Brand Spanking New. (inc. Monochromatic Corset Dress reincarnation?)

Hello! Back from the blogging wilderness again! I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm looking forwards to this weekend. My plans include getting a Chocolate Manhattan at a bar in town (don't knock it until you've tried it), watching the cricket, having a horse ride and catching up on my sleep. Wild child, am I right?

Here are some extra-specially delicious reviews for you all to make up for my absence last night - I hope you missed me as much as I missed you!

Mystery Eva Franco Dress (on the Eva Franco website here)

So, is this dress reminding anyone else of the Monochromatic Corset Dress? I was so excited when I saw this hanging up, and I'm glad to report it's just as fantastic on! This dress zips up the side and the top is a soft, stretchy jersey cotton type material - it does have some substance to it though, as you can see, and pulls you in quite nicely. The skirt was essentially the same as that of the MCD but with a slightly thinner stripe. The dress comes with a belt with square studs and a stretch jersey backing so you can tie it really nicely. I have to admit this, and this feels like blasphemy coming from someone who owns the MCD dress, that I think I prefer this dress! The dress runs true to size, is comfortable and the neckline isn't too low while maintaining the mystique factor with a fantastic back. 

If you're not convinced, however, then Corey Lynn Calter have re-released their original dress on their website here!

Mullany Dress by Eva Franco

For some reason I keep reading 'Mullany' as 'Mullally', as in the legendary Megan Mullally who played Karen Walker on Will & Grace:

This dress doesn't seem a million miles from some of the clothes she wore, though this might be a little too 1950s house wife for her. I was looking forwards to trying this one on as I'm a sucker for exactly the aforementioned look. The skinny belt that came with this was much nicer than I anticipated and it didn't look like the kind that would fall apart after a couple of wears. The dress itself was a heavier construct than I had expected, but didn't suffer for it. The pleats were a nice touch and gave the dress that slight something extra. I wore my usual 6 (UK10) in this and I would stick with this size. The only slight problem was that the fabric at the very top of the neckline wasn't laying flat against my chest but I think that is down to my bust size pulling the material a bit - it wasn't noticeable enough that I would size up. Wishlisted for sale, pending deep thought over whether or not this is too similar to a black and white polka dot vintage dress I already have.

From-the-Poles Jacket by Charlie & Robin

Let me start by saying that I couldn't get the colour of this cardigan to translate properly onto the camera, it is much more of a Cadbury purple in real life than it seems here and that the belt on the mystery dress being loose is in no way the dress' fault, but mine. This isn't hugely dissimilar to my Rosy Cheeks Cardigan (which hasn't been seen in a while thanks to summer):

I love the zip combined with the sturdy material of this jacket which facilitates a slightly corset-esque look, nipping in the waist. I'm wearing a small here which fit really nicely, but I worry about what the shrinkage would be like - I washed the Rosy Cheeks Cardi and had to stretch the arms out with bootshapers for a week afterwards. I couldn't remember how they had done it up on the website so I just did it the most obvious way, next time I will do it properly! When you zip the jacket up it is quite clean looking, all smooth lines, but when left open then all the ruffles on the inside come spilling out which is great for versatility. Loved it. Wishlisted for sale!

Mallard Bay Cardigan by Monogram

Are Monogram and HWR the same thing, so far as Anthro is concerned? I swear this and other HWR sweaters I've tried on turn up online as Monogram...

I wore a small in this and I would size up to a medium because I found that the arms had almost no give at all, and I worry (again) about shrinkage. The ducks were really very cute, but I couldn't tell if I was crossing a weirdness line with them. I think I wish that the pattern didn't extend to the sleeves. I think this is a bit of a 'grandfather' cut of a cardigan - that is if grandfather were into that old SNES Duck Hunt game. The material was really very thick and woolly - you'll be waiting a long time yet to wear this - but I didn't find it particularly itchy which was a relief. A pass for me, but only because there are other HWR/Monogram sweaters I like more.

Well, that's it for now. I'll have a post up tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled! 

What do you think of everything? What do you think of the mystery dress's similarity to the Monochromatic Corset Dress - am I crazy, or are they pretty similar?

Speak soon!

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The dregs.

Another quick post, and I'm afraid I won't be posting tomorrow (again) as I'm staying in town to catch up on my dearly departed beauty sleep. These are the last of my reserve reviews and we'll be onto the new stuff soon - this is also, thankfully, the end of the flu photos! I do have some exciting new reviews which I will make it worth your while to bear with me until Friday!

Perdita Blouse by one.september

Does the name of this blouse sound familiar? I'm sure there's been something else called something similar... Any how. This shirt was unusual in that it comes in alphabetical sizes rather than numerical. Trying to factor in my bust I decided to go for the medium. I would say I'm sized out of this one, I'm afraid. The bust still gaped on me whilst my figure was already getting drowned in the medium. This is a button up all the way, there's no elastication in the back - sad face. I was kind of conflicted over the details on this top. On one hand: ruffles!; corsages!; flowers! On the other hand: it looks quite haphazardly done, as though it was done by a toddler wielding a glue gun, on crack. As it doesn't fit, I don't really have to make my mind up!

Chocolate Box Cardigan by Monogram

I loved the look of this in the catalog, but even then I wondered if this might not be one of those things that looks better worn in an artistic way than in real life. I think that was pretty much the right assessment. The print on this cardigan looks more like Bassetts Licorice Allsorts to me, than chocolates. This was a really chunky nit which isn't terribly flattering on. The collar was really bothering me as I could figure out how was best to wear it. The material was a little softer than I had been expecting which was a nice surprise. A pass for me as there were just too many iffy factors for me and it made me feel a little matronly.

Whipped Woolens Cardigan by Birds on a Wire

This seems to be a fairly standard kind of cardigan that Anthro seems to produce now - a cold weather version of the Speckled Egg Cardi almost. The wool wasn't quite as soft as I was hoping for but it wasn't at all itchy for me, which was a relief. The colours were nice, but again pretty standard for Anthro. I imagine this would be really versatile but I think it's just not special enough and Anthro have to branch out a bit!

That's it until Thursday, I'm afraid. But when I'm back I have some new arrivals to show you, including some which aren't online yet - one in particular I'm sure will be a hit. Let me put it this way, if you missed out on this dress:

Then you're probably going to love this one!

That's all for now! Speak soon!

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One look...two looks...three looks? Wardrobe malfunction!

This is going to be another short post, I'm afraid. Today's been a long day and I didn't get enough sleep last night - evidenced by me leaving the house in a white shirt and it taking me ten feet and about three looks before I realised I was (clearly) wearing a leopard print bra underneath. Luckily I managed to dash back and change and still make my train by the skin of my teeth. Good times.

Mystery Deletta Tee

This came in more than one colour, but I'll be damned if I can remember what the other(s) were. This reminded me straight away of Bailey 44's Windsor Scoopneck - a poor man's version. It doesn't look half bad here, but I was not liking it on. I wore my usual size small for Deletta and it was slightly tight over the chest (and sheer to boot), big in the waist and I could not for the life of me get it to sit right. The details were great though and the material was soft (if not entirely opaque). I'll pass because I own a couple of things too like it, but if your proportions are a little less drastically different than mine then I'll bet you'll rock this tee.

Button Loop Skirt by Coquille

Is it me or are half the things I'm reviewing at the moment by Floreat?

Let me start by pointing out that this skirt is much more lavender than it seems here. That over: I wore a 6 (UK10) in this and would need to size up, as it was poofing weirdly below the waist. Kim showed how it was done well on her blog here. That said, the quality of this skirt was very high and the buttons were adorable. The 'peekaboo' element of this skirt stops it from being too librarian. It looks pretty short on me (definitely too short for work) but I think you would pick up a bit of length by sizing up. Really nice, but I'm not feeling the 'IT factor'. I'll think about it if it makes it to sale.

Chilled Ripples Shell by Floreat

This reminded me of the Picnic on the Danube tank that I ummed and awwed about getting, and eventually let go as I wasn't 100% sure about it. This is a warmer beige in real life than it looks here, making the black details pop more significantly. I would say this top runs a little big, looking at the photos. It did look nice tucked in, but it was pretty blousy around the waist - and sheer too, which you can see above. The neckline was a little less tidy than it looked online, but I didn't mind too much. Nice, but not special enough: pass.

River Tyne Tee by Pilcro

I had high expectations for this tee but I was confounded in the weirdest way. I wore a small in this as the design was so similar to so many of Deletta's and I would say it runs true to size. The button details were... odd. Instead of running straight down they kind of start to converge towards the bottom, making me look waay more top heavy than ever - and I do not need help in that respect. If you're looking to emphasise your, ahem, assets then this might be for you. The second thing was that the top is uneven! It's not just draping, one side of the middle is just higher than the other which was just driving me crazy! The material was soft and substantial, but I couldn't get over the design weirdness.

That's all, folks!

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[Insert own witty heading - too tired]

I've spent the entire day compiling a report on Iran so I'm pretty fried so please pardon any errant typing/etc. More reviews!

Sugar and Cream Dress by Floreat

I didn't really want to like this dress, because everyone else does - does than make sense? Alas: it fits like a dream. I tried this on while I had a friend with me who is a tea nut and she was just raving over this dress - so was I. I took a 6 (UK10) in this and I'd say it runs perfectly to size for me. I can't put in words how much I loved this dress on. The silk material didn't bother me as I'm a serial overdresser so it fits quite nicely into my look. I don't even worry so much about not being able to wear it very often as it's just so damn cute. I would probably not buy this one because I'm not a fan of the two teacups on my boobs that was happening with this particular dress, but this is wishlisted for sale.

??

I'm starting to get a reputation as being terrible at finding things on the site! I'm afraid this is another one. I'm pretty sure it came in another colour too, but the only reason I tried on this tiered monstrosity was because of the fantastic cobalt blue. The top was well made and fit better than I expected, at least from the side. If you have any manner of boob, though, then this is going to be unflattering. Wore my usual size 6 (UK10) in this.

Firehouse Cardigan by Sparrow

Eeeeek! I think you can tell straight off the bat that this wasn't a winner for me! I wore a medium in this and it was definitely too small over my chest so I would recommend sizing up if you're busty. The colours of this cardigan were really lovely and the sheer placket was a warm brown tone. The downside is that the centre is completely sheer, to the extent that it's pretty much unwearable for me. Pass.

Precious Materials Cardigan by Moth

Sparrow, this is how a cardigan is supposed to fit! I've been hoping to get my hands on this cardigan for a while so I was pretty glad when I finally found it. The 'white' portion of this is more ivory than a pure white. The bow detail is lovely and soft with bronze-y gold sequins flecked throughout. The bow I thought, though, looked a little hard to recognise and looked like a moth or butterfly - don't you think? At the end of the day, I don't think I'm going to be getting this. It reminds me in some ways of the Parted Petals Cardi that I already own and I think the pattern might draw a little too much attention to my chest. 

I know I promised you my work outfits, but I'm having a hard time uploading the photos right now, so you'll have to bear with me, I'm afraid!

The latest thing I'm on the hunt for (again) is the Salty Seas Dress which got a fabby markdown to $30! If anyone sees it in an 8 could you nab it for me or put it on hold? Thank yoooou!

Is anyone else kind of hoping we don't have another sale tomorrow? My bank account needs a reprieve! 

Eyes closing, must sleep. Night, night.

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Reviews Bonanza! (By my standards!)

As promised on Wednesday, here are my bumper load of reviews to make up for not being around yesterday:

Chopstick Cardigan by Wendi Reed for Field Flower

Goldenmeans beat me to the punch reviewing this one! This has been on the UK site for quite a while now but I hadn't seen it in person til last week. If you can't see the print properly, the cardigan is grey with white and silver musical notes all across the body and a piano design across the shoulders. In terms of weight this cardi really reminds me of the HWR Thoroughbred Sweater. The cardigan was much thicker and slightly stiffer than I anticipated, it's not far off being a blazer. I'm wearing a large here but I would have been a bit more comfortable in a medium, I think. Nice, but I think the print might be a little too much for me and it's so warm that it wouldn't get any wear for months yet.

Foremost Dress by Maeve

I expected this dress to be black but it's actually a charcoal grey. The bow is pretty true to what you see above, a lime sorbet colour. I wore a small in this and that's the size I would stick to. The material felt nice and the shape was more flattering than I had anticipated - though that has a lot to do with the belt. The belt is by far my favourite feature of this dress (though there aren't many in total, to be fair) and I loved how neat it looked against the grey. This dress would be great for work but at the end of the day I'm not sold on the colour. I find dark grey can be a pain to coordinate with sometimes and this colour just isn't special enough for me. Who knows, the way Anthro's been behaving lately it's bound to come out in a different colourway.

Tambour Blouse by Floreat

This is another one I could have sworn that I had already reviewed. I can't be going senile already, surely? My opinion of this dress keeps flip flopping. When I first saw it on Kathleen's blog I agreed with her sentiment that there was just too much going on (however cute those things might be) but then when I saw it on other people I started to think maybe it does work. Now? Now I'm just plain confused. The top is a lovely icy blue, kind of Bo Peep blue (thinking of which, how surprised are you that they haven't used that in a name? Bo Peep Blouse...). I wore a 6 (UK10) and it fit really nicely, so I advise you stick with your usual size. I was pretty much the smitten kitten when I tried this on, but looking at the picture I think the waistband might be a little too high and I'm still not sure whether or not it's too fussy and... my head hurts. Dismissed til sale.

??

You're all going to think I'm just being a lazy arse again but "hand to God" I cannot find this online at the moment! I know it was online because I was ogling it fairly recently... Anyhoo: I tried this on in white despite my better angels which told me to stick with the darker blue colour. In my defence: I figured the white would photograph better. I tried on a 6/small in this and would say it runs true to size. The material was, as you can see, a little on the thin side. I thought the gold buttons were actually a little unnecessary and they kept going skewiff. The bow was fantastic though and that'll be enough for some people. The back of this tank was racerback style which was infuriating. A pass for me, just because out of me and my clothes: I need to be the only high maintenance one.

First Flight Tee by Deletta

This is another one which has disappeared off of the website now, but it's still in my wishlist for the sale price of $30 in just about every size in both colours. I loved the Neapolitan Tee which is basically the same thing but with a printed design. I wore a small both times I tried this top on. The grey was nice but it didn't look as nice on me as I was hoping it would - it wasn't quite grey enough, if that makes sense? The moss version on the other hand I just adored. I don't seem to have any decent shots of it, and it looks greyer here than it does in real life, where it's truer to the product shot. I couldn't resist putting the second photo in because if you look hard enough you can see my mother hiding in the background! The original Anthro queen. I'm hoping to pick up the green version next week: I just love the little flutter straps and the colour was so pretty yet not too girly. Bliss.

Earthly Delights Cardigan by Sparrow

You can see in the second photo the odd, almost corduroy, effect of this sweater which I was surprised by. I was pleasantly surprised, on the other hand, but the flower details which are much more vibrant in real life than they look online. I'm wearing a medium here which fit me really well so I would stick with your usual cardigan size. The material was soft and non-itchy and it's not so thick that you wouldn't be able to wear it soon. Cute and might buy this if it hits the sale.

Raccoon Rumpus Blouse by Rebekah Maylses 

I've reviewed this one before (here) but I wanted to show you what the 6 (UK10) looked like on me. This fit far better than the 8 (UK12) so I seriously recommend sticking to your usual size with this one. Please go on sale soon!

That's it! Good thing too as I'm about ready to collapse. My first week of work went well, though it was knackering. It's been an incredible experience so far, but I must admit I'm in no rush for Monday to get here - I need a break! Tomorrow will be busy with horse riding and a birthday barbecue but Sunday is all mine. Anyone have any great weekend plans?

Before I forget (though I am, again, almost certainly the last one to the party): the legendary Roxy is hosting an incredible giveaway on her blog here! Make sure you enter or you know you'll be kicking yourself.

One more point before I go: how amazing is this dress??

I love how retro the print is! It looks like something an all-American super heroine would have worn in her downtime in the 1940s. Trust me, I've thought about it ;)

Speak soon!

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27 Dresses (or more accurately: 3)

The longer the week goes on, I'm afraid, the less witty I become. Just to give you a heads up that I won't be posting tomorrow since I'm staying up in town with a friend. Lovely to see her, of course, but even better: I can sleep in before I go to work on Friday! I will make it up to you all with some tweeting (which I really suck at) and a bumper load of reviews on Friday. 

Before we start, let me apologise for how shocking I look in these photos, just a potent combination of a lack of make-up and the flu, I'm afraid: it could happen to you some day! Here are your dress reviews:

Compeer Dress by Tracy Reese

I've got to say, before I even start that I'm loving this even more on photo! Isn't it funny how pictures can make us see clothes on us in a different way? This a dusty, orange toned red rather than a true red. The dress is a lacy confection over (thankfully) a block coloured lining. I didn't think much of this when I picked it up, but I'm loving it once it was on. I'm wearing my usual size small for Tracy Reese here, but I think I might have to go up a size: the dress I tried had a little bit too much pulling at the bust and the round buttons meant the top one just kept popping undone! That would be a heck of a way to introduce myself at my new job. I worry, though, that sizing up would lose the great shape it has on me in this size. Another strike against it is that it's dry-clean only. Bummer. Dilemma. 

Count the Waves Dress by one.september

I seem to be becoming increasingly lazy with my clothes lately, though that might have something to do with me having to get up at 6am now every morning, so this pullover dress definitely appealed. On the rack, at least. Lets start with the good: the skirt of this dress reminds me so much of the Scalloped X Skirts! The material for the top was really soft and, surprisingly, not all that sheer. The negatives: the top did nothing for me, there was too much detail going on and is it too much to ask for there to be buttons on both sides? Pass for me.

Mystery Dress

I could have sworn I saw this on the website only yesterday, but it's quite possible I'm losing my mind. The print of this dress is what caught my eye. The colours are more fall colours than summer ones, but they're no less lovely for it. I'm pretty certain this had a zip closure. The neckline is a little low to be worn without a cami for work but it would be a great dress for the evening. The dress was very light. Probably a pass for me simply because I don't love it. Nice, though.

Outtake photo! I just wanted to point out that it could be worse, all of my photos could have looked like this. I'm sucking on throat sweets on all of these, hence the weird punk face I have going on here!

I'm stumbling into the bath then bed. Bliss. 

I am twenty-one years old. I should not be trying to be in bed by 10:30!

And with that, I leave you.

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Another blitz of reviews! I know this dress has been eagerly anticipated by many so I won't keep you waiting:

Violet Gloaming Dress by Moulinette Soeurs

I've got to admit that I wasn't loving this as much as some other bloggers (cough - you know who you are), sure the colours were nice, but I wasn't really feeling the print. Boy, do I ever take that back? Ignore the fact that I look a little dour in this photo: how amazing is this dress? I wore my usual size 6 in this which fit perfectly, though those who are narrower through the bust and hips might want to size down. The colours of this dress are what really make it. I found that the ruffly shoulders weren't nearly as obtrusive as I thought they might be, and to be honest you kind of forget about the top of the dress thanks to the amazing details on the skirt. I really, really want this dress, but I can't help but wonder how many occasions I'm going to be able to be able to wear this - it's a pretty memorable print! Wishlisted for sale/further consideration.

Mirror, Mirror Tank by Little Yellow Button

Anthro have really been plugging at the 'whimsy' this season, haven't they? To be succinct: I loved the print of the mirrors, but I wasn't so in love with the style. The ruffles on the boob combined with the buttons and the material change was all too much and casued a relly complicated look, I think. I wore a small in this. Pass for me.

Trellis Blouse by Floreat

I had no real expectations for this, I picked it up as a plain top to try with the bizarre skirts (see last post) that I was trying on. I must admit I was really pleasantly surprised! The material was a little on the sheer side, but nothing hideous. There was no elastication so this is an old fashioned button-up - how lazy am I that that counts as a con?? The sheer panels at the top were just darling, and contrary to reviews I didn't find them to be itchy. I'm wearing a 6 (UK10) here but would try on an 8 (UK12) for reference. The only issue for me was the fact that you could see the top of my bra, but I'm hoping that's just a flaw with my underwear rather than the top! Wishlisted for sale!

Cascading Bow Dress by Moulinette Soeurs

When I saw this on Carol I literally gasped - it looked incredible on her. On me? Not so much. There was nothing specifically wrong with it, per se, but it just wasn't quite right. I tried on a 6 (UK10) which fit though it was a bit tight around the hips. The dress does give you a really fabulous shape and the colour is a tremendous slighly purple-ish red (the second photo is closer to the real deal). On the downside: the dress just wasn't sitting right on me, the pockets wouldn't lie flat and it was pouching up weirdly on my lower back. I could try a size up but I think I would lose some of the good points, besides the Cascading Bow Dress and I? We just didn't have that "Cinderella moment". I'll live.

Has anyone seem Watchmen? I watched it in a rather feverish haze last week. The movie was pretty good, entertaining more than anything else, but the high point for me was the incredible opening credits which were just beautiful. As a direct result I've had this song wedged into my head, playing non-stop for five days. It is of course the incomparable Bob Dylan's "the times, they are a changin'". If you haven't seen it then take a minute to take a look:

Watchmen :) Intro - Watch more Funny  Videos

If you can't bring yourself to watch even a minute of it (shame on you!) then you can still get the Dylan effect here:

That's all for now. I'm having an early night today - shocker, I know. I sacrificed way too much sleep last night so I could watch True Blood in the bath and I paid for it today.

What did everyone get in the sale today? I'm pretty tempted to get the First Flight Tee which will be in tomorrow's reviews.

Speak soon!

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"Somewhere in the English countryside, Madonna is weeping."

First day of work: done and dusted! I'm exhausted, but it was great. I kept getting lost in the building but it was the best kind of getting lost! 

I realise I've been a neglectful blogger recently (!) but I'm hoping this selection of all new reviews might repair our relationship a little! I'm going to have to figure out how to balance work and blogging, but rest assured I will find a way, even if it's a little sporadic to start. Here goes:

Blushing Avian Blouse by Floreat

I had zero expectations for this blouse before I tried it on. Once on however, I couldn't stop raving. I tried on a 6 (UK10) and would probably size up to an 8 (UK12) to be on the safe side, as it was pulling a little over the bust. My hair is pretty much obliterating the pink feathery details on the shoulders but, trust me, they're there. They weren't as intrusive as I worried they would be. The belt is a little thick and cumbersome, but it helps the top flare out into that lovely shape, so I can forgive it! Wishlisted.

Pheasant Fancy Skirt (my name!) by Floreat

I can say with absolute certainty that the feathered fiend on this skirt is most definitely a pheasant, coming from someone who's almost run over a tonne of them in the country. Pretty, but so, so dumb. I originally tried on an 8 (UK12), which you can see in the top photos, which fit but was really snug. I sized up to a 10 (UK14) and the fit was much better: size up, people! The material of this skirt was quite stiff and slightly itchy, if I'm honest - not unbearable so, but still it's there. There are no words for how much I love this skirt. This is the skirt that inspired today's post title: somewhere Madonna is weeping. Because she doesn't have this skirt. I hate sizing up more than once in clothes: it feels like defeat, somehow, but I made an exception for the Monochromatic Corset Dress and I will for this too. But not until sale as £148 is a little steep. Even for me.

Turbine Dress by Deletta

I did actually see this in the blue available on the website but I grabbed the grey for some reason. The grey was the slightly flecked grey most commonly found on sweatsuit bottoms, and I was kind of fascinated by the combination of that sweats material with the great shape and style of the dress. The material was really soft and stretchy, though there is a zip to get in. I'm wearing a small here, and I usually take a small in Deletta's clothes, so it runs as usual. This dress stuck me as a slightly more structured version of the Echoing Dress, one which suits me much better! I really loved the shape of the skirt, which I kept trying to capture in the pictures, which was slightly be bell-like. Wishlisted!

Now, I'm hopping into the tub and watching True Blood on my laptop, which will be a safe distance away - rest assured. I've got another early start again tomorrow (and will for three months now - ugh).
I want to thank everyone for their lovely advice and tips on what I should wear to work, your suggestions have all been noted and today I wore the Dreaming in Green Skirt with.... find out tomorrow! 

Speak soon!

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