Happy 4th of July! {celebrating with J.Crew?}

Have a happy 4th of July weekend everyone! I know I am a bit early with this, but I still wish everyone a great Independence Day and to travel safely. :)

Many of us will be attending various outdoor parties, fireworks, and traveling to visit family & friends throughout the weekend. As per usual with the {celebrating with J.Crew?} posts, it would be fun to hear what everyone plans on wearing.

I have a couple of events that I am going to, including a wedding on Friday. So from Friday through Sunday, I will be rockin' J.Crew and living it up like it is 2007. Why 2007? Because...

Friday I will be dancing the night away in the Leilani Printed Poplin Dress (Item 81719; $295.00). Saturday, I will be debuting the amazing Lobster-Print Dress (Item 84117; $198.00). As for Sunday, I will be getting comfortable with a classic navy blue polo from J.Crew paired with the Lobster Skirt (Item 84461; $120.00). What can I say, I am enamored with that lobster print! ;)

So back to 2007... All of these items are from J.Crew's 2007 Collection. Through some meticulous stalking over the years, I was able to acquire these luscious items. The best part, the dresses were both new with tags. Can't beat that! :)

What are you planning to wear this 4th of July weekend? Are you planning to go "head to toe" J.Crew or parts J.Crew?

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J.Crew News: The Romantics Cast Hearts J.Crew! {part two}

As mentioned in last Thursday's "J.Crew News: The Romantics Cast Hearts J.Crew!" post, the cast of The Romantics film are loving J.Crew.

"Thanks!" to Marietta (in this post) who let us know about a video featuring the cast during their J.Crew photo shoot. Click here to watch. There is also a mini-article shared:

Video: Katie Holmes & 'Romantics' Costars Party in J.Crew's Fall Line
"I like to shimmy," actress Katie Holmes jokes with Josh Duhamel. 'The Romantics' cast share some dances and some laughs as the cast models the new Fall J.Crew Collection -- and ET has the behind-the-scenes moments from the photo shoot…

With a DJ on the sidelines and cupcakes in hand, Holmes, Duhamel, Malin Åkerman, Adam Brody, Jeremy Strong and Rebecca Lawrence celebrate in the newest party attire from J.Crew. "We don't really go anywhere without a DJ," Duhamel jokes. "Whenever I'm near Katie, I know there's going to be delicious cupcakes somewhere."

Holmes loves her J.Crew party dress, telling cameras, "At night, if I venture out, I'm going to belt it, heel it and go for it."

Åkerman adds, "I actually didn't expect the glitter from J. Crew and I really like it."

"We have been fans of J.Crew. … It feels very much like 'The Romantics,'" Holmes exclaims.

In the film, Holmes, Duhamel and "True Blood" actress Anna Paquin play former college friends caught in a love triangle over the course of a wedding weekend. 'The Romantics' hits theaters September 24.

The video is actually fun to watch— especially the part when they are "dancing" crazy fast! And they all talk about J.Crew like walking ads. It totally made me wonder if they got paid directly from J.Crew. ;) All in all, the cast looks pretty darn great in their J.Crew! :)

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you like the cast's take on J.Crew?

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Final Sale Is Back for Summer

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Genny (in this post), Summer (in this post), as well as Marietta & Ketan, who shared the following update this morning.

J.Crew has brought back the "Final" to their Summer Sale (click here to shop Final Sale online). Many JCAs predicted the "Final Sale" would be back after the last 30% off promotion, but that wasn't the case. Oh J.Crew, how you keep us on our toes! ;)

J.Crew also sent an email stating that Final Sale extends to brick & mortar (B&M) stores. (Right now, they are offering 20% off Final Sale. Not sure how long this promotion will last.)

I was hoping for a promotion today, but this wasn't it. ;)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get? Does your local B&M have "final sale" as well?

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A Trip to J.Crew's Bridal Boutique

A big "thanks!" to Gem Twin who shared the following article about J.Crew's new Bridal Store in NYC over at Fashionista (click here to read the article in its entirety).

My Excellent J.Crew Wedding Store Adventure
By Lauren Sherman
June 25, 2010

...I thought it would still be smart to check out J.Crew’s new wedding boutique on Madison Ave. ...

...First, I was greeted by Kate M., my personal sales associate for the appointment. (She was accompanied by the lovely Candy.) These girls were amazing. They were so excited about everything, from the La Perla robes in the changing rooms to the array of sashes to the shoes. Their enthusiasm was infectious. But more on that later.

Tom Mora, who heads up the wedding design division at J.Crew, also popped by to walk me through the current collection. Tom’s been at J.Crew since 2001 and working on wedding since 2004, so he’s a wealth of knowledge. We talked a lot about which dresses are bestsellers (in reality, women have such different tastes that there isn’t one runaway hit); we also discussed garment construction, and fabric sourcing, which blew me away.

What surprised me, having only seen the dresses online, is just how special each one is. From the silk crepe Mimi t-shirt gown in a Champagne color to the Lucinda gown, a poly/cotton/silk ballgown with a hammered that almost resembles a seersucker, there’s a dress for every bride. (And with prices starting at something like $300 and capping off at under $4,000, these are good quality garments that most people can actually afford.)

Tom explained that, much like the J.Crew cashmere sourced from the same mills used by Loro Piana, the fabrics used on the wedding gowns are milled in Italy and France. And you can tell. I was besotted with the Sascha, a lightweight ivory silk taffeta number with a corseted bodice and structured sweetheart neckline, for this reason. The shape made me happy, but the fabric was just so luxurious, it made it even better.

...But onto accessories. The J.Crew bridal boutique has just about the most beautifully curated collection of accessories, lingerie and jewelry I’ve ever seen. The vintage pieces, mixed in with new edition Miriam Haskell, mixed in with the most perfect pair of satin platform pumps in the world–the Esme–made me incredibly happy. We also tried on several headpieces by local milliner Leah C., of which I also fell in love. Leah does everything from blushers to floral pins to headbands, so there’s something for every taste.

What are your thoughts on the article's take of the Wedding Boutique on Madison Avenue? Are you excited about its arrival? Do you think you will shop there? :)

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Madewell Email: Celebrate summer + 15% off in store (limited time)

"Thanks!" to Marietta who let us know about another wonderful offer from Madewell.

The Madewell store in Huntington Station, New York is offering local customers 15% off any purchase (no minimum!) This offer expires July 14, 2010.

Just click on the image above or here (which will take you to a larger version of the image) and print it out (so the associate can read the email).

The location for the store is:

Madewell at the Walt Whitman Mall
160 Walt Whitman Road
Huntington Station, NY 11746
(631) 549-6951

Congrats to all those in the area!!! :)

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J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

Preface: A big "thanks!" to Cass (in this post) who suggested a "weekly 'Did you try on/receive any JC items this week?' post where we could all "deposit" our reviews for various items". I think it is a brilliant idea. Hopefully this will help out our fellow JCAs! :)

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

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J.Crew's July Catalog {double check it!}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marisa as well as goldcoastgal, who let us know that the latest catalog sent may have a unique promotional code (for something like 20% off on any order, free shipping with no minimum, or $20 off a certain amount).

In particular, Marisa shared the following:

I just got a catalog, July, with a 20% off card inside. On the cover it says that there is a little surprise inside on page 21, so maybe everyone is getting this code? Good thru July 4 and it seems to be a one-time use sort of code

So check your catalog to see if you got a unique promo code too! :)

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J.Crew's 9th Sample Sale {going on now!}

As mentioned previously (refer to the "J.Crew's 9th Sample Sale {is it 9? I am starting to lose track!}" post) ClothingLine (click here) is currently hosting yet another J.Crew sample sale in NYC.

This sale started this week! For the event's days/hours:

Monday, June 28th (10 am - 7 pm)
Tuesday, June 29th (10 am - 7 pm)
Wednesday, June 30th (10 am - 7 pm)
Thursday, June 31st (10 am - 7 pm)

What to expect at J.Crew's latest sample sale:

- for Men, Women, & Kids
- limited assortment for Men
- limited availability in crewcuts
- summer apparel, footwear, swim & jewelry
- huge selection of Women's swimwear, beach dresses, sandals & flip flops
- mostly stock

- The fitting room will be closed for the duration of this sale. Footwear try-ons only.

- Our entrance and selling floor closes 10 minutes prior to close of store.

The location for the event is:

Clothingline | SSS Sample Sales
261 W 36th Street
(between 7th & 8th Ave)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

Will you be attending this latest sample sale? If you are, please let us know! If you could also share any information (e.g. merchandise selection, quantity, prices), it would be greatly appreciated. :)

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Off On A Tangent: Land's End Canvas {30% off & free shipping}

Don't worry, I am still all about the Crew! But sometimes there are codes/ offers from other retailers that might be useful for some J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados, like now...
By now most of you already know about Land's End latest line... LE Canvas (click here to shop online).

A big "thanks!" to friends at LE Canvas who let us know about a sale that won't "go public" until June 30th.

For exclusive access to the sale two days early for "30% off and free shipping on June 28^th and 29^th", click on the following link: http://bit.ly/CanvasSummer

The discount will be automatically applied once you click on the link and check out the shopping cart.

Happy shopping! :)

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J.Crew Email: Our latest dress obsession...

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Just Visiting, Desert Flower & Marietta, who let us know about another email J.Crew's sent this morning.

This email features the Marlie Racerback Dress (Item 26956; $128.00) which J.Crew describes as:

One of our favorite slip-on-and-go dresses of the season, this marries the luxe feel of silk with the sportiness of racerback straps and tee-pocket detailing. We're loving it mixed with more structured tomboy pieces—like a military jacket or blazer—and piled-on jewelry for added contrast. Silk. Sleeveless. Racerback shift silhouette. Relaxed fit. Side zip. Pullover. Straight skirt. Fully lined. Falls above knee. Import. Dry clean.

I really don't care for this dress. First, the price tag. I get that it is silk, but the design is so simple (as in shapeless). You really have to work with accessories to make this dress shine. Ultimately, not worth full retail price. Second, it's "dry clean". For a "slip-on-and-go" dress, it should be machine washable. But that is just me.

What are your thoughts on the Marlie Racerback Dress? Do you like the style? Do you think it is worth the price? Please share! :)

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J.Crew Email: Jenna's picks

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who let us know about J.Crew's most recent email, which showcases all of Jenna Lyons' picks for the latest catalog. Click here to view all the items selected.

The theme for these picks are:

July Begs For Cool Comfort– so I'm reaching for easy navy and white pieces that have a nautical bent without being too obvious (think unexpected sparkle and out-of-the-blue pairings) anchored by seasonless, time-and-again favorites.

J.Crew is also letting customers know about their latest promotion. Open a J.Crew Credit Card and get 20% off your first purchase. This offer expires 7/4/10.

What are your thoughts on the items selected? Do you like the color palette? Which items would have made your top picks of new arrivals that you are loving this month?

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The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

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The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers. If you are a reseller, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

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Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING & SUMMER sale, or to see some new SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

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Darlings, is it time for a J.Crew coupon code?

Yes, it is that wonderful time!

A big "thanks!" goes t0 Eyes, who is super nice to share with us that J.Crew is offering free shipping on orders of $150+ with promo code HB567L. This offer expires 7/5/10.

P.S. I have noticed that other blogs & websites post J.Crew codes & coupons *after* this blog does. If you happen to get codes & coupons from the JCA blog & post them at your site, could you please give give a "shout out" to the JCA blog? This way more JCAs are inclined to share. TIA! :)

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20% Off on Knits & Tees {for women}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Amethyst (in this post), as well as Marietta & Irina, who let us know the following promotion.

J.Crew is offering 20% off on select full-priced Women's tees (click here to shop online). The fine print of the offer includes:

Prices as marked. Offer excludes Saint James® and cannot be redeemed for cash or applied to previous purchases. Offer valid in J.Crew stores and at jcrew.com only and valid through Sunday, June 27, 2010, 11:59pm ET.

Much like the last few time (for knits & tees, as well as pants), I am loving that this offer is automatically applied (no need to input a code). Although this time, they are *not* throwing in free shipping with this offer. Ah well! :)

Will you be taking advantage of this promotion? If so, what items are you planning to get. Please share! :)

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Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING & SUMMER sale, or to see some new SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

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Summer Sale is Back to Normal {or is it?}

As Geneva (in this post) pointed out, the Summer Sale (click here to shop online) intro image no longer has the phrase "All Sales Final". In fact, there is no fine print to be seen anywhere.

A bit cautious, I added something to my cart to see if "Final Sale" in red would pop-up. And nothing! There was no mention of the item being final sale either.

So was the "Final Sale" business move for one day only? How bizarre, right? I mean, why change the terms of the promotion on the last day & for one day only. Or maybe enough customers complained yesterday about the sneaky maneuver that J.Crew decided to hold off on Final Sale. Who knows? In any case, I am happy to see "Final Sale" is gone ...for today at least! ;)

Were you surprised to see that the Summer Sale is not Final Sale today?

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J.Crew News: The Romantics Cast Hearts J.Crew!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Lisa, as well as jcrewmommy & AppGal (in this post), who let us know (& shared the following links) that Katie Holmes & Co. are sporting J.Crew's upcoming collection.

The following is an article from InStyle (click here):

The Romantics Cast Get J. Crew’d!
By Joyann King
Jun 23, 2010

Malin Akerman, Josh Duhamel and Katie Holmes gathered for a photo shoot in N.Y.C. yesterday to promote their new film The Romantics, a rom-com about a group of college friends who reunite for a wedding on Long Island.

The cast, which also includes Anna Paquin and Adam Brody, modeled pieces from J.Crew’s upcoming Fall 2010 collection.

Akerman looked quirky cool in a sequined skirt and sleeveless hoodie. Holmes, who plays the maid of honor (and executive produced the film), dazzled in a glittery dusty pink sheath paired with a classic brown belt, while Duhamel looked like he stepped right out of the catalog in a slim suit and preppy striped tie. We’ve confirmed that the cast wears a lot of the label throughout the film (out this summer), and judging by this photo shoot, we can’t wait to see the rest of the film’s fashion!

For more coverage on J.Crew + the Romantics:

• "Katie Has a Romantic Reunion as Tom Takes Care of Business" post over at PopSugar
• "Katie Holmes & Josh Duhamel: J. Crew Photo Shoot!" post over at JustJared

Katie Holmes is no stranger to J.Crew. When Dawson's Creek first aired, the cast modeled J.Crew often in their show. As a result, J.Crew decided to use them for an entire catalog that was sent to customers back in 1997.

Katie Holmes apparently still loves the J.Crew. "Thanks!" to Lucy, as well as JulieStyles (in this post) & Crewbie, who let us know that she was sporting the Sequin Studio Sweatshirt (Item 26138; $168.00) on her date night with hubby Tom Cruise. For images, click here.

What are your thoughts on the "models"? Do you like how the outfits, featuring J.Crew, are styled? Are you excited to see J.Crew in the new movie?

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J.Crew Personal Shopper {share your story!}

J.Crew's Personal Shopper service has been discussed a few times on this blog (refer here). For those new to the blog or J.Crew, the service essentially helps customers select pieces for their wardrobe. They will also work with customers after (or before) store hours, and help track down hard-to-find items. To sign-up, click here.

A big "thanks!" to Camille who shared her experience with the service:

Several months ago, I decided to try out J Crew’s personal shoppers (PS). Overall my experience has been fabulous, and my PS has saved me a bunch of money so I highly recommend the service.

Here’s what I found:

Timing:
As I like to place orders very early in the morning, I called the J Crew customer service line and asked that I be assigned a PS that started early – I was told there are fewer of these people than those that start late, but the next day I got a call from a woman who starts at 8am. I have placed almost all of my orders through her ever since, most before 9am which means I sometimes get new to sale items before they “ghost out”.

Tastes:
My PS and I don’t have the same tastes, as she likes louder/brighter things than I do. For this reason I listen, but do not generally rely on her sense of style – although after the multiple orders I placed in the last couple of months, I notice she is becoming accustomed to my tastes so I am giving her opinions more weight.

Overall:
My PS and I are building a wonderful relationship and I highly recommend the service, except of course it may cost you more in the long run as I am more inclined to purchase the odd thing.

What a great story! It would also be great to hear from you on your thoughts of a personal shopper. Especially in terms of expectations (e.g. what a personal shopper is able to do versus the reality of what they can do).

Do you have a personal shopper? Have you been utilizing the service? Would you recommend other JCAs to get a personal shopper (if they do not have one already)? Please share with us your story! :)

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J.Crew Carries Spanx Now {are you cool or cold with the move?}

"Thanks!" to Christy (in this post) who let us know that J.Crew is now offering Spanx.

Right now, there are only two items being offered: the SPANX® Hide & Sleek® Strapless Full Slip (Item 32654; $72.00) and the SPANX® Slim Cognito® Mid-Thigh Shaping Bodysuit (Item 32652; $72.00).

According to J.Crew:

We've long been devotees of Spanx's line of über-slimming shapewear. (We wouldn't dream of donning a strapless or pencil skirt without it.) So we couldn't be happier to offer a selection of their figure-flattering wares.

There was a discussion (refer to this post) about whether or not J.Crew should offer Spanx and what message it sends to customers.

I love the concept of Spanx. (Although I find them a bit difficult to wear. I feel like I need to size up the recommended size for me to even put them on.) They add that bit of security for when you need it.

The only message I interpreted was that J.Crew is going crazy with all their partnerships. As in, it feels like they are teaming up a bit too much. ;) When you click on the "JCrew in Good Company" link, the list has 25+ names now.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's partnership with Spanx? Do you think this is a good partnership for J.Crew? What message do you think it sends? :)

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Extra 30% Off Summer (aka: Final) Sale Ends Today

Today is the last day that J.Crew is offering customers 30% off any purchase from Final Sale {no minimum} and free shipping (over $150 *after* discounts applied) with promo code EXTRA30.

This sale has been a-m-a-z-i-n-g!!! I loved seeing this promotion back, and hope to see it return soon! :)

UPDATE: WTF J.Crew!?! Just got the following email this morning. I noticed the dreaded phrase on it: "All Sales Final".
I know for sure the original sign on the Summer Sale page did not have those words. So I went back and what do I find on the image, the words "All Sales Final" in the fine print too. This phrase was *not* on the original offer (shown in the first image above).
I strongly dislike Final Sale, but recognize that the business practice is up to J.Crew (& they can do what they like). However, I think it is pretty crappy to change the terms of a promotion on the last day. Not cool.

Have you been taking advantage of this promotion? Will you be taking advantage of this promotion today? Are there any sale items you are interested in getting before it ends? Did you notice the change to "Final Sale" today?

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