, one-color handbag is more practical as it is easier to match with your clothes. However, if you wear a single-colored dress, adding a bright, multicolored handbag might be a good idea.
Also each season of the year favors different handbag colors. All greens are very popular in spring, while red and orange are often seen in autumn. Winter favorites are white and all shades of blue.
And, of course, black is still a classic, which goes with any outfit. Brown handbags, too, are still popular although they are not very practical: a brown bag would only work with brown or beige clothing.
What are most fashionable purse materials?
Leather is always a classic, and it works for any situation and with any outfit. However, other purse materials are fashionable now. Fabric bags can look very stylish, as well as a mix of fabric and leather. Straw bags are simple, and create a great look for the summer. Moreover, since straw looks very natural, it works well with a summer outfit of any color.
Also See: Coach Handbags
About the Author
Tanya Turner is a fashion expert and a founder of http://www.allpurses.info/, where you can find fashion advice and tips about purses and handbags styles
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Posted in Articles at 8:42 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
We’re positive that no matter how you see yourself — trendy, corporate or casual — your ultimate goal is to look “together” - to look beautiful and elegant in your poise and style of clothing and accessories. You spend hours looking for the right outfit and analyze it many times over to make sure it perfects and gives you that eye catching look. But do you give that same time and scrutiny to your accessories like your purse and handbag before throwing it over your shoulder and leaving the house?
You probably didn’t know that a purse can flatten your curves almost as much as the right pair of pants or shirt. Now that we have your attention read on to determine your shape and what type purse you should carry.
Try to choose a purse shape that is the opposite of your body type. While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure. If you are tall and thin, look for the large sloppy bags that lay against you to compliment your figure. If you’re short and voluptuous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek.
Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.
Take a look at the five basic body shapes and find the best purse for your shape:
* Narrow Top/Full Bottom
If you have full hips or tummy and small top, draw the eye up with accessories. You should carry a bag with short straps that fits snug under your arm.
* Full Top/Narrow Bottom
If the fullness you carry on top is unwanted (some do pay for it, you know) turn the area into a “no man’s land”. Nothing should cause the eye to linger so draw the eye downwards by carrying long slouching bags.
* Hour Glass
If you got it girl, flaunt it! This shape best describes a woman who is balanced on top and bottom with a defined waist and is considered the ideal body shape. You can carry off anything–lucky lady!!
* Narrow/Top to Bottom
If you are naturally thin, you have always faced the challenges that come with dressing this body shape. If you are unnaturally thin — by choice — you probably, prefer to show it off. The key is to add dimension to your profile. Don’t choose a bag that will hug the body too much. Think unstructured, bulky type purses. Try anything with horizontal detail in the patterns.
* WIDE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your purse should be. For this body type, shape and color is important. Colors should be muted, monochromatic is best and prints should be kept to a minimum. Draw the eye to the top or center of the torso with a mid-length strap.
Now you know the right purse for you! Always remember to try on the bag–just like you would clothing and shoes. Remember that where the purse touches your body, that part of your body is accentuated. For example, if the purse is under your arm against your breast, the eye is drawn up to the bag.
So take the time to look for the right purse for you–it’s not always the same purse that your best friend carries. A purse should not only carry your personal belongings, it should add to your style and looks.
Also See:Â Coach Handbags
About the Author
Ernie and Mary Helen Sanders are current retailers of purses for the last 3 years. They spend numerous hours researching trends and styles for women. Visit their site for more information on what purses to buy and wear at http://www.igotyourbag.com You can find more information such as this at http://www.igotyourbag.com/index.asp?PageAction
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Posted in Articles at 8:41 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
Handbags are very hot these days. They are everywhere with so many different styles, shapes, colors and embellishments. They have seem to become an accessory item like jewelry. You can’t have enough of them and we need them to match the outfit like our jewelry. They have become so much a part of the outfit ensemble. Our lifestyles are forever changing, and with this, so do our handbags. In working in the industry, I have been amazed at how personal a handbag is and how so very different we are in what we choose to carry. Where do you fall with your handbags in what size that you carry?
I have young children but I am past the diaper bag stage. I still tend to carry the medium to larger size bag when the kids are around because I always get the “here mom, carry this” where-ever we go. Drives you crazy doesn’t it!! On the other hand, I’m tired of the big thing so I like the smaller size bags to feel feminine again. They are so handy especially on those ladies night out or those rare dates with my husband. Did I say rare! We like to look good and not be overpowered by our purse.
That brings us into those small handbags. I found so many women to my surprise like to carry them. It dawned on me that we live in a very professional and busy world. We girl’s need to carry the basics at all times and that little purse fits the need. We live such busy lifestyles and are always on the go. We don’t want anything big and clunky in the way to slow us down any more than we need to be. If you are carrying a briefcase, portfolios, or your laptop, as well or other business items, you definitely don’t need another large item. They also come in handy in fabric for business travelers. Compact for the suitcase but look great for the dinners and business meetings. Now, those super small evening bags I just haven’t figured it out why anyone bothers. You can maybe fit your lipstick in them if you are lucky. I guess it is all in the look. I am the practical type so I don’t get it! There are plenty of reasonably sized evening bags that look great. Now ladies, I must say that too many of you buy the little handbags when you should not. I’ve seen them so crammed with stuff that they look distorted. Break down and buy a larger bag. It will look much neater and we will see the great handbag you’re carrying and not a mess.
Gone are the days of the moms carrying the huge bag with everything in it including the kitchen sink. You know, the one’s carrying the first aid kit, sewing kit, scissors etc. just as my mom does. Oh, and they need lots of pockets for all that stuff so they have a harder time finding the keys because they don’t know which pocket it’s in this time. My mom’s a seasoned grandmother and I guess she feels she still needs to carry everything. “Just in case!” There are plenty of our mothers/grandmothers out there that you know exactly what I’m talking about. I have women buy the cute nice size handbag and then the huge one for their mom. Do you fall into this huge bag syndrome?
Speaking of moms, let us not forget the dedicated new moms of the world. I honor all of you because I’ve been there done that. These are the women who give up their handbags altogether for the diaper bag. You carry so much around for the kids that you just stuff your wallet in the diaper bag. There’s no time for yourself so the lipstick is definitely dropped from the contents of what you carry. Occasionally you try to take back your womanly status and carry a purse but realize fast what a hassle. What we give up for those little blessings! Diaper bags have changed so much over the years. There are so many incredible looking diaper bags that really don’t look like a diaper bag. They are useful, because that’s important, but great looking.
That brings us to the younger set, oh to be young again. Teenagers and young adults have a mind of their own and a definite taste of their own. They are coming into themselves of who they are and what they want from life. It better be a very in and stylish handbag. Don’t dare buy a handbag for them unless they’ve seen it and asked for it. Guarantied you’ll be returning it after you’ve given it to them. They definitely like the smaller cute stylish ones. Not too fancy or stand-outish types but very in. No large one’s that might make them feel old or like a mom, not ready for it. The college set will carry the larger bag only for books in school. They appeal to the feminine side instead of the backpacks.
I ask you, where do you fall in the world of handbag size? Or are you like me and like them all and got to have them all. I guess you can call it the handbag fetish! We talked about size; let’s look next time for my next article on what’s out there and there is plenty out there.
Also See: Coach Handbags
About the Author
Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of Alexi specializing in customed designed handbags. A successful retail business, has currently moved her boutique to the web. Visit her website at http://www.AlexiHandbags.com.
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Posted in Articles at 8:38 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
What does a diva need to look fabulous all year round. These timeless essential are worthwhile investments. Regardless the season, these wardrobe essentials let you look chic, in the snow or the sweltering heat.
#1 A Pretty Dress In summer, that dress can be worn on its own. In autumn and winter, you can layer it with your tops, jackets and so much more for the latest autumn winter look. A girl could use a few chic new dresses that would never go out of style. Silk chiffon dresses look stunning on their own in summer yet layer very well in winter. A great buy regardless the season.
#2 A Gorgeous Handbag Spring, summer, autumn or winter. That bag would take you through it all. Make sure it is a great designer bag. Something you are proud to carry. One that make you the envy of the competition. Fendi Handbags are classics that you would be proud to carry, year in, year out. Prada bags and accessories are what dreams are made of. Actually, my dream wardrobe would be filled with Prada… if I could only afford that. Oh well.
#3 High heel shoes High heel shoes never go out of style. High heels, at least 3 inches high, make your walk sexy. When you wear such high heels, you sashay rather than plod around. Your walk becomes sexier. More diva like. Manolo Blaniks are ideal. Jimmy Choos are not bad either.
#4 Beautiful lingerie Your sexy secret. The beautifully sexy lingerie you are wearing under your possibly prim looking clothes. None of that Bridget Jones granny style knickers for you. Go for something a lot more sensual. La Perla lingerie would be wonderful.
#5 Diamond Stud Earrings Whether you are going to a red carpet function, or just lounging around at home entertaining a very special guest, diamond stud earrings would subtly light your face beautifully. Go for the real thing. As large as you can afford. Diamond stud earrings are timeless and go with just about anything. They are an investment that not only can last you for life, you can hand your earrings down to your grandchildren as a family heirloom. It is an investment that becomes your legacy.
#6 Jeans Not just any pair of jeans. Go for the designer jeans that grace the butts of the likes of J.Lo. Jeans that supermodels wear on their days off. Cameron Diaz looks absolutely gorgeous in Blue Cult jeans. There seem to be millions of brands where jeans are concerned, but a few stand out from the crowd. Miss Sixty Jeans are hip, rock and roll style jeans, for the cool crowd.
#7 Your signature perfume Every girl should have a signature perfume that is her personal scent. Layer your perfume by using it in your shower, body moisturizer and spritzing a little on your pulse points after your shower.
With these 7 essentials, you can easily have that gorgeous image every day of the year.
Also See: Coach Handbags
About the Author
The writer is the webmaster of Cheap Designer Clothes where you can find designer brand clothing and accessories at relatively low prices.
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Posted in Articles at 8:35 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
Handbag styles are not only very diversified but they also fall in and out of fashion quite frequently. Although a handbag is not considered one of the main components of your outfit, it can still influence your overall aspect as much as a pair of shoes, blouse or jeans. Choosing the right handbag goes far beyond matching colors with the shoes. There are several things that you should consider, such as shape, size and length of the handbag. Here is how each of these factors can influence the impact a handbag has on your looks.
Unlike clothing, the handbag is an accessory that stands out from your body figure. This is why the shape of the handbag can have such a powerful visual impact. When shopping for one, try to get the exact opposite of what your body type is. If you are short try to get a taller handbag that will enhance your vertical look. Not only will the vertical handbag make you look taller but it will also help you look slimmer, since it directs the viewer’s eyes on the vertical rather than on the horizontal. On the other hand, if you are tall and thin, you might want to get a rounder handbag.
There are several handbag types that you can choose from. Hobo bags are popular shoulder bags that offer a nice round shape and a lot of interior room. Satchels are large handled bags that offer a lot of room but are less elegant. On the opposite side you will find the clutch bag, which is very small and fancy, mostly used for evening wear and other special occasions.
The duffle bag takes us back to the larger sized category, while the field bag is sportier and is a flap top shoulder bag. Hermes style bags are structured in shape and they have select closures that are intentionally visible. Tote handbags are highly popular. They have handles or straps, depending on the model, and are open top bags. Messenger style bags are mostly shoulder bags and are usually worn across the body. Among other popular handbag styles, you will find the cigar box, which is a hard cover bag and the pouch, which is a small and soft covered bag.
The other thing to consider is the size of the handbag. If you are small and thin, try not to carry around huge bags that will look disproportionate to your body. On the other hand, if you have a few extra pounds, you might not want to stress that with a bag that is barely visible and seems more like a toy rather than a real handbag. The length of the handles is also important - medium sized handles work best in all cases. In general, long handles and a vertically oriented handbag make you look slimmer.
There is one other final element for you to consider: Will this handbag suit your lifestyle? Do not get an elegant and fragile bag if you are used to carrying a lot of stuff in it and going through subway traffic everyday. Make the choice that will complement your life style in the best way and make the most out of enjoying your shopping experience.
Also See: Coach Purses
About the Author
George Anderson has a good understanding of handbags, especially designer handbags and how important they are to a woman’s presentation.
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Posted in Articles at 8:33 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
by Mary Bailis
They are flashy, hot and very in for the season. Metallic, sequence and don’t forget the faux fur handbags. Just take a look at a crowd and you will see quite a collection of each of these three. They are not hard to spot and definitely make heads turn. Which head turning style do you like to carry this season?
Let’s start with the flashiest of them all, sequence. They are everywhere and everyone is carrying them. They do seem to be a bigger hit with the younger scene. They come in an array of colors as well as sequence styles. Carry them with any outfit and they’ll dress it up no matter what the look. Do be careful, the looks you get may only be on your handbag and not on you. If you want your great outfit to stand out, I don’t recommend carrying one of these handbags.
Metallic is all the rage also. Just wait for the holiday parties and you will see an explosion of these. They come in many different colors but bronze definitely tops the list. There will be the gold rush in December for all those fancy outfits. Gold is being paired with black and also brown. That black little dress is going to look fabulous with the metallic evening bag and the big beaded necklaces.
Now don’t forget the faux fur bags. Some stand out very much but not as much as the sequence and metallics. There are plenty of faux fur trimmed jackets, tops and boots out there. The faux fur handbag will set off the ensemble. Some are a bit on the wild side and others are just really neat looking. As long as they don’t make a roar, these are the most tame out there of all three.
Sequence, metallic and faux fur, get them while they are hot!
Also See: Coach Handbags
About the Author
Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of http://www.alexihandbags.com/ an online custom handbag boutique. Her designs were originally shown in exclusive art shows and trunk shows in people’s homes and customer demand brought forth the website. She enjoys reading, being creative, exercising, nature and spending as much time with her three beautiful children.
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06.26.06
Posted in Articles at 9:19 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
Some of my female friends have a handbag for every day of the week and then some, like me! But regardless of whether you only want one or two, or if you are like me and you simply must have them in all shapes, colours and sizes there are some basics to follow.
Many women will see something they think they love; only to get it home and find out it really only goes with the outfit they were wearing when they bought it! So it ends up sitting in the bottom of the wardrobe, collecting dust along with the collection of once worn shoes! - Come on girls, we all have them!
 
If you follow a few guidelines you can eliminate a lot of these issues. You might find you save a few quid too!
You see someone with a bag that you just have to have and you can’t wait to get it. Stop! The first thing you need to ask yourself is, “Do I have more than one outfit that will work with that bag?” Let’s face it, we could spend hundreds on accessories, but never have anything that goes with them! Also, is it really your style? - Or do you want it just because everyone else has one, like all those extra shoes?
Are you going for the cute and sexy look, or are you after a more formal style? Having one bag for work and one for going out is fine, especially when you may have some white collar job where you have to be reserved and your true personality needs a bag that screams, “Look at me”!
 
Another thing you want to keep in mind, is to consider your own body when choosing a handbag. You want to choose one that is flattering to you, if you consider yourself on the large side, you don’t want a bag that you can barely get over your shoulder, cutting off the circulation in your arm, just because you liked it in the shop! The same applies, if you are very slim. Don’t buy a huge bag that swamps your tiny frame!
Next, think about what you are going to put into the bag. Is the bag you like up to the task? Will it hold everything you need it to hold? The key word is NEED! Also, be sure that it going to be comfortable. You wouldn’t take a suitcase of goodies clubbing with you… Would you!?
What is it worth to you? This is a much bigger issue than just price. Are you going to use the bag regularly? Is it worth what you may have had to sacrifice to buy it? If you are happy with the price and feel it was worth that to you, then it’s a good price. Try considering the price on a ‘cost per use’ basis! It may be rather expensive, but if it will be used every day, then so be it!
Happy Shopping!
Also See: Great Coach Handbags
Other Great Coach Products
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Posted in Articles at 9:12 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
What Does Your Handbag Say About You?
You can tell a lot about a person, not only from the clothes they wear, but also from the accessories they have, including the handbags they carry. It’s hard to believe, but you can find out a number of things about a women’s personality just by the type of handbag she has. Below you will find a number of handbag styles and colours as well as what each specific type of handbag says about it’s owner.
Styles: Under the Shoulder. Handbags which have handles but are smaller and fit tightly underneath the shoulder indicate class and sophistication. A women working in an upscale office or someone of high stature might choose this form of handbag.
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Big and Bulky bags are casual and are often associated with younger girls. They are generally used for individuals who carry a number of things (folders, books etc) and require a lot of space. Down-to-earth, lower-maintenance women might carry this type of handbag.
Designer handbags often cost an arm and a leg and therefore are usually associated with high-maintenance females. Females who are confident and like top of the line accessories will settle for nothing less than a name-brand designer handbag, with matching purse. Guys - watch out for these girls, they can be a handful!
Leather with Buckles and Pockets - Women who choose leather bags with lots of buckles, tassels and Pockets are leashing out their wild sides. These women tend to act before they think and are always ready for a good time. The extra buckles and pockets tend to signify a ‘bad girl’ image.
Colours: Bright Coloured handbags like hot pink, purple, bright blue and green indicate that the woman is fun, friendly and approachable. Women who are out-going and sociable will tend to choose these colours. This is the type of woman who will strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.
Black and Brown - Women who choose black or brown handbags tend to be more reserved and are often mistaken as being snobby or restricted. These types of handbags are often associated with down-to-earth women, who are shy at first, but open up after a while. They tend to exude a shy confidence, which is sometimes mistaken as someone who thinks she’s better than others.
The style and colour of your handbag says a lot about you. Choose your handbag very carefully and remember you can choose more than one style. You may feel like being reserved one day and the centre of attention another… It’s natural to want different things in life!
Also See: Great Coach Handbags
Other Great Coach Products
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Posted in Articles at 9:02 pm by Kenneth & Felicia Elliott
Some women have handbags for day of the week and seem to be toting a different one every time they go out. No matter whether you’re looking for one or two understated purses, or if you’d prefer to have a dedicated handbag room full of ‘loud’, stylized satchels, there are a few simple rules to live by when buying a new handbag or just selecting from your existing panoply of purses.
As with clothes, different handbags suit different girls with different body types. If you see someone carrying a purse that you absolutely must have this second, think about it for a bit before rushing off to visit Sam Moon; will that handbag really fit your body type, or did it just look good because of the person carrying it? If you’re tall and thin, it may not make sense to get a cute and tiny purse that you saw a shorter girl carrying, as it may just serve to make you look bigger.
 
If you’re small and petite then it’s important to give some thought to proportion - a bag that looks fine carried by a taller may look oversized on your smaller frame. If you’re trying to draw attention towards or away from a particular attribute, ensure that you get a bag that hangs at that body level, as eyes will be drawn wherever your handbag sits.
It’s very important to give some practical thought to your handbag - if you carry very few items on a daily basis, it’s not important to have a massive bag with dozens of pockets. But at the same time if you’re a higher-maintenance gal, a tiny one-pocket purse crammed full of essentials is going to wind up looking like a shopping bag!
Quality is important too - good materials and good construction will yield a bag with good structure, keeping it from flopping and sagging, showing bulges from its contents, and of course a good bag will last you longer.
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If you like having a veritable menagerie of handbags to choose from, you may be more able to play with effervescent summer colors, prints, and styles in all kinds of funky materials but if you’re a one or two-purse girl, stick with leather or even suede in neutral colors so that you can get the highest quality and the most versatility from your purse-buying buck.
Regardless of what kind of girl you are or what kind of bag you’re looking for, enjoy the shopping experience, but make sure you think ahead to what that bag will look like with your other outfits - no one likes a case of purse buyer’s remorse.
Also See: Great Coach Handbags
Other Great Coach Products
About the Author:
Cathy Feldman has given up on her dreams of becoming a famous supermodel, and is content to be an extremely fashionable writer for http://www.designerhandbags101.com/ - a brilliant online resource for information about the trendiest handbags and designers, including Balenciaga, Franco Sarto, Coach and more.
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