Pages By Megan

June 6, 2017 by pagesbymegan

LISBON LOOKBOOK | WHAT TO WEAR ON A CITY BREAK

Why hello there friends, I hope you're all doing really, really well and you've had a wonderful week since we last spoke 🙂
If you've been keeping up with my Instagram and Twitter feed's you'll know that I spent the past week in beautiful sunny Lisbon with an even beautiful(er) group of girls thanks to Next.
They kindly invited us on a lil girlie holiday to Lisbon, a place I've never visited before, but a place I'd heard SO many great things about. Whilst, as is with most press trips, there was a schedule in place and we did some totally wonderful things, I'm already desperate to return to Lisbon to explore some more. The weather, the architecture, the locals and the food were all tip-top so I'm really hoping that some day I'll be able to return.

I've been sharing my outfits throughout my trip over on Instagram and Twitter but I wanted to devise a little blog post to share a little more detail about my outfit choices and to ofc link to everything so it's all here for you in one post, as I know SO many of you have been desperate to get your hands on a few of the items.

So first up we have this wee tribal number (LOL that I'm saying "wee", thats what spending three days with Amy Spencer will do to you) it's a truly beautiful smock dress in black linen with the most gorgeous and intricate embroidery in a somewhat Ikat design. With a peasant style neckline fit with tassles, and a belt tie, it's a really flattering yet totally comfortable dress thats perfectly lightweight for your holiday. I teamed my dress with some lace up espadrilles which are INSANELY comfortable and a little wicker bag for the ultimate holiday vibes.

We were SO lucky to stay at the Pestana Palace which has got to be the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed at. The hotel itself and the grounds were out of this world beautiful and I think this little jungle, palm setting has got to be my most favourite of backdrops ever. The jungle effect really was the perfect place to shoot such a holiday inspired evening look.

On our second day in Lisbon we were lucky enough to embark on a bike ride of the city. I've not been on a bike in SO many years but it's something I really LOVE to do so it really was the perfect day. For such an activity I donned a graphic Tee by Wrangler, this gorgeous and oh-so flattering suedette skirt from Next and my most favourite of accessories from Saint Laurent & Gucci.
I went for plaits too, to ensure my hair wasn't getting on my tits during the bike ride and was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this hair style. I think this may be a reoccurring look throughout the summer.

This look has got to be one of the most special looks I've worn in some time. I felt a million dollars and like the princess of the Pestana Palace and yet, it's such an affordable look AND is in-fact a beach get-up, who'd have thought it.
Definitely inspired by all things Dolce & Gabanna this beautiful tiled number in summer hues of blue and yellow was the perfect two piece for Lisbon, reminiscent of the tile lined buildings of the city, it was a match made in heaven.
Contrasting the blue and yellow colours with a red lip and tying it all together with complimenting blue and yellow accessories, it was the perfect summer evening look to make me feel truly awesome and oh-so girlie... For a change.

This little candy-striped playsuit went down a storm with you wonderful babes over on Instagram and tbh, I was a little nervous about wearing it.
It's a touch more revealing than what I would normally wear so I did feel ever so slightly conscious of my body in it to start with, but as is always the case, I needn't have worried... Us girls are so silly aren't we.

It's a gorgeous linen playsuit with intricate tie detailing to the back of the suit and a tie around the middle. I was also highly tempted by the pink version too, I just adore the ice-cream hues and the totally youthful vibe to the whole look.
Throwing in some clog style mules, I was ready to do some exploring... Albeit they rubbed my feet a little, but alas, they're gorgeous and I WILL wear them in.

This summer I must admit that I'm not feeling particularly confident in the ole body department, so the thought of getting down to my swimsuit was a little terrifying to say the least. However, I felt awesome in this bottle green suit from Next (ofc), with it's belted front, it really worked to show off my waist and I found it to slim out my stomach, which is always what we want when by the pool.
It's an absolutely BEAUTIFUL swimsuit and as you may know from my Miami posts, I am quite the fan of Next swimwear indeed.

And finally, the perfect beach cover up award goes to this little crochet number.
Colourful crochet has always been a hit with me when it comes to holidays so this dress certainly did not disappoint. I simply wore my green swimsuit underneath it to protect my dignity through the little crochet holes and it was the perfect combination. No fuss yet oh so sassy holiday dressing is where it's at, thats for sure!

HUGE thank you to Next and the wonderful ladies for the best trip ever!
I'd love to know your thoughts on these looks and which is your fave 🙂
Have a marvellous week you bunch of babes.

x M

P.S stay tuned on Wednesday for a vlog from this trip.

May 31, 2017 by pagesbymegan

LAYER PLAYER’S, STYLE RUTS & NEW LUXURY BABIES

*Please note this post was written a week or so ago, before what happened, happened*

I honestly, cannot tell you how hard I'm finding it to dress recently.
I've mentioned it a fair few times in videos as of late but seriously, this has never happened to me before.

Whilst I am by no means suggesting that I have previously never not known what to wear, I mean c'mon now, I'm a girl after all and we all regularly have those wardrobe meltdowns when nothing in our over flowing wardrobes are quite floating your boat. It happens each and every season, there is always a lull and it's normally always in that wishy washy period when what is in the shops isn't quite reflecting that of the weather.

I feel that this spring has been the absolute worst spring in as long as I can remember, April-May are usually my upmost favourite months when it comes to weather, it's *usually* sunny and warm enough to go with just a thin top and an even thinner jacket that you will no doubt remove half way through the day. However, not this year. April and May have been complete and utter wash outs and as soon as the sun starts to rear it's beautiful head, the rain is back to remind us that, "yes, you do live in the UK fool, sunny days no longer exist"...

So with that kind of attitude coming from the weather forecast, my attitude towards clothing and styling has been pretty darn similar indeed.
Getting ready in a morning has become something I dread, rather than looking forward to and I'm finding it increasingly hard to find the inspiration to create brand new outfits when I feel I've totally exhausted my beloved light wash denim, slogan t-shirt and leather jacket failsafe combination.

There really is nothing worse than not feeling yourself is there? And when you've built a world for yourself based upon personal style, things can get a little frustrating to say the least. When I'm not feeling myself how can I expect you guys to feel me. How can I expect you to engage, to like, to comment or to be inspired? So I usually drag myself out of it and force myself to banish the rut once and for all. However, this year it's not quite happening in such a way.

And with that, I've been trying out some fun ways in which I can layer up. I mean, we don't really have much choice seen as it's freaking freezing outside and all the shops are giving us are leg baring, midrif flashing, off the shoulder, florals!
So styling up my spring faves or spring newbies in ways that are weather appropriate has been the only option of late.

Take this absolutely GORGEOUS and oh so minimalistic (yeah I know, who am I?) tabard style, tunic dress with box pleat hemline, pretty awesome right? And something that will look oh-so totally wonderful on it's own in the summer time with a lace up espadrille and an ice cold beer in my hand (AMIRITE!?) however, right now, I'm giving it a little bit of a sophisticated, warmer touch through the good ole power of layering.

I've always been a huge advocate for layering, especially during the colder months. I love mixing up different elements to make a truly unique look; something that is exclusive to you and tailored to meet your needs, whether that be a lack of desire for your arms or purely to keep you that little bit warmer, layering is your best mate for days like today when the weather is giving you jib.

Shirts and polo necks are absolute layering genius' as we all know, they add that little bit of, often much needed androgyny and styling interest whilst doing their initial role of keeping us that little bit warmer.

Crap weather and layering aside, I simply must mention the latest addition to my bag collection and that of the beautiful Chloe Faye.
Now, the Chloe Faye has been doing the rounds for the past two years or so and was never a bag that really interested me, other than the fact it had the same name as my baby sister Faye.
However, when my sister pointed out this beauty I knew it had to be mine.
The navy shade was something I've been looking to add to my handbag collection for some time now and the fact this beauty was in suede was something different for me and granted, a bold move, but I've been on the look out for the perfect summer suede number and this one ticked many a box.
I also totally adored the oh-so unusual and totally retro patchwork design of varying blue shades in both suede and grained leather. The gold chain detailing is totally gorgeous and adds to the overall seventies vibe that the piece has got going on, which is essentially the exact reason why I was attracted to it.
If you know the Chloe Faye well, you'll know that it's deceivingly HUGE with it's accordion fold design, meaning it really is the perfect everyday bag, despite being suede and currently totally babied.

With that, this post was a little all over the place, but in all honesty, thats how my brain is feeling 80% of the time right now.
I'm struggling with what to wear, but enjoying experimenting with layering, which you can see more of in my layer player dedicated video here, I'm just hoping this spot of sunshine that is gracing Manchester right now, will stick around a little bit longer than just a day in order for me to find some new, seasonal appropriate pieces to wear.

But until then I'll keep wearing my all new and totally beloved Chloe Faye Bag, 'cause there ain't nothing a bag like this can't fix.

x M

May 30, 2017 by pagesbymegan

MANCHESTER <3

I simply don't know what to say.
I'm numb. I can't do anything without my thoughts going back to this terrifying reality. My beautiful hometown of Manchester was bombed.

It pains me to write this. I didn't think I was going to, but I have SO many words, so many thoughts that I'm struggling to comprehend, so I had to write. Writing is the only thing that allows my mind to be free, heck, I may not ever share this, but I just have to write, through eyes full of tears, I just have to say something about the most incredible place in the world, Manchester.

I didn't know that your heart could break multiple times in one day. I didn't realise that your heart could break multiple times for people you didn't know. And I didn't know that your heart could break for a whole city. I've never felt anything like this, sadness deep within the pit of me. Fear for my city and this beautiful country and pain for the families and friends of those affected.
Today, Wednesday 24th May, news about who those 22 beautiful people who were cruelly taken away is beginning to hit, we're hearing names, seeing faces of those who have been taken away in such a terrible way and I cannot shake the tears, the emptiness, the goosebumps, the heart ache.

Whilst none of them affected me directly the pain I feel is no less. I cry every time I hear of murder, of terrorism in any part of the world and in the press, I cry for those who left for work, for a concert, for those that never got the chance to return home. But when this happens somewhere so close to home, and quite literally just 10 minutes away from my home, our home, mine and George's and my families home, it really is like nothing else I've ever felt.

I'm struggling to do anything but cry right now. I have a to-do list as long as my arm but none of it seems important, relevant or indeed worthy at this time. I've cancelled meetings and photo shoots, I've postponed videos, blog posts and sponsored content, none of that matters right now and currently, I can't see when it will seem like it matters again.
I know it will one day. It has to, these monsters cannot win and will not win. Our city of Manchester and our strong and courageous country will fight back, with love, the way we have seen from Manchester this week.
Whilst this is the saddest thing I've ever experienced in my life, here in Manchester, I've never felt more proud of this city than I do right now. The press we have seen about the good natured people of Manchester, the selfless acts of kindness, the love and the unity, has blown me away. It's something I've always known and loved about Manchester, how strong and united we are, but this week I'm more proud and in love with my city than ever before.
It's been hard to see those around me, on social media, continue with business as usual, and I have to say I've unfollowed a few people who I deemed "thoughtless" "self centred" and down right "rude" this week, but I don't blame them (and have since re-followed them). I know the world won't stop turning and I know we need to keep on keeping on, that everyone has there own way of dealing with things, but it doesn't work that way for me, and many others around me.

I attended the vigil in Manchester last night (23rd May) with my dad. I was nervous and scared to be walking the streets of Manchester, even that felt disrespectful, but what I saw at Alberts Square, in front of our beautiful town hall, completely and utterly knocked me for six. Thousands of proud Mancunians united together. We stood together, as one, as a united front against terrorism, against these ghastly, inhuman monsters that cruelly take from us. We stood, a mass of different ages, different races and religions listening to all that is great about Manchester, not that we didn't know it already, but this poem, from Tony Walsh offered some light in the darkness that I would urge you all the listen to.

Manchester really is a truly incredible city full of truly unbelievable people and I am so totally proud to be one of them. I'm also SO proud and completely humbled by all of your beautiful emails, comments and private messages offering your thoughts and love for me, my loved ones and for my city. I didn't realise how impactful my love of Manchester had been for so many of you; Allowing you to fall in love with my city without having set foot in it, that makes me insanely proud to my core, so thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts with me, it offered some light in such a dark time.
And it is, Manchester is the best city in the word, it's full of the most incredible, kind, thoughtful and hilarious people, it's full of some of the most beautiful of architecture, has created some of the best music of all time, we have two of the best football clubs in the world, we're home to Emmeline Pankhurst, we invented the computer, the atomic theory and the first ever canal. We're a city of history, of heritage and we're SO proud of that. Nothing and nobody will ever break us, albeit they try, and we will cry and we will mourn, but we'll listen to the words of Tony Walsh, of Morrissey, of the Gallagher Brothers and we'll keep on keeping on as Primal Scream once said.

I've sat, for the past two days scrolling Twitter and countless news websites, with the news on the television behind me prowling for updates, a woman obsessed with knowing everything that has happened and trying to understand why, but of course, there are no words, there are no answers to the question of "why", it is something we will never be able to comprehend.
Children and parents, young people, WHY THEM!? It's a question I will have forever more, along with everyone around the world, why did you pick such vulnerable people? It's evil in it's highest form and it's something we will never truly get over.
This scrolling with an aim lark is doing me no good, I've broken down four times already today and it's only 1130am, but I can't stop. I wish I had an office to go to, a place to go where I could sit and talk about my feelings to my colleagues, but instead I'm alone with just my keyboard. And thats why I'm writing this today.

It's a little bit later now, 14:29 to be precise. I had to stop writing as it all got a bit too much.
I've since had chance to calm down but still find myself moping around the flat. Clothes and fashion just seem so irrelevant right now. I've busied myself tidying and listening to the best of Manchester bands, a playlist I made and have since added to. There's not been a moment today, where a helicopter hasn't circled above our flat, it's frightening really, but also highly reassuring. Operation Temperer is well and truly underway and it's scary but as I've said, there is some reassurance in the increase of security.
I've cancelled today's video, which has been taken well so far. However someone has advised to not let this affect my schedule and whilst I understand that, it's simply too soon for me right now and I bet for many others out there. Hauls, OOTD's and new handbags can wait a few more days, thats for sure.

I can't think of anything but what has happened. Whenever I think I'm doing okay, something pops up on the news or on Twitter to remind me and set me back a few steps. It's funny how I feel like I'm being overdramatic, I feel guilty for feeling this way when so many people have been affected tens, thousands of times worse than I. But as I've said, we all deal with things differently and despite moping, I have plans to help in other ways.
One of the many things that keeps replaying in my mind is how many times, as a child, I went to the MEN Arena for concerts, whether it was Steps or Spice Girls or in later years Justin Timberlake and McFly, where my parents, like those affected this week, would wait in the foyer area to take us home. The MEN Arena is part of many a Mancunian's history and it's so heartbreaking that those memories are now plagued with pain.

Since writing the above, I've been to London, which really helped. I was able to busy myself in other ways but never without Manchester in my heart and my phone in my hand, relentlessly checking the news for updates.
Friday was hard and I embarrassingly but understandably wanted to get extremely drunk in order to not feel or think anything anymore. But when I attended The Courtneeners show on Saturday night, I finally felt peace. 50,000 people turned up to the show of which Cabbage, Blossoms, The Charlatans and of course The Courteeners performed, it was overwhelming to see such a united front. Thousands of people who weren't scared, who didn't cancel plans, who turned up, who danced, sang along to Manchester favourites and who loved one another. It was exactly what I needed and I am SO glad I went along with my mum and my sister. It was a beautiful night to be part of Manchester and whilst we still cried for those who have lost, we stood together, sang our hearts out and showed terrorism the middle finger, and boy did it feel great.

Whilst I don't think I'll ever get over what has happened to our city and there will always be pain in my heart for those who have lost, I'm feeling stronger, I'm feeling proud of my city and I'm feeling determined to make a difference, to help in anyway I can, watch this space.

Manchester I love you. And I love you all, my readers, viewers and my friends for being so supportive during this awful time.

Fuck you terrorism, you won't break us.

x M

May 22, 2017 by pagesbymegan

A YEAR OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY & FRIENDSHIP

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you all had a really great weekend indeed.

I'm writing today, not with my usual Monday retrospect post, but with a very special post as it's been exactly ONE YEAR since I started working with Sophie Traynor... WHAT THE HECK!? Where oh where does the time go and contrastingly, how have you only been in my life for one year!?

So yes, it's been exactly one year to this day that I posted my very first blogpost featuring her stunning photography. It's actually this very post, with the beautiful layered nude dress and gold glitter sunglasses that rival those of Dame Edna and still, a whole year on, I remember exactly how I felt when Sophie sent over these images.

Back then, Sophie did the selects and decided upon colours for the edit etc, so it was a complete surprise every time her WeTransfer email would pop up in my inbox and I would anxiously wait for the photographs to download onto my laptop...

I remember being totally thrilled with how the images had come out, totally proud of what we'd worked on together, totally shocked that she was able to make me look in that way and totally smug that a beautiful dream team had been born that day.

It's so wonderful to look back at these snaps, from a year ago and notice how both my posing tekkers and Sophie's photography and editing tekkers have developed and changed. We've both learnt SO much this year and therefore progressed in ways I certainly never thought to be possible.
And now, a whole year on, we're still dream teaming away but this time in a much more fluid, less awkward and well-oiled machine kinda way.

I wanted to celebrate our Friendaversary as Sophie has completely transformed my blog, I think you would all agree?
Whilst the styling and general musings remain the same, Sophie's creativity, hilarity and sheer talent has transformed the way I treat each and every blog post, she's managed to open my eyes to what blogging could be and why it doesn't have to be a one-size-fits all, something I've always tried to champion anyway, but never in ways that I have to this day.
So, with that, I wanted to share some of my favourite shots from the past year ,whilst I truly believe that the things we've shot in the past month or so are the best images to date (stay tuned), it's so nice to look back over the last year and see how far we've come, together as our very own PBM dream team.

The shots above are from my all time favourite styling blog post ever! I have no idea why if I'm completely honest, but sometimes that kind of thing just happens.
I really love how Sophie captured the softness of the palette in my outfit and translated it with both the location choice and the edit.
I remember us playing around with dappled lighting through the tree's and doing a mini happy dance when she shared the shots from the back of the camera, it was such a great day for shooting, the weather and the vibes were totally spot on and I remember feeling like what we had just shot could have been a spread from Teen Vogue... Maybe one day eh?

READ THE FULL POST HERE

The shot below is also from our very first day of shooting together, in fact the first shoot we ever did. I was SO nervous about meeting Sophie that day and now know that she was too, although at the time she didn't show it which was how I knew that she was the one for me, she made me feel so comfortable and at ease, despite shooting in a V busy area of Manchester, oh Soph, you're a good egg.
It wasn't long until we were laughing and being our *now* usual silly selves, and I couldn't wait to get the next shoot day booked in.

READ THE FULL POST HERE

The reaction to this beauty post was like nothing I ever expected to receive!
Beauty has been something I've wanted to talk about for SO long but I always struggled to find my own way in which I could have a voice. Sophie and I brainstormed and worked out that having that fashion spin on beauty was where I was able to fit in. These shots are like nothing else! And something I never thought I would be able to achieve, quite possibly my most proud project to date, and it was something we simply did just for fun!

READ THE FULL POST HERE

This Christmas party shoot was a big one for me too.
It was something we'd discussed for AGES and I was so excited to bring our ideas to life.

However, it was my first time shooting at night and being Christmas time, Manchester was COMPLETELY RAMMED!
I was SO nervous, totally self conscious and hating every minute of seeing everyone's eyes on me as I tried to pose up a storm.
Then, just when I needed it, Sophie shouted to me from behind the camera "Mate, you've got this" and she was right, I did have it, and I did give it and the shots are in-turn some of my proudest shots ever. They came out SO beautifully and Sophie truly took my Christmas party vision and ran with it, bringing both of our visions to life whilst also stopping me from having a nervous breakdown, well done kiddo!

READ THE FULL POST HERE

Sophie and I have worked with some truly awesome brands this year which I am so totally proud of and I can't tell you how incredible it has been to share the journey with somebody else.
Having been riding solo on this blogging journey for the past 3 years, it's been incredible to share my 4th year with Sophie, someone to bounce ideas off, to create with, to laugh with and just generally lark around with, whilst still being the ultimate girl bosses too, it's been an awesome year full of SERIOUS career highlights.

Sophie and I have had our work featured in shop windows, we've been to LFW together (BEST LFW EVER might I add) we've shot beauty looks, we've hired out locations and pushed the boundaries on blog photography and bloody loved every moment of it.

As well as making me feel more confident, Sophie has a weird way of making me look A LOT better than I do in real life too; I don't know how she does it, some weird witching wizardry or some shit, but I'm grateful for it, I really am (ha)! She's an incredible asset to my blog but is also one of the most beautiful and most loyal friends in the world, and I am SO happy you dropped me an email on that very fateful day... Even if you didn't know who I was and it was only your friend who suggested you get in touch (LOL)

Love you Soph, thanks for everything!
Here's to another hilarious year of Girl Bossing the shizz outta life.

x M

May 18, 2017 by pagesbymegan

THE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING GUEST LOOK

It's that tricky time of the year when summer occasion dressing begins to rear it's ugly head and we all start FREAKING THE HELL OUT about the legs we haven't shaved in god knows how long and the tummy rolls that have appeared "out of nowhere, over night."

Occasion dressing is hard at the best of times, but when occasion dressing is met with the unpredictable British weather forecast and the fact it might be sweaty af but it could also be a little breezy at night and oh, I best pack myself a brolly JIC it starts to rain...
Whilst I currently don't have any wedding's or overly fancy summer events coming up, I know it's something we as women worry about so I thought I'd kick things off with a little styling inspo for those impending summer nuptials.

Dresses are a failsafe when it comes to ocassion dressing, the first thing out of your friends mouth will always be "Have you found a dress for ****'s (insert bride to be's name here) wedding" but why does it need to be a dress!? I certainly don't want to be that predictable so I'm saying we throw shade to the predictable dress and opt for something a little out of the ordinary indeed.
In steps that of the short suit; now thats an occasion wear item that gets my juices flowing.

You know by now my love for the two-piece suit. My collection is getting a little out of hand I must say, but there is something oh so powerful, so empowering and down right bad ass about that of the two piece suit.
Something so stereotypically masculine that it makes me feel like the upmost of rebels and for that I can only say it's a no brainer of an item for that of a wedding or summer affair of that ilk.

Wedding's can be SO dull! So if I can dress myself in such a way that is fun, that adds a spring to my step and makes me feel like I can take on the world then I will do just that. This little number is by Sister Jane, and we all know how I feel about Sister Jane now don't we...

Sister Jane epitomises everything I love so much about styling. They take vintage cuts and retro prints and modernise them in a way that no other high street brand does. They release collection after collection for the alternative girl and they nail it each and every time around. This season's collection is certainly no different.

I'm SO into this little short suit right now, everything from the beautiful soft blue denim... Yes I am telling you to wear denim to a wedding, sod the "rules", to the oh so delicate floral embroidery, (see that's more wedding appropriate now isn't it) and not to mention the oversized silhouette to the blazer combined with the oh so flattering shape of the shorts that kind of look like an A-line skirt, but are in fact shorts and therefore with so much room for activities (10 points if you got the reference)

This look is SO fun and oh so playful.
It has a real mod vibe to it which is something I LOVE to achieve, especially accidental as is with this look.
To enhance that masculine vibe I've teamed the short suit with a crisp white shirt with just the right amount of ruffle to tick all those SS17 trend boxes. This beauty is by 2nd Day and is a piece I'm REALLY enjoying styling with. See it in a different light in this post here, however I truly think it looks SO wonderful in this suited and booted way, perfect for that of a wedding or a summer event.
I've also teamed the look with some micro fish nets, which aren't essential, but were for me on this typically cold spring morning in Manchester and upped the ante with some metallic heeled loafers, the perfect combination of girl meets boy. I'd probably switch out the loafers for a high pair of pointed courts for a wedding day, but as you can see Manchester is mainly built upon cobbles, and that just isn't a combination I was prepared to go for at this time.
Mod-ed up to the max with my trusty Saint Laurent sunglasses, are you bored of these yet?

x M

LISBON LOOKBOOK | WHAT TO WEAR ON A CITY BREAK

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LAYER PLAYER’S, STYLE RUTS & NEW LUXURY BABIES

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MANCHESTER <3

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A YEAR OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY & FRIENDSHIP

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THE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING GUEST LOOK

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