Mum on the Run - In a skirt that I like but which I have no hope of walking in!

Sometimes you just have to laugh. To cut a long story short, I got into the back of the car with the youngest this morning to brush her hair. Forgetting that the childlock was on in the back, I had to find another way of getting into the front to open the door. There was only one option - and that was to climb.

 

Now this skirt is possibly the most ridiculous item of clothing ever designed because you can't actually move in it. Add heels into the equation and it was more a case of launching myself into the front. Somehow I managed to twist around at the same time, which left me sitting on the horn. Oh well, I suppose that laughing is a great way to start a day.

 

As to the outfit, I bought this navy velvet skirt from Topshop last year. Way ahead of its time, it has a (p)leather waist band. Long and straight, it is a nightmare to walk in but I like the line and feel of it. 

I put it with a white shirt and pink Mulberry, which I turned into an oversized clutch by putting the strap inside. I wore it with a warm Reiss biker style jacket when out and about together with heeled ankle boots from Clarks.

Note to self: Tomorrow I must wear something I can move in with ease - just in case I make the same mistake with the whole back of the car/childlock situation!

Easy Living Article - Six knits every woman needs

Today I am pointing you in the direction of the article that I have written this week for Easy Living online

Since having become involved with Easy Living, I have discovered what a great place Easy Living online is to visit for articles on Beauty, Fashion, Homes, Recipes and Culture. With their regular "We like her Style" feature, "Top 30 coats", "A-list hair" and "20 minute recipes" it's a nice place to escape to for the odd ten minutes here and there during a busy day. Anyway, I thought that I would share that with you just in case you haven't dropped by before now for a browse.

This week I have written about the six knits every woman needs together with how to wear them and style tips for each one.

If you are looking to work some knitwear in to your wardrobe this season, I hope that it provides some inspiration and ideas on what might work for you. Enjoy!

Mum on the Run - Am I wrong to love this?

 

Please excuse the poor quality shot of this bomber jacket from Whistles but I can't find it online.

 

Anyway, the point about it is that this little number has somehow crept its way into my consciousness and I really like it. I am not sure how it has happened. It's a bit like having a male friend for years - they are always around and about - and then waking up one day and realising that you like them a bit more than a friend. (Just to make it clear, I should qualify this by saying that this hasn't happened since Mr SG and I met in 1997).

 

I have never owned such a jacket, never desired to own such a jacket and have therefore never even thought about buying such a jacket but there's something about it that I like.

Maybe its appeal lies in the fact that it is similar to the sorts of jacket that I like (ie short/navy) but also slightly different, without being too radical.

Maybe it's the addition of the leather sleeves which I now really like, having not been too sure about them when they first came on the scene.

Maybe it's because it's from Whistles - but I don't think so because I'm not (quite) that shallow.

Or maybe I have just developed a thing for American High School inspired clothing (or Mark Fowler from East Enders). Whatever next: Cheerleading outfits and pom poms? For everyone's sake, including mine, I hope not.

Mum on the Run - 5 pairs of lovely shoes!

You may remember me showing you these fabulous shoes by Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley. I thought that they were amazing when I saw them in Grazia and even more so when I tried them on in the store on a recent trip to London - but alas the £395 price tag prevents them from being mine.

 

 

It's the shape of these shoes at the front that I like as much as anything. For me they are a more modern take on a court shoe and would look great with slim leg black trousers, a black fitted jumper and a pea coat.  With the seed having been sewn, the hunt for a similar, but more reasonably priced, pair began.

  

Failing miserably to start of with, I came across these amazing shoes from Dries Van Noten (£420) at Browns. Again they have the same shape at the front and a good sturdy heel! I like the two tone combination of black and brown and the tortoiseshell (or horn as it is described) is really stylish. They also have a padded inner sole - even better. Alas the price is not.

 

Moving swiftly on, this Hobbs Iris Court (£199) is also a very stylish shoe. The combination of suede and leather/patent is very chic. They also come in a burgundy colour (as well as fern, below) and with a concealed platform, aren't as high as they first look. These would be great with high waisted wide leg trousers, for that boy meets girl look.

 

 

 

Possibly one of my favourites, due to their price, detailing and colour combination, are these Court shoes with suede vamp from Massimo dutti  (£89.95).  Zara's grown up sister, Massimo Dutti is a treasure chest of hidden gems and well worth investigating if you haven't done so previously. These shoes are probably slightly more work orientated than some of the other styles but are a modern alternative to a classic style court shoe.

 

Finally, the Blue heel moccasin, also £89.95 and from Massimo Dutti, make a nice change from black. Great with berry colours, grey and navy, they are no less versatile than black. Fabulous both at work and for the weekend with wide or skinny trousers or an A-line knee length skirt in a heavy fabric, they could be a really hard working piece. Chunky heels also slim down thicker ankles and shapely calves - as well as being easier to walk in. Always a bonus with smalls in tow!

 

Style Guile - Where I get my Style Inspiration

Apologies to the 12 of you who saw this post earlier when it was in its draft form and when, for some reason, it decided to publish itself.

Anyway, I don't know whether this the post will be helpful or not - I hope so. If not, please feel free to move on!

People often ask me where I get my style inspiration from, so I thought that I would show you a photo to illustrate how I go about creating new outfits. I am sure that this is nothing mind blowing to many of you, or indeed any of you - but it may just help some.

I saw this picture in Grazia this week. I can't make it any bigger but the issue is still current and you can see it on page 63. The photo is of the American DJ and model Leigh Lezark at Paris Fashion week.

This outfit is simple but really effective. All black with pink highlights - in the lipstick and shoes. It would be easy to re-create to suit different situations and tweaked to suit different body shapes and personal preferences.

The fuller skirt and fitted top are perfect for pear shaped ladies, as is the belt, but someone with a curvier bust may opt for a v neck top, and someone with slender hips may opt for more of a pencil style skirt.

Adding in a pink lipstick (with pink shoes) would be easy enough - or a red lipstick (with red shoes) if that's what you prefer. They need not be expensive.  If I was going to them wear for an evening out, or somewhere that I wasn't walking too far, I would probably look to New Look/Primark/H&M first.

Obviously these shoes are very OTT but you get the idea. This look could also work with black ankle length trousers instead of a skirt, or for someone who doesn't like bright shoes, a bright belt or bag could be substituted for them instead. For those who shy away from bright lips, opt for bright pink nails (I like Rimmel 60 seconds drying nailvarnish). It's the formula of outfits that often makes them work - it's just a case of working out how to adapt them to suit your shape, your budget and your lifestyle.

A lot of what is in magazines is just too much for everyday life - most often due to expense, but that can normally be worked around, or impracticality or just general outrageousness. Outfits that work for Paris Fashion Week, or on London fashionistas, would look ridiculous in another City, in a supermarket or on the school run. So, it's a case of taking the images that you like and re-working them - tweaking the length of the skirt, toning down the shimmer, finding more subtle prints, adding in tights, lowering the height of the heels and so on until it works for you.

Have a great Friday night!

Mum on the Run - A couple of coats to try (along with some alternatives)

I took a couple of coats along to last week's style event so thought that I would show them to you, together with a couple of alternatives.

 

I am a big fan of a Crombie coat. Simple, single breasted and with clean lines, they don't date, are incredibly chic and suit most shapes.  They can be worn with both smart dresses and heels for work and skinny jeans and boots at the weekend. 

 

This Next Coat (£60) is a fantastic price and actually feels OK.  Tapping into this season's trend for leather - or in this case pleather - (arguably that part of it may date slightly) it's a really great piece.

 

 

This is what the coat looks like on a body!

As an alternative, this Boden velvet trim coat £199 is beautiful. It also comes in camel and is quite generous in size, so it may be worth sizing down.

For a more casual coat, you can't beat a parka. They are everywhere at the moment. Some are more fashion orientated - great for those of us city dwellers - and come  with detatchable linings and hoods. On the other hand, brands who make clothes for the "proper" outdoors, such as Berghaus and Merrell, design parkas possibly more suited to those who live in very wet/windy/cold climates, where more demands are placed on the coats.

This is the NW3 Birch Parka £179, which has a lovely fleece inside and a hood with a fur trim - which isn't at all mangy!

 Again, this is what it looks like on a real body. With a draw string waist to add shape, plenty of useful pockets and snug cuffs, it's pretty near perfect.

Next comes the Next Luxury Navy Parka £85 - I must admit that I haven't seen this one in the flesh but again it has good sized pockets, a hood and it looks as if it draws in at the waist.

I really like the finish on this Oasis Wax quilted lined parka (£86). It's not quite as shiny as in the picture but, given that it is waxed, it does have a sheen about it. Having tried it on, I can tell you that it's definitely worth investigating.

For anyone who would like their parka to add a pop of colour to their wardrobe, this
GAP fur twill parka (£99.95) is a great option. It also comes in a pinky/coral colour, as well as the more sedate navy and khaki colours. In previous years the GAP parkas have sold out nationwide and a few weeks ago they were alarmed. What is the world coming to?!

Two basic styles of coats but with a few options for each. Oh, and one final one that I couldn't miss out - this very on trend number from Warehouse....the Warehouse colour block parka (£95)

I was given the heads up today that the Pavilions campaign in which I featured is on the front page of the new Shopping in Birmingham website - which has just replaced the Style Birmingham site. That aside, for anyone planning a day out shopping in Birmingham, it's a great place to look for information.

Mum on the Run - Flying High - from London to in flight magazines!

I was down in London today at a shoot with the Daily Mail. Their offices are something again! It's like walking into a whole new world - a little like walking into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, with everyone hard at work. I got lost on my way back from the loo and wandered through all sorts of exciting areas trying to find my way back - which I failed to do until someone took pity on me and took me back to the photo studio. It was a bit like the first day at secondary school!

Here's Oonagh trying her hardest to make me look my best. We needed a lot of bronzing powder!

Now this is what you call a make up collection!

I loved this wallpaper that was used in the make-up and styling area. So appropriate for the offices of a newspaper!

As one who, until fairly recently, didn't have a clue about what a photographic studio looked like, these things still fascinate me...

...there's just so much kit, technology and skill involved in one tiny shot!

I'm not sure when the article is due out - but it's going to be a "fun" one. "Fun" as in - there's the potential for me to look utterly and completely ridiculous - but it will probably make everyone laugh, so that's good at least!

On another note, at the end of the summer, an opportunity arose for me to write an article for the Ryan Air in flight magazine. The brief was to write a light hearted article, aimed at both men and women, providing hints and quick tips on how to re-invent yourself. As well as being printed in the magazine, the article can also be found online here http://www.letsgo-mag.com/story/7-reinvent-your-look/1193/1/ 

As an edited version of the article was published I decided to post the full version here but please don't feel obliged to read it! To anyone who has found Style Guile via the Ryan Air Magazine - "hello!" So, here goes:

First things first, are you going for a dramatic re-invention or subtle improvements?  Kylie and Madonna are the mistresses of re-invention but they have the lifestyle and the budget to go with it – plus resources at their disposal to call upon if it all goes wrong! Re-modelling yourself along the lines of Lady Ga Ga, or Russell Brand may seem a great idea when you are with your friends at the start of a two week holiday in the sun, but would it still seem such a good idea at the end of your holiday, with the prospect of work looming?! A new look can be achieved very easily, even on a small budget. Here are my suggestions for quick and easy changes that you can make to your appearance, together with more long term (surgery free) solutions:

Eyebrows: They are often neglected but what a difference well shaped, groomed eyebrows can make.  They can take years off you and can make you look bright eyed and bushy tailed in an instant – and yes, that applies to men too. My advice is to get your eyebrows shaped professionally (it doesn’t cost much), as it is easy to get carried away at home and over-pluck!

Make-up: For women, a quick session at a beauty counter (what better way to spend your time in the departure lounge?) can bring about dramatic results.  Updating our make-up can have maximum impact for minimum effort. You can achieve so many different looks with make-up – sultry Angelina Jolie, natural Kate Middleton or fun Katy Perry.  Remember, however, that less is more when it comes to make-up – so keep your foundation as light as possible for an every-day look, only applying it to those areas that need it.  If you are opting for smoky eyes, keep the lips nude. Conversely,  if you are choosing a strong lip colour, make them the dominant feature, leaving your eye make-up more natural looking.  There are many multi-functional products on the market so seek them out, especially if you are travelling.

Changing your hairstyle: Changing your hairstyle, and colour, can have a dramatic impact on your appearance. Magazines are a great source of inspiration for new hairstyles. Do be realistic though, and think about the texture and thickness of your hair. A great hair style is one into which your hair falls naturally, with little maintenance – whether a gamine crop, a sleek bob or a long layered look, work with you hair rather than against it – especially if time is of the essence. Remember to take along images with you to the hairdresser of styles that you like, as verbal descriptions can easily get lost in translation!

If you are slightly nervous of changing your hair colour, opt for a semi-permanent colour.  However if you are feeling brave, why not try a splash of bright colour? Whether it’s blue, red or pink – nothing has to be forever,  it may lead to a whole new you or it could just allow you to have a bit of fun whilst on holiday.

Updating your wardrobe and changing your style: If you are ready to update or change your image, style blogs are a great source of inspiration. With many bloggers posting pictures of what they are wearing on a daily basis, you can quickly adopt the look and start to build a wardrobe that works for you. Magazines are also a great source of inspiration, with the September and February issues containing all of the key looks for the season. It’s a great idea to collect images that you like, either in a file or on a mood board, and create something visual, which you can add to and update as the season progresses. Most designer looks can now be achieved through shopping on the high street, and at a fraction of the cost.

If there’s a look or celebrity style you would like to have yourself, start to study them to see how they put their outfits together, adopting those elements which you think will translate well into your lifestyle.  Try using inexpensive high street brands initially, so that your financial commitment isn’t too great. You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe and once you have the basics in place, just a few tweaks can make a big difference. Such as rolling sleeves up on your shirts, layering, adding coloured or animal print belts, wearing sequins in the day time, trying a different style of shoe, updating your accessories or treating yourself to a new pair of stylish jeans. Just make subtle and inexpensive changes at first and ask your friends for advice as your confidence grows. If you feel great, then keep building on that look. If you feel uncomfortable, tweak it until you feel right. A new look is all about making you happy and confident, and not about trying to be someone else.

Don’t forget that a lot of changes also need to come from the inside out, so whether it’s changing your diet, drinking more water, taking more exercise or getting more sleep, they will all have a profound and dramatic effect on not only about how you feel but also on how you look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mum on the Run (With a very numb bum) in Primark, Zara, Gap and Mulberry

 

With 7% battery left on my computer, I am up against the clock to get this post live before my computer shuts down for the night - which is something I would quite like to do but I can't as I find myself at my daughter's two hour cheer leading class, sitting in a freezing cold gym on an old fashioned school bench with a numb bottom!

 

This is my Primark yellow jumper which I posted about a few weeks ago. I wore it with Cos grey skinny jeans, Zara boots, a white shirt and my grey Mulberry bag.

Does anyone remember that advert for "Zest" soap years ago now? There was an aerosol button on the top of a bar of yellow Zest soap. Well that's what I feel like when I wear this jumper - a bar of Zest soap - it's all about the colour....but I still really like it!

Mum on the Run - How to wear prints - shirts, skirts, blouses and trousers (plus boots)

Please forgive me - I'm doing a bit of a cheat's post tonight - but there is still something for you all to read.

I have been asked by Alaina, the Senior Editor at easyliving.co.uk, to write a weekly article for Easy Living Magazine online and so, once a week, (if it's all right with you all) I will provide a link to the article instead of writing a post.

My first article is about how to wear prints. For this article I used images which you may have seen before - but the text is new.  If you would like to take a look you can do so here http://www.easyliving.co.uk/fashion/trends/how-to-wear-prints

 

I really hope that you find it enjoyable and useful too.

Mum on the Run - It's the same jumper as yesterday styled simply with jeans, leather jacket and KG boots. Job done!

Today the girls and I went to see my Mum in her new bungalow. Since moving in, Mum has had a new bathroom put in (that happened precisely one day after she arrived) and a new conservatory - and she's only been there 2 months. Sarah Beeny and Kirstie Allsopp - pah. If you want something doing get my Mum on the case! 

 

For today's outing, which included a trip to the park, I wore the Cos jumper that I wore yesterday, together with my Oasis leather jacket and Gap high waisted skinny jeans.

 

As you can see, there's very little going on by way of accessories - other than my blue Orla Kiely bag. Sometimes less can be more and I really like these pieces individually so I didn't feel that they needed much else (others of course may disagree)!

I know, it's the second pair of new boots in two days (which I do feel a bit bad about) but I bought these in the sale in the summer with some birthday money and haven't worn them until now.

They are the KG London sweep boots, which quite clearly are a copy of the Acne Pistol Boot. I have to say, I really like the shape of them and the colour below is currently in the sale, again reduced from £195 to £99 (although they only appear to be in a size 36 online but there should be more in the stores which stock KG London - which not all do.)

 

You can't get much simpler than that - jeans, boots, jumper, jacket - possibly not very inspiring - but for me, job done!

Mum on the Run - A non skinny jeans outfit for a Saturday out and about (and it involves a bit of re-working too)!

I seem to be developing a bit of a "make do and mend" theme here but I figure that's OK. There probably aren't many people who are lucky enough to have the budget to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe each season and I take great satisfaction in re-working pieces, adding in just a few key pieces each season and combining them with some sale shopping to get the kind of wardrobe that works for me.  Hopefully it means that my clients will also trust me not to be flippant with their pennies too!

 

I have had this Jigsaw dress for a few years now and whilst I like the print on it, I am not overly keen on the style on the top half.

 

The length wasn't right either (it was a little long = frumpy!) so a year or so ago I had it shortened and today I put a new navy polo from Cos over the top of it, which effectively turned it into a skirt.

I also put it with these Lotta Beccles boots from Clarks (£69.99) for which I had a voucher and so got 20% off.

The boots are very similar to a pair from Oasis which I showed you earlier in the week but for me, at least, they are much more comfortable. Since these photos were taken I have tightened the buckle on the ankle so they now fit a little more snuggly.

Here's a closer look at the boots. For me they work because a) they have a decent height heel but it's not too high b) the block heel is sturdy (oh so practical) and c) they have the cushioning inside for comfort. OK, so I may be sounding practically ancient now but these things matter - especially when on your feet all day.

Here also is a closer look at the jumper. In all honesty I am not sure that this image would inspire anyone to go and buy one, so it's a good job that I saw it in real life first! Frankly this girl looks like she needs a good meal and a laugh. However, it is a great staple and whilst at £59 it's not the cheapest, it is 100% wool and I have always found Cos knitwear to wash and wear really well. It's also fairly short, which makes it good to wear with skirts and high waisted jeans.

Even if the print, knit or boots wouldn't work for you, the combination of dress or skirt/knit/ankle boots might be worth a try in some other form. It's a nice alternative to skinny jeans, not too smart and with a vest and long sleeve top layered underneath the knit, is cosy too. (OK, so now I'm sounding 100!)

Mum on the Run - "Doing a bit of a Gok!" (Just an idea)

It was lovely to hear from so many of you after the "Spotty Boden Coat post." It seems that a lot of us bought that particular coat in 2003 - and that a lot of us still have them lurking in our wardrobes. For anyone who decides to give theirs an outing this winter, I would love to see a picture.

 

Continuing along a similar theme, last week when I was shopping for last night's Style Event, I decided to take a fairly inexpensive piece and make it look more stylish and up to date - otherwise known as "doing a bit of a Gok"

 

So, here's what I chose:

 

One Cashmilon Crew Neck Round Jumper from M&S (£12, or £20 for 2. They come in a wide variety of colours, are machine washable and very soft.)

 

One animal print fur collar from M&S (£15)

and put them together to create (funnily enough) a - jumper with a fur collar!

As you all know, collars are a huge trend this season so instead of a fur one you could have a leather one (another big trend) a sparkly one or a beaded one (H&M has a good selection).

This fur collar is also substantial enough to be worn over a coat - I have a Christmas Day church service in mind for some reason here - and of course the jumper could be swapped for something slightly more fitted.

Just an idea for something to try with any jumper of which you have grown a little tired and which could do with a new lease of life.

 

Today I went up to Cheshire to do a casting for Marks & Spencer to work for them as an in store Stylist.  I have been lucky enough to be given a shiny new store to work in - M&S at Fosse Park. So, at the next cardholder event, which is at the end of November, you can come along and hear me doing  a presentation every hour, on the hour - probably along similar lines to the vlog that I did for Pavilions, but more indepth.

 

Have any of you seen the Bridget Jones films and in particular the one where her Mum works in a store with the device that cracks eggs (?) and also on QVC? For some reason I can't get that image out of my head. I fear that's what I may look like on the day! 

 

 

 

 

Mum on the Run - Seeing (Boden) spots

I knew that I was off to chapel this morning to hear our son sing. (Despite inviting me to go along, I was under strict instructions to sit where he couldn't see me - and preferably behind him!) After that I was going into town to finish shopping for tomorrow night's style event and then I had a meeting.

 

Whilst I didn't need to be full on smart, I needed to up my game a little so wore this Boden spotted coat which I have had for 9 or 10 years.  After wearing it a lot when new, I stopped wearing it after a few years and realised, when trying it on last winter, that the length was wrong. So this summer when I had some time to think about my Wardrobe, I took it to be shortened and here it is, having had its "make-over".

Although it looks slightly longer it is in fact knee length, which now makes it great to wear with both trousers and dresses.

I wore it with blue Gap cords, Zara boots, H&M jumper with the sparkly sleeves and a blue H&M shirt. A real high street outfit (apart from the LK Bennett bag but that was a Bicester purchase).

After giving a journalist an interview this afternoon, I will be off to London next week for a photo shoot and another upcoming article in the Daily Mail. I'll let you know when it's due out (just in case anyone would rather not buy it that day)!

Style Guile Smile - A little bit of Cos and little bit of Reiss goes a long way!

I haven't done a "Style Guile Smile" post for a while but after a personal shopping day yesterday there were lots of things I came across which made me smile.

First off, this Cos ribbed angora jumper (£55) is just lovely. The colour is so vibrant and sunny.  It really lifts those darker winter colours such as black, grey or navy. With a white shirt layered under it, it will look stunning.

Secondly, for anyone looking for a textured/printed trouser this season, these Cos Jacquard trousers £69 could be just the thing.

The fact that the colour mix (navy and black) is not too much of a contrast makes them really flattering - and less scary for anyone who is just dipping their toe into the printed trouser water. I really like the fact that they will go with both navy and black. Versatility at its best!

In all honesty, this Cos leather cuff knit dress (£89) looks slightly scary here but in real life it is much more accessible. It taps into the leather trend in a way which is not too full on. 

In this picture a polo neck has been layered underneath the dress, which in fact has a round neck. When on, it hangs really nicely and the movement in the skirt is great for anyone who has slightly curvier hips and thighs.   A stand alone piece, it doesn't require much in the way of accessories although you could add one of this season's statement collars and a shoe boot or chunky heeld ankle boot. A smile probably wouldn't go a miss either!

Finally this Reiss bowling bag in prune (£120) is just divine! Of course the picture on the site barely shows the bag but I couldn't wait to go held of the PR shots and the link will take you to a better picture.

It very much reminds me of a Tory Burch bag I lusted after in the summer - but which was prohibitively expensive. At £120 this bag is a good price for Reiss - still a lot I know, but good for Reiss. The shape is uber trendy for this season but irrespective of that it has style longevity and the colour is hugely versatile. Yep, that one is on my Christmas list!

Hope that everyone is having a good week so far.

Three pieces - one outfit - endless options [A bit like a "meal deal" but with clothes!]

Black is a trend in its own right this season but it's all about mixing it up and contrasting matt with gloss, dense with sheer and texture with smooth.

 

Here are three pieces which I plan to wear together to make a great day time outfit in black.

 

First I will take this Next black sequin mesh sleeve dress (£65) which introduces both sparkle and sheer into the equation. The black panelling down the sides is flattering, as are the mesh sleeves.

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Then I will add in the Boden winter warmer £89 for warmth, and texture from the faux fur.

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And finally I will work in these Lana leather suede boots £70 from Oasis. A mixture of leather and suede, they add further interest and texture to the outfit.

On a really cold day I would be inclined to add in a chunky black roll neck jumper over the dress and under the gilet, effectively turning the dress into a skirt.  Each of these pieces could be styled in different ways : the dress could be worn in the evening with heels and a leather jacket or softly tailored blazer, the gilet with jeans, 7/8th or tailored trousers and the boots with skinnies or minis! [Naturally I will also be wearing thick black tights too - at least 60 denier but possibly more, to keep me toasty!]