the FASHION thread

BethNY · February 2008

By popular demand from the ladies of the Make up hints thread, I present you, the FASHION thread.

Okay, this is not about who spends what, or name brands, or bragging, etc... this is the place where anything goes when it comes to what we're wearing.

I want to hear about body shapers, what you're all doing to make your ass look smaller in jeans, and how you really feel about the muffin top.

I want to know where the best deals are, did you really get that cute sweatsuit for $20 at Target, and what's worth it to splurge on, when money is tight.

You can add the comfiest thing you have in your closet, to the one item that you just can't seem to let go of. Whatever you want to talk about pertaining to fashion sense or lack there of-- here's the place.

abbadoodles · February 2008

Yeah, Beth! And who better to start this thread!

Okay, muffin top. Eeeeeek! Do they really think they look good?

Body shapers. They don't make one strong enough to rein in my butt. Laughing What happens to all the "fluff" that is displaced by the shaper?

My big question of the moment is the return of leggings, esp. with dresses or long tunics on top. Ankles showing. Ballet flats. No hose. Is this a bad thing and, if not, how old is too old to wear it or how about body shape/weight?

To tell you the truth, I like the look when I see it on models in catalogs, but am not sure about real life. Some younger ladies that I know (like in their early 30's) say it's toooooo retro for them, but, of course, they remember it from their teens. Feel about the look as I do about mid-century atomic design in fabrics, etc.

What's the consensus?

Tina

Raye99 · February 2008

Beth! perfect darling, perfect! Thank you!

Tina, my feeling about the leggings with short dress or long shirt is it can work; one must be careful, however. I think the leggings must be heavy enough so that they don't look like tights, as your ass is then hanging out when you bend over. I have a short dress (black and white) that I initially wore with leggings, but felt naked - I then bought a tight fitting pair of black pants and wore with flats and felt much more comfortable. I don't think age plays a part - go with what you feel comfortable with.

The dreaded muffin top - my solution is that the jeans can't be too tight in the waist - if they are too tight, you're gonna get a muffin top.

Raye

yellowrose · February 2008

Q

Binney4 · February 2008

Just a couple of fashion resources for the style-challenged ( Embarassed Me!):

One of our bc.org sisters, "Rebel1in8", designs clothing for single-breasted women who aren't doing recon or prostheses:

http://rebel1in8.com/rhea.html

And here's a service for anyone who's had any kind of cancer, to help them redefine themselves fashion-wise and learn to cope with new clothing challenges (being breastless, for instance, or uneven breasts, or lymphedema, or new weight gain -- you name it.) It was started by a fashion consultant whose mother had BC. You tell them your size range, price range, and general style, and they send you a wealth of fashion ideas and hints, and actual clothing choices along with the catalogs or stores where you can get them and the addresses closest to you. Nice! It's called Shop Well With You, it's free, and it's here:

www.shopwellwithyou.org

I hope that's not too far off the topic as you meant it to be, Beth Surprised .

Happy shopping!

Binney

BethNY · February 2008

Binney those are awesome resources...

thanks!!!

ravdeb · February 2008

Okay..I'm like...so fashion challenged it's pathetic!

I wear dresses that come above my knee over my jeans...loose dresses.

I just got one of these tops that I guess is that empire, scooped neck thingy that is full and short that I will wear over jeans..black jeans I think.

I love wearing skirts with opaque stockings and boots.

I love long, cardigans...I just bought one that goes down to my knees..and I button just the one button at the bust line.

I love jeans and don't own any other kinds of pants.

In the summer I love wearing skirts of all lengths except short skirts since I don't like my legs..I'm 53!

Is muffin top when you wear tight, low cut jeans and your fat rolls over the top. I hate that. Since I have gained a more "mature" figure Wink , one pair of jeans are a touch tight and I'm always pulling on them so I don't get that fat hanging over. YUCK!

I will wear my old Nikes with just about anything. I know, I know..sometimes it's not possible but I love my Nikes!

I can't wear high heels. Not even a tiny heel. Never could. Really messes things up when I want to actually get dressed up..like for a wedding or something.

Anonymous · February 2008

I'll just jump right in, though I want to say something about everything! I adore fashion and am totally obsessed over my muffin tops which I never had before BC! They're not too bad yet, but they definitely need reigning in, so on my "fat days," I wear one of my express jeans which are cut slightly higher than my Lucky's (which I love, but they'd expose my pubic hair if I had any Surprised ). Anyway, I'm now seeking out jeans with perfectly-placed back pockets with flaps- did anyone see Oprah's show on great butt jeans? I have a few brands in mind but will need to dedicate some time, not to mention money, to the pursuit. Maybe for summer....?

Has anyone tried any of sarah Jessica Parker's line, Bitten? They look so adorable and nothing is costlier than $20!

If you sew, there are lots of patterns out for tops with empire waists, short and long-sleeved.

~Marin

Raye99 · February 2008

txgirl - the only way I can wear them is with a cami- and my port scar shows, but I don't care. I just don't want my mast bra showing, not too sexy.

Binney - terrific info!! Thank you.

Ravdeb - I love wearing long skirts with boots. I have this long skirt I bought at TJ Maxx - somewhat vintage looking with sequins - I love it.

Yep, Marin, the flap pocket jeans with some heels -mmmm.

I have a conservative navy blue skirt and sweater set. Today I found some awesome shoes to wear with them. They are navy blue with a patent leather heal and toe area. The rest is navy/cream plaid. The heels are a bit high (I asked the lady if I looked like a slut, she said no (commission??). A little spice to my conservative outfit!

BethNY · February 2008

High heels are no longer deemed stripperish, or sleazy. It's all you see out there, and I for one, think the higher the better. It's important to look for platforms, or a shoe that has a perfect fit, when you're wearing super high heels.

4-6 inch heels, patent leather during all seasons, and rocking winter white... all rules that I love. You can even wear black and brown together if done correctly.

I consider myself to be somewhat trendy. I think to be uber trendy you need to be semi anorexic, or genetically blessed, and have disposable cash to keep up with the latest styles. Since that rules out most of us, I'd like to think I find a good balance.

I have staple pieces that are worth the money and dry cleaning, like nice suits from ANN Taylor, expensive jeans that always seem to fit and make my ass look a size smaller, and dress pants that have classic, timeless styles, to carry me through the seasons.

I have staple shoes as well. Okay, that's a lie. I have a ridiculous amount of shoes...

HOWEVER, most can be worn with so many different outfits, that they just work.

When buying shoes for outfits, you should think in your mind, if I had to pack only one suitcase to go away with, which shoes would work with the most outfits?

If I said I stuck to that motto all the time, I would TOTALLY be lying. I have totally curbed my shoe spending over the years, and I take much better care of what I have, so they last longer. Putting a new tap on the bottom of a heel is a $10 fix.

I often talk about Target. If there are any of you out there, that still are not convinced, you need to look up the closest super target, or target greatland near you. Obviously, I live in NY, and we have huge target's where the clothing sections are bigger than dept stores, but the clothes these days are amazing. All kinds of top designers are making lines for Target now.

Dianne Von Furstenburg is even sueing Target for putting out an identical version of her $400 dress for $30.

If you found a button down shirt at Target for $20, and then had it custom tailored to your body for $15, you'd have a $35 shirt that would look like a $100 shirt.

When you buy clothing at a second hand store, or at Target, Old Navy, if at the end of the season, it went out of style, or got crappy from being washed a million times, you can throw it out or donate it without killing yourself for spending so much on it.

Also, I donate clothing every 6 months. It's a huge tax write off if you get a receipt, and most of these places will pick them up from your door. I happen to have a place across from my house-- which is very convenient. I let my friends go through things first, and then donate the rest. If it hasn't been worn in over 6 months, or if it doesn't fit, and will not fit if I don't lose 20 pounds, then it needs to be donated.

Stop holding on to cluttered closets. Someone less fortunate could really use the clothing that you don't need.

Okay, enough lecture. Stores that fit expanding bodies-- I really like, Express, NY and Co, Limited, and Boston Proper.

I find these stores clothing to be pretty true to size, and not cut small by any means.

Some stores also carry super small sizes like 00,0 and petites, as well as 16's... you can call the store or check theie web sites to find which ones.

And I think Layne Bryant is the best plus sized store out there.

Raye99 · February 2008

I am in total agreement with the clearing of the closets issue. I, too, take my clothes to the Goodwill with the seasonal changes. I can't stand a cluttered closet. Makes me psychopathic.

I always love high heels, but these are really high, but they have a slight platform and are comfortable and easy to walk in. And, Beth, they are going to go with my conservative Ann Taylor outfit, which I bought at their winter sale. great bargains to be found at seasons' ends.

I might to expand my jeans horizons, but I love Levi's. Not to mention, I hate trying stuff on, so I go with the old familiar Levi's with the flap pocket.

BethNY · February 2008

Flap pocket, like over your butt? Those are really in style now-- true religion, and seven jeans make great looking ones, but if you're trying to conceal a wide ass such as myself, those flap pockets will only enhance the back of the jean, thus drawing attention to your bum.

I find darker washes, where the wash is lighter down the front center of the jean, and with a little stretch and in a boot cut shape with a low rise fit my body best.

It's all about the fit. Trying on jeans, and before I got cancer, trying on bras were my biggest nightmares. You break a sweat, get all over heated, your hair gets messed up, you smudge make up on your shirt, you lose an earring, and as you struggle to sling shot yourself into size 10 jeans, the girl in the next fitting room shouts, EXCUSE ME, CAN YOU GET ME A SIZE 2, THESE FOURS ARE TOO BIG....

I digress.

Anonymous · February 2008

Right now, Steve & Barrys (they sell SJP - Bitten) is having an $8.98 sale on everything in the stores. They also sell the NBA star's tennis shoes ... Starbury II (you know they sell for $14.98 and are same quality as the $100 sneakers). But everything is $8.98. Apparently Venus Williams and Amanda Bynes collections are sold there, too.

I really like the jean jacket and ballet flats that SJP has. I like her motto: Fashion is not a luxury. It's a right.

iodine · February 2008

Ah, I will take a moment to speak up for the eh,shall we say, ladies of a certain age and ah, size, say, curves?

Now, I wear a Rolex, not bragging, I inherited it, I shop at resale shops and buy great name brands of plus size clothes. Lots of fun, love TJ Maxx and there's never been a sale rack without my name on it.

BUT--Walmart has the best fitting plus size pants I've found and I've tried them all. Ralph Lauren can go play POLO and Talbots can turn up her nose, but they cannot fit a plus size woman in streach jeans! or pull on cotton knit slacks. The right length, not to wide not too tight. And at 10-20 bucks, hey, I get 2 pair every season.

I spend money on good shoes. Clark clogs--have taken me all over Europe and the US, several times --one pair. Aerosoles, dress flats, wedges, none better and so comfortable! and in style!

I buy good panties, but i have a Vanity Fair Outlet here. It's easy.

I wear Eddie Bauer men's t-shirts, they fit great, are heavy enough to not see thru, wash like a dream and wear like iron. And are 10 bucks at the outlet.

I don't want to insult anyone, but I have yet to see a woman who looks good in culottes or high water pants. My friends tell me how cool they feel, but I think my friends all look like sponge bob square pants. I wear shorts. Not short shorts, and not burmuda shorts, just decent shorts that fit nice and are not wirnkled.

I think there is nothing nicer looking than a Lauren Bacall look: well fitted slacks, and a white cotton shirt, tucked in, french cuffs, maybe turned up, open collar. Yep, I'm classic.

At night---If I had the figure, I wear as little as possible! I'll leave that to you young gals. I'll stick to just a few sparkles and black.

I know---TMI.

carolsd · February 2008

Beth, you have me laughing. You express yourself so well when it comes to fashion. You should be a columnist.

I'm all about the thrift store. There's one near me that is great -- big, well organized, and affordable. All my "name brand" clothing is from the thrift store. There is no other way I could afford it! I have Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, etc. nice things to wear to work -- slacks, blouses. And I paid maybe $3-4 for each item. I don't know, maybe I inherited someone's closet clean-out but that doesn't bother me.

That's not to say I never buy anything new... but I never pay full retail. I love 75% off sales at the end of the season. Ok, I'm a cheapstake! Ehh it works for me...

Anonymous · February 2008

DOTTI...."...a few sparkles and black"? Surprised Do tell! Sounds like you wear pasties and a little crotch muff to bed, hmmmmmm....?

As for great butt jeans, has anyone tried Hudson's? They are the best! I only have their soft pale pink cords, but they fit like they were poured on me. Very low cut though, so if you prefer Mom jeans, don't go there.

Beth, I almost choked when I read your rendition of trying on jeans:

"You break a sweat, get all over heated, your hair gets messed up, you smudge make up on your shirt, you lose an earring, and as you struggle to sling shot yourself into size 10 jeans, the girl in the next fitting room shouts, EXCUSE ME, CAN YOU GET ME A SIZE 2, THESE FOURS ARE TOO BIG...."

"sling shot yourself into jeans...."

~Marin

iodine · February 2008

Marin: ROTFLMYAO------this plus size gal just doesn't get down to that. Oh, I'm still laughing, tears are rolling down my cheeks.

Have you ever heard of a merkin? It's a wig for your bush. Or a fuzzy jock strap, I guess for a guy. Ha Ha.

LoL

I really meant diamond studs earrings and the little black dress. LOL'----STILL laughing!!!! Guess I COULD go for pasties with sequined tassels tho.

Anonymous · February 2008

Dotti, you are so funny!

Beth, you are funny, too! I know what you mean! I have been a tall, string bean all my life! Now, I am a 5'10" apple. How does one switch from being a string bean to an apple???? ARIMIDEX!

I left Nordstrom's crying 3 weeks ago. I could not fit into my size jeans. I was not trying on the next size... I went to Lane Bryant and am size 1... Red Fit Right. The have a new section: Blue Red and Yellow, gotta love it. I still can't fit into their tops but that is not a goal of mine!

snowyday · February 2008

Has anyone found Moto jeans down there in the states they are fabulous they are made by the same company that makes all the designer jeans and they feel like yoga pants, I'm not kidding and they sell for 35to40 bucks here in Canada and everything is more expensive here. If you see Moto Jeans just give them a try, I love them as much as spanx. And txgirl01 can you stitch a piece of pretty lace across the area you want covered, that's what I'm going to do this summer. I've already got a bunch of lace and antique hankys and instead of just letting them sit I'm going to start sewing them onto tops and blouses that show my dent. It would really only take a few stitches, I was even thinking of snaps so I could switch them up for all different blouses and colours. pearl49

yellowrose · February 2008

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caaclark · February 2008

I love this fashion thread. I have a couple tips-

1. Fashion Tape!!! I had a single mast, no recon so I wear a prost. In order to keep my v-necks from being too revealing I use fashion tape. You could use it directly on your skin but I tape the top of my shirt to the shoulder strap of my bra. Works perfectly. Victoria's secret sells it for $10 a box.

2. Jeans-I wear jeans almost every day so I am always on the lookout for ones that fit well. My most recent favorite jeans came from the juniors dept. at Kohls. They just fit better than jeans made for women my age but the key is to go up a size or two. Then come home and cut the tag out of the jeans so that when you put them on you forget that you had to go up a size or two in juniors.

abbadoodles · February 2008

Oh, my head is spinning from all the info you girls have posted here. It's wonnnnnnerful!

First of all, Oprah is having another de-cluttering show today with Peter Walsh. Guess what it's entitled? Is Clutter Making You Fat? or something like that. Guess it's a must-see. Goes right along with clearing our closets out of all that unworn, outdated stuff.

Jeans. Uh, I confess to wearing LL Bean's stretch jeans most of the time. I do, however, have a couple of pairs of really expensive (to me) imported, European brand stretch jeans, no waist, LOOK FABULOUS. For me, the key is stretch, as my butt is bigger in proportion to my waist and anything non-stretch that will fit my butt stands away about 6 inches from my waist and the legs look like bloomers. I guess you could say I'm voluptuous (from the waist down.) Laughing Wink

Somehow, I am on the catalog mailing list for all these fitness companies: Title 9, Athleta, etc. I drool over how those girls look so sleek and supple and can wear all that tight stuff without looking like a bag of basketballs. Well, I'm really not so big but at 5'2" and 122 pounds, I could lose a few. Blah. Just bought a ropeless jump rope to try to get some exercise.

Did anyone see GMA today? Izaak Mizrahi (sp?) fashion show and Robin Roberts was a model. Went commando. But, the real point is that the fashions were TOTALLY FABULOUS! Lots of black, some red, extremely classic while being just about the sexiest things I've seen in a long time.

I love your tip, Carol, about cutting the size out of clothes so you don't remind yourself about going up a size. Very shrewd.

Question: What is the best outfit or pieces to start out with if you want to build a new spring wardrobe? Assume you don't have to go out to work (because I want it to be all about ME!!!) No, seriously, assume both ways. Working outside the home office in the real world or not. It's so overwhelming when you are starting from scratch.

Tina

Raye99 · February 2008

Oh beth! If I'm in a grumpy mood, all I need do is log in here. You are so funny. Love ya!!!!! I was at Express a month ago and the girl wanted a freakin 0, because the 2 was too large. A 0!!!

I am overwhelmed by all of this info.

Fashion tape! Now that, Txgirl, could be the answer to your empire top problem! You wouldn't need the cami.

I tried on my new shoes again last night - they looked good! No buyer's remorse there.

While at Macy's yesterday I saw a sweet skirt at 1/2 off, which I've been obsessing over, but don't know if I should buy it, as it's a winterish skirt. ?

I have a three-day business trip coming up and I am trying to plan my wardrobe - two black outfits, so I only have to bring one black pair of shoes and then my navy outfit and shoes.

I love the classic look as well - the Audrey Hepburn look. A beautiful woman with a great sense of style. Last summer I was going for that classic look - fuller skirts with flats (cute ones, I am not a big flat person) and a simple black or white top. Capris with patent leather flats and a starched white shirt and cool necklace (uh, maybe the necklace is not very classic, more funky).

Tina, buy some basics to begin with and build on that. What do you like for spring clothes? Capris? Cropped pants? Flirty skirts? Summery dresses? I try to buy things that I can wear together - say a skirt that goes with two our three blouses, which go with several pairs of pants and of course shoes. That's always my dilemma, as certain shoes just don't go with some outfits - either the heel is wrong, the shoe is too pointy for what I am wearing.

caaclark · February 2008

I have another jean comment-it may help others justify an expensive pair.

We think nothing of spending lots of money on a fancy cocktail dress and we many times end up only wearing it once. If you average out the amount of time you spend in jeans, well, buying jeans that cost more is totally worth it.

And, yes, Raye, I use the fashion tape on empire waste stuff all the time since I love that style.

abbadoodles · February 2008

"What do you like for spring clothes?" Well, anything that makes me look HOT. Whether I am or NOT. It's up to the observer to drool and imagine. Kiss

I do have a couple of pairs of capris but they only look good on me when I wear bare-ish sandals to elongate my leg. My problem is I am not really short; I am a tall person with short legs.

Tina

BethNY · February 2008

I think capri's work on me only if I wear a high wedge shoe, or a wedge espradril (sp)... I'm way too short to pull off capri's with a flat or flip flops.

Anonymous · February 2008

Here's a little description of Oprah's show today, the one that Tina mentions. I'm such a clutter-lover, not to mention that I'm butt-obsessed, that I was hoping it was really about making my butt look good, but for you tidy chicas....

THURSDAY'S SHOW: Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? with Peter Walsh

If you are one of the millions of Americans ready to get your house and your health in shape this year, this is the show to get you started! Clutter expert Peter Walsh is back with eye-opening information with his new book "Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?" He reveals the unexpected side effect of decluttering your life: weight loss! Peter goes inside the life of an overweight family drowning in clutter with a mom who is on the brink of a breakdown. Don't miss this shocking and emotional "now-or-never" rescue mission.

On second thought, if de-cluttering my closets assures both weight loss and renewed mental health, sign me on!

OK, on to Isaac Mizrahi's new Fall collection...OMG! I think that this was the first fashion show where I can say that I loved absolutely everything! For you empire-waist fans (and I'm one too), many of the dresses were cut that way. Alot of the tops had turtlenecks and I'm very big on those. Many of the skirts were full and blousy-ish, kind of like Audrey Hepburn, Raye. And the shoes....oh, the shoes! Many flats with sparkling buckles. A gorgeous pair of near stiletto sandals in diamond sparkles. Tons of black, with splashes of color, especially red. Oh, I want it all!!!!!

For work, I also wear business casual and it consists, for me, mostly of tailored pants or city shorts, a nice sweater (I'm always cold), a pair of tights or trouser socks (I also wear beige hose which, according to O mag, is aging, but I think they look pretty good), a few good pieces of jewelry, and a blazer or nice cardigan sweater. I have several blazers, but my plain black one and plain brown one (Land's End) get the most wear. For shoes, I don't usually wear heels unless I'm wearing a skirt (rare). I rely very heavily on my Dansko's.

~Marin

Raye99 · February 2008

"...a tall person with short legs." Yes, I am not really short (5' 6"), but I have a long torso and short legs. For example, sitting a a table with a taller person, I am actually taller than them at the table, which of course changes when we stand up.

I wear capris with both flats and high heels and feel comfortable in both, although the heels give me more of a proportionate look. I also like the shorts that come to the knee (what are these called)? I wear these with flats.

Carol - I think you just provided me with an excuse to buy a pair of true religions Surprised .

Hose: with skirts I usually wear tights in the winter, bare legged in the summer. I hate panty hose, although I recently bought a pair of light champagne colored hose which I do like.

Raye99 · February 2008

ooohhh, I can't stay away from this thread! I wanted to mention that yes, Marin, I LOVE those flats with the buckles - way too cute!!!

I too want it all, "AND I WANT IT NOW!!!"

Anonymous · February 2008

OMG - Girls...I am cracking up! I cannot stop laughing!

Beth aka Mrs. Slocombe - Thanks for starting this thread!

Raye - You are so frickin' funny! I love your "sitting at a table" analogy! OMG - I never thought of that! I have short legs too! I have never been able to wear a 1 piece swimsuit because my dam* torso is so long! LOL ...I always feel like a slut when I wear high heels! But that doesn't stop me! LOL

------------------------------

As for body shapers...one of my gal pals swears by the Spiegel one...Body FX...I think.?.

Darn...my cable was out this morning due to a blizzard here - jso I missed GMA! Great timing huh?

H E L P !

I have been working from home for the last several years...IN MY JAMMIES! I accepted a position outside of my home - 3 days a week. I will be in a creative position (Marin Sealed LOL) and at a management level (4 d-ziners will report to me).

I have no clue what to buy! I like to wear ruffly, femme clothes. Most of my current drobe is from Boston Proper, but they're stuff is too sexy/sleezy for an office enviro. I think I can wear jeans...but probably won't at the beginning. I'm short...so I won't wear flats. I like to wear figure fitting clothes to avoid looking short and dumpy. And thanks to Tamoxifen *%&#$%*...I'm sporting a mini muffin top! My arse has gotten a lot bigger too! It looks just like my Mom's now (I love my Mom)! LOL Any suggestions?

beth1225 · February 2008

Hi Beth! Maybe we should go back to babybeth and xmasbeth like we did one night on chat!

Anyway, I have the genetically Jewish thighs and the flaps under my arms wave long after I stop. So I am not a sleevless person, nor do I even attempt short shorts. Obviously, Daisy Mae's are out of the question even if I was a size 0.

I have two boys, 12 and 14, who grow out of everything faster than I can haunt the thrift stores! My ds who is 14 hands down all of his clothing to the 12 y.o. stepbrother. I have an Aunt who used to work for Goodwill and she said to keep your eye out. They get lots of brand-new out-of-season and overstocks doanted by major stores. We have 2 local thrift stores that benefit Abington and Holy Redeemer Hospitals. Their stock ebbs and flows like all thrift stores.

For the plus-size, Rubenesque from eating too many Reubens, I used to like Lane Bryant. Not so much anymore. I head to Boscov's who have great markdowns even before the season is half over. last week my bff got a winter coat for $20 reduced from $80. Kohl's has great sales too, sometimes up to 75% off. Walmart does carry great fit plus-size pants.

Now, I personally love capri's, with any shoe! Brings me to myh next favorite sport, shoe shopping. I hate the crush of a DSW or JDR where they always have good prices. But you never have the outfit on you might need a shoe style for. My cousin turned me on to Zappos.com. Free shipping in and free return shipping. You can try them on at home, relaxed and hassle free. There are always sale prices. All styles. Saw a great pair of high heels with a snappy strap but need to work more hours to justify buying anything right now. They also have handbags. But I am not allowed to buy anymore until I clear out what I am not ever going to use again. But you never know! Maybe that grey leather envelope style will go great with something I buy next week! And of course, it stores easily.

Are we having fun or what!

the FASHION thread

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