Open
Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!
Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style
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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle
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For years I’ve trusted @somaintimates for the right bras and the right fit but it had been a while since I visited a Soma boutique to try on all the styles they currently have for a large bust. I must say I was impressed! Knowledgeable staff, extensive collection in larger sizes, and some of the most comfortable and innovative bras in up to H cups! Each body is different but what I loved:

- The Stunning Push-Up: targeted for the DD+ customer gives amazing lift and great shape under fitted knits.

- The Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette: sexy, supportive, and so lightweight!

- The Embraceable Wireless: I’ve recommended this wireless bra for large busts for years and was in need for a new one! 

- The Stunning Support Smooth Balconette: this is the perfect t-shirt bra for large busts with padded straps and disappears under knits

- The Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless: recently improved for more support and more comfort, this wireless bra stays put and gives fab shape

I also picked up some of Soma’s iconic Vanishing Edge panties which keep you line-free. The whole Vanishing collection is genius. I loved being able to donate my gently used bras at my local Soma boutique to give to those in need. We all deserve a lift and Soma strives to achieve that. It’s why I’ve been a fan and customer for years and am honored to partner with them. Soma is the perfect fitting bra solution. Visit the link in my bio to shop and to find your local Soma boutique! #SomaPartner #SomaBraFit #SomaStartsWithMe
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If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle
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It was so funny and so quick I couldn’t not share! I bought this @hulkenbag a year ago and use it all the time. Carting shoot supplies, groceries, packing for road trips, and carting donations. This weekend @thenewdealcafe in @cityofgreenbelt hosted a community clothing swap so I made sure my family and I went through our summer wardrobes to gather that which we no longer needed or fit.

This wasn’t the first clothing swap and folks in town know my style (and my job) so there were some waiting for my arrival. Look how fast I cleared out this big bag! Speaking of the bag one other swap attendee said she got herself a Hulken after seeing mine in action!

It’s so great to know our old clothes are getting a good life and this bag makes carting them to the cafe so easy! I got my Hulken on Amazon, it comes in other colors and sizes too: https://amzn.to/48iTY4Y yep the bag is as great as all those ads you see on social media, I’m a big fan!
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I had to see… I asked my husband how often he thinks about the Roman Empire, and then asked our 14-year-old 😂
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#ad Go through my archives on Wardrobe Oxygen and one thing is clear: my family and I are a fan of @bombas socks! From their no-slip no-show socks to their iconic crew socks, Bombas makes great socks for the whole family while having a great heart.

Socks are the #1 requested article of clothing from homeless shelters. For every item purchase from Bombas, one is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. 

Save 20% on your first purchase at Bombas with my exclusive promo code: WARDROBE20

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4ipHy #bombas
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Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️
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Lifestyle · December 15, 2018

Weekend Reads #33

This article may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link and make a purchase I may receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

wardrobe oxygen weekend reads 1

I'm writing this from my mom's house where I've been spending a good deal of time. She's doing fantastically and cannot wait for next week when her drain will be removed. Once removed, she will be allowed to drive and have more personal freedom (and anyone who has had a drain knows removal is FREEEEEEDOMMMMM). Pathology reports came back and it looks like the cancer hasn't spread so no radiation or chemo needed. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, vibes, and good energy!

As for me… I'm not a terribly exciting person as of late. I go to the gym, I take the kid to school, I visit my mom, I write things for the blog, I veg out watching random things on TV to decompress. I'm pretty exhausted but I plan to take off between Christmas and new Year's. I'll have content scheduled and ready to go (a few guest posts from people I know and love) and while I may share a few Stories on Instagram I'm going to otherwise unplug so I can get rested and refreshed for 2019. And I think 2019 is going to be awesome. I have some ideas for Wardrobe Oxygen and can't wait to share them with you!

Weekend Reads

Women make less than men in all sorts of professions, not just Corporate America.  It happens even in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. (Washington Post)

Ava James NYC makes luxe cocktail dresses in just sizes 8-18; they sent me one recently and I shared it on the blog. They have created a “As Seen On” page on their site and it's brilliant not only to see the dresses on different bodies, but to see the shape and size of different bodies that wear the same clothing size. I look forward to seeing more gorgeous women on this page!

As a mother of a 9-year-old, I know to treasure this time when she still thinks I'm super cool and her BFF. This piece from the New York Times about a mom reconnecting with her 15-year-old through her Instagram account was bittersweet and shows that social media isn't all bad.

“I decided to have gastric bypass and I don't give a damn who doesn't like it; here's why.” The plus size community is incredibly supportive, but it can be hard when you are no longer part of it. Maui shares on her blog why she is having this procedure and the supportive comments just make my heart swell.

As someone who colors her hair not because I am ashamed of the gray or ashamed of my age but because I freaking like the look of it, I LOVED this piece from considerable.

And I LOVED how these two women are working to pay off the medical debt of strangers. As someone who even with insurance paid over $20K out of pocket for a broken arm, I know how devastating medical debt can be. (New York Times)

“It is incredibly difficult not to be an apologetic, body-obsessed woman in America, and it’s made harder when other people continue to exalt these values.” Oooh girl, I can totally relate to this piece (Self)

For those in the DC area, if you're still looking to find great gifts, DCist asked a variety of local celebs and personalities to share their suggestions.

Have you heard of the New York Times' Neediest Cases Fund? It's pretty fantastic, and it's helping this woman who put her life on hold to care for five of her grandchildren finally achieve her dream of graduating from college.

To gather these Weekend Reads, all week long I email myself links.  Then when I pull the post together, I gather all the emails to myself and open the links in new tabs, review to see if I still think they're worthy of a share, haven't been shared 500 times already by every blogger, and write the copy. I sent myself this link; it's not an article but it's a bunch of pretty darn awesome magnets. No idea where the link came from, but totally worthy of a share.  I kind of want to cover my refrigerator with all of them.

This Week's Reader Question

“I found your blog because of your article on how to style Spanx leather leggings. I loved your ideas but it's now winter and I don't know what shoes to wear. Do I wear boots and if I do what color and texture? Do they go over or under the leggings? Help I want to wear these for New Year's Eve with a sequin sweater. Thank you!”

You are not the only person to ask this question; I had three emails this month on this subject and we also discussed it in the Wardrobe Oxygen community. Faux leather leggings are easy to style with sneakers, flats, and pumps in the fall but come winter we need to prevent ankle frostbite!  My favorite way to style faux leather leggings is with a slim-fitting ankle boot, and slide the boot under the hem of the legging.  If it's a smooth leather, it will create a continuous line that won't look weird and in fact will elongate your leg.  Choose a heel height that is comfortable for you, but look for a sleek silhouette of boot; a Chelsea, Engineer, Docs, or anything with a bulbous toe or lug sole may look more Aeon Flux cosplay than New Year's Eve. I wear my Clarks booties with my faux leather leggings and like the effect. Below I have some suggestions of boots that will keep your ankles protected and look great with Spanx faux leather leggings. The selection has a variety of pricepoints, heel heights, widths, formality, and many are comfort brands!

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For Your Entertainment

I'm writing this post from my mom's house and just told her about all the fangirl love I have for Janelle Monáe. She's so incredibly talented and creative. For those who don't know her music (though you likely have heard this one in a commercial), you may recognize her from her part in the movie Hidden Figures. This song is a great anthem for life and would be a great addition to your New Year's Eve music playlist. And knowing me, I also picked this video because the fashion is FAN-TAS-TIC (but honestly, Monáe never disappoints and always pushes the envelope when it comes to her personal style).

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In: Lifestyle · Tagged: weekend reads

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Comments

  1. Dawn says

    December 20, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    I’m glad to read your mom is doing well.

    Reply
  2. Grace says

    December 17, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    You know, if it really was culturally OK for women to look any which way and be any which age, then it would make sense to think of hair dye as “just a choice”, just a preference. But it isn’t. Because our society DOES stigmatize age, does stigmatize older women in particular. Less likely to be hired or paid fairly, more likely to be ignored, talked over, on and on and on.
    Dying our hair to cover greys IS about looking younger, and that IS about pushing away the aging process. It’s crazy to me that women on the one hand say “Hell YES I’m going to dye my hair into my 980’s” and at the same time say “It’s not about fearing getting older.” Yes it IS about that. It’s up to each of us to decide how we come to terms with the changes that age brings to us, but pretending that our hair dye has nothing to do with cultural scorn? Nope. Not buying it.
    Those of us who do not dye our gray, graying or silver hair need to celebrate it every chance we get because society does NOT. It isn’t about shaming those who dye– it’s about speaking louder than the voices of shame and self-doubt we are trying to overcome, just by the act of walking out the door with unaltered hair. It’s a brave thing, still, and I’m actually kind of tired of being told I’m “shaming other women” by celebrating the barest tiny beginnings of a movement that says it really IS ok to do what you want with your hair, because we don’t associate a woman’s gray hair with loss of worth and loss of power. The day may come when that’s a true statement, but that day is not yet here.

    Reply
  3. Julie says

    December 17, 2018 at 11:39 am

    Love the Janelle Monae video. I feel the same way about grey hair, however since I’ve developed a horrible allergy to the chemicals in the dye i’ve had to stop! It’s been a challenge trying to figure out how to embrace it.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 18, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      It is a major change and transition do keep me posted on how it goes!

      Reply
  4. Melissa says

    December 17, 2018 at 10:05 am

    Love Janelle Monae. We took our stroke-surviving 10 year old to see her at the Anthem in DC. Monae gave a shout out to the disability community and brought up a deaf woman and her translator on stage to dance. This representation *matters* (Also, a shoutout to Anthem, with whom I have no relationship other than to be a mom celebrating her kid’s one year anniversary of surviving something terrible. They have ADA seating and were so, so great about it; no hassle, no intrusive questions.)

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 18, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      That is fantastic! I am so glad to hear that about both Monae and The Anthem!

      Reply
  5. Michelle says

    December 15, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    Ooh, love the Mincing Mockingbird. I have several of his prints and have supported a few of his art books on Kickstarter. My favorite magnet is “you’re a whore and that makes me sad.” I just laugh every time I read it passing the fridge.

    So glad to hear your mom is doing well. I hope she continues her recovery with ease.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 18, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      That magnet would make me laugh too! And thank you!

      Reply
  6. JMS says

    December 15, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Glad to hear your mother’s good news! Wishing her all the best.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 18, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Krista says

    December 15, 2018 at 9:40 am

    That post on coloring your hair could’ve been written by me! I also started in my 20s and come from a long line of premature gray women. My hair has always been my trademark. The formula for my color is saved in my phone. I’ve left explicit instructions to do my roots if I meet an untimely demise.

    Hope you and your family get some much needed rest and enjoy the holidays. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2019.

    Reply
    • Alison Gary says

      December 18, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Thank you Krista!

      Reply

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What I Wore: Holiday Style

Since 2005, Wardrobe Oxygen has offered real-life style advice for grown-ass women. With years of experience as an apparel visual merchandiser and personal shopper, Alison Gary provides advice on how to achieve personal style no matter your age, size, or budget.

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Sep 26

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Scenes from a Friday night…

We started at @littleblackbirddc a new wine bar in Cleveland Park where we had great food, drink, and conversation into the evening. We then headed down the street to @atomicbilliards for a whole different experience and to keep the conversation going. I treasure my friendships with @sylviacolella (who had a birthday recently), @districtofchic, and @blonde_inthedistrict they’re the real deal 🥰

My dress is @adamlippes borrowed via @renttherunway and Cheetos with Sauvignon Blanc is a really fun pairing!

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Sep 23

Open
Night and day…

Met three dear friends for an early dinner that went on until after the sun set. Great food and conversation with some great women!

The dress is @adamlippes and I borrowed it from @renttherunway. The bag is @jcrew and a splurge but I regretted not buying it the last time they offered this bag and this color is SO me. I mean, look how great it is with these many years old suede heeled sandals? Meant to be!

This color combination makes me so happy, and this dress was comfy even after a decadent meal. We all deserve to experience comfort and joy with our wardrobes! 💛🩷

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jnDf #ltkplussize #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #over40style

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Sep 21

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If @thechicks are in town you can bet @debbiefaye78 and I will be there! So when we heard they were coming to @merriweatherpp we were so excited. And their concert did not disappoint. As always, a phenomenal show! If The Chicks come to your neck of the woods I highly recommend you go!

Okay I know you want to know about what we’re wearing! 

My sister’s caftan is from @anthropologie (bought this summer so maybe you can find on resale sites).

I’m wearing a @bananarepublic dress also from this summer with the @universalstandard denim chore jacket and a hat I got from a @madewell collab a year or so ago. I glammed it up with some gold chains and gold drop earrings, but kept it comfy for a night of standing and dancing with @birkenstock sandals.

This was my first big outing since my eye surgery, and with a pocketful of eye drops I felt good (and grateful we splurged for good seats!).

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4jcBL #ltkmidsize #ltkover40 #midsizestyle #genxstyle #usinthewild #concertstyle

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Sep 19

Open
If I close my eyes you can’t tell one is still bloodshot 😜

Still recovering from my eye surgery but feeling more myself. Getting dolled up helps me feel me. Bright colors and bold jewelry have been signature Alison since I was a kid! 

Sweater: @favorite.daughter 
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace: @_jennybird (old)
Ring: @realmfinejewelry 
Bra: @lovebravissimo 
Lipstick: @glossier 
Pins as “cufflinks”: vintage

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4j0LM #ltkmidsize #midsizestyle #over40style #ltkover40 #genxstyle

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Sep 11

Open
Happy gotcha day, Oscar! Four years ago he came into our life and we are so happy to have in our family!

Oscar was a rescue and came with some… quirks. Over the years we have come to understand him and he has come to trust us. He’s a diva, a snuggler, he could play catch for hours, and he’s my husband’s shadow. 

We’ve never had a small breed dog before and it’s a whole different experience. But we adore Oscar and couldn’t imagine our life without him! Thank you for coming into our life Oskie McGoskie! 🐾❤️

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Sep 8

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I can see clearly now…

Actually I can’t, but things after my retina surgery are much improved! My next appointment is in a month and I’m cleared to get back into the world (with some restrictions to protect my eye).

With a sclera buckle, it changes your eye shape and now I am nearsighted again (I had lasik a few years ago). Once the eye is stabilized I can get glasses or contacts but until then I’m 20/20 in one eye and right now 20/60 in the other. But the eye is healing beautifully and I feel positive!

And I could see clearly enough to fall for this poppy-colored cotton jumpsuit from @pistoladenim. It comes in a few colors but this one is my favorite. I went with XL (im@a 14, sometimes 16) and likely could have sized down but I enjoy the relaxed fit and the drawstring waistband to create shape. And hello zipper closure making it super easy to get on and off!

My husband took this photo right after my eye appointment, I think it reflects my positive attitude and feeling of hope! 🧡

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
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Sep 5

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I’ll be a bit quiet on here and other channels because I had eye (retinal) surgery this past weekend. I was having what I thought were ocular migraines but come to find out I was experiencing lattice degeneration, which is thinning/holes in the retina. I had surgery Saturday for my right eye and later on they’ll work on the left eye, which isn’t as bad and can be remedied by laser, in office.

I share not because I’m Mrs. Frizzle meets Iris Apfel as I recuperate at home, but because this whole thing has been a lesson on trusting my gut. And I want to remind you to do the same.

As we get older our bodies can feel like strangers. Things are constantly changing and it’s easy to just assume your annual physical will catch anything wrong. But if you slow down and listen to your body you’ll know when things are just a sign of aging and life and what seems unusual. That nagging issue may be something more serious.

And if you’re seeing flashing lights, floaters, spiderwebs or other odd eye things get checked out ASAP. It may be nothing but take it from me, it may actually be something. ❤️

Okay, going back to my big sunglasses caftan recuperation life!

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Aug 30

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Ladies who lunch…

While in Savannah, I made sure to get lunch reservations for me and E at @theoldepinkhouse she loves the color pink, historic homes, and ghost stories so it was a perfect choice! 

Built in 1789 on Reynolds Square, there are stories of guests seeing ghosts, cutlery and wine bottles moving along with an elegant and truly delicious dining. 

While we didn’t see any apparitions, we did have a lovely lunch with impeccable service and after toured all floors of the home. I highly recommend a visit if you’re visiting Savannah!

My dress is from @cosstores (no longer available); hat is @furtalk and bag is @talbotsofficial (no longer available).

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Aug 29

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Scenes from a week in Savannah… 

The three of us (and our dog Oscar!) had a warm and humid but wonderful time exploring Savannah, Georgia earlier this month. Our daughter visited this gorgeous city last summer with her @girlscouts troop but wanted to return to experience more. We let her choose our adventures and play your guide and it was awesome. We cannot wait to visit again, though next time it won’t be August 🥵

For more of our trip check the “Savannah” highlight on my profile page!

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Aug 28

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Stripes are always right…

Y’all know I love stripes and when @universalstandard came out with their Breton-stripe dresses and tops I HAD to try them! As expected, the quality is stellar, the fit boosts my confidence, and I appreciate the range of colors (5 different stripes to choose from) and sizes (00-50). For reference, I’m wearing XS but preferred S for the top and I usually wear a 14 or XL in other brands.

The tote is @able and it’s a soft yet durable leather that just looks better with time. This color (cognac) is one that transitions nicely from summer to fall. 

Follow my shop @wardrobe_oxygen on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
https://liketk.it/4hkEF 

#usinthewild #bretonstripes #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #size14 #over40style

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