PLACES & TRAVEL

Hibiscus flowers, palm leaves and more tassels than we can count: yep, the tropical trend is taking over again this summer, giving our getaway ‘fits an extra hit of exotic. So whether you’re rocking Hawaiian prints from head to toe, or styling it a little more subtle, here are five ways to go all-out tropical for your next summer vacay.

1. The Bikinis

 

Life’s better in a bikini – and even more so when it comes with a tropical twist. From hibiscus prints and clashing neon colours to mini-yet-mega embroideries, there are endless ways to get exotic with your swimwear selection this summer. Add some statement tassels and you’re more than good.

 

2. The Swimsuit

 

Swimsuits = the so-SS18 way to get in on the tropical trend. Choose a crush-worthy coral number that’ll show off your golden glow like woah, making its print pop with bright, bold jewels that were designed with sunny destinations in mind.

 

3. The Beach Cover-Ups

 

Going straight from the beach to cocktails with the crew? Ditch the denim shorts and keep your tropi-cool with a cute cover-up that won’t feel out of place in paradise – we’re talking crisp cotton shirt dresses, kaftans and sun dresses with lush prints and all the embroideries.

 

4. The Maxi Dress

 

If you’ve been dreaming about reprising your role as actual real-life beach goddess ever since, well, last summer, then make some room for this mega maxi. Embroidered with hot-pink petals, this white-hot hun is your one-way ticket to becoming queen of the tropics – crown totes optional.

5. The Accessories

 

Looking for a more low-key way into the tropical trend? Start with all-white styling and add on the accessories to give your get-up extra energy – think pom-pom necklaces, pineapple earrings (omg) and embellished espadrilles to wear on all your adventures.

 

Read More

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5 Beach Looks That Every Jet-Setter Needs

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If rainbow brights/tropical prints/colours of any kind aren’t really your thing, then you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle when it comes to planning your vacay ‘fits. Ring a bell? Well, fear not. Featuring pared-back palettes and easy-as accessories, we’ve put together five mega-yet-minimal looks for the beach, all here to prove that less is most definitely more.

 

1. It’s Maritime

 

Nautical styling doesn’t have to mean going full-on sailor girl. Patterned with clean navy stripes on white, this babein’ bikini nods to the trend without going OTT, making it a must-have for minimalists everywhere. All-white extras tone the look down to a tee, while blue-tint shades make it feel modern.

 

2. Hey Navy

 

Let’s take a moment for navy – it’s classic, cool and mega-flattering on just about anyone. Take it to the beach with a one-shoulder sun dress, giving it some so-now flavour with nude hues and rose gold metallics. Summer, we’re coming for ya.

 

3. Go Gingham

 

How to wear gingham without looking like an actual picnic table? A checked bikini (halter-necks + high-waist bottoms = pin-up perfection) is the coolest way into the trend – just chuck on a crisp cotton shirt for the midday heat. When it comes to the accessories, minimal metallics are the only deets you’ll ever need.

 

4. White Hot

 

White on white = the best way to show off that sun-kissed glow. Make it feel so-S118 with cute co-ords that’ll take you from pool to party quicker than you can say “lemme take a selfie”, adding further definition with all-black accessories. Wanna keep it interesting? A slogan straw hat is your number one hun.

 

5. Fade to Black

 

Don’t call time on head-to-toe black just ‘cause you’re heading off on your hols. Style it right in a lace-up swimsuit (check that back detail), throwing on a swishy little sun dress and cat-eye sunglasses for cocktail o’clock. For extra glam points, gold sandals are your beach-to-bar faves.

 

Read More

5 Beach Looks That Every Jet-Setter Needs

Top 6 Embroidered Beachwear Picks

 

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You’ve booked the vacay, now bag the ultimate holiday wardrobe with our top five beach looks that every jet-setter needs in her suitcase. We’ve got you covered from kicking back on your beach towel to sitting up at the bar with a piña colada. The countdown starts here…

 

1. Pick-and-Mix Pastels

Calling all beach babes! The only way to scoop up the flavour of SS18 is with head-to-toe pastels. From mint to lilac and powder pink, sugar rush is the vibe for this delish palette – take your pick from sweet-as bikinis, candy-coloured cami dresses and so-pretty accessories. We can’t get enough.

 

2. Neon Scene

Shades at the ready? If you’re all about standing out on the sands then trust us, these brights do it right. Mesh inserts bring rave-girl vibes to this neon swimsuit, or stick to colour-crush accessories with our rainbow beach bag.

 

3. Red Alert

Nothing says ‘look at me’ like a pop of red, and being the hottest hue on the fashion radar, there’s no doubt you need this fire shade in your holiday wardrobe. Crimson, tomato, pillar-box, it doesn’t matter – just make sure you wear yours in monotone for major punch. Red swimsuits are the way to get hearts racing, while an asymmetric beach dress has minimal effort and max impact.

 

4. Gingham Girl

Gingham’s major comeback deserves mad love on your next beach break, and our gorgeous checked styles are less picnic blanket, more retro pinup. Our gingham bikinis have the vintage vibes down – halter straps and high waists, tick. Plus, when things move from sunbathing to sightseeing, this embroidered gingham dress is the perfect throw-on pick.

 

5. Pineapple Crush

If you haven’t gone mad for pineapples yet then, well, where have you been? There’s no such thing as tropical vibes without this juicy motif, so rock it in a mega way with our pineapple bikini or breezy burnout dress. Want just a taste of the trend? A charm anklet or foil flip flops will take the look from the ground up.

 

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If, like us, you basically spent all of last year obsessing over all of the embroideries then we’ve got major news: the trend is back for SS18 and we think it’s better than ever before. So whether you’re heading for some winter sun or counting down the days till summer (we know we are), then our top six embroidered beachwear picks are guaranteed to get you in the mood for a sun-soaked getaway. Jet, set, go…

 

1. The Kaftan

 

A vintage fashion fave, the kaftan has had a serious glo-up for 2k18. Bring it into your suitcase selection with this dreamy white number, stitched with tropical flowers on its cool, crinkle fabric, and finished with a plunging neckline. Team it with layered chains and a pair of shades.

 

2. The Bikini

 

Wanna get your tan noticed? Embroidered with pretty pink blooms and finished with swishy ‘lil tassels, this all-white bikini is the only way to give your sun-kissed glow the airtime it so needs. Top it off with a strappy sun dress (in white, obvs) and metallic accessories to go from beach to bar.

 

3. The Boho Top

 

Whether thrown over your bikini or worn with cool denim cut-offs, this needle-worked number takes boho-babe styling to a whole new level. It’s detailed with embroidered patterns, mirrorwork embellishments and pom-poms, and promises to look more than mega on your next vacay.

 

4. The Sun Dress

 

Drop everything – the off-shoulder dress is back and this all-cotton cutie is giving us all the warm-weather feels. Styled with sea-blue stripes, this frilled fave comes with teeny-tiny mirrorwork embroideries, making sure you shimmer and shine under the rays. Wear it with a straw bag, sunnies and glam gold accessories.

 

5. The Cold-Shoulder Dress

 

Showing off your shoulders = a definite theme for SS18. Tap into the trend with this crinkled creation in black, featuring with cool cut-outs plus embroidered blooms in eye-popping colours. Layer it over your bikini to go from poolside to party like a total babe.

 

6. The Maxi Dress

 

If all-black everything is your style vibe but you still wanna get in on the embroidery trend, then this holiday get-up is so the one. Decked out with punchy pink blooms, this sand-grazing style will make maximum impact in your holiday wardrobe – we think it’ll look babein’ over your bikini. Matching sandals and cat-eye shades make up the need-now extras.

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Sand, sea and Insta-worthy sunsets – we’re coming for ya. Whether you’re jetting off with your mates, a date or doing it solo (we salute you), make sure you’re prepped and packed for your winter sun getaway with three of our favourite beach-to-bar looks. It’s time to turn up the heat.

 

1. Bohemian Like You

 
Bringing out the boho vibes for your vacay? Do it in a white bikini that’ll make that’ll make your tan glow like woah, slipping on a swishy ‘lil dress (litch obsessed with those embroideries) for when happy hour comes knocking.  For extra free-spirited feels, accessorise your look with an embellished beach bag, metallic sandals and a floppy fedora.

 

 

2. Pop Your Colour

 
If you’ve been hiding away in all-black everything this winter (guilty) then it’s time to give your inner goth gal a break by busting out the brights. Printed with a mish-mash of chevron stripes in eye-poppin’ colours, this stand-out swimsuit is sure to up the fun factor in your suitcase selection. Take it to the bar in a matching cover-up, a straw fedora and all the bold extras.

 

 

 

3. Let’s Set Sail

 

Blue and white is the colour combo that always wins, so make waves on your next vacay with a top-to-toe nautical get-up. Dive into island life with a navy swimsuit with cute ruffle deets, styling it up with a cream beach bag, metallic sandals and an XXL floppy hat to keep the rays at bay. Off for a cocktail? Throw on a one-shoulder dress for easy-breezy holiday vibes.

 

 

Read More

5 New Beachwear Arrivals to Take On Your Next Vacay

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Can’t wait till summer? Get your dose of sunshine right now with the new-in beachwear drops that are begging to be whisked away on a cheeky ‘lil getaway. From mega-babe bikinis and cover-ups to the hottest beach accessories, these holiday must-haves will get you hyped in no time at all. Soz winter – we’re so over you.

1. The Swimsuit

 

Whether you’re relaxin’ and maxin’ by the pool, or having a splash in the sea, this new-in swimsuit will serve up serious levels of sass. Designed in nautical navy, this frilled fave comes with a plunging neckline, plus a cute cut-out and bow on the back – so ready for those sunset ‘grams.

Shop Swimsuits >

 

2. The Bikini

 

If your holiday wardrobe is basically 50% bikinis (sorry not sorry) then this two-in-one dream has got your space-saving needs covered. Printed with tropical flowers on one side and a bold tribal pattern on the other, this clever two-piece lets you switch up your poolside style *and* leaves you enough dollar for another cocktail. Winning.

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3. The Shorts

 

Even if most of your vacay plans involve lazing around on a sun lounger, you still need to nail what you’re wearing to the bar for lunchtime LOLs with your holiday huns. Do it in a white bandeau bikini that shows off your tan to a tee, and team it with printed shorts that’ll feel cool and loose in the midday heat.

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4. The Cover-Up

 

Beach-bumming isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Get in the mood for sun, sea and sand with this full-colour kaftan, printed with chevron stipes – perfect for taking you from beach to, well, beach. Add on a matching bag for all the stand-out vibes.

Shop Kaftans and Cover-Ups >

 

5. The Sunglasses

 

You might’ve not seen the sun for what feels like forever at this point so it could be easy to forget to pack your sunnies for your next beach break. Need a new pair that you couldn’t bear to leave at home? Just get an eyeful of these rose gold wonders, designed with cool rounded lenses that’ll keep out the rays and have you looking stylish until sundown.

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Jet-setting travel blogger Jess Gibson from The Travelista packed her bag and jumped on a plane to the city that never sleeps – and we can’t get enough of her Big Apple fashion get-ups. Wanna see more? Here’s her New York City style diary…

 

 

I’ve dreamed about visiting New York City ever since I was old enough to watch the films that are set there. Despite all the preparation that I did before hand, nothing could have prepared me for that feeling of excitement as we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan.

 

Day One

 

Ever since I packed this backpack into my suitcase, I knew it was going to be a staple for me in New York. The deep burgundy leather is perfect for autumn and winter, and the structured shape and gold handle give it a really luxe feel. I went for an all-black outfit on day one and added a pop of colour with the blush pink beret and pink fur trimmed gloves. Along with my suede ankle boots, it was the perfect sightseeing outfit for Downtown Manhattan. We visited Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial Museum and caught the water taxi to see the Statue of Liberty.

 

Day Two

 

We planned to go at a slower and more relaxed pace on our second day, so I threw on my bright check poncho and paired it with a black baker boy hat and tan saddle bag. Along with my favourite mom jeans and gold statement earrings, I felt both comfortable and stylish. We headed up to the Top of The Rock viewing platform on top of the Rockefeller Centre for 360 degree views of New York City. It was freezing but totally breathtaking!

 

 

 

Day Three

 

On our third day, we went to check out the Chelsea Market where I tried my first slice of famous New York pizza. From there, we stepped onto the High Line which is a 1.45 mile long park elevated over the west side of Manhattan. The High Line was formerly the New York Central railroad and its totally free to access. I wrapped up warm in this cute cable-knit beanie hat and matching scarf, and accompanied with look with my fur trimmed cross-body bag, suede ankle boots and yellow shearling jacket.

 

Day Four

 

Although we crossed theBrooklyn Bridge on our way into Manhattan, I was so excited to walk it on foot on the pedestrian footbridge. Cars and yellow cabs zoomed below our feet as we looked back at the New York skyline – it was one of the highlights of our trip. I knew it would be cold crossing the river so I threw on my faux fur coat and styled it with my baker boy hat and tan saddle bag.

 

Day Five

 

For our final day in New York we went to explore Central Park. I couldn’t wait to see the vivid autumn colours so chose an outfit that was equally as autumnal. This cosy checked scarf kept me incredibly warm and toasty whilst adding a stylish statement to my look. I wanted to stay hands-free to take lots of photos, so I wore my burgundy backpack again, which fitted in all of my travel blogger essentials. We had just about enough time to fit in one more indulgence so we went for pizza at Serafina Restaurant on the Upper East Side. My trip to New York was undoubtedly the highlight trip of 2017 for me. I am already dreaming of when I can return and the fabulous outfits I can take in my suitcase!

Written by Jess Gibson, founder and editor of award-winning UK travel blog The Travelista.

 

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Get ready to shake what ‘ya mama gave you with travel blogger Jess Gibson from The Travelista, as she tells us all about her recent trip to the annual Antigua Carnival in the Caribbean. Here’s what she got up to…

Day 1

Our first day in Antigua began with a trip to St John’s, which is Antigua’s largest town. We stopped for a quick rum-tasting session at 10am – which seemed perfectly normal to the rum-loving locals.

Metallic Cross Body Bag, £17 | Leona Semi Precious Stacking Rings, £19 | Jessica Embellished Sandals, £35

Next, it was time to explore the colonial streets of St John’s, so I put together a light, tropical outfit and paired it with my metallic cross-body bag.

Festival Embroidered Bikini Top, £18

That afternoon, we visited the Myst Carnival Troupe where my carnival dreams came true! I got to try on a traditional carnival costume, which was called ‘Queen of the Band’. It was incredibly heavy but I felt a million dollars.

Day 2

Day two brought a mini adventure as we embarked on a catamaran boat trip around the whole island. The boat trip included a BBQ lunch on the boat and snorkelling at a secluded cove. The scenery was spectacular and after my first rum punch, I began to feel really relaxed.

Scalloped Edge Swimsuit, £29 sold out online, now available in Teal | Halle Semi Precious Lariat Necklace, £19

I spent all day in my scalloped edge swimsuit, which was comfortable and incredibly flattering. I paired the swimsuit with my Halle semi-precious lariat necklace as the drop-gem design looked gorgeous against the swimsuit.

Day 3

Colourful Stripe Crop Bikini Top, £22 | Leona Semi Precious Stacking Rings, £19

Sunday was all about rest and relaxation so I made the most of our hotel’s location on Dickenson Bay. The jet lag had me up early so I threw on my favourite swimwear and hit the beach. I ate banana pancakes and sipped on a fresh coconut – it was a tropical dream!

Fifi Frill Bandeau Bikini Top, £18 | Rosanna Wide Leg Trousers, £29

At around 5pm we drove across the island to attend the Shirley Heights’ Sunday night BBQ – a must for anyone visiting Antigua. The sunset was spectacular and there was a steel band playing all night.

 

Day 4

Major Quilt Mini Backpack, £25

J’ouvert is the first procession of the Antigua Carnival and it started with a bang at around 4am in the streets of St John’s. The streets were filled with people dancing at sunrise and it was amazing to see so much energy so early in the morning! In the afternoon, we got to join the Myst Carnival Troupe and dance in the Judging of the Bands parade! Each Troupe is like a different group of dancers and anyone can pay to be a part of the carnival. The outfits were beautiful, the atmosphere was incredible and you couldn’t help feel alive with the upbeat soca music. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

 

Day 5

The third and final Parade of Bands is the biggest spectacle of the carnival, when men and women dress in their most flamboyant and colourful carnival outfits. This took place on our last day in Antigua, but it was definitely worth the wait! We went back to St John’s as spectators and I played the role of photographer, snapping all of my favourite carnival outfits. It was so inspiring to see how body confident the women were – they are so proud of their bodies.

Esme Embroidered Hem Dress, £25 | Vintage queen Ring, £10

It was so special to be a part of the Antigua Carnival and is definitely something I will never forget. From the people to the beaches and the music to the food, I fell in love with Antigua and I would love to return again one day.

More from Jess

The Travelista: Italy Style Diary

The Travelista: Amsterdam Style Diary

The Travelista: Lake District Style Diary

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Written by Jess Gibson, founder and editor of award-winning UK travel blog The Travelista. Follow Jess on Instagram @thetravelista to see more of her stylish travels.

Get ready to set sail with Nicola Easterby, travel photographer and blogger from Polkadot Passport, as we find what she wore on her island-hopping holiday in Greece. From soaking up the sunshine on the yacht to strolling around the most Insta-worthy towns, here’s how this mega-babe styled out her stay in the Mediterranean.

 

Setting sail to Perdika

Hawaiian Print Swimsuit, was £32, now £9.60 | Chloe Metal Cateye Sunglasses, was £12, now £6

The adventure began in Athens, where we hopped on-board the yacht that would be our home for the next week. It was time to set sail to the Saronic Islands! A few hours in, we made our first swim stop for the trip. I jumped into the sparkling Mediterranean ocean in my colourful Hawaiian-print swimsuit which seemed to perfectly mirror the vibrant color of the water! After a little more sailing, we arrived on the quaint little island of Perdika. We went for another swim on a secluded local beach, where we stayed and watched the water turned golden as we witnessed our first sunset of the trip.

 

Wandering around Ermioni

Chloe Metal Cateye Sunglasses, was £12, now £6 | Eden Print Maxi Dress, £39 | Louise Leather Cross Body Bag, £45

After a long day of sailing, we made it to the town of Ermioni. We spent the afternoon time winding through the streets of a picturesque neighbourhood perched up on a hill. As we wandered around, I wore this floral-print maxi dress which was nice and light for the hot weather, paired with my handy little leather bag. At every corner, we would stumble upon an alleyway bursting with fuchsia flowers or a patch of turquoise ocean peeking out on the horizon. We eventually reached the very top of the hill, where we stumbled upon a postcard-worthy view over the town and the ocean below.

 

Quad bike exploration in Spetses

Chloe Metal Cateye Sunglasses, was £12, now £6 | Tia Embellished Maxi Dress, £49 | Luisa Strappy Sandals, £25

Next up, we set sail to the island of Spetses. Although the weather was rather grim on arrival, we braved the over-passing storm and hired quad bikes to explore the island. We followed the ring road past lush hills and secluded aqua-marine coves and ended up at a magical hidden cave that we swam in. After our quad bike adventures, we explored the main town of Spetses by foot, encountering the most charming streets filled with flower-lined doorways. During our explorations, I wore this embellished maxi dress which was an ideal holiday staple – it was casual enough to wear during the day but classy enough to keep on in the evening.

 

Water sports in Poros

Chloe Metal Cateye Sunglasses, was £12, now £6 | Sasha Scallop Swimsuit, £29 | Brigitte Nautical Floppy Hat, £25

Our next stop was the action-packed island of Poros. After a few hours of sunbathing on-board the boat, it was time to take part in some water sports! I was glad that I had worn this scalloped swimsuit that day, as it offered the perfect level of support and coverage during the activities. After getting our adrenaline fix, we headed up to the bell tower in the centre of the town and had the most spectacular panoramic views during sunset. We finished the day with a scrumptious feast of halloumi, Greek salad and stuffed aubergine for dinner, paired with some lovely Greek wine.

 

Heading back to Athens 

Brigitte Nautical Floppy Hat, £25 | Talia Lace Insert T Shirt, £25 | Luisa Strappy Sandals, £25

After an action-packed week of sailing around the Saronic Islands, we finally landed back in Athens! Not wanting the Greek adventures to come to end quite yet, we took the opportunity to explore Greece’s capital city before heading home. The temperature in Athens was soaring, so I was thankful to have a lightweight kaftan which I paired with a comfy pair of strappy sandals to wander around in. We rented an Airbnb with an epic rooftop overlooking the Acropolis, where we sat and watched the sun set over the specular ancient monument. I couldn’t think of a better way to end our epic time in Greece!

 

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Hey, island-hopper! Sail away to the dreamy islands of Croatia with Emily Valentine, vlogger and blogger at Style Lobster, and have a sneaky peek inside her holiday wardrobe.

Saskia Longline Crochet Top, £25 | Ombre Sarong, was £20, now £10

Tell us about your holiday destination…

I am heading to one of my favourite places in the world; Croatia, but I’ll be touring a bunch of islands in a catamaran yacht.

What are you most looking forward to about the trip?

So many things! Croatia is a beautiful country so I am looking forward to docking at some idyllic swim spots. The food and wine is also great and the party scene is fabulous too.

What is your ultimate summer track?

It changes every week but right now (like the rest of the world) I am hooked on Despacito by Justin Bieber. I used to live in Puerto Rico so it reminds me of my time growing up there.

Geo Silk Classic Scarf, £14 | Crochet Bikini Crop Top, £19 | Crochet Bikini Brief, £16

What are your go-to Accessorize pieces for your pack list and why?

My favourite thing to do with Accessorize products is layer up! My favourite lines are from the Z for Accessorize collection as it is high quality and is so beautifully delicate and precious. I like stacking chokers, drop necklaces and rings. Also anything with the moon and stars on it is a fave right now.

Ombre Sarong, was £20, now £10 | Saskia Longline Crochet Top, £25 | Delta Horn Pendant, £15 | Halle Semi Precious Lariat Necklace, £19 | Root Chakra Friendship Bracelet, £10 | Wrapped Stars Ring, £12

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Grecian goddess alert! Find out what Carms London, style blogger, vlogger and Insta-crush, wore on her latest Greek getaway – think glam crochet, poppin’ prints and babein’ body chains.

The Bikini

Ikat Print Beaded Bikini Top, £22 | Ikat Brazilian Bikini Briefs, £18 | Ismet Ethnic Statement Body Chain, was £29 now £14.50

Beach, please. Carms amped up her mega babe status with an embellished ikat-print bikini with pops of hot pink, coral and turquoise, and took it the next level with a statement silver body chain that stole all the stares.

The Beach Dress

Katia Lace Dress, £35 | Mono Embellished Flip Flops, £12 | Clutch bag, similar here

A crochet dress is the only way to go from beach to bar – and Carms knows it. The Insta-queen went for all-out glam with a sheer white number (a girl’s gotta show off that glow) worn over a black bikini, adding extra sparkle with an embellished clutch bag and sandals. Obsessed.

The Cover-Up

Crochet Bikini Crop Top, £19 | Crochet Bikini Brief, £16 | Pina Colada Palm Tree Sarong, £20 | Nolita Velvet Cross-Body Bag, £27

Sarongs are back with a bang for summer ’17, bringing a boho-luxe vibe to any holiday get-up. Styling it with an all-black bikini, Carms nailed the trend with a gold palm-print number tied around her waist. A barely-there body chain and an embellished bag made up the more-than-mega extras.

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