Oh! Nikka | Top Atlanta Fashion, Food, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

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The Flavor of Fashion

Avant-garde fashion graced the runway as VitaminWater Zero provided the inspiration for a “Project Runway-esque” fashion show where haute couture and flavor met for a night of high fashion designs that would undoubtedly meet Tim Gunn’s fickle approval. 😀

Haute looks by Tulipano boutique

The Whiskey Blue lounge, atop the W Atlanta in Buckhead, provided the quintessential ambiance to this bold display of couture originals by eight of Atlanta’s hottest up-and-coming fashion designers. The event also featured fab looks from Tulipano boutique.

Hosted by Atlanta & Company’s Christine Pullara, the top prize of $1,000 cash and a feature spot in JEZEBEL magazine’s September fashion issue would go to the winning design.

Another fab piece by Tulipano boutique

The judging came by way of a local Style Council consisting of Jessica Dauler of Jessica Shops, David Goodrowe Associate Dean of the School of Fashion at SCAD, and Robanne Schulman of Plaid Monkey, who were tasked with awarding the top prizes and crown to the designer whose garment best embodied their VitaminWater Zero flavor of choice.

Tulipano was in the house featuring some of their haute couture originals

Now, here’s the juice:

Each designer was given 6 weeks to design and produce an original piece inspired by the VitaminWater Zero color pallet; and let me tell you, it was a fabulous display of style and creativity that had me thirsting for more!

All of the designers did a fabulous job of interpreting their inspirational beverages; so here’s the rundown of each designer and their flavor of choice:

Love the vibrance in Jeanette Benjamin's design

Jeanette Benjamin was inspired by the oranges and blues of the sunset sky for her interpretation of the Mixed Berry flavor.

Shake your shimmy in this shimmering original by Simone Adams

Simone Adams used the berry colors of the XXX Berry flavor along with crystal accents for her inspirational rendition.

Perfect for Summer, Claire Buyens offers a refreshing take on Lemonade

Claire Buyens chose the juicy and sweet freshness of the Lemonade flavor for inspiration of her sophisticated and vibrant piece.

Simone McPherson captured the Rhythm in this chic original

Simone McPherson felt the “rhythm of the night” and captured its essence in her design inspired by the Rhythm flavor.

Work it girl! My fav design of the night by Isaac Spry

Isaac Spry energized and aroused our senses with this fab design inspired by the Revive flavor.

Kelvin Parker created a sassy, sexy, and edgy design that accentuates the waistline using the XXX Berry flavor.

Tian Justman's Dragon Fruit inspired couture piece. Love the colors!

Tian Justman‘s splash of color in her couture piece was inspired by the Dragon Fruit flavor.

Dwayne Woodard's chic design inspired by Glow

Dwayne Woodard’s design radiated as he showcased his chic, hand sewn piece inspired by the Glow flavor.

Beautiful open back design by Isaac Spry

Although all the designs were absolutely delish; my personal fav flavor of the night was this gorgeous piece by designer Isaac Spry which was inspired by the Revive flavor. Love, Love, Love the ruffles and the open back…Uh, Isaac, we need to talk hun! 😉

Tian Justman with her winning design

But, there can only be one winner, and Tian Justman took home the coveted title of VitaminWater Zero’s most fab flavor of the night with her Dragon Fruit inspired couture design. I absolutely loved her use of the vibrant oranges and pinks, and sage colored accents…(insert fainting motion) Can someone hand me a fan, please! OMG it was beautiful!

Special thanks to Theo Tyson from Trinity Productions who arranged a great view for me in the VIP section.

Ok, Divas. All this talk about refreshing, high fashion couture has me parched!

So, off I go… to quench my thirst at the local boutique (queue whistling). 😛

All photos courtesy of Taste Maker Magazine

style setter

Retro in the City

With shades like these who can choose just one?

Hey Divas!

In my seemingly endless search for the most fabulous finds on the Internet, one can only imagine how daunting this endeavor can easily become. Finding great accessories that are both stylish and affordable is like trying to find a diamond in the rough. And, in most cases the rough is very very thick. 🙁

So whenever I find that proverbial “needle in a haystack”, I turn my pen into thread and begin to weave the story. 😛

And, as new and exciting things are always surfacing, one has to wonder where to begin and if you will ever find that elusive gem of a find.

Well Divas, I think I may have just found my diamond, in a gem called Retro City Sunglasses.

Now, we’ve all seen those hot shades that the celebs are always caught wearing when they’re “inconspicuously” roaming about town trying to look like “normal” people (queue violin). A few paparazzi shots later and their images are plastered onto every fashion magazine in the newsstand, with everyone clambering to recreate their look, and asking “Where can I get a pair of those fab shades?” Even in their most casual attire, celebs seem to always rock the most expensive accessories around. I don’t know about you, but Gucci and Prada are still slightly out of my budget comfort at the moment….and for the unforeseeable future as well. 😛

So, as I was scouring the Internet looking for cool finds for the Summer that won’t send my wallet into a bottomless cavern, I stumbled onto www.RetroCitySunglasses.com, which offers the hottest shades this side of Polaris (for all my Divas who don’t have their Masters Degree in Astronomy (yet), that name refers to the Sun).

: Look super chic in these Lace Aviator shades

: These chic Lace Aviators shades will cause instant envy from all of your friends

: Feeling a little wild?

: These Leopard Diva Aviators are the cats meow

: Get a taste of South Beach style in these Midnight Oversized Miami sunglasses

: Nikka Shae lookin fab while rockin the Leopard Diva Aviators

: With shades like these who can choose just one?

Retro City Sunglasses carries the hottest and most fashionable styles around such as retro wayfarer sunglasses for the trendy Diva, oversized sunglasses if you want to look like a Hollywood starlet, funky aviator style sunglasses for the Diva who soars above the drama, they even carry those cute chain shades that everyone is wearing, AND vintage styled sunglasses that would make Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall blush with envy.

Jihan Shareef, the owner of Retro City Sunglasses, candidly admits “I’m a major sunglasses fiend. If it was retro, I had to have it. If it was funky, it needed to be part of my collection. Most of my closest friends are collectors of funky shades as well and we all realized that there was a serious lack of affordable, funky, retro sunglasses.”

Affordable AND stylish… You definitely won’t need Mr. Big to get a pair of these beauties (Eat your heart out Carrie Bradshaw!) 😀

happenings

Oh Naturel!

Arkeedah McCormick rockin her natural hair style

Haute hair was the highlight of the night as Carol’s Daughter hosted the Haute Hair Lounge; a celebration event for fashion and lifestyle blogger Arkeedah McCormick, who one year ago transitioned from using relaxers to going completely “au naturel”.

The fab ladies of Salon Soy

This commemoration event, set at Carol’s Daughter’s Lenox Mall store, featured fab beauty makeovers by LAMIK, and natural hair care tips and steps on transitioning from relaxed to natural hair by the healthy hair care experts at Salon Soy.

Delicious CamiCakes

CamiCakes provided the sweet treats, and event attendees received discounts on Carol’s Daughter products such as “Some of Marguerite’s Magic” and “Transitional Hair Sets”. Cupcakes AND discounts?…two of the (few) things that render me speechless (if only for a moment).:-D

It was a fun filled and informative event, and I would like to thank Saniyyah S. Griffin who’s the General Manager of Carol’s Daughter Lenox Mall, for hosting these wonderful beauty events in her store.

During the event I had the pleasure of meeting Gina Bernardi-Davis who is the Co-Founder of Beauty Recycled. Gina stressed the importance of recycling our used and discarded beauty product containers. So, here’s the Beauty Recycled concept… Consumers spend hundreds of dollars on beauty products each month. According to Beauty Recycled, it takes 50,000 years for a single shampoo bottle to decompose. Just think of the impact this has on our environment and how recycling these empty bottles would save our landfills. I know I’ve contributed to quite a few landfills over the years, so I’m gonna do my part to “beautify” the environment. Beauty Recycled is working to create harmony between beauty and nature; and saving the Earth…one salon at a time.

See more pics from the event here.

happenings

Making the Brand. Tips and advice for marketing You

Atlanta makeup artist and beauty expert, Mia “Mimi J” Johnson, spearheaded a beauty industry brunch at Marlee’s Coffee and Tea House in Atlanta. The consortium featured a panel of beauty and fashion industry entrepreneurs who offered insight into the industry as well as advice on effective ways to market your business and image.

I must say that the attendees were treated to a wonderfully informative discussion on the current state and direction of the fashion industry. The topics covered the essentials of becoming a beauty professional including self promotion, brand marketing and the importance of leveraging social media channels, defining beauty retrospectively, and the impact of the economy on the TV and film industries.

The discussion was facilitated by Mimi J, owner of P3 Lab who asked the panelist to give their perspective and experiences within the beauty industry.

Mimi J (center) and the panelists (left to right), Alexandra Butler, Evelyn Mims, Courtney Hammonds, Karin Lang, Synthe Maria, and Janelle Landgford

Panelists:

Synthe Maria, a Professional Airbrush Makeup Artist and educator, spoke about the importance of preparation and educating oneself on your prospective clients’ needs, and the value of working hard at your craft.

Courtney Hammonds, Fashion Director at the Art Institute of Atlanta, expressed the importance of recognizing beauty from the inside out, effective ways of defining ones image, as well as the value of your image as it relates to your business.

Alexandra Butler, a Professional Makeup Artist, discussed how she got her start in the makeup industry, her personal experiences within the industry, and how networking has played an integral part in her business’ success.

Evelyn Mims, Community Relations Specialist and Associate Producer at 11 Alive, emphasized humbling oneself and being patient within the process, as well as hard work and punctuality when fulfilling ones commitments.

Karin Lang, Branding and Graphics Specialist for Prospect Images, and owner of Adore Life Clothing Company, provided website and marketing tips and advice, and discussed how to leverage your business through social media marketing channels.

The event was coordinated and marketed by Janelle Landgford, publicist and Creative Director for Urban Suite PR, a public relations marketing firm.

During the discussion, the panelists recounted their individual experiences within the fashion and beauty industries, and I couldn’t help but reflect on my own personal testimony. Throughout this fabulous journey that I have been blessed with, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible women and men who’ve inspired me to fulfill my dreams… in Style!

In closing, Mimi stated that she will be conducting these types of networking events every quarter in an effort to continuously educate and empower women who are looking to brand themselves and their business.

Bravo!

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The Envy of the party

WARNING: The following article contains an excessive amount of fashion related lingo such as chic, glam-packed, Fashionistas, and fabulosity, just to name a few…And that’s just in the first paragraph! Enjoy!

ATL's fashion bloggers converge at Envy's Boutique

The Fashionistas of the ATL converged on Envy’s Pretty Party and Boutique in Little Five Points for their 1st annual Fashionable Atlanta Bloggers Meetup. And, with over 40 of Atlanta’s top fashion bloggers in attendance, this Fashionpalooza was destined to be a night of glam-packed fabulosity wrapped in chicness. (Hey, I tried to warn ya!) 😀

Fab styles to Envy

Envy’s Boutique, with its eclectic, super chic ambiance and decorum, played the consummate host to this FAB event as we enjoyed mini-makeovers, a photo shoot, shopping, a nail bar, and swag bags that were to die for. Take me now!!!

There were so many cameras flashing that it felt like we were in the midst of a paparazzi frenzy at some gala event. And, let me tell you that the divas of the fashion blogosphere were all glammed up in the hautest trends, and showing why they are the “je ne sais quoi” of fashion and style.

The Fashionistas strike a pose. Great event ladies!

Eboni Hudson (aka The Fashionista Next Door) coordinated the event with the help of Jai Marie of Southern Fashionality, Charee Lenee’ at chareelenee.com, Priscilla Brown, Redd Gadling of Sadiddy Magazine, and Breck Bennett of Fashion Without Guilt. It was great to meet and network with my fellow bloggettes for a fun night which included door prizes, giveaways, and many more surprises.

Cakepops Anyone?

Did someone say cupcakes?

Cupcake Genie provided the dainty delicacies which featured miniature cupcakes in the shape of lollipops called “cakepops”. Dee-lish!!! So, the question is…How many licks did it take to get to the center of a cakepop? Hmmm…After the first bite I stopped counting. 😀

Check out all these swag bag goodies

Ok, so the swag bags where like mini “spas in a bag”. Each contained goodies such as China Glaze nail polish, discount coupons for Steve Madden and Charming Charlie (one of my fav places for jewelry) , beauty care products from Aneka’s Butter, fab tights by We Love Colors, facial cleanser by Bambola Beauty, body bars by Danaes Creations, and we each received a free pair of shoes from Sole Society (Yeah!!!). It goes without saying that those babies will be a welcome addition to my ever-expanding shoe collection.

The event was a “Success In Style”! And, I must say that it was nice to finally meet some of my BFF’s (Blog Fab Fashionistas), as well as meeting all the other style mavens of the fashion blogosphere.

Jilene Coggins owner of Envy's Boutique and Nikka Shae

I was especially honored to meet one of my fashion mentor’s, celebrity stylist Jilene Coggins, who is also the owner of Envy’s Boutique. It was a crazy happenstance because I used to faithfully watch Jilene’s weekly TV show The Envy Life when I lived in Houston …crazy huh? I would tune in to pick up a few tidbits of fashion advice from Jilene and get the latest dish on celebrity styles; all the while I’d get a glimpse into the Atlanta fashion scene. I’m certain that I raised my Fashion-IQ a few digits because of her show. 😀

You can check out past Envy Life episodes on Envy Boutique’s YouTube channel here.

As the event ended we all felt enthusiastic and motivated about what was “in store” for fashion, as well as getting back to what we do best…blogging about any and everything fabulous.

So, Watch Out World! The Fashionistas are on a mission to make you over… and into the Envy of the party!

happenings

No shoe left behind…

Great shoes for a great cause

It was “All Divas on Deck” as the 1st annual Heeling Diabetes Shoenista Auction kicked off its charitable event at Shula’s Atlanta, and I must say it was definitely one to remember. The Heeling Diabetes Shoenista Auction is a shoe and accessory silent auction benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. Guests were educated on the efforts that the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has made to help find a cure for this devastating disease; as well some guests shared their personal experiences and how they’ve coped with diabetes in theirs and their families lives.

The Shoenistas were out in full force to bid on a smorgasbord of womens shoe styles that would send anyone to the nearest asylum if faced with the decision to choose just one pair. It was an amazing evening of fun, food, entertainment, networking, education, and of course there were all of those fabulous shoes and accessories that were auctioned off for a great cause.

Fab shoes on display to the highest bidder

The shoes were donated for auction by stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Nine West, Bakers, and K&G to name a few, as well guests were presented with a beautiful assortment of accessories to match. Other sponsors and volunteers to note are Images by Patrick & Carline, Crystyles Boutique, Walking Model, Pretty Feet, LA Lynn’s Jewelry Shop, Kingdom Klothes who provided fabulously bejeweled tees, Unique Faces Studio had the ladies all glammed up, Kustom Kreations and Elbee Emagery captured the event in photo, and LA Bonds Studios provided the videography.

Nikka Shae with Nye Bowen of Eventista Productions and Nadia Mathews of Grace & Peace Productions

The event was hosted by Nye Bowen of Eventista Productions and Nadia Mathews of Grace & Peace Productions. And, I must applaud both Nye and Nadia who were gracefully cool under pressure considering they were in the midst of several bidding wars. 😀

Fab shoes being served

During the auction, the shoes were paraded through the crowd on a crystal platter as if they were hors’devours being served before a grand meal. And, I deliberately skipped “lunch” at Saks so that I would have an appetite when the bidding began. 😀

Nikka Shae showing off her prized picks for the eve

Ok, now I must admit that I have a pretty extensive collection of heels so much so that it would humble Imelda Marcos and make her blush with envy. Lets just say I’ve often been referred to as the “Shoe de Grâce” because I show no mercy when I’m rockin my stilettos; or, more affectionately known as “The Roberta Flack of Peep Toes” because of my knack for “killing them softly” whenever I wear my heels. 😀

Throughout the event I met some wonderful women of all walks who gave generously of their time and service, and I felt honored and privileged to be a part of such a great cause as we have all experienced the effects of diabetes whether directly or indirectly.

And as the night ended, we departed knowing that because of our contributions and support, we touched the lives of those affected by this disease; and no shoe was left behind. 😀

Photos courtesy of: Kustom Kreations and Elbee Emagery

Check out this cool video slideshow of the event along with more photos.

style setter

Chic looks for cheap

Hey all my fellow Fashionista’s!

Recently a friend asked if I could write an article for all the Divas out there who want that chic celebrity look, but don’t have a celebrities budget to pull it off. A fab look for a “Discount Diva” or a “Babe on a Budget” OR (my fav) “Chic for Cheap”. 😀

And, let’s face it ladies; times are tight these days, BUT we shouldn’t let our sense of fashion suffer because of it.

So, as I was on my way out to lunch for a quick bite, I pit stopped at the Goodwill store to see what hidden treasures I could find. YES, the Goodwill! I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s the place where you can find designer garments without the designer prices.

Jessica Alba in her Miu Miu shades

You will NEVER guess what I found.

A pair of 70’s retro shades that are similar to these Miu Miu beauties that Jessica Alba has been spotted wearing.

Nikka Shae rockin these Miu Miu inspired shades

Now, you may want to be sitting down and/or within fainting distance of something soft when I tell you how much I paid for these bad boys. Take a wild guess… Give up?

Total price = $1.81

Don’t worry…I’ll wait a moment while the EMT’s administer CPR. 😀

In case you don’t know about these super HOT accessories, Miu Miu shades easily go for $150.00 or more at any high fashion store.

Hmmm….Looks like I’ll be paying the thrift stores another visit in the near future. 😀

So, while you’re out and about looking for the perfect piece to finish your fab look, AND, your credit card is screaming “No Mas!”, you should have a little mercy on it by dropping into your local thrift shop for a spell. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find there.

etc, etc

Haute Off the Press!

The ultra trendy and artsy district of Castleberry Hill played host to an interesting art exhibit called “The Fashion Newsstand – Subscribe!” by acclaimed pop-culture artist Leann Marie Zafuto. The exhibit, on display at the Emerging Art Scene gallery by host/owner Denise Leitch Jackson, showcased Leann’s work in mixed media where she manipulates print magazine covers and images to create layered collages using acrylic, oil, spray paint, and resin appliqué techniques to transform them into fashionable works of art.

Denise Leitch Jackson of Emerging Art Scene gallery

Waste Not Want More by Leann Marie Zafuto

So, upon entering the Emerging Art Scene gallery, I was immediately drawn to the “Waste Not Want More” piece. Ok, imagine this…Chanel couture on canvas, bespeckled with black and white flecks, with acrylic brush strokes abstractly interpreted using paint daubes and splatter effects. Ultra chic, right! It was definitely a beautiful collision of modern art and high fashion. Bravo Leann! I could easily picture (pun intended) any of her works hanging on the wall of any ultra fab boutique… and/or my living room wall (of course). 😀

Leann showing off her fab neckwear

Upon speaking with Leann I could immediately sense her passion and love for art and how she seamlessly marries it with fashion. And just as her work suggests, Leann is definitely “Changing the art of fashion”.

Oh, and who can forget that super-FAB necklace she was wearing! 😉

These works draw you in and refuse to let go

Leann successfully blends art and couture in a “Warhol-esque” manner. The works in this showcased collection seemed to leap off the facade with an in-your-face-like bravado that grabs your attention and takes your imagination on an intense visual ride. Her use of modern magazine covers, urban landscapes, and fashion images, abstractly resemble ripped and torn high fashion garments that begged to be worn with a pair of Alexander McQueen stilettos. The “Fashion Newsstand” collection is an ode to edgy fashion magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Bizaar, Vanity Fair, and the like. And, while the collection plays on a kindred theme, each piece distinctly stands on its own.

Leann blends chic with canvas

Now I’m no art critic by any stretch of the imagination, but “Fashionista Extraordinaire” is a badge that I proudly wear 😀 …and, I know FAB when I see it!

Leann’s work will become a welcome addition to my art collection…And, if you’re ever in the Castleberry Hill area and/or looking for some sizzling abstract art to add to your “Glam-pad”, you should check out Leann Zafuto’s work and her latest collection “The Fashion Newsstand – Subscribe!” while it’s still on display at Emerging Art Scene.

It’s definitely “Haute” off the press!

style setter

The “New” Cool

“Your style is so capashi!”

So, what is capashi you might ask? Well, capashi was a term used in the 70’s which means bitchin’ or BAD! (in a good way of course) or more commonly associated with just being “cool”.

Coposhi co-owners and visionaries, Russell Wyche and Eric Love

You remember the 70’s, right? With its bold fashion forward styles like the platform shoes, miniskirts, and bell bottom pants. The music; with its synthesized disco tracks that made you wanna get down and “Boogie Oogie Oogie”, to love ballads like Donny Hathaway’s classic serenade to his lady in a “Song for You”. And who can forget the infamous afros. Yes! If you were born in the 70’s you had some variation of an afro at some point…thankfully most were by accident (at least that’s what my mother told me about mine). 😐

The 70’s were a movement. A movement in establishing ones identity. A movement in defining ones individual style.

So, let’s fast forward some 40+ years later only to find that the vibe from an era gone by; an era that redefined a generation, is still going strong. But, now its moniker is of a “sexy cool style”…or “Coposhi” (pronounced: Ka-PAH-SHEE).

Coposhi is a fashion convergence of old school moxie blended with new school swag. Coposhi is a refreshing take on the concept that style is not defined by fashion…but, each individual defines his/her own style. Can you dig it!? 😎

Nikka Shae with Coposhi co-owner Eric Love

Recently I was invited to an event at Coposhi’s swanky boutique in Buckhead for the grand unveiling of their latest installment of men’s apparel, dubbed KSINO. The KSINO line is an ode to the gamblers lifestyle with queues borrowed from Vegas-like symbolism and metaphors. And just like Las Vegas, Coposhi is an “oasis” in the desert of style. Coposhi looks to distinguish itself from the cookie-cutter fashions that seem to fade into the landscape as quickly as they emerge. Coposhi defines itself as the “avant-garde” of cool, with swag that rise from the horizon like a phoenix in flight.

Shirts artfully displayed like Picasso's

Upon entering Coposhi, I was immediately drawn to their clothing displays which adorned the walls like abstract art. And after speaking to co-owners’ Eric Love and Russell Wyche about the Coposhi concept, I could easily sense their passion and attention to detail, and it was evident all around the store. From their chic selection of women’s apparel, to the ultra “swag-ulous” men’s collection, Coposhi seemed to hit on all cylinders. This two level boutique carries ultra-stylish men’s and women’s fashions from dressy to casual, along with trendy accessories to finish any look.

Avant-garde fashion on full display

On the first floor, there’s a shoe bar that boasts everything from stilettos to sneakers, and while there are plenty of high-end fashions to be found, there’s something for every budget. And, they confidently boasts about their in-house tailoring service which can transform your newly acquired purchases AND any items right out of your own closet into exclusive one-offs.

So, just like their name implies, COOL is back! This time it’s wrapped in sexy style.

style setter

I Dream Of Giuseppe

Although we are in the midst of Summer, I’m gonna rub my magic lamp in the hopes that the Fashion Genie would grant me one last wish before Fall.

Ok, so here goes… “Momma ha bisogno di nuovo paio di scarpe!”

For all my ladies (including myself) with whom the only Italian you can speak is when ordering calamari at Maggiano’s :-D; that gem of a phrase says “Momma needs a new pair of shoes!”. For all my ladies with whom Italian is their first language and/or can read AND order everything from the Maggiano’s menu, don’t kill the messenger if there are any errors in my interpretation. You have Rosetta Stone to thank for this one. 😛

So, while browsing the Internet for new fashion trends for Fall, I ran across these bad boys (insert jaw drop here). WOW!

Giuseppe Dreamin

These Giuseppe Zanotti’s are the Bomb.com! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…again!

Ok, so these black suede and leopard-print silk chiffon sandals are to die for. The big, soft bow at the side brings a romantic touch to these ultra-feminine sandals, which would perfectly compliment a short black dress.

Well, I’m getting a bit of carpal tunnel with this lamp idea so I’m gonna resort to plan B. “Hey Hunny! I know my birthday is four months from now, BUT, since you were gonna get me a gift anyhow, I was thinking….maybe….”

Oh well. Maybe you’ll have better luck at this than me. ;-D

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