Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Cords

Thursday 20 September 2012

Susceptible is my middle name.  With a very big capital S.  

And Impressionable.  With an equally big capital I.

Where have I been led this time?  What fashion trend have I bought in to this time round? 

CORDS

Oh and Back Peddlar with a capital B and a capital P.  

Because I left a comment for Louise on my blog saying "cords are not for me because you get flat patches where you sit" when she mentioned she had purchased some new cords.  What I also forgot to say at the time was they also attract fluff and cat hairs.  And then she did a post where she looked damned good in them .... and so it was that I found myself armed with a 30% discount code from Gap making my way to town to look for some cords I suddenly absolutely had to have.  



I didn't get the reddish ones seen above.........

....... and I didn't get the yellow ones seen below.

Nicki Bluhm.  Look her up.  Funky ex school teacher or what?

Instead I went for some green ones.  The ones which Nicki Bluhm didn't model.  And the only ones which are not the actual Gap website.  I could have sworn I'd seen a picture of her in a green pair or maybe it's my imagination playing with my headspace again.  

 Tropical green - their description - not mine.

When I went in Gap, the green cords were yelping "Me, me, me!" like excitable puppies and kittens in a pet shop.  How could I say no? And so I took them home safe in the knowledge of the 28 day return policy. And I thought they looked fun ... and comfy (age creepeth upon me yet again). 

So here I am having fun and seeing how some of my existing wardrobe goes with this one pair of cords.  This is a kind of test to see whether these are keepers, returners or should I just stick with the boyfriend jeans I already have and save myself some pennies.  After all, everything I'm wearing below, works just as well with a normal pair of blue jeans.  

So here we go...... ding ding.

Round 1. Whistles Top

 
Buttoned?

Or unbuttoned?

Going for girly and pretty here.  I know there's the saying that blue and green should never be seen but I've always liked the mix and besides rules can be rewritten to suit.  The blouse is an old Whistles shirt dress picked up for about £15 in one of their sales about 6 years ago.  I got it chopped so it's now a useful blouse instead of a useless dress.  As a dress, this was an item which made you think "escapee from hospital".  As a blouse, this has enough going on with it to make it a standalone item and makes you feel instantly "dressed".  Quick question - buttoned up or unbuttoned?

Round 2.  Jack Wills Spurrell Breton

  
Yellow and Green?  It's certainly colourful.

It's a Breton.  I don't really need to say much more apart from it's not your usual Breton colour and I love it.  It's a bit of a little workhorse is this top because it washes really well and still looks good after a days hard slog with the three C's.  Cooking, cleaning and err .. cids (sic). It was last seen on this blog when it braved The Deep with me in Hull and as you can see, it survived the ordeal.    

Round 3.  Jigsaw Jumper

Ivory cotton - the safe but possibly boring option.

I have a real love hate relationship with this jumper.  I love that it's plain and ivory and technically a really nice basic jumper and it's cotton so it doesn't pill.  I hate the fact that the sleeves are too long and being a jumper makes it virtually impossible to alter to the right length.  Also the neck is a kind of funny cut across the neck boat shape.  It's the kind of jumper that Jigsaw does so well but I like the slight hint of Margaret Howell which comes from it being so basic and plain.  But I don't wear it very much for the reasons I mention but I can't put it in the charity bag or bring myself to ebay it. Basically - it does my head in!!!

Round 4.  Mango Jumper

  
Grey and Green - Needs to be Seen!

However, this jumper I love!  We get on really well.  Best buds.  I saw it in Mango, scooped it up and took it to the changing room and came marching out declaring to all and sundry "I'm having it".  It's basically a box shape, it's grey with some flecky bits to take it out of total boring territory and it hides a multitude of sins.  You can eat and eat and have a huge belly and no one would know.  You could smuggle bags of shopping in here and no one would know.  It's great.  I did have some reservations about whether it would pill and be a one season wonder but to it's credit, it's holding up well and is dutifully earning its keep.  And I love the cords with it.

Round 5.  Muji Jumper

Miss Prissy Pants

Going from baggy to fitted - the little black Muji fine knit jumper which has been going since like forever.  It's nothing special - it just fits.  It has 3/4 length sleeves which I always see as a bonus of not having to deal with too long sleeves and serves as an excellent way to show off arm candy if I could be bothered to wear any.  Completing the outfit with a little paisley scarf and some very old work shoes from M&S which are getting a new lease of life this year since being rediscovered at the back of the wardrobe.  Wearing this combo makes the cords look smarter and less casual somehow despite their boyfriend fit.  Actually, I feel a bit prim and proper in this - I'm not sure that's good.

Round 6.  Zara Sweatshirt

Dressed down happiness

This is probably me at my comfiest.  I like this pairing with the cords and the tan boots.   Some people might say it needs black boots but I find the tan is softer than black boots which I have a real bugbear about them acting like full stops on the end of my short legs.  The Zara sweat is a perfect (light) weight and sits just right on me for fit without making me look too sloppy.  I do like an oversized fit but find on the whole for someone my size, my sweats and hoodies can't be too "big" or I just look like a delinquent teen.

Round 7.  Hobbs NW3 tee and Uniqlo Cardigan

 
Spot the difference!

Student.  This is what this look says.  I'm finding I'm wearing my Hobbs NW3 tee quite a lot so that is a good thing.  When I bought it, I knew I loved the little Hedwig owl but would I actually get much wear out of it, seeing as how my penchant is for plain as plain can be tees?   You know how it is, one day you love one thing and next thing you go "pah.... I do not like you.... one little bit".  But for the time being ... I still love Hedwig.  Grey goes excellent with the cords.  I figured black pump shoes for a more girly take and boots for when the mornings demand some socks to warm the tootsies.

Actually all that was really hard work.  It might have looked like a piece of cake but during this exercise, I've found I tended to look a bit rubbish with anything tucked in the cords or maybe I just don't like being tucked in and feeling a little restricted.  The other thing is they are terrible piece of clothing to photograph - there were many outtakes, believe me.  Credit to the Gap photographer where it's due.  

Anyway, remember at the start of this post where I said I couldn't find any Gap promo photos for the green cords.  I thought I'd help them out a bit and fill the "Gap" (much intended pun). With a bit of help from my friend N who popped past for a coffee and who ended up being a willing accomplice to my moment of madness, we tried to recreate a Nicki Bluhm inspired shot.  I donned my blue Gap Perfect Oxford shirt, tucked my shirt in, added a belt,  did a bit of hair flicking, head moshing and star jumping in the spare bedroom and she papped away.  The funniest thing was she didn't question why I needed her to take a picture of me doing this.  She just did it.  I know some weird people and yeah it takes one to know one.

A moment of madness.
Picture Credit : N


So that's it.  And let's not forget the purpose of this post. Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Cords. What's the verdict?  Keep or return?

----------------------------------------------------

Last Note :
  • Gap - if you're reading - you can use my pic if you like as long as you credit me with some Gap vouchers - I could do with a new pair of your current sexy Boyfriend jeans.  Or just send a pair my way.  Size 10 please.

  • Also - I seem to have adopted a new standard pose with hand in pocket.   Bonkers.



50 comments

  1. Ooh - what a fab post! LOVE those cords on you, what a fantastic colour. Love the Mango jumper and yellow breton as well. And the M&S shoes - in fact everything. Some really nice looks there.

    Incidentally, I was wearing cords today (not as nice as yours), had not previously been aware of the ever-present danger of 'flat patches' - must check self tomorrow!

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  2. Sorry - forgot the main message - KEEP - definitely! :-)

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    1. Thanks Ash. The Mango jumper is the winner for me here just for comfort, ease and not having to try too hard at all.

      Any flat patches then on your cords then?

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  3. Whistles top - definitely like buttoned. I think you look nice tucked in and I like them paired with the muji jumper. KEEP with a capital K :) x

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    1. I knew you would like it buttoned. It's funny, after reading people's blogs for a while, you get a sense of what they wear and what they like and I knew that was more your styling.

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  4. Hello! Firstly unbuttoned definitely! Buttoned looks a bit like one of my mother's nighties ... unbuttoned looks cute. I'm going to be honest and say that I'm not that fussed about the cords (although that final 'Gap' pic is fab) but I genuinely love all the tops ... probably not what you wanted to hear though, is it?

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    1. Well I'm glad you like all the tops because I've worn all those to death and they've long expired their 28 day return policy.

      I like the way some people wear their blouses and tops fastened at the neck but I'm usually an open neck fan.

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  5. I actually think those are pretty great. And good job on all the outfits! It IS a lot of work to photograph those. I especially like the grey sweater and the ivory sweater...they look really good.

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    1. It was hard work - I did it over a few days. I'd put an outfit on, take a picture, review it, decide it was dreadful and start again. Like the grey sweater. One day it photographed awful, the next day it was okay. Thank goodness, I don't do these kind of posts very often.

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  6. definitely a keeper! the shade of green (teal?) is quite unique and neutral enough to go with almost anything. i'd even throw some orange/rich brown/purples with it, but my fave combo of all these has to be the grey mango jumper. still bummed all their stores closed in oz!

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

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    1. It's strange that - when did teal/green become a neutral. They're definitely quite Autumnal so the orange/brown would go but I haven't thought about purple before.

      My nearest Mango store is in York but I only manage to go a few times a year. But their latest collection is really strong - I could have walked out with a lot if I had a bottomless purse.

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  7. Business aside (you look great, keep them!), I'm very inspired by the transformation of a useless dress into a useful top because that's what I'm contemplating doing with one of dresses at the moment! I'm hesitant because it was expensive but it's honestly not going to get any more wear as it is.

    I would have written off the colour as "difficult to match" but you've clearly illustrated that isn't a problem.

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    1. Thank you Lin. Being of very different proportions to Nicki Bluhm, you start to set unreal expectations of how you expect yourself to look in a pair of "sexy boyfriend" cords.

      With respect to the dress - I think it was the best decision I ever made to chop it down. I wear that blouse a lot actually as it's a really light and easy item to throw on. I have another dress I am contemplating doing the same with - a silk shift dress. But it is so light, I think I may have to wear a slip with it to make it wearable and I hate wearing more layers than is strictly necessary ... but as a blouse, I can see it being a lovely top which I will enjoy wearing more. However, if your dress is expensive then I can understand your reservations ... but if you don't enjoy it in its current form - why not try it as a blouse tucked in for a while to see if this will work - providing it is not overly bulky.... before deciding whether to make the cut.

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  8. unbuttoned, definetely! Nice cords and hope that Next will send you some vouchers. You deserve them!

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    1. Unbuttoned winning currently. I don't think Next will be sending me any vouchers soon but I hope Gap do!

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  9. KEEP! Love them, especially with the yellow breton, I want a yellow breton now you naughty girl!

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    1. I'll keep an eye out for one for you on my shopping travels. It's certainly been interesting going through these comments to see what appeals to each person and seeing how the choices marry up with the blogger.

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  10. I think that you really made the cords work for you, and I like the ways that you paired them, but if it was difficult to even make up those combinations in the first place perhaps you should return them. I always figure if you aren't 100% then you shouldn't buy it... I hope that helps! x

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    1. Oh I wish I had your discipline to refine my wardrobe like yours. The cords weren't difficult to work with the outfits or I wouldn't have found 7 variations (and there were more) but I just lost the will to take any more pictures. It was taking the pictures that was hard - jeans I find lend themselves well to being photographed but not cords. There's just a little niggle that says will I wear these a lot coming in to the winter or will I ultimately default to a uniform of skinny jeans tucked in a pair of boots. There's a part of me that wants something a little more exciting but I don't really need exciting to kick around with the boys.

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  11. I do like the way you write. Very amusing! Great cords too - keep em. x

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    1. Thank you Anna - that's a lovely comment coming from another writer. I sometimes wonder if I come across as flippant or just mad but no one seems to mind so I just carry on as I know best.

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  12. I like the cords, I might have to check out the Gap. I need some new pants for fall/winter. Great looks with the different tops.

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    1. Thank you. Cords seem to be the in thing this year - all the shops seem to be stocking them. I've had to change my mindset to accommodate them but on the right people, they look great. I'm still a little jury out on them believe it or not. I'm not sure if there is something out there which is better still or have I got something in my wardrobe which needs to be worn instead of buying these new ones. I also have in the back of my mind some damson chinos. Maybe that is what is causing me this slight hesitation in taking the labels off.

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  13. I love cords! And look how many great outfits you have now! And I would probably go for buttoned up with the blouse - it is that sort of style so you have to go with it all the way. Try tucking in with a statement patent belt too! Shiny blue just to throw the blue and green rule to the dogs once and for all! Love it! X

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    1. Now that's just going one step too far for me. I might actually look smart and we can't be having that!

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  14. Under your styling, the green seems very versatile!
    I like that boxy Mango jumper! :)
    Keep them as you have wonderful ideas on styling it already.

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    1. It's kind of strange how this teal/tropical green has proven to be such a "neutral". I'm just going through a "cords or chinos" dilemma now. Funny how these things suddenly happen after putting myself a mammoth trying on session and then I start thinking ... hmm "damson chinos!"

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  15. I love your grey and green sweater from Mango! I am not so much into cords though, but I like how you styled your green one! Xo

    - wnyfashion.blogspot.com -

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    1. Hi there. Oh good - the vote is unanimous for the grey Mango jumper - one of my faves too. The more I think about the cords the more I doubt them. These things happen sometimes. One minute - yay, next minute - nay.

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  16. WOW - what an epic post! I can appreciate the effort involved in this...I did a similar one way back when and someone emailed me and said why didn't I keep all 6 outfits for 6 different days on the blog! But I am NOT saying that - I love these kinds of posts...really helps us decide whether to buy something. Gap should totally pay you! As for that last photo? EPIC! I actually thought it was one of the Gap pics!v Confession: I've a habit of scrolling blogs to look at the pics and then going back to read so imagine my surprise when I read it was you! May favs are the prissy one and the breton top. I think your Jigsaw jumper would look awesome with a denim shirt under it...once it cools down a bit more. Will go before this comment falls off the end of the screen! But hope it shows you how blown away I am with this post! Avril x

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  17. Oh and Regina from my blog is actually my sister! She will be so chuffed with your comment. She doesn't have a blog - 5 kids ranging in age from 9 to 22 and the job required to keep those kids in the comfort to which they have become accustomed, prevents blogging action from her!! x

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    1. Well I didn't do much blogging this week - this is my only post so far this week so I thought it would be okay to make it a slightly longer one. I do the same with blogs - pictures first and then a proper read. I can imagine the prissy outfit and the breton on you actually. I was saying in one of the other comments, it's interesting when someone comments on which one they like and you can actually see the style of the blogger coming through in their choices.

      Do let Regina know my comment - I think her style rocks. Hers was the standout picture for me.

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  18. KEEEP!
    I absolutely love how you've styled these, and what a gorgeous colour! If I didn't already have a pair I would be running out to search for some of these - I especially love them with the altered dress blouse thingy. Some great ideas here.

    And I have been thinking a bit about Hobbs recently, how I so rarely like anything I see at the website, yet when I visit the store I am quite blown away by the beauty of things....not at all studenty surely? They're currently up there in my top 3 alongside Aubin&Wills, etc. Am still dreaming of their patent court shoes (the Tess wedge) and hoping they still stock them come spring.

    The last shot killed me - you really bring some much needed humour to 'fashion/style' blogging.

    Not sure why you are considering returning the cords? From what I can see here they suit you perfectly and work so well with the other items in your wardrobe. You look pretty damned amazing. x

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    1. Aww thanks Louise. They are nice and they do go with quite a lot in the wardrobe but I know if I kept them I would wear them with the Mango jumper and the Zara sweat only and be totally boring about them and I do that already with my regular boyfriend jeans. I think it's because I'm torn between these and some damson chinos I saw in Jack Wills which I think were more flattering. Sometimes you can't see in pictures the exact fit but you know how a garment feels. The colour is lovely though and that makes them stand out on their own.

      Hobbs is lovely this last year especially since they introduced the NW3 range. I went in a couple of weeks ago and was besotted by the Willow Riding Blazer - such a perfect fit but out of my price range currently. The gold Astra ballerinas look like a dupe of the Chloe Lauren pump I featured a little back but were too big in my usual size 4 for some strange reason. My current lust item shoe wise in Hobbs is the Hart loafer which I've only seen on the website but not in store. I want some berry coloured shoes so badly.

      And yes, jumping around like a loony is good for the soul with a friend taking snaps of you doing it. I love fashion but I'm not a willowy model type which I accepted a long while back and so I treat it as something fun and write tongue firmly in cheek. Glad you enjoy.

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  19. I always loved cords and I think you should definitely keep these! Great look with that Mango jumper:) Hope you are having a good weekend!
    ~Anne

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    1. My head has been doing tug of war. Green cords or damson chinos. Both strong contenders! We shall soon see. Have a great weekend - I'm sure you will!

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  20. they look great! I have this exact same pair and you've just given me so many great ideas about styling them :D I can't believe they don't have these on the site or in the promo images, I think they're easily the nicest colour.

    I find Gap sizes a tiny bit off for me - their 8 is a 26 waist and their 10 is a 28. I would normally go for a 27 to get a slouchy boyfriend fit but alas, I'm in between! I went for the 10 and think I'll just wear a belt, but it's a tad annoying!

    anyway, keep keep keep them! and post more pics of you wearing them so I can be inspired to wear mine so well :)

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    1. Great minds think alike and all? They are a lovely shade and they were the ones that jumped out at me rather than any of the other colours. Wonder why they didn't choose to promote them and I was really surprised to not find them on the website. What are you going to wear yours with then? They go with just about everything unbelievably. The size 10 were okay on me but I hear they slacken off a little as you wear - I asked the SA how much give they had.

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  21. I like the pants, especially with the striped yellow jersey!
    Also the way you write is funny and readable!:D
    Take a peek at my blog too, if you have the time?

    Love,
    Shubhi's Revels!

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    1. Thank you and hi - thanks for popping past. I'll pop along and have a peek now :o)

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  22. Hey, this is a very chuffed Regina who liked your comments very much!! And I loved your post today too. It made me laugh out loud. You have a great sense of humour as well as style. I loved the cords. Colour and style . I liked the jack wills Breton with them a lot. I love cords. My favourite cords are a pair of cord knickerbockers I wear with grey chunky socks brouges and white shirt. My family disown me on those days, but sure , its my job, to embarrass them, isn't it!!! Keep the green cords.

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    1. It's such a shame you don't blog but I totally understand that you have your hands full. Now I haven't seen a pair of cord knickerbockers in a long while, we'll have to get Avril to do some kind of post where you can feature them along with the grey chunky socks and brogues. I like a woman with her own individual style - i'm very much a rat pack ... a school run rat pack at that. I like that you like to embarrass your kids - me too :o) .... and my hubs.

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  23. Keep them, for sure! I have a very similar pair of skinny cords from Matalan, and I lurrrrve them! They look lovely on you!

    Alex - Medicated Follower of Fashion
    http://www.medicatedfollower.com/

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    1. Thank you Alex. Just popping across to take a peek at your blog!

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  24. You chose a beautiful color! I LOVE cords - they are just so plush and soft, I can't help it, they are a fall favorite of mine.

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    1. I haven't done cords in so long - it's a bit alien. But they are soft and comfy - too comfy infact!

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  25. They're perfect for you! DEFINITELY a keeper! LOL! I had a very understanding friend to pap me over the weekend. Still, I felt rather silly standing there with a half grimace/fake smile while she snapped away.

    I like the deep green. Bet the red would work beautifully on you too. I'm all about boyfriend fit now because...let's face it, they're so comfortable.

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    1. I have the same problem trying to strike a half natural pose - it is very hard work and doesn't come naturally at all. I have to admit it feels very awkward but it's definitely much easier if you're just behaving like a prat.

      And you look lovely in your latest post - whereas I am wearing a rain jacket. That's like rubbing it in. So not fair!

      And shhhh!... damson is winning currently.

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  26. What a lovely fit and the color is so rich. I think they're keepers. I like the grey sweater- so cozy and perfect for cozy, chilly days. Love the creative ways you've paired your cords.

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    1. Thank you Lindsay. Damson chinos or green cords go with a surprising amount in my wardrobe ... if you don't mind everything not too matchy matchy. I like it when things are not a natural pairing as well.

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Susie So So