Runway Wrap Up: RemChic favorite looks for Spring 2010 RTW

I know this is super, super late, but I haven't had a chance to write a post compiling all of my favorite RTW looks from Spring 2010 fashion week. I based my selections off of outfits I could see myself wearing, innovative designs, and/or quality of the construction. Although I saved over 60 looks from the Spring 2010 RTW collections I viewed, here are nine that show a wide range of the looks I selected.

all photos are from www.style.com

Ask RemChic: How to bring girly/trendy elements into an outdoorsy style

 A beautiful sunset in Flagstaff, Arizona

Photo Credit

One of the main reasons why I started this blog is because I've had a lot of my friends ask me for fashion advice over the years and some of the questions I've received have definitely come up more than once. I love helping all of my friends/readers with their fashion questions, so I've decided to start a feature called Ask RemChic. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at info@remchic.com with the subject line as Ask Remchic. If you prefer that I answer privately instead of through a post, please let me know. I completely respect your need for confidentiality =)


Here is our first question for Ask RemChic...

Question: "I live in Flagstaff [Arizona] which is a pretty hippie/outdoors community. Most people are seen wearing jeans and Patagonia pull overs. How can I wear cute heels, dresses, bags, etc. without coming off as over-the-top?"

This type of predicament isn't as rare as one may think. I know I for one have definitely encountered situations where I've felt the need to rework an outfit to accommodate the "mainstream" style around me. It may be acceptable to wear leather leggings and faux fur vests in New York, but I know in other places these items would be seen as faux pas.

Although I am an advocate for creative freedom, I understand sometimes the social setting/circumstances can influence your wardrobe. That is not something to be ashamed of! Together we can totally add in elements (in this case the need for girlier/refined/trendier pieces) into a scene where those notions may not be prevalent (in this case the norm is a more earthy/lax look).

Step One: Analyze What Comprises the Local Fashion Scene

Flagstaff, Arizona is in the heart of Northern Arizona, meaning high elevation, pine trees, the San Francisco Peaks, and a generally cooler climate. This generates a very earthy vibe and the need for outdoorsy brands that keep you warm (hence why brands like Patagonia are so popular). Of course, this is a pretty gross generalization, and I definitely don't want to offend anyone.


When I think of Flagstaff I think of the following elements:

Earth Tones: Obviously, Flagstaff is very influenced by the environment. Here is my compilation of earth tones. Of course, there are many more hues that can be considered "earth tones," but here is something that I generated to give you a general idea. All of these colors are fairly muted and have undertones of gray in them. However, that does not mean that they are not beautiful or unworkable- I happen to love earth colors more than other color pallets.

Hippie-Meets-Outdoorsy-Meets-Vintage: Whew! That's sort of a mouthful, but I think those three words really describe the style of Flagstaff (and other similar communities). Here's a little photo montage that encompasses all three of these elements, so you can see what I mean.

 Photo Credits* (clockwise from upper left): 

Hippie Girls, Northface Jacket, Black and White Photo, Girl with Polaroid, Couple in the Snow

Step Two: How to Work What You Want Into Your Wardrobe

Okay, so now you have to take what you have and give it a little punch. This reader wants to know how to add heels, dresses, bags, and the like her her wardrobe. Here are my recommendations/tips for incorporating girlier/trendier items into ensembles that work well with the Flagstaff style.

Stick with black, dark brown, muted browns, and/or reds. I would also try and test the waters with a wedge, as the connotation of a wedge is a little big more on the casual side. You could also try pumps or sling backs with low heels, but again, I would try a wedge first.

Bags are pretty diverse. I would just steer clear of name brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton. I think the style community in Flagstaff would have a greater appreciation for a great thrifted bag. I would also recommend trying satchels and other "funkier" shapes. Slouchy, oversized hobo bags are always a great choice, especially if you are like me and carry a million things around everyday. Lastly, try to look for natural fibers or interesting textiles (canvas or woven) and cool prints/influences (floral or geometric).

 

As far as jewelry/hats, I looked for items that were first and foremost cute without being too loud or over-the-top. I also chose items that were somewhat eclectic in that they were hybrids of some of the different qualities demonstrated in Flagstaff style (hippie, outdoorsy, vintage). I also wanted accessories that could go with a wide range of outfits.

For dresses and tops I went with the same philosophy that has become a motif throughout this post: earthy, boho-inspired, etc. However, I noticed that I tended to pick garments that were loose or oversized. I'm not sure if this is just a personal preference, but it seems to me that if you are worried about looking overdone that looser items give off a casual/laid back vibe. Don't go too too big; however, or you will look frumpy! 

As far as bottoms, I picked bootcut and boyfriend jeans. Skinny jeans are also a must, but stick with dark washes. Skinny and bootcut jeans will do you wonders in Flagstaff, mostly because they are the best jeans to wear with boots. Shorts are easy as pie- anything that is dark denim, khaki, chocolate brown, navy, or black will be fine. For the solid colored shorts stick with cotton blends or corduroy. Steer clear of silky or tweed versions...it just won't go well with the Flagstaff vibe.


Step 3: Find Inspiration and Go Shopping


I use the website Shop Style religiously for tasks like this. It's a really good way to get the creative juices flowing, even if you aren't planning on buying anything online. I put together a sample collection of items that I feel fit girly/trendy/refined niche, while also complimenting the Flagstaff fashion philosophy. If you want to use Shop Style for this purpose, I would recommend typing any/all of the keywords below to help you meet the criteria of this post: 

VINTAGE

HIPPIE

BOHO

OUTDOORS

KNIT

OVERSIZED

CANVASS

GO GREEN

NATURAL

EARTHY

Okay, so here is my little montage of clothing items that I would recommend for this reader to consider when facing this challenge. Of course, some of the items aren't the most budget-friendly (Frye boots, for example) but everything here is meant to be inspirational. The number one rule for personal style, in my opinion, is to make it your own. Feel comfortable and confident because beyond protection from the elements, clothing serves as a reflection of YOU. Have fun and happy shopping =)

I hope I answered this question! Do you have any other tips? Do you agree with my advice? Let me know with a comment!


*all photos are licensed under Creative Commons

RemChic Recommends: Must-Have Products May 2010

Once a month I'll be posting all of the wish list items I've accumulated. I find these items through other blogs, my own online hunting, in-store window shopping, and/or through recommendations from other fashionistas. Here's my list of RemChic picks for May 2010!


Item 1: Orjen Iris Dinnerware at Anthropologie

I spotted these when I went to the local Anthro with my roommate before we got sushi at RA, and I fell in love. I was so distracted that I even left my cell phone in the store! By the time I realized it the store had closed, and I had to come back the next morning to pick it up...oops! Anyways, the artistry here is incredible! The white background makes these plates easy to match with a variety of other kitchen items! These dishes are made of porcelain, are dishwasher/microwave safe, and are imported. Oo la la!


Item 2: Pins and Needles Ruffle Dress in Black at Urban Outfitters

Thanks to my best friend, I've entered this phase where I have an affinity for silky-ish/black/loose clothing items, and this LBD meets all of the criteria. I am sort of disappointed in U.O. because the online photos do not do this dress justice. This dress is super comfortable and effortlessly cute. You can wear it loose or belt it, and in my opinion it will look good either way. Forewarning: you will probably need to wear a slip with it because its slightly sheer, but nonetheless it's a great find.


Item 3: SM Sparkle Earrings by Kate Spade (available through Piperlime)

I actually love pretty much all of the Kate Spade earrings featured on Piperlime, but these ones I feel are the most classic without being too blingy. Although I usually stick with silver or white gold, these are really elegant and would be a great buy for graduation, spring weddings, etc. I also featured another pair of K.S. earrings on this post, so if you like K.S. earrings and want to see an outfit with them check it out!


Item 4: Globe-Trotter® Centenary 28" Suitcase in Sour Lemon (available through J.Crew)

I am obsessed with vintage-inspired luggage. Although I own a chocolate brown, synthetic blend, rolling suitcase, I'd like to think that one day I will trek around the world with a bright yellow suitcase like this one. I also like this suitcase because it's really chic, without a bunch of LV's stamped all over it. And you'll never question which bag is yours when you're in baggage claim! Too bad this case costs $1500...a girl can still dream, right?!


Item 5: Realness Of Concealness by Benefit Cosmetics (available through Sephora)

Photo Credit

This is the best touch-up kit I have ever seen, and I can't wait to get my hands on one! This kit includes:

Ooh La Lift- dream cream for the under-eye area

Lip Plump- speaks for itself

High Beam- liquid highlighter for a dewy, radiate afterglow

Lemon Aid- hides redness/discoloration on your eyelids

Boi-ing- the king of concealers...literally.

I've heard nothing but great things about this kit, and it has even won the Cosmopolitan Beauty Award for "Fabulous Face Kit." Lastly, out of the 284 reviews on Sephora's website, this kit has earned 4/5 stars. Not to mention the handy mirror for those parked-in-the-car-before-class-and-I'm-touching-up moments.

Subscribe to RemChic today!

Hey everyone! RemChic has changed subscription services, so if you are a RemChic subscriber you will have to resubscribe using the tool on the left. I tried to get them to roll over my subscriptions on the old service, but unfortunately, I am not able to do that.

Aren't a RemChic subscriber? You should be! It's the best way to keep up on all of the RemChic posts and with giveaways and promotions coming up (hint hint) you are definitely going to want to stay in-the-loop!

Tell your friends and become a fan on Facebook! Ttfn...ta ta for now!

Summer Goals: What do YOU want to accomplish?

 Chicago!

Photo Credit

My summer officially begins on May 15, and I've decided to make this summer the most productive one yet! I've been brainstorming a list of goals for a while now, but I figured if I published the list there would be no way I could get out of it! Here is my list of summer goals:

1. Volunteer at the Sedona Public Library

I really want to give back to my local community, and since I love books this is definitely a great way for me to contribute!

2. Visit Boston and Chicago

I'm really interested in moving to a different part of the country after I graduate from the University of Arizona next year, and I know the best way to do this is to go out and explore!

3. Take an online Psychology class

This one isn't the most interesting...I actually kind of have to take a psychology class as part of my degree; however, I think this will be a good way for me to stay academically alert during the summer.

4. Lose 5 pounds and train for a half marathon

My best friend and I want to complete a half marathon this fall, so I figured I better start training now! I also want to lose 5 pounds in a healthy, gradual way. I plan on taking yoga and dance classes, as well as completing as many hikes as I can this summer.

5. Read at least 15 books

I always make summer reading lists, and I never manage to complete them; however, this summer I am determined to read at least 15 books. Some of my selection includes Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. If you have any book recommendations, let me know!

6. Pay off any and all debt

I have a little bit of credit card debt, nothing too major, but I'd really like to start the next academic year with a clean slate.

7. Study for the GRE and LSAT

I've decided I want to take both of these exams, and therefore, I need to start studying asap. I want to dedicate 5-10 hours per week studying for these exams. I also want to sign up to take both exams.

8. Save as much money as possible

Because I'm graduating in a year, I know it's going to be crucial that I save as much money as possible. Especially because I do not have definite post-graduation plans, I really need to have a strong cushion.

9. Live a more natural lifestyle

I'm completely cutting dairy out of my diet as of May 6, 2010 (can't go without enchiladas on Cinco de Mayo) because I'm lactose intolerant, and also because a lot of dairy products are chalk full of hormones...yuck! Also, I'm going to completely cut out fast food from my diet and gradually start to eat items that have 5 ingredients or less. I want to start using more organic beauty products, too.

10. Design and construct my own line

After viewing my blog my boss, Scott, told me my website needs a creation of my own. I told him I would add it to my summer goal list, so by the end of the summer I plan on having at least two completed pieces and will blog about the process start-to-finish, including images of the completed pieces. Thanks for the inspiration, Scott!

11. Make new friends, keep the old, and spend time with my family

I want to meet new people this summer! I'm always interested in new friends and interesting people; however, I also want to make sure I keep in touch with all of my friends who will be going home/traveling/etc this summer. And above all else, I want to spend as much time as possible with my amazing family!

Quotes & Couture II

"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Inspiring Architecture: Selgas Cano Architecture Office by Iwan Baan

I am a huge fan of interesting architecture and well, if I could stand math I would totally enter the field of architecture. Anyways, from time-to-time I come across a structure that is just so amazing that I end up saving it in a file on my laptop! I'm a super dork...you will learn this if you don't already know. I decided that it's probably time I start sharing some of what I have collected because hey- fashion is definitely inspired by the world around us. Additionally, architectural pieces have become dominant throughout many designers' collections, such as FIDM alum/Project Runway winner, Leanne Marshall's winning collection1.

For my first architecture-based post I wanted to feature the Selgas Cano Architecture Office by Iwan Baan2 near Madrid, Spain. From one perspective, I definitely think you could say this office looks like a test tube sitting in the middle of the forest. However, I think the whole manmade object in the middle of nature isn't totally awful here. It kind of reminds me of the poem Anecdote of the Jar by Wallace Stevens, but in a way that is not completely negative. The structure has minimum impact on the environment as far as the absence of say, a huge asphalt parking lot. The windows seem to embrace the natural landscape, and I for one would love to work in an office that was so embedded in the natural surroundings.

Anecdote of the Jar

Wallace Stevens

I placed a jar in Tennessee,

And round it was, upon a hill.

It made the slovenly wilderness

Surround that hill.

The wilderness rose up to it,

And sprawled around, no longer wild.

The jar was round upon the ground

And tall and of a port in air.

It took dominion every where.

The jar was gray and bare.

It did not give of bird or bush,

Like nothing else in Tennessee.

Here are some photos of the office:

Architecture Critique: Your Thoughts?!

What do you think? Could you picture yourself working in this office? What do you think about fashion inspired by architecture? Let me know with a comment!

1 http://www.gotoglamourgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/leanne-marshall-project-runway-final-collection.jpg

2 http://www.archdaily.com/21049/selgas-cano-architecture-office-by-iwan-baan/

Graduation 101: A crash course in graduation attire

Thanks to our reader, Hannah, I've decided to go ahead an publish RemChic's first "comeback" article on graduation outfits. If you are part of the class of 2010 you probably are thinking you're pretty much over classes, but I'm here to give you a crash course on graduation fashion. Don't worry, this class will last you about 15 minutes. Amazing, right?

Exhibit A: Examine Your Body Type

First and foremost is fit. I think A-line dresses are a pretty foolproof option, but I suppose that is up for debate. Anyways, I prefer A-line dresses for this occasion for many reasons. Let's review...

1) A-line dresses are a classic cut. Classic = versatile = investment piece. Classic cuts can be paired with many other items and will be "in" for a long time. I'm sure out in the real world you will wear your A-line dress again and again.

2) A-line dresses sit well underneath graduation gowns. This really speaks for itself. A cute above-the-knee to midcalf A-line dress will sit well underneath your gown.

3) A-line dresses photograph well. Trust me when I say you will not be able to avoid photographs. Some dresses with asymmetrical cuts, etc. don't photograph well unless they sit just right and believe me, mom and dad will be snapping away even when you least expect it.

Not feeling the A-line? Here are some other options for your body type2:

 

Bottom-Heavy: go for fuller skirts that cinch at the waste and are loose all the way down. This will create a long line from the smallest part of your body down.

Top-Heavy: go for dresses with v-neck or square necks. Wrap dresses also look really good on bustier girls.


Hourglass: corset-topped dresses look really good or any dress that accentuates the smallest part of your body (usually the waist or bust line).

Petite: try a sheath dress that curves inward at the waist and throw on a push-up bra for some added shape ;) Dresses with a corset-like top will also give you some extra shape- keep in mind with the push-up bra and/or corset look that you should dress appropriate for an education-based function with family and friends. Nothing worse than a trashy looking girl on graduation....

Exhibit B: Consider the Season/Weather

Graduation comes right around the transitional period between spring and summer, so I say go for a dress that incorporates something springy or summery. This season, the two top trends are sun-saturated colors and floral prints.


Sun-Saturated Colors
According to Pantone, who is the "global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries1," these are the spring/summer 2010 colors, all based on earth-tones and warm blossom colors. For me, this sort of speaks to a back-to-the-basics philosophy, as all of these colors are very classic spring colors. Here are a few of the spring/summer colors for 2010:

1st row left-to-right:
Turquoise- Pantone 15-5519
Tomato Purée- Pantone 18-166
Fusion Coral- Pantone 16-1543
2nd row left-to-right:
Violet- Pantone 16-3320
Aurora- Pantone 12-0642
Pink Champagne- Pantone 12-1107
2rd row left-to-right:
Amparo Blue-Pantone 18-3945
Eucalyptus- Pantone 15-0513
Dried Herb- Pantone 17-0627


Floral Prints
Again, this is going back to what spring and summer traditionally represent- new life and with the whole "going green" movement, it is inevitable that nature-inspired images will be eminent throughout fashion.

Here are some of my favorite Spring 2010 runway looks that featured floral prints:

Talbot Runhof, Chanel, Christian Dior3

Exhibit C: Final Exam- Outfits That Fit the Part

Okay, so here are some dresses that I think suit all of the different areas we discussed. Of course, the dress isn't everything...remember cute accessories that are complimentary to the dress/occasion. Here are two example outfits, as well as an explanation for why I feel they work for graduation.

ONE: Anthropologie Fragrant Valley Dress

First of all, this picture (featured on the Anthro website) is so. freaking. adorable. That belt looks amazing on her!

Second, this meets all the criteria and bonus! It's a little black dress (LBD) which we all know is an essential wardrobe item. Additionally, the back is very flattering and adds a little pizazz to the simple jewel neckline in the front. Finally, the dress is by Corey Lynn Calter and although it is a bit pricey I have a top of hers that has held up for about 2 years, so her products are definitely of quality. Not convinced? Read the 38 reviews on Anthro's site! Here's a mini style file to show you how I would put this look together:

products

Fragrant Valley Dress- Anthropologie

Kimchi Blue Borcade Belt- Urban Outfitters

Toppazz Pumps- Steve Madden

Square Stud Earrings in Nectar- Kate Spade (available thorugh Piperlime) 

TWO:  J.Crew Wave Bodice Dress in Sanddune

This dress is also perfect for so many reasons. One, it's an A-line cut. Two, its sateen (most likely won't stick to your polyester blend gown). Three, its machine wash (hallelujah for cheaper dry cleaning bills). Four, it falls right above the knee. Five, it's very similar to Pantone's Fusion Coral, so you will look stunning in one of this spring's trendiest colors. Six, I found a coupon code! For an extra 20% off enter EXTRA20 at checkout.

For my imaginary outfit I decided to play on a coral, turquoise, and gold theme. It reminds me of Botticelli's painting "The Birth of Venus," which is definitely one of my favorite pieces of art. Ever. Anyways, I chose accessories that were lighter in gold and shoes that were a bit more copper in tone to prevent the outfit from being overly matchy-matchy. Let me know what you think!

products
Wave Bodice Dress in Sanddune- J.Crew

Lantana Necklace in Gold- Anthropologie (its only $38!)
Kaveney Heels in Gold- Aldo
Twisted Chain and Rock Bracelet- Free People (on sale!)

Exhibit D: Extra Credit

Here are a few additional tips...

1)  Make sure you practice walking in your heels, especially if they are new. I break in heels by doing chores in them around the house :) it seems to work well, actually.

2) Be confident! Be proud! You've worked hard for this, and you are beautiful!

Teacher Evalution

What do you think about my take on graduation outfits? If you are graduating, what are you planning on wearing? Let me know with a comment =)

1 "Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010 ." 11/9/2009.http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/content/color_trends/2009/Pantone-Fashion-Color-Report-Summer-2010.html (accessed 04/28/10).

2 http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/images/articles/bodyshape_jun08_1.jpg

3 http://www.elle.com/Fashion/Fashion-Spotlight/Spring-2010-Fashion-Trend-Florals AND www.style.com

Quotes & Couture I

"Halston, Lagerfeld, de la Renta. And what they did, what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it."

-The Devil Wears Prada 

RemChic is back! Let YOUR voice be heard!

Hey everyone!

I guess my "break" wasn't very short, but I am ready to get back into the swing of things and bring RemChic back to what it was! I'd like to thank all of my dedicated readers who e-mailed me after I announced the break saying they would wait for me to come back...that really means a lot!

Anyways, I'd like to start of by asking everyone to give me some feedback on what kinds of articles and fashion/lifestyle advice you need. If you could either leave me a comment or email me at info at remchic dot com that would be great! Make sure you go through the archives and find a few articles you like/dislike and let me know why.

Thanks and I hope to hear from you all soon!

Taking a short break!

Hey Everyone!

I'm taking a short break from RemChic to work on some other projects. In the mean time, please check out my articles on College Fashion (www.collegefashion.net). Thanks!

xoxo

Viva Las Vegas! Part Un

I'm finally turning 21, and I couldn't think of a better way to exercise my new privileges as a 21-year-old than to head to Sin City! Now, the great debate is... what do I pack for a 4 day, 5 night stay in Vegas?! After some research and consulting with friends, here is part one of a three blog series that encompasses what I've learned about what to wear/pack for a Vegas getaway.

Stay tuned for parts two and three because a lot of the information pertains to travel and nightlife in general, so even if you aren't headed to Vegas any time soon I hope you can still learn something! If you have any other suggestions, please leave a comment and share your insight!

Step 1: Travel Wear

Of course, you have to get to Vegas first, and for most of us this means hoping on a plane. Consequently, this also includes going through security, hours of sitting, and trekking through the terminal. Yikes...

The first cardinal rule for travel attire is wear easy to remove/put-on layers. For the outermost layer I recommend jackets with zips, open cardigans, and single button blazers. These are the easiest to remove when you get hot or have to go through security.

The second cardinal rule for travel attire is wear slip-on/slip-off shoes that are flat. The slip-on/slip-off aspect follows the same rationale as layering, whereas the flat aspect is ideal for rushing during layovers and maintaining comfort for the duration of your travel time. I recommend ballet flats or mid-calf boots.

The third (and final) cardinal rule for travel attire is accessorize smart. Choose sunglasses, scarves, and other practical accessories (a watch, perhaps).

Here's an example outfit that follows all three rules (it's missing a shirt haha, but if I were wearing this I would just wear a plain white t-shirt)

Product Information:
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Black Watch: Peacocks (UK)
Vanilla Lotion: Bath and Body Works
Leopard Ballet Flats: Steve by Steve Madden
Cardigan: TopShop
Skinny Jeans: Wet Seal

Happy Holidays from RemChic

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year's Eve/Day! Stay stylin'!

The only thing better than a LBD is a LBB

It was a sad moment when I realized my little black bag ("LBB") finally gave out after 5 great years. The zipper split, and after unzipping and rezipping every which way, I decided that the time had come to retire my beloved bag. Now I'm on the hunt for a new one, which is a very difficult task. If you type in "black handbag" in Google 12.6 million links are found. Overwelming, no? As I browse through a few of the links I notice catchphrases such as "cell phone pocket," "real leather exterior," and more. Ahh the burden of having choices! Here are some that I perused on my hunt:

Product Information:

1. Melie Bianco Oversized Tote - Piperlime

2. Steven by Steve Madden Metal of Honor Satchel - Piperlime

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Twisted Q Groovee - Piperlime

4. Kate Spade Tutti Frutti Maryanne - Zappos

5. Women's Faux-Leather Satchel - Old Navy

6. Equestrian Cross-Stitch Satchel - Fred Flare

I have not made a definite decision yet; however I have picked up a few tips in case you are on the hunt for a perfect bag/pair of jeans/etc.

1) Search websites that feature a lot of different brands such as Zappos, Piperlime, and Bluefly.

2) Think about your price range in regards to the quality of whatever it is you are looking for. For me, this is a long term investment, so I'm willing to part with a little bit more cash than say a quick trendy piece that will only last one season.

3) Hunt, hunt, and hunt somemore. Look for pictures that show all angles, look for information on measurements, read fabric content, etc. One time I found a black bag online that I bought without doing enough homework and the bag was way too big for what I wanted and had a really cheap nylon inner lining that ripped after a month of use.

Of course, I'm also a dreamer, so I decided to scope out some bags that will go on my bucket list...

Chanel Classic 2.55 Black Caviar Bag

Marc Jacobs Classic Quilted Stam Bag

Chloe Victoria (Medium) Handbag

Do you have an item in your wardrobe that is as important to you as my LBB is to me? Leave me a comment!