Tuesday, March 3, 2009

J.Crew's Cotton Skirt in People Magazine

A big "thanks!" to Marietta who not only let us know about some of J.Crew's new arrivals being featured in the latest issue of People's StyleWatch magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view! (Click on the image itself or here to see it larger.)

The first item is described as the "Cupcake" cotton top. This is their Tissue Rolling-Ruffles Tank (Item 12667; $44.00), which has been available for awhile. For more on this tank, please check out Slastena's post (click here), FabulousFloridaMommy's posts (click here and here), and GigiOfCa's post (click here).

The second item is a ruffle skirt in cotton and retails for $148. This is a new item, yet to be released online (considering I was unable to find the skirt on their website.) ;) The closest item I found is the Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt (Item 13464; $88.00). The new cotton skirt looks very pretty, however I am curious how long it is. I am a big fan of skirts hitting "below the knee" and I am not sure if this one does. Also, ruffles are a tricky style- some ruffle skirts look great, while others make my bum look much bigger than it is. ;)

MINI UPDATE: "Thanks!" to our super sleuth Aficionada leogrl6787 (in this post), who let us know that the skirt featured in the magazine is actually the Tiered Ruffle Skirt (Item 11625, $148.00) and is available for pre-order online. :)

What are your thoughts on the new cotton Tiered Ruffle Skirt (e.g. do you like/ dislike the material or style)? Do you like ruffle skirts in general? What is your preferred length for skirts? :)

72 comments:

  1. Love the skirt! I've been patiently waiting for it be available online since I first saw it in the lookbook that came with our rewards card!! I wonder if it comes in other colors?

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  2. We are all so good at finding JCrew items in magazines, we should get paid part time for all this free advertisement LOL

    (typed the sentence while downloading a Ralph Lauren application on my iphone)

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  3. that skirt is online, if you click on the women's home page display that advertises 1 item 2 ways, there will then be arrows to click next. click next and you will see the military boyfriend jacket, in the image on the left she is wearing this skirt, click on that image and you can pre-order. hip hip hooray.

    boo for snow.

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  4. I love it! I love ruffles (in the right place). They are so fun and feminine and spring-y! yay!

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  5. P.s. I would not wear the ruffle top and cupcake skirt together (in public) :)

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  6. It's very girlie and feminine but as with many of these styles, I will pass (had this one in the late eighties!). I'm sure it will look cute on those who wear it. :)

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  7. Thanks Marietta! :)

    I have the tank and love it. Not so sure about the skirt...I'd need to see it IRL before making a decision.

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  8. Good morning, FFM! Did you size down for the tank?

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  9. Am I the only one that thinks $148 is waaay too much to pay for a cotton skirt?

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  10. Good Morning silver_lining! I would say to definitely size down on the ruffle tank. I have the XS and the fit is nice, but I think I could even have sized down to an XXS had they made one. HTH! :)

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  11. OT: But is anyone else besides me waiting on the next promo? I won't buy full price ever--recession or depression or whatever. I have always been a sales shopper and will always be and if something sells out I don't care...always cute stuff coming out all the time but I am surprised that JCrew has nothing going on this week....online at least. No stores near me.

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  12. I think the ruffle tank is the worst. I mean it looks like my 7 year olds first sewing project. Scary that JCrew expect people to buy and actually wear such awful designs. I guess people will wear anything just b/c it says JCrew.

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  13. I was finally able to try the Gateau skirt on in my store and I had very mixed feelings. It was a lovely skirt: great fabric and colors, but the design kind of lacked something. First of all, the clasp on the side seemed out of place; heavy metal clasp on the side of this feminine, ruffly skirt seemed weird to me. Second of all, if the pleats in the back don't lay exactly right they flatten out and it looks like you have a ski slope for a bootie!! If I goes on sale I will snag it up, because it was pretty cute and would be very versatile in the spring, but full price? No way.

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  14. I think I like the gateau skirt better. I'm not a fan of such pronounced ruffles...much prefer the understated look. I tried on the gateau skirt this weekend and fell in love...will definitely be getting it once the price goes down :)

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  15. I've seen nearly identical versions of these 2 items at Target within the last week. I'll pass on the J Crew prices for these trendy (i.e., one season wonders) items.

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  16. amy...i was surprised by the new clasp when I first saw it as well. But i ended up really liking it. It definitely made the clasp more secure than the other flimsy ones they use--i liked how substantial it was. it was also easier for me to maneuver. I didn't spend 5 minutes trying to fit the teeny metal hook into the teeny metal hole. i hate that.

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  17. I tried the skirt on last week. It's really cute on. It only comes in that one color (it's kind of grey). I don't really think I personally would ever wear it, though.

    Definitely worth trying on. It surprisingly DIDN'T make me look bigger.

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  18. That skirt in the pic is not the gateau skirt. the gateau has less obvious ruffling, more like horizontal pleats and more sophisticated. this skirt features in the mag is more young looking, or more like a beach skirt. The gateau is also cheaper at $88.

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  19. The skirt is very cute and feminine. However, it's a pass for me; I see it as too "young". And yes, $148 is definitely waaayy too much for a cotton JCrew skirt.

    OT: has anybody tried the Linen-cotton seaside short? Do you like?

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  20. I wish the gateau came in petite. Seems like it fits like the nicky, which I thought was rather unflattering, but would have probably worked if it came in petite. oh well....

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  21. Silver Lining - ITA to size down on the Ruffle tank. I am normally a size 4 in JCrew tops, and I can take a S or M in the perfect-fit tee.

    But the XS ruffle tank fit me, and the S was definitely too big on me.

    HTH!

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  22. Anony 8:15 I would never wear the ruffle tank either but I can see where they are going with the haphazard design. It looked cute on FFM with a cardi.

    It may work for some but I can't even stand it if my gig line isn't perfectly straight! LOL (And I've never been in the military.)

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  23. The skirt is definitely cute. Too young for me at 23. It just looks girlish, which could be fun for some I guess. I have the tulle cascade ruffle skirt, which is more my style. Of course, I do wear a white denim mini now and again...

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  24. FFM - I ordered the tank in dark charcoal after seeing how lovely it looked on you! However, it is on backorder until mid March, so I am patiently waiting for it! :-)

    I would have to try the skirt on, I have a curvy bottom, so it could be disastrous on me! I also would not pay $148 for a cotton skirt with ruffles!

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  25. Does anyone have the Esplanade Skirt or have you tried it on?

    How does it fit?

    Thanks!

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  26. I'd at least like to try on the skirt, though I agree $140+ for a cotton skirt is pricey.

    I think Sienna Miller looks fantastic - I'd love to own that dress. I'd also like to try on the Lepore skirt.

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  27. Here is the item number for the skirt - 11625

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  28. Is light pewter almost a white? I can't quite tell.

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  29. Marietta

    I agree with you! I have a very curvy body.... ruffles and booties aren't always such a great combo. Also I had seen a few postings about the Grenada cami...It seems like the bow in the back is quite large? I have long very straight hair and I thought that my hair over the bow might look like a big bump. I guess I could wear it up? I had asked if you or almost PHD had long hair and if it was falling ok over the bow. I still want to order it but the "no return" policy has me nervous for such an expensive piece. Thoughts?

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  30. ooh i'd love some info on the esplanade skirt as well. It reminds me of the sunwashed swing skirt from last summer, which i LOVE. i live in knit skirts and dresses over the summer!

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  31. Anony@8:37

    You are exactly right. JCrew is making trendy pieces here and not classic ones. I wouldn't spend JCrew's high prices on the tank or skirt b/c they will only last one season. Trendy pieces I buy inexpensively...but, then again, with JCrew's decline in quality maybe they are going for disposable clothing.

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  32. no ruffle tank,

    I know what you mean, if I saw someone wearing the ruffle tank I would want to go up to them and straighten their ruffles and say, "Did you know the tank is defective!" LOL

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  33. It's a cutish skirt and all, but is too much like the
    Eva Joia Gitano gear I wore in third - fifth grades! Pass for me.
    I did find the perfect length skirt for me, by accident really. I'm 5'5", and usually I go for at or slightly above knee length hems, which look nice on me. A few weeks ago I ordered the embossed cotton Aubrey halter dress, which hit me right under the knee, where the calf is the smallest. Wow! It just looked so nice, I was tempted to keep the dress, even though I hated the top of it on me. Sense prevailed and Aubrey went back, but I'll keep an eye out for things exactly that length in the future. Trying that one on was like a wake up call!

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  34. ELLE-

    I have the seaside short in the shell color. I LOVE THEM! I want more colors.

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  35. Anon at 10:57 am; I have Giraffe cami which is the same cut as Grenada , but different print. By snipping few threads, you can move the bow to the side, so it won't interfere with your lovely hair.Or doing a ponytail, or french twist or a simple ban can be an option.
    I have Lana top with tie in a back only and have been wearing it with cardigans where bow is peeking in the back- it is so unexpected and cute.

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  36. Slastena...thx :)

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  37. I pre-ordered this skirt. I've loved the way it looked ever since it was featured in the lookbook. I only hope it is made well and equally flattering on myself.

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  38. It looks nice, but $148 for a cotton ruffle skirt? I think I had a similar skirt back in high school, and I probably paid $14.88 at G&G!

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  39. I have teh esplanade skirt. I wear it ALL THE TIME!!!
    So great, easy to throw on. I even ended up ordering more so now I have 2 in every color!

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  40. I think that the top is pretty cool, I like that the ruffles are randomly placed. I saw it on FFM, and she looks great in the top, however I'm not as petite, with a bigger chest, and I don't think the ruffles would lay flat and instead just add bulk, so this is a no for me.

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  41. Anon @ 12:08, thanks for the review!

    How does the esplanade skirt fit? I'm usually in between 2 sizes -- would you recommend going up or down?

    Thanks!

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  42. Designed for a 20 year old, priced for a 40 year old.

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  43. pixel girl:

    I have the esplanade skirt in slate gray and really like it also. In fact, if it goes on sale I will buy one in another color if I can. My recommendation would be to size down if you are between two sizes, but would be interesting to hear whether others would have the same recommendation.

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  44. OT...sorry! I just placed an order for the white denim high-heel flare jean (super on sale and I just couldn't resist!) Do you think my chances of getting an item that has been worn & returned are very high? Normally I wouldn't worry, but lately after reading the boards I have heard some not-so-nice things about "final sale" and these kinds of items. Any info would be appreciated! :)

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  45. I loved the skirt from the moment I saw it in the Spring Look Book. However, after seeing the pictures of it online...not so much. It is too gauzy for me. Definitely not what I thought it was going to be. And there is a similar looking skirt (in gray and black) at Target for $24.99 that I like much better.

    I like the gateau much much much better. The shape of it is wonderful (similar to belle skirt)...very feminine. I got my normal size and it fit perfectly. For those of you who might worry about petites, I am normally a petite, but this skirt fit great in the regular size! I think this is an item that I will wear often!

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  46. pixel girl,

    I would size down as well..

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  47. OT--

    Would I need to size up in the Parisian polo? Is it *that* fitted? I normally wear an xs in the regular polo and the fitted cotton stretch 3/4 sleeve rugby from a few years back (remember those? I have the orange/peach, yellow/tan, blue/grey, and uhh, the ivory/tan... whoa, guess I like them!).

    -Heather

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  48. I'm with Jen on the design issue--I wish they would design more skirts that I (at 38 yo) could wear and love, and not the same old, same old pencil skirts (which I love, but I can't fathom buying yet another . . .)

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  49. Here is the address for that ruffled Mossimo skirt from Target in grey and black:

    http://www.target.com/Mossimo-Black-Tiered-Ruffle-Skirt/dp/B001JTKEXY/sr=1-1/qid=1236105335/ref=sr_1_1/184-5466263-1763968?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Aruffle%20skirt&page=1

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  50. I should add RE: the Parisian polo, that I am mainly looking for sizing help regarding the sleeves-- don't want sausage arm! :P Not too concerned with fit around bust as I don't have much there to worry about! ;)

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  51. heather, I found the Parisian polo from last year to be quite fitted. Perhaps it is due to the placket further down the front, the buttons would show any pulling more than just the fabric as on the regular pique polos.

    I didn't size up and I can still wear it, but it's tight. (*_*)

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  52. Anon @ 10:57 - My hair falls to my clavicle, and is wavy/curly by nature. The bow in the back is big, so I'd either wear my hair up, or blown very straight, since my length wouldn't completely cover the bow. It is a fabulous piece, I love it and can't wait for the warm weather to finally wear it!

    If your hair is super long, I would suggest wearing it up... or you can try and snip the thread that anchors the ties on the neckline in two places so you could wear the bow at the side. A Bigger Closet blogged about doing this, and has pics with the bow tied at the side.

    http://abiggercloset.blogspot.com/2009/02/grenada-palm-cami-in-real-life.html

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  53. heather, I answered before I read your second comment. The fit around the sleeves was fine on last year's version. And I have medium-sized arms.

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  54. @1:40,

    thanks! Hmm, maybe I should take fit around the bust into account, the longer button placket could make it an issue even for us smaller chested ladies. :)

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  55. J Crew is going for disposable clothing, I have 2 cashmere sweaters that are coming undone at the seams after 1 season, and they are not tight on me! What crap!

    Parisian Polo: Size up it is a fitted tee, the arms are not issue on this tee.

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  56. I just received the Parisian Polo.

    I typically wear a S in sweaters, a 2 in jackets, and a M in tees/polos (because I like to be able to put them in the dryer- I'm lazy at laundry).

    Unfortunately, the M seems much to big for me in the underarms and arms (and everywhere else really). I wanted it to be a touch big so it would allow for shrinkage, but this is just way too big in the chest area and looks like I'm wearing a men's shirt almost (and I have a C cup so that's not the problem).

    I think I'm going to send it back and try for a S.

    In addition to the Parisian Polo, I just received thes lub cotton critter tee (seahorse). I'm not really loving it, especially for the price. The gray is a weird shade and doesn't do much for me, and the fabric feels and looks cheap IMO. It fits pretty TTS, I got my usual M in tees. Probably going back.

    What I did really like though, was the short-sleeve cotton scoopneck soft tee. This is definitely a keeper. Runs a tad small it seems like, but it is very soft and stretchy so I wouldn't change sizes. This shirt feels good and looks good. I got it in tea rose which is a brighter color than I expected.

    Hope this helps.

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  57. jj: I also received the polo and mine is the same size as last years version, and it fit the same. I wonder if yours was tagged incorrectly.

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  58. Casual crew-
    Maybe you are right? I haven't had a Parisian polo before so I probably just ordered the wrong size. I am very tall so I always have a problem of the polo being too short or too big. I think I'm going to try to exchange it but I don't know how I feel about paying to ship it back and then paying to have them send me another one.

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  59. I do like ruffled skirts, but agree that they can be tricky to pull off. I tend to prefer designs with dressier fabrics, less tiers, and a less pedestrian cut, so this one (Tiered Ruffled Skirt) doesn't quite do it for me. While it looks cute on the JC model, it also looks too casual - sort of like a beach coverup/loungewear piece - to me. I think it's because of the dropped waist, and the crinkly gauziness, and the straightforward layers.

    I do love the look of the Gateau, however. Will the ladies who have bought or seen it in person review the colors, please? I like them all, but am especially drawn to the chartreuse and orange but am afraid the first is too similar to the yellow Belle and the latter, well, too orange-y.

    LL

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  60. I tried on the Gateau and wasn't impressed. Will post a review later in the week. The silk dupioni doesn't have ruffles, but I prefer the look of it.

    I tried on the Target skirt here: http://gigisgoneshopping.blogspot.com/2009/02/target-mossimo-black-tiered-ruffle.html

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  61. I like ruffles. Ruffles are fun and very feminine. However, I’ve seen so many clothes with ruffles from J.Crew lately that I am tired of them. When I buy clothes I am looking for “Wow” factor, and the items with ruffles are usually cute, but rarely “Wow”.

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  62. The price is a "wow," lol.

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  63. ELLE: I have the blue faded-chambray seaside shorts and they are lovely, best shorts ever, perfect for the beach but also the city. You should definitively get one pair if you like them.

    Re. the ruffles I have tried the rolling-ruffle tank in slate and it was cute on me but I felt like I was wearing a Gap tank (where it would be priced $26 or $28), not Jcrew. Means, I will try to buy it on sale, not FP! I also liked the viscose ruffle-sleeve tank in the new catalog (12614), but I would like to see some IRL pics or hear some comments before buying it since it's a Internet-only item. Anyone has it? Otherwise, I think that there are definitively too many ruffles this season...

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  64. I know I am supposed to be looking at the J. Crew merch, I can't pull my eyes away from the Phillip Lim vest, 213 Factory dress, and the Nanette Lepore skirt. :}

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  65. This skirt looks kind of the the silver lame (lame as in metallic, not as in hurt or bad, I don't have the ability to type an accent on the computer and also don't know which accent it would be. I feel I have to write things like that so you ladies don't think I'm uneducated) skirt from 2008. I can't remember the name exactly, but I think FFM created some outfits around it.

    Anyway, that skirt (silver lame) is hanging in my closest. I only tried it on once, but I LOVE it, and I am in my late 30's. I haven't had an occasion to wear it yet, but do have a dressy party coming up in mid April. I just have to figure out the rest of the outfit.

    Notes: I do not have a big butt or hips (I have plenty of other figure issues, but not those). Also, my husband has seen this hanging in the closet and has made positive comments about it (the desire for me to wear it). That's interesting because he rarely comments on my clothes.

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  66. gigi I love the target skirt on you. did you buy it?

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  67. Anon@8:18 PM - Thanks. :-) No, didn't buy the Target skirt. I didn't think I'd wear it.

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  68. ^ oh well, we can't buy every thing, right? I look forward to your review of the Gateau. I can't pull off the ruffled or pouffy skirts, just not me, but I love the feminine look. The closest I got to either look is the Nicky in staid navy. Not too exciting, but it is my style.

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  69. This is OT, but can someone tell which post had the link to the target necklace, or was it bracelet, resembling a JCrew one? I've using the search field on this blog, but have not been successful, yet. I'm trying to see what the Target neclace looked like? Thanks!~

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  70. For anyone interested in the ruffle skirt, the Garden State (NJ) store has them in all sizes. It seems they only come in that light pewter color. I wasn't crazy about the material IRL, but it did look good on the mannequin with the military jacket.

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  71. I am not interested in either ruffled item.

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