Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

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I don't think Gordman's is like Kohl's. Gordman's has some name brand stuff, american eagle, and others for much cheaper than you would pay in those stores. Kohl's doesn't sell the brands from other stores, at least not the ones around me🙂 It is very cheap, so nice if you're shopping on a budget, but you often have to look very hard to find the quality items. I love the store, it has a little bit of everything in it. There is also bedding, pet supplies, and lots more random stuff. It's a fun store to explore in your spare time.😀

Sounds like TJMaxx or ValueCity if you are familiar with those stores.

I hate shopping at places like that b/c they're so disorganized...it's not worth the effort. I like when the same shirt is all on the same rack organized by size and color.
 
Yea, stores like that are not good when you're constrained by time and looking for something specific. They can be fun when you're just browsing and have a free afternoon. I bought a cute skirt from ROSS last month for $6.99.
 
Sounds like TJMaxx or ValueCity if you are familiar with those stores.

I hate shopping at places like that b/c they're so disorganized...it's not worth the effort. I like when the same shirt is all on the same rack organized by size and color.

Yeah, places like those are fine if you have a lot of time and patience, but for suits I would stick to stores with a more regular stock and salespeople who can help you out.

Places like Nordstrom do free/cheap tailoring on site, so that's an added bonus as well.
 
I was the type of person who HATED suits. As in, hated with a passion that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns. Thankfully, I have an amazing best friend who refused to listen to me whine, and actually forced me to try on suits. I ended up finding one that was comfortable and looked nice. My advice would be to at least go to a store, and try a bunch on, if you are a non-suit person. I was pleasantly surprised, and you might be too. I was afraid of feeling to man-ish, but I actually felt way more confident.

I got my suit at Macy's, and since I opened a credit card up with them at the time of purchase, it ended up costing $65 for the pant/jacket combo. I just wore a dark pink top underneath, no buttons, with a scoop neck (that I already owned from Old Navy), and a pearl necklace. I didn't end up buying any special shoes; I just wore my one nice pair of heels (I'm 5' 2'', and I think it was probably about a 2''-3'' heel)

I would highly recommend Macy's for a suit, because they usually have a large selection, as well as sales almost constantly. The pants were great too, because I was comfortable the entire day. And some interviews can last literally all day (read: 9-4pm) so comfort was key.
 
Yay suits. Chadwicks.com seemed to have some good options and really reasonable prices. I ordered these two just to see how they look, and I needed some new suits for work so even if I don't like them for interviews I'll probably keep them. And now at least I'll have the choice between pant suits and skirt suits.

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/S...d=9702&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G
(they also have this for $35 in grey/brown on clearance if they have it in your size)

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/J...24&DeptId=8404&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0
 
Yay suits. Chadwicks.com seemed to have some good options and really reasonable prices. I ordered these two just to see how they look, and I needed some new suits for work so even if I don't like them for interviews I'll probably keep them. And now at least I'll have the choice between pant suits and skirt suits.

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/S...d=9702&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G
(they also have this for $35 in grey/brown on clearance if they have it in your size)

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/J...24&DeptId=8404&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

I absolutely adore that second one!!
 
try Kohl's for suits and shoes!!! Look in the juniors and misses sections. They even have a petites section with cute stuff and the prices are insanely reasonable. They are having great sales right now.
 
Sorry if someone already mentioned this, but I found my suits at Benetton.
They still have the additional 50% sale going on and have really comfortable and well fitted suits. Please go look in the store if you are at the mall.
I was surprosed to find them.

As for shoes, they MUST be comfortable to run in the moment you put them on. Visit the walking co. try on the shoes for size, and order them online from various discounted prices. Endless.com has a price guarantee. zappos.com seems to be on the more expensive side. There are several others that have free return/exchange policies and offer lower prices than the stores.

I have tried on at least 50 pairs of shoes, and I found: Beautifeel, Trotters, Naturalizer, Ros Hommerman, to be the most comfortable, simple looking without being too bulky, perfect heel height 1.5-2 inch, and very well cushioned. So you don't need to carry another pair of shoes to change.

As for bags, my school mentions not to carry it. so I carried a portfolio that was roomy enough to hold a small pouch with basic makeup togo kit.

And as much as I agonized over my outfits, really at the interview it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you are not wearing something totally outrageous. Just make sure you are totally comfortable!! feel free to PM me with any questions. I can tell you all what people wore at my interview at San Antonio this Monday.
 
i really like those chadwick suits but they start at a size 4.. im a 0-2.. 🙁 but they are really nice!!
 
these are nice!

Yay suits. Chadwicks.com seemed to have some good options and really reasonable prices. I ordered these two just to see how they look, and I needed some new suits for work so even if I don't like them for interviews I'll probably keep them. And now at least I'll have the choice between pant suits and skirt suits.

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/S...d=9702&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G
(they also have this for $35 in grey/brown on clearance if they have it in your size)

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/J...24&DeptId=8404&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0

i went to Ross yesterday and found the perfect pair of shoes! and they were like $13.. now to find an inexpensive suit...
 
Spanx are great! They suck in your tummy and shape your hips and waist.
Agreed. I wore them for my wedding and they helped amazingly. I've kept them for whenever I'm going out. I had the footless hose that got a run, and cut the legs off to give myself a makeshift version of the power-panties. They work wonders.

That said... they're expensive, and the main reason to wear them in lieu of regular pantyhose is their effectiveness as shapewear, so I think regular pantyhose would be fine.

I will also probably be wearing a pant suit when it comes to interviews. I don't really like skirts and also hate pantyhose. But I'm sure I'll change my mind if I find something flattering despite it being a skirt suit. As far as jewelry, I wouldn't plan on wearing more than just my wedding/engagement rings, but as I read this, I guess I should be accessorizing a little more. My daily make-up is usually pretty subdued and natural, so I don't think that will be a problem.
 
for jewelry, are pearls the way to go? are there restrictions on the type of jewelry? i know no dangling earrings... anything else?
 
i would not wear pearls.. too matronlyin my opinion. just gonna go with a nice white gold necklace my bf gave me and small loops in my earring.
 
Does anyone know if it is acceptable to wear dress pants that have a flare style cut? The reason I ask is that I am very short (5'1'') and fairly curvy, so I need something to balance myself out as well as make it look like I am somewhat taller. Most of what I've seen is straight-legged and that looks horrible on me.

Also, concerning hair, I currently die my hair a copper-red with black and blond highlights (my natural hair color is a washed-out brown and I am very pale). I plan on just dieing it red for interviews, but there will probably be darker and lighter red highlights when the color is added over my current hair. Is this acceptable? I think I will almost cry when I die my hair only one color, like I'm going against my own personality : (
 
what are you guys carrying your stuff in? im not really a purse type of person, plus i dunno how professional a purse is? any ideas?
 
ill probably get a bag like the ones suggested int his thread.. that kate spade one is really nice but pricey.. 🙁
 
here's the suit I bought. http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod520002
but I got the matching slacks as well.
it's not black, and I love that about it. I'm not worried about it looking any less professional.

here are my questions:

I'm planning to wear a bright cornflower blue buttoned blouse with a collar. I was NOT planning to tuck. is that a huge error? the jacket is very long, so the blouse doesn't stick out below it, just above and below the button, where the jacket opens. (also, the blouse matches my glasses. just a fact I love about the outfit...)

I'm 5'9.5" and I NEVER wear heels, feeling tall enough as is. Thus, I honestly could not wear heels to the interview even if I wanted to--I would fall over, I'm that out of practice. Are dressy flats for the whole day sufficient (with both the skirt or the pant suit)?

yay for having little experience with professional clothing!
 
i would not wear pearls.. too matronlyin my opinion. just gonna go with a nice white gold necklace my bf gave me and small loops in my earring.

I always wear pearls with a suit, I don't think it looks matronly. It's a classic look, I figure anybody can wear the style. IMHO, of course.

here's the suit I bought. http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod520002
but I got the matching slacks as well.
it's not black, and I love that about it. I'm not worried about it looking any less professional.

here are my questions:

I'm planning to wear a bright cornflower blue buttoned blouse with a collar. I was NOT planning to tuck. is that a huge error? the jacket is very long, so the blouse doesn't stick out below it, just above and below the button, where the jacket opens. (also, the blouse matches my glasses. just a fact I love about the outfit...)

I'm 5'9.5" and I NEVER wear heels, feeling tall enough as is. Thus, I honestly could not wear heels to the interview even if I wanted to--I would fall over, I'm that out of practice. Are dressy flats for the whole day sufficient (with both the skirt or the pant suit)?

yay for having little experience with professional clothing!

I would err on the side of tucking shirts in, but if it doesn't stick out under the jacket you can probably get away with it.

I think, (again, IMHO) that skirts with flats looks a little funky. I'm ok with flats and pants, but I think on most people they need a heel with a skirt. You might be tall enough to pull of a flat with a skirt suit, but I wouldn't suggest it for most girls. With the pants, I think it's totally fine.
 
Technically lainapox is right and black shoes match everything since they're a neutral...
I always think black and navy look funny together though b/c they're so close it looks like you tried to match them but it didn't work out so well...

Personally, I don't have a problem with black and navy. But if you want to look really sophisticated with a navy suit, get shoes/bag in a rich, really dark brown. The two colors look great together. Same goes for dark grey and dark brown.

Speaking of pet peeves, mine is a handbag and shoes that don't match. (I.e. brown shoes and black bag ... blech!) If you're really broke and can't afford a lot of different shoes and bags, just wear black with everything--it's always OK. You'll look MUCH more put together if your bag and shoes don't clash.
 
I'm planning to wear a bright cornflower blue buttoned blouse with a collar. I was NOT planning to tuck. is that a huge error? the jacket is very long, so the blouse doesn't stick out below it, just above and below the button, where the jacket opens. (also, the blouse matches my glasses. just a fact I love about the outfit...)

Based just on personal experience, I think it is OK to not tuck a sweater but shirts with buttons should be tucked. That being said, if your shirt is really well ironed it probably isn't that big of a deal.

You might try shoes with a really low kitten heel with the skirt. They won't add a lot of height.
 
here's the suit I bought. http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod520002
but I got the matching slacks as well.
it's not black, and I love that about it. I'm not worried about it looking any less professional.

here are my questions:

I'm planning to wear a bright cornflower blue buttoned blouse with a collar. I was NOT planning to tuck. is that a huge error? the jacket is very long, so the blouse doesn't stick out below it, just above and below the button, where the jacket opens. (also, the blouse matches my glasses. just a fact I love about the outfit...)

I'm 5'9.5" and I NEVER wear heels, feeling tall enough as is. Thus, I honestly could not wear heels to the interview even if I wanted to--I would fall over, I'm that out of practice. Are dressy flats for the whole day sufficient (with both the skirt or the pant suit)?

yay for having little experience with professional clothing!

I'm 5'10" and to one of my interviews (when the weather was bad), I wore a pair of flats with a skirt suit. If you are uncomfortable wearing heels, you'll look ridiculous and in pain at the interview. Wear flats; I don't see it being a big deal at all.
 
I'm 5'10" and to one of my interviews (when the weather was bad), I wore a pair of flats with a skirt suit. If you are uncomfortable wearing heels, you'll look ridiculous and in pain at the interview. Wear flats; I don't see it being a big deal at all.


I actually have the opposite question...I am also 5'10, and I love heels for several reasons. One of them is, because I am 5'10, I HAVE HUGE FREAKING FEET and flats look pretty stupid on me. But also I have nice legs, and flats can ruin that, while heels only enhance.

But I also know that having a 6'0 girl walk in and shake your hand if you are a 5'8" male interviewer, may be a little odd. What do you guys think? Do you go with your own comfort and possibly aggravate a Napolean complex? Or do you take one for the team and wear flats?🙂
 
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This thread is great...it's giving me motivation to finish my secondaries so I can (hopefully!) look forward to interviews, a.k.a. shopping. Especially now that I memorized my credit card number, haha.

I have one question though: If you bring a coat, do you usually have to carry the thing around the whole time, or will there be somewhere (safe) to put it? I have a really nice coat but I don't want anything to happen to it if I just leave it in some questionable place. 😳
 
This thread is great...it's giving me motivation to finish my secondaries so I can (hopefully!) look forward to interviews, a.k.a. shopping. Especially now that I memorized my credit card number, haha.

I have one question though: If you bring a coat, do you usually have to carry the thing around the whole time, or will there be somewhere (safe) to put it? I have a really nice coat but I don't want anything to happen to it if I just leave it in some questionable place. 😳

No worries, everywhere I went had either a closet, or a waiting room in the admissions office that we all left our coats/luggage in, so I think most schools anticipate that.

Also, it doesn't really matter if you're really tall when in heels. Mostly because you'll be sitting for the majority of the interview, heh. Honestly, I don't think it'll offend people.
 
This thread is great...it's giving me motivation to finish my secondaries so I can (hopefully!) look forward to interviews, a.k.a. shopping. Especially now that I memorized my credit card number, haha.

lol im actually dreading going shopping for a suit.

cant i just wear my jeans and sweatshirt? 🙄
 
Do you go with your own comfort and possibly aggravate a Napolean complex? Or do you take one for the team and wear flats?🙂
I was worried about this too. I know most people wouldn't notice, but I feel so uncomfortable in flats the lack of confidence would show through.

What it comes down to is that this is NOT COOL! If flats don't look good on Carla Bruni they'll be devastating on me. :laugh:
carlabrunisarkozy.jpg
 
I actually have the opposite question...I am also 5'10, and I love heels for several reasons. One of them is, because I am 5'10, I HAVE HUGE FREAKING FEET and flats look pretty stupid on me. But also I have nice legs, and flats can ruin that, while heels only enhance.

But I also know that having a 6'0 girl walk in and shake your hand if you are a 5'8" male interviewer, may be a little odd. What do you guys think? Do you go with your own comfort and possibly aggravate a Napolean complex? Or do you take one for the team and wear flats?🙂

At my other interviews (when I didn't have to deal with snow and ice), I wore 3 inch heels (I'm 5'10"). I LOVE wearing them, and I feel more confident in them. I was A LOT taller than all of my male interviewers, but they didn't seem to care and I certainly didn't. It made them seem less threatening.
 
No worries, everywhere I went had either a closet, or a waiting room in the admissions office that we all left our coats/luggage in, so I think most schools anticipate that.

If it's snowing or icy, would it be okay to wear a pair of nice boots to the school and changing into a pair of heels for the interview? I don't like the idea of wearing boots with my suit, but I also don't like the thought of falling flat on my face before reaching the building 🙂
 
I was worried about this too. I know most people wouldn't notice, but I feel so uncomfortable in flats the lack of confidence would show through.

What it comes down to is that this is NOT COOL! If flats don't look good on Carla Bruni they'll be devastating on me. :laugh:
carlabrunisarkozy.jpg
Qft

:laugh::laugh::laugh:
That is just not a flattering look.
 
At my other interviews (when I didn't have to deal with snow and ice), I wore 3 inch heels (I'm 5'10"). I LOVE wearing them, and I feel more confident in them. I was A LOT taller than all of my male interviewers, but they didn't seem to care and I certainly didn't. It made them seem less threatening.


That makes me feel much better, thank you🙂

Not that I am even DEALING with this problem right now...but hopefully next year....🙂
 
alright so i got an incredible silk blouse for my interview suit. i am attaching a few photos.. please comment!
 

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I really like to suit and shirt! Very nice looking (and chocolate brown?). I would however, consider changing to closed-toe shoes!!! I small peep-toe might be ok, but open-toe like that isn't usually interview attire.
 
I really like to suit and shirt! Very nice looking (and chocolate brown?). I would however, consider changing to closed-toe shoes!!! I small peep-toe might be ok, but open-toe like that isn't usually interview attire.

haha I was thinking the same thing. Great suit though - where is it from?
 
haha I was thinking the same thing. Great suit though - where is it from?
the suit is anne klein. i will get clsoed toe shoes for the interiew and maybe switch to black tights... is the skirt too short or ok?
and its actually a black suit 🙂
 
Hey guys... first of all, thanks for all your advice on where to go to get this suit shopping. My next question is about buttons..... that is, how many? The one-button look, I find, tends to look best on me - but is that too casual?

example of what I mean:

http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=D72889&PFID=2763&BID=&h=M&sk=M

Also - you don't HAVE to wear a blouse underneath, right? I ask all of this because I am busty and blouses/jackets that fit well standing up tend to "pull" around the chest area when I sit. And thats exactly what I want emphasis on during my interviews 😀. So, if its 'interview appropriate' I'd rather go with something like in the picture....
 
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That is a cute suit. In terms of the number of buttons, it is a personal choice, however, being that you are 'well-endowed' (you lucky girl, heh!) you might be better off with less buttons.

I think some sort of shirt underneath the jacket is definitely necessary. It does not have to be a blouse. Find a nice shirt that fits well and does not bring too much attention to that area. I like the one in the link, as long as it works well with your body and looks good.

Either way, try to get a shirt tailored to your body and you will look great!
 
thats a really nice suit. maybe get that suit with that shirt? lol

and thank you for the nice comments about my suit. i am feeling really apprehensive that something is wrong but i really like it. def not comfortable to sit in in any other position than the one in the photo but thats the way "ladies" should sit, no? from what i hear? 😉
 
ar2388, I did worry that the skirt was a little short when sitting. But I think if you're going to go with black tights, that will help.

admitER, for well-endowed girls, I personally like more buttons or a slightly higher stance, so that the girls are "locked and loaded." 😀
 
I think some sort of shirt underneath the jacket is definitely necessary. It does not have to be a blouse. Find a nice shirt that fits well and does not bring too much attention to that area. I like the one in the link, as long as it works well with your body and looks good.

Either way, try to get a shirt tailored to your body and you will look great!

LOL. Yeah - I don't think that suit would look too professional w/o ANY shirt underneath. :laugh:

Good to know that non-button down dress tops are an ok substitute!
 
I am so not for black tights (personal choice) -- it will be SO much black! I like the nude color. As for the skirt being too short, eh ... it is probably the same length as most I have seen.
 
I am so not for black tights (personal choice) -- it will be SO much black! I like the nude color. As for the skirt being too short, eh ... it is probably the same length as most I have seen.

yea, the length is ok. I'm really tall and mine was that short sitting as well. Just try to be "lady-like" with how you sit and cross your legs.

i don't think it will be a problem.
 
ar2388, I did worry that the skirt was a little short when sitting. But I think if you're going to go with black tights, that will help.

admitER, for well-endowed girls, I personally like more buttons or a slightly higher stance, so that the girls are "locked and loaded." 😀


Yay for What Not to Wear! The source of most of my fashion advice... :laugh:
 
Hey guys... first of all, thanks for all your advice on where to go to get this suit shopping. My next question is about buttons..... that is, how many? The one-button look, I find, tends to look best on me - but is that too casual?

example of what I mean:

http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=D72889&PFID=2763&BID=&h=M&sk=M

Also - you don't HAVE to wear a blouse underneath, right? I ask all of this because I am busty and blouses/jackets that fit well standing up tend to "pull" around the chest area when I sit. And thats exactly what I want emphasis on during my interviews 😀. So, if its 'interview appropriate' I'd rather go with something like in the picture....

How many buttons and the stance (how high the buttons come up) depends on your build. If you are well endowed or have a larger stomach as compared to your bottom half, you should actually have MORE buttons and a higher stance, because then it will balance you out with your bottom half (Stacy on What Not To Wear calls this locking and loading the girls up, and draw attention away from your biggest area. If you are not as well endowed or if your body size is pretty proportionate, or if you are a pear shape (bigger on the bottom) then you can have a lower stance and/or less buttons. If you think the single button looks the best on you, then it probably does! And you can ask a friend and see if they agree.
 
I do think the black tights make for a lot of black, but if they're not completely opaque, it probably wouldn't be too overwhelming. Basically, I would feel distracted/uncomfortable if I had to constantly make sure I was sitting appropriately. But then, that's why I don't plan to wear a skirt suit, even though I think they're really cute and flattering.

Now if only my premed committee would send my darn letter so I can be complete *somewhere* and maybe get an interview!

p.s. I have watched a *lot* of What Not to Wear. In fact, I think I bumped into one of the "victims" on the street a couple weeks ago! It didn't look like she'd taken much of Stacy and Clinton's advice to heart. :laugh:
 
ar2388, I did worry that the skirt was a little short when sitting. But I think if you're going to go with black tights, that will help.

admitER, for well-endowed girls, I personally like more buttons or a slightly higher stance, so that the girls are "locked and loaded." 😀

:laugh::laugh:

My computer totally didn't reload the page properly so I didn't see your post before I put mine up🙂 Yay Stacy and Clinton!🙂
 
p.s. I have watched a *lot* of What Not to Wear. In fact, I think I bumped into one of the "victims" on the street a couple weeks ago! It didn't look like she'd taken much of Stacy and Clinton's advice to heart. :laugh:


Dude...you should have totally taken some camera phone pics and outed them🙂
 
How many buttons and the stance (how high the buttons come up) depends on your build. If you are well endowed or have a larger stomach as compared to your bottom half, you should actually have MORE buttons and a higher stance, because then it will balance you out with your bottom half (Stacy on What Not To Wear calls this locking and loading the girls up, and draw attention away from your biggest area. If you are not as well endowed or if your body size is pretty proportionate, or if you are a pear shape (bigger on the bottom) then you can have a lower stance and/or less buttons. If you think the single button looks the best on you, then it probably does! And you can ask a friend and see if they agree.

oh REALLY..... *ponders* interesting... that actually makes sense. How did I not pick that up from Stacy & clinton? I guess I thought mos buttons = more attention....

so are we talking like this kind of more buttons:

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod520007

or this...

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=319786&CategoryID=39098&LinkType=EverGreen
 
oh REALLY..... *ponders* interesting... that actually makes sense. How did I not pick that up from Stacy & clinton? I guess I thought mos buttons = more attention....

so are we talking like this kind of more buttons:

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod520007

or this...

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=319786&CategoryID=39098&LinkType=EverGreen




First, both of those are TOTALLY cute...and I am a huge NY&C fan because they make long pants that actually fit tall girls and we can still wear heels.

I would say that the first is best if you have a larger chest as compared to your waist because the first button hits you right under the girls. The second may not work as well because the first button hits a little higher, but if you are large in general up top (chest and stomach) it may work because it looks as though it is pretty even. If the girls are pretty big and your waist isn't, then that first button is going to be stretched to its limit while the ones below may fit. Does that make sense?🙂 The bad thing about suit shopping is that you always have to try it on to see if it works. And don't be afraid to fit the biggest part of you and get the rest tailored! That goes double for pants. If you have large hips and a smaller waist, always fit your hips, then get the waist tailored. If you're a shorty, get them brought up. A tailored suit makes it look 10x more expensive, and usually doesn't cost 10x as much. I get my gym clothes tailored. Granted, I am a pilates instructor, and that is my current "work suit", but still🙂
 
Agreed, both of those suits are super-cute. I would suggest going to a big store with lots of variety and trying on different jackets to see which flatter you best. I think highest button just under the bust is a good way to go, but you really have to try things on. The tailoring advice goes for jackets and tops too. Make sure there is no pulling at the widest part of you (your bust) then get the waist taken in if you need to. I just hate seeing women wearing jackets and blouses with gapping between the buttons. I think it looks so cheap and kind of vulgar. I finally had to accept it and go up a size, but clothes look way better on me now.

Good luck!
 
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