#poorly analyzing fashion choices

[kingscollect1on]

Tips to consider when choosing the best luxury brand backpack

Matching your Style

Unisex, men's, women's, and children's designs are all available in designer packs. The various gender designs are altered to reflect the preferences of each gender. You then get to select the ideal bag for your preferences based on what you can relate to. If the bag is a gift for a friend, you should be aware that men find it strange to use a brand or style that is generally intended for women. However, many female users of things made by men feel very at ease. As a result, take into account the style and pattern when making your decision. It also wouldn't hurt to ask.

Function of the backpack

There are specialized bags in addition to designer backpacks sale, which might be multifunctional. For users with different needs, a number of packs are available. For instance, laptop bags, hiking bags, office bags, bicycling bags, urban bags, school bags, and bags with fashionable designs. Every backpack has a unique shape and set of requirements that are tailored to its intended use. Similar to how school or laptop backpacks are often square since they are intended to carry books, documents, or a laptop. You should carefully analyze the bag's intended use before making your purchase in order to select the appropriate pack.

Comfort

You'll probably be carrying the bag, as the name implies! Because of this, choosing poorly might even result in health issues, particularly with your back due to improper posture and strained backs. Comfort is therefore a very important factor to consider. In order to minimize abrasion when transporting objects with unusual shapes, a good brand backpack should have padding at the end to give it a nice feel. To prevent strain, the bag should be s-shaped with properly spaced straps to distribute the weight and retain the natural curvature of the body.

Your budget

When selecting backpacks from premium brands, it's important to consider your budget both in terms of the money required to buy the bag of your choice and the cost of repairing or replacing a cheap backpack that has been torn. It is common to mistake cost for value. You should thus investigate the pack's other specifications. There are some bags that are considerably less expensive but far superior to the most expensive ones. An costly, high-quality backpack will last longer and be more useful than a cheap one that will require you to buy a bag every other time.

Material

Depending on a number of elements, such as durability, the bag's purpose, and whether it needs to be waterproof, among other things, various luxury brands will employ various materials to construct their backpacks. The materials Cordura, Ballistic Nylon, Kodra Nylon, and Ripstop are used to make the majority of backpacks from high-end brands. Durable Water Repellent, PU Coating, TPU-film Laminate, and PVC Coating are utilized to create waterproof backpacks. The majority of the components that go into making branded backpacks are common materials weaved together in a unique way.

Durability

Being a luxury and designer backpack on sale, you don't want to have to visit the store again every time you travel to hunt for a bag. The kind of backpack you need is one that will serve you well for a long period before becoming torn. You can do this to save time and money. Some firms make quite fashionable bags, but the straps tend to rip quickly. This can make the bag useless because the benefit of utilizing a backpack is that you can carry it on your back while using both arms for the trip or while commuting. The bag's material and the amount of weight it can support will have the biggest impact on its durability.

#designer backpack sale #sale #backpack #bag

[biosssa]

Did You Know: Edify Presents Psychometric Testing And Profession Guidance

Khano Consulting Services provides Selection, Development, Career Assessments & Job Profiling. The strategy of assessments minimizes the expenditure that is often wasted on steady recruitment for a similar role, re-training and loss of production when selected staff are mismatched with the job requirements. One of the key benefits of psychometric evaluations is their capacity to minimize back biases and promote equity within the analysis course of. By utilizing goal, scientifically validated measures, organisations can make certain that their HR selections are based on correct and reliable knowledge somewhat than on private opinions or perceptions. Additionally, psychometric evaluations can help improve the effectivity of the talent administration course of by offering organisations with a wealth of details about job candidates and present workers in a comparatively quick amount of time. In addition to being used for recruitment and selection, psychometric checks can additionally be employed for profession planning, staff constructing, and worker improvement.

Personality assessments are utilized in recruitment to evaluate a candidate’s character profile. It supplies helpful insights regarding how candidates behave in a work context and predict job efficiency and firm fit. Data can also be used to improve overall productiveness and effectiveness of groups. Each test, additionally measures your character traits using a unique type of psychometric test questions. This group of psychometric exams isn't using a timer and you may be allowed to complete the tests at your individual tempo. This group of psychometric tests doesn't measure if you're better than others.

Managers can benefit from a candidate’s psychometric assessments by actively incorporating the insights into the onboarding and improvement plan for the prospective employee. In the past, psychometric assessments have often been poorly positioned and sometimes candidates full these assessments with nervousness and worry. Adding a tool psychometric corresponding to psychometric assessments to your hiring arsenal can assist your group in making a sound hiring decision. An organization’s most dear asset is its staff and much effort is made to ensure that appropriate candidates are recruited or promoted inside the firm.

Personal and govt coaches additionally make use of our services and products to counterpoint their improvement platform from which they construct their client on wards. Impaq provides a comprehensive set of academic merchandise based mostly on a CAPS aligned curriculum for All Grades, in English and Afrikaans. Our curriculum and associated psychometric assessments options are designed to enable individualized learning and are used to educate learners at home. Psychometric tests are a normal and scientific methodology used to measure individuals’ psychological capabilities and behavioral fashion. Consists of 14 assessments which specialize in Integrity, Personality, Cognitive Potential & Job Matching.

The results obtained by way of aptitude testing provides the assessor a sign of the lengthy run potential of the person being examined. Career counsellors use aptitude checks to find out if an individual will have the power to perform occupational tasks if he/she receives the mandatory coaching. However, it may be very important do not forget that psychometric assessments (though helpful) are just one of the many tools obtainable at present to assist information college students of their profession choices.

By utilising psychometric exams, employers can make more knowledgeable decisions regarding hiring, expertise administration, and skilled development. Psychometric assessments are a valuable device psychometric test for evaluating candidate fit and potential. By analyzing traits, abilities, and cultural alignment, these assessments can provide priceless insights into whether or not a candidate is well-suited for a selected function.

[braskbenton29]

6 Tips for Deciding on a Suitable Agreement Manufacturing Partner

The agreement manufacturing business features witnessed much higher growth rate when compared with typically the market for pharmaceutical drug or biopharmaceutical market. The demand intended for this sector will be quite immense in today's time due in order to its effectiveness in addition to expansion benefits. 1 needs to find familiar with these types of six pointers for finding an apt production partner. Need with regard to a Manufacturing Companion For those who are not all set to get in touch with the contract manufacturer, tend not to feel left away as there are numerous businesses which follow this specific path of ignorance. Small companies work under cash restrictions and still have narrow product or service development options. This particular makes marketing hard without the existence of the proper advertising department. Moreover, growth into adjacent categories also become hazy increasing the quantity of obstacles. The advantages of finding a manufacturing partner comes straight into effect in order to resolve this misery. The preferred partner would help you obtain over the plunge and balance your current production. Planned Choice The decision in order to select which company you will work together with is counted as one of the many important decisions to your firm. This option should be chosen stern importance or it may surely backfire. Exactly what do go wrong after you select a wrong manufacturer? You might have production troubles due to poorly-maintained equipment or perhaps due to their own priority for any greater customer population ahead of you. In addition, process aberrations in addition to operational slipups can be upsetting to your current reputation in top of the buyers. Above all, manufacturers can certainly get trapped in to raw material top quality problems as a result of poor vendor management. This sort of issues could be a new minor headache for a huge company, it may prove fatal to a startup which will be struggling to get brand recognition. https://www.standardsbyrigf.com/ which should always be taken into thought could be the manufacturer's responsiveness. The actual contract suppliers share the similar sense of desperation as you carry out? Do they reply to your telephone calls anytime you are inside need anytime throughout the day? Separate from responding on a timely manner, would act flexibly when the unforeseen happens. You will need to judge their very own presence and procedures after entering the contract with your firm. Who Are Their Customers? : Always keep a tight check up on the manufacturer's current because well as previous customers. Also, assess they have worked with other customers inside a similar fashion as they are to you, or can be your firm the first from the type in addition to size they are working with? Do these cards preserve customers in the future? These are many questions which ought to be asked before you make the knot also taut. - Be wary of fixing business with such some sort of manufacturer who isn't happy to offer a person a positive reference to other customers while part of lively references. Do not necessarily hesitate, but inquire for a listing of the particular manufacturer's past consumers. Do not overlook on the job to call their past customers and analyze the purpose why they ceased doing business with your preferred producer. View the Total Landed Cost When looking in the contract manufacturing market analysis, you must concentrate on the pricing of numerous manufacturers. This may supply you with a brief idea regarding the total price which consists regarding different components such as the production fee, packaging/materials, substances, yield loss, storage area and transportation. You need to state that your manufacturing cost is all-inclusive and nothing more will end up being added in the later process. It is important to note that, the consumer firm's yield loss should permit all-around 3% on substances along with some sort of percent or two linked to packaging materials. Moreover, also make sure that the total landed cost should incorporate procurement, storage, squander disposal and the good quality assurance.

#best #top #manufactuerer #suppliers #merch

[dempsey46linde]

replica burberry scarf 10

Replica Burberry Scarf Key to this reimagining was creating an understanding of the means to democratically market high-end luxurious trend. The quickest approach to spot a fake Burberry scarf is to verify the wash tag with the multiple traces of text. The quality of the counterfeit manufactured Burberry scarves never compares to the genuine scarves’ printings. Please note that this policy solely applies to objects bought online. Moreover, these items should be returned directly to our charity companions return addresses. Returns are accepted by Thriftify - within a 14 day period from the supply date. In Italy now, you'll be able to actually be arrested and taken to jail for purchasing a fake Gucci bag!! When hubby and I went again to Italy in 2011, you could hardly spot a black market avenue vendor anyplace. The change in the laws worked for no less than that part of the “fake” drawback in Italy. Whatever it is, it is soft…but undoubtedly not as gentle as the true scarf. Maybe when they hacked into their seller’s account, they were capable of change the Paypal account it was linked to, to their own. Style your winter outfits with this classy muffler from Burberry. It contains a logo design and will ensure everybody knows about your excessive style in trend. https://phoenet.tw/replica-scarfs-shawls/replica-burberry-cashmere-scarf.html Burberry's scarf is knitted with three distinct panels of warm yellow, pastel pink, and navy. It's crafted from a lightweight and sumptuous mix of mohair and silk and completed with... Burberry's scarf is knitted with three distinct panels of shiny pink, caramel, and lightweight blue. Check out the varied burberry scarf china at Alibaba.com and buy these products while saving some big cash and meet your requirements. These objects can be found as OEM orders along with custom-made packaging when ordered in bulk. wikipedia scarf The merchandise are licensed, breathable, and dust-proof. The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the ditch coat — was patented in 1912, featuring only a button on the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers throughout World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other firms. The fashion trade has turn into such a tragic state of affairs. If I had not first ordered this scarf from Burberry, I’m unsure I would have been in a position to tell the eBay scarf was a fake when it arrived. I’d like to assume I would have seen the terrible blurring of the traces and the poorly stitched label, but the fake scarf is so delicate, it might have lulled me into pondering it was the true factor. But whenever you flip the scarf over and examine how properly the tag is sewn on the actual Burberry scarf to how the stitching looks on the fake scarf, it’s apparent which is the true scarf. I didn’t suppose anything else about it and determined to simply wait till I received my statement to confirm I hadn’t been charged, or if I had, it had been credited back. The following Monday my scarf arrived from Burberry. And, if this color mixture isn’t for you, there’s loads of choices to choose from including pink, gray, brown, black, purple, green, purple and many extra. Timeless tartan plaid (like Burberry!), as well as vibrant color combos that may be simply paired with any outfit. When it involves authentication of Burberry scarf, start by analyzing the print- observe the standard of the material, how accurate the lines are and if it matches the authentic look. Next, take a look at labels and analyze each detail as properly as attainable. Keep in mind that different replica qualities might make the authentication course of a little harder. I know, I thought it was so ironic that they both arrived on the identical day. Not sure I would have recognized it was fake without the true one to compare it to. If you buy an independently reviewed services or products by way of a hyperlink on our website, we could receive an affiliate fee. Boasting the Princess of Wales' signature locks, Elizabeth completed off her look with a smattering of stylish makeup - together with blush and a delicate pink lip gloss. They might have used gold textual content in some unspecified time in the future within the past…just unsure. I purchased my Burberry Scarf on gilt.com and the Burberry tag is in a gold textual content. I’m unsure if it’s alleged to be gold, I’ve seen different posts the place the authentic tag is in black text.. A question…..was the length of the 2 scarves the same? Sometimes inferior products scrimp on sizing as properly. I’m not going to call names right here clearly however there are huge designers utterly blindsiding the common public.

#burberry silk scarf replica #burberry scarf replica #replica burberry cashmere scarf

[clarkeayers5]

replica burberry scarf 15

Burberry Specifically, on all the Nova Check designs, all black strains run throughout the material in sets of three; each equidistant from the next. A skinny purple line will reduce by way of these dark lines at a crisp, perpendicular angle, creating excellent sq. blocks. True Burberry R’s could have pointed ridges that resemble a bicycle’s kickstand, and the path will curl barely outwards, like in the below-left photograph. If the letters on the Burberry scarf in query are straight with no ridges or pointed edges, like the right photo under, there’s a good probability it’s fake. The below picture is of the packaging of a Burberry product. If you purchase a Burberry scarf from a certified retailer, it'll likely come rolled up in a thick canister with a bow, and this equestrian knight brand embossed on the entrance in gold. When it comes to authentication of Burberry scarf, begin by analyzing the print- observe the quality of the material, how accurate the lines are and if it matches the authentic look. Next, look at labels and analyze every detail as nicely as possible. Keep in thoughts that different replica qualities would possibly make the authentication process slightly more durable. Key to this reimagining was growing an understanding of tips on how to democratically market high-end luxurious fashion. The quickest method to spot a fake Burberry scarf is to check the wash tag with the multiple traces of text. The high quality of the counterfeit manufactured Burberry scarves by no means compares to the authentic scarves’ printings. Please notice that this policy solely applies to gadgets purchased online. Moreover, this stuff ought to be returned directly to our charity partners return addresses. Returns are accepted by Thriftify - inside a 14 day period from the delivery date. The trend industry has turn out to be such a sad state of affairs. If I had not first ordered this scarf from Burberry, I’m undecided I would have been capable of tell the eBay scarf was a fake when it arrived. I’d prefer to think I would have seen the horrible blurring of the strains and the poorly stitched label, however the fake scarf is so soft, it could have lulled me into thinking it was the actual thing. But whenever you turn the headband over and evaluate how nicely the tag is sewn on the real Burberry scarf to how the stitching seems on the fake scarf, it’s obvious which is the true scarf. I didn’t assume the rest about it and determined to simply wait until I obtained my assertion to confirm I hadn’t been charged, or if I had, it had been credited again. The following Monday my scarf arrived from Burberry. And, if this colour combination isn’t for you, there’s loads of choices to select from together with pink, gray, brown, black, purple, green, red and a lot of extra. Timeless tartan plaid (like Burberry!), as properly as vibrant shade combinations that can be simply paired with any outfit. Personally, I’d rather purchase the fake one, if, that's, I have been inclined to buy something that looked precisely like all the true one that appears exactly like each danged other one–which I’m not. Mia, I lastly ended up mailing it to the New York location of Burberry with a observe explaining it was purchased on eBay and was in all probability a fake. I just stored thinking that it might be useful for them to see what’s being offered on eBay. It does go great with that jacket and likewise with a purple Orvis coat I bought on eBay some time back. I know some of the eBayers reside near outlets they usually in all probability purchase merchandise there, but when there are that many “new” ones on the market, it makes you very suspicious. Our winter was so heat this year mine hardly obtained used. one hundred pc authentic Burberry scarf in pink, magenta and camel cotton and silk (feels like - content material tag is missing). 100 percent genuine Burberry classic lightweight examine scarf in beige, pink, white and black wool (51%) and Silk (49%). 100 percent genuine Burberry light-weight crinkle scarf in gentle gray silk . Has been worn and is in wonderful condition... Alibaba.com features an intriguing collection of burberry scarf china in a quantity of colors, shapes, designs, fabric high quality, and types relying on your choices and elegance preferences. These burberry scarf china are suitable for all weathers similar to spring, autumn, winter, summer time, and so forth and shield your head from dust, chilly, and other external interferences. When I visited a Burberry outlet that’s about an hour from my residence, I found the costs in there to be virtually as excessive as those at the Burberry retailer on-line. Hi Susan I’ve bought a vintage Burberry scarf and I wanted to know if you may check out my label ? Justin, I actually wouldn’t really feel snug making an attempt to discover out that for you. burberry silk scarf replica The only cause I knew the one from eBay was fake is as a end result of eBay notified me that the sellers account had been hacked. You are so right, it’s wonderful what number of things it goes with. I know, I thought it was so ironic that they both arrived on the identical day. Not certain I would have known it was fake without the true one to compare it to. If you buy an independently reviewed services or products by way of a hyperlink on our web site, we might receive an affiliate fee. Boasting the Princess of Wales' signature locks, Elizabeth completed off her look with a smattering of elegant make-up - together with blush and a delicate pink lip gloss. wikipedia scarf I thought it was unusual to start out with, seems like they would have a place to send anything that could presumably be fraudulent. I guess the one that hacked the account additionally changed the handle for the seller to a fake one. I have one from the boutique and one from eBay years ago. I seen so many New With Tags scarves round Christmas time. Mine is vintage and I got it from a dealing in England.

#burberry silk scarf replica #burberry scarf replica #replica burberry cashmere scarf

[spencerlawrence4]

replica burberry scarf 15

Burberry You can even customise these burberry scarf china based on your decisions for personalized fashion statements. 100 percent authentic Burberry Prorsum floral scarf in off-white, beige, black, lilac, violet, pink, green, steel-blue, brick-red cashmere (100% assumed as tag is missing). It all started in 1967 when the supervisor of Burberry’s Paris retailer was arranging a group of trench coats in the front window. As all the trench coats had been in khaki colours, she decided to add some color by turning up the coat’s hem. When it comes to authentication of Burberry scarf, start by analyzing the print- observe the quality of the fabric, how correct the lines are and if it matches the authentic look. Next, take a look at labels and analyze every element as properly as potential. wikipedia scarf Keep in thoughts that totally different replica qualities might make the authentication process slightly harder. It’s not just the black design of the headscarf that appears blurry or fuzzy on the fake Burberry scarf. It utterly lived up to all of the wonderful things I’ve at all times heard about Burberry scarves. Words can’t adequately describe how soft it's. The trend business has become such a tragic state of affairs. If I had not first ordered this scarf from Burberry, I’m unsure I would have been able to tell the eBay scarf was a fake when it arrived. I’d like to assume I would have seen the horrible blurring of the traces and the poorly stitched label, but the fake scarf is so gentle, it could have lulled me into considering it was the true thing. But whenever you turn the headscarf over and evaluate how properly the tag is sewn on the true Burberry scarf to how the sewing looks on the fake scarf, it’s apparent which is the actual scarf. I didn’t suppose the rest about it and decided to simply wait until I received my statement to verify I hadn’t been charged, or if I had, it had been credited back. The following Monday my scarf arrived from Burberry. And, if this color combination isn’t for you, there’s loads of choices to select from together with pink, grey, brown, black, purple, green, pink and lots of more. Timeless tartan plaid (like Burberry!), in addition to vibrant color mixtures that may be easily paired with any outfit. Personally, I’d rather buy the fake one, if, that's, I had been inclined to purchase one thing that appeared precisely like all the real one that appears exactly like every danged different one–which I’m not. Mia, I lastly ended up mailing it to the New York location of Burberry with a notice explaining it was purchased on eBay and was in all probability a fake. I just saved considering that it might be useful for them to see what’s being bought on eBay. It does go nice with that jacket and also with a pink Orvis coat I purchased on eBay some time again. I know a number of the eBayers stay near outlets they usually probably buy products there, but when there are that many “new” ones on the market, it makes you very suspicious. Our winter was so heat this yr mine hardly got used. 100 percent genuine Burberry scarf in pink, magenta and camel cotton and silk (feels like - content material tag is missing). 100% authentic Burberry traditional lightweight verify scarf in beige, pink, white and black wool (51%) and Silk (49%). 100% genuine Burberry light-weight crinkle scarf in light gray silk . Has been worn and is in excellent situation... Alibaba.com options an intriguing collection of burberry scarf china in a quantity of colours, shapes, designs, fabric quality, and kinds relying on your choices and elegance preferences. These burberry scarf china are appropriate for all weathers such as spring, autumn, winter, summer season, and so forth and protect your head from mud, cold, and other exterior interferences. When I visited a Burberry outlet that’s about an hour from my home, I found the prices in there to be nearly as excessive as those at the Burberry store on-line. Hi Susan I’ve purchased a vintage Burberry scarf and I wanted to know when you could take a look at my label ? Justin, I really wouldn’t really feel comfy trying to determine that for you. The solely cause I knew the one from eBay was fake is because eBay notified me that the sellers account had been hacked. You are so proper, it’s superb what number of things it goes with. I know, I thought it was so ironic that they each arrived on the identical day. Not certain I would have identified it was fake without the actual one to check it to. If you buy an independently reviewed services or products by way of a hyperlink on our web site, we may obtain an affiliate fee. Boasting the Princess of Wales' signature locks, Elizabeth completed off her look with a smattering of chic make-up - including blush and a gentle pink lip gloss. burberry scarf replica Style your winter outfits with this stylish muffler from Burberry. It includes a emblem design and can make certain everybody is conscious of about your high style in style. Burberry's scarf is knitted with three distinct panels of warm yellow, pastel pink, and navy. It's crafted from a lightweight and opulent mix of mohair and silk and completed with... Burberry's scarf is knitted with three distinct panels of bright pink, caramel, and light-weight blue.

#burberry silk scarf replica #burberry scarf replica #replica burberry cashmere scarf

[muellerwhite66]

replica burberry scarf 10

Replica Burberry Scarf You also can customise these burberry scarf china based on your choices for personalized style statements. 100% authentic Burberry Prorsum floral scarf in off-white, beige, black, lilac, violet, pink, green, steel-blue, brick-red cashmere (100% assumed as tag is missing). burberry scarf replica It all began in 1967 when the supervisor of Burberry’s Paris retailer was arranging a gaggle of trench coats within the entrance window. As all the trench coats had been in khaki colors, she determined to add some color by turning up the coat’s hem. In Italy now, you presumably can literally be arrested and taken to jail for getting a fake Gucci bag!! When hubby and I went again to Italy in 2011, you could hardly spot a black market street vendor anyplace. The change within the laws labored for a minimal of that part of the “fake” drawback in Italy. Whatever it is, it is soft…but undoubtedly not as gentle as the true scarf. wikipedia scarf Maybe once they hacked into their seller’s account, they have been in a place to change the Paypal account it was linked to, to their own. When I visited a Burberry outlet that’s about an hour from my house, I discovered the prices in there to be nearly as excessive as those on the Burberry retailer online. Hi Susan I’ve bought a vintage Burberry scarf and I needed to know if you may take a look at my label ? Justin, I really wouldn’t feel snug attempting to determine that for you. The solely reason I knew the one from eBay was fake is as a outcome of eBay notified me that the sellers account had been hacked. You are so right, it’s amazing how many issues it goes with. Check out the numerous burberry scarf china at Alibaba.com and buy these products whereas saving a lot of money and meet your necessities. These items are available as OEM orders along with personalized packaging when ordered in bulk. The products are certified, breathable, and dust-proof. The Tielocken coat — a forerunner to the trench coat — was patented in 1912, featuring only a button on the collar and a single strap. Higher-ranking British officers during World War I donned trench coats designed by the likes of Burberry, Aquascutum and other companies. The fashion trade has turn into such a tragic state of affairs. If I had not first ordered this scarf from Burberry, I’m unsure I would have been in a position to tell the eBay scarf was a fake when it arrived. I’d wish to suppose I would have seen the horrible blurring of the traces and the poorly stitched label, but the fake scarf is so gentle, it may have lulled me into considering it was the real thing. But if you turn the headband over and examine how nicely the tag is sewn on the actual Burberry scarf to how the sewing looks on the fake scarf, it’s obvious which is the true scarf. I didn’t assume the rest about it and determined to simply wait till I obtained my statement to verify I hadn’t been charged, or if I had, it had been credited again. The following Monday my scarf arrived from Burberry. And, if this color mixture isn’t for you, there’s loads of options to choose from including pink, grey, brown, black, purple, green, pink and lots of more. Timeless tartan plaid (like Burberry!), in addition to vibrant shade combos that can be simply paired with any outfit. When it comes to authentication of Burberry scarf, start by analyzing the print- observe the quality of the material, how accurate the lines are and if it matches the authentic look. Next, have a glance at labels and analyze each element as nicely as attainable. Keep in thoughts that totally different replica qualities might make the authentication course of slightly more durable. It could be good if Burberry may validate your distinctions (excellent, btw!). No, because you probably can still discover some wonderful offers on eBay, and so long as eBay continues to offer their money-back guarantee and also you pay with a credit card by way of Paypal, I think it might be a great deal. I especially love eBay for finding gadgets that are not stocked in shops, or have been discontinued. There are so many nice sellers on eBay, and they undoubtedly outnumber the dangerous ones. They could have used gold text sooner or later in the past…just unsure. I bought my Burberry Scarf on gilt.com and the Burberry tag is in a gold textual content. I’m undecided if it’s alleged to be gold, I’ve seen other posts where the genuine tag is in black text.. A question…..was the length of the two scarves the same? Sometimes inferior merchandise scrimp on sizing as properly. I’m not going to name names here obviously however there are big designers completely blindsiding the common public.

#burberry silk scarf replica #burberry scarf replica #replica burberry cashmere scarf

[planovashopfittingsolutions]

Is Custom Fitting the Right for a Clothing Store?

With the changing dynamics of each industry, it becomes crucial for business owners to keep up with the shifting demands of their audience by incorporating accurate custom fitting solutions. Customers’ fashion choices are shifting with new trends and they preferably pick the apparel that offers the perfect blend of contemporary & traditional styles. This has prompted store owners, retailers, and designers to incorporate these new models into their businesses to gratify their customers.

There are both demographic and psychographic transformations that induce recognizable shifts in custom fitting solutions and product uniqueness in the Indian clothing industry. Since various advances in shopfitting online, this sector has witnessed the way a store looks and appeals to visitors.

For staying on trend and keeping up with the changing demands of your customer you can focus on various aspects that can influence your audience. You can examine traffic patterns, analyze lighting trends, and also investigate the perfect entrance for your store. All these factors together can provide an inspiring shopping experience. Here are some of the custom fitting solutions that can be helpful for laying the perfect plan for a perfect store:

1. Entrance & Transition

The front display of your store must derive the attention of the customers without blocking the view or pathway of the retail store. The entrance is the first impression or glimpse of your store that influences the customer's decision to visit the store. Therefore, make sure you keep the area clutter-free.

As a shopper enters your store, they must feel free to navigate. You can place a few & best-selling items on display so that shoppers have plenty of space to explore the store. The transition must allow shoppers to smoothly adjust to the difference in lighting as they step inside the store. This is an ideal space to offer some best-selling samples or an alluring retail display with discounted coupons for merchandise located inside the store. You can look up shopfitting online in case you need an expert’s advice.

2. Traffic patterns & aisle space

The traffic patterns of a store depend on the driving orientation of that country. A store located in a right driving orientation must lay out its traffic patterns towards the right side and vice versa. You can utilize this fact strategically in your store layout, map out ideal traffic patterns, and the placement of cash registers, fitting rooms, and other features of a clothing store.

Apart from this, you must ensure that your customers have adequate aisle space to explore and examine various items without bumping into each other. When it comes to a different layout, it is recorded that men prefer stores with straight-line aisles, whereas women favor a more meandering pattern that allows an exquisite comparison between their choices.

3. Lighting & ambiance

The lighting of your store must be a balanced one. Your store should be sufficiently illuminated to prevent shoplifting and not so bright that customers themselves feel at the display. The lighting of your store must add to the overall ambiance and must seem soothing to the customers. There are several shopfitting online websites that you can refer to while figuring out your store layout.

You can get creative and determine the lighting of your store based on the age group you are targeting. In case you are targeting a younger audience, then you can employ lighting similar to a nightclub, along with vibrant walls & colored displays for instilling an energetic vibe.

On the contrary, an upscale clothing store can embrace softer lighting that highlights featured merchandise & use cool wall colors.

4. Product placement & visual merchandising

Several retailers tend to highlight items that perform poorly hoping they’ll be able to sell more of them. This is often a mistake. Instead, you can flaunt your top-selling merchandise and best quality products to inspire & entice shoppers to purchase other products in your store.

#custom fitting solutions #shopfitting online #shopfitting warehouse #shop display equipment #supermarket equipment #shop fitting equipment #merchandising solutions #display equipment #store display manufacturer #retail display solutions #retail display shelving #retail display manufacturers #retail display design companies #shopfitting solutions #shopfitting suppliers #shop fitting online #online shop fittings #shop fitting companies

[br-disaster]

nie mingjue’s outfits appreciation post

This is way longer than I expected oh gods, please forgive me for it. 

 It’s a well known fact that Jiang Cheng has the best wardrobe of all CQL characters, I’m not here to argue with that, but I think it’s time for us to stop sleeping on Nie Mingjue’s absolutely fantastic fashion sense.

I mean have you seen him?? The man is out there serving looks even with the Nie sect limited color palette. Please let’s ignore the context here and just look at his robes

I wasn't sure if I should rank them, so I’ll just ramble about them in order of appearance:

1. The gray “I’m the boss” one

That’s the first time we ever see him and what can I say? He does leave an impression. We see him using these robes two times, in episodes 10-11 and on the beggining of Fatal Journey, as the first picture shows, which makes me wonder: Is this his stay-at-home set of robes? ‘Cause damn

I don’t know how I should comment on the particular details of his robes but I really appreciate how wide this extra fabric layer makes his shoulders look.

Really imposing and powerful look.

2. The Sunshot incredibly beautiful "this is how you win a war" one

Look, this one might be my favorite, it has EVERYTHING

Shoulder game is strong here, and this bronze-like color goes really well with his belt. Now let's talk about his outer robe for a moment, just THE COLOR I mean it's the prettiest shade of gray I've ever seen.

Also Long Sleeves

And a CAPE. A f**king CAPE. I'll never get over this look and I'm really glad the costume department let this king wear a cape again in Fatal Journey, he was made for it.

Next comes the inner layer that's not really a robe, as you can see when he's standing, but the silver pattern is what really does it for me, guys. It's probably the first thing you see once you look down from his face, 'cause I know we all get lost on that beautiful mustache, and it's perfect.

You can’t lead a war campaign if you don’t look good, I see.

3. The "I didn't really want to be here but I’m looking good anyway" one

It's so dark, it probably reflects how he was feeling during pretty much all the scenes he's in while wearing it.

Once again he accentuates his shoulders with an extra fabric except this time his sleeves are not long at all. I personally think he looks even more handsome like this, it makes his arms look bigger. What is it called? I don't know, but it matches his belt as well.

( Is it really a belt, guys? I don't wanna disrespect but I don't even know where to start looking for names nor I know other english names for belts)

The subtle golden/bronze details on the outer robe and on the inner robe's collar contrasts really well with the black and dark gray

Sad thing he looked really miserable wearing it :c

4. The "big event he seemed ok with attending" one

Dark again. But he didn't look as depressed as in the previous one, he actually had fun that day, which is good. Enough of tears and betrayal for now.

May be the wider sleeves he ever wore, perfect for clapping his hands like a happy toddler. There's also a lovely flowery pattern on the darker robe that you can easily miss if you don't pay enough attention.

For the first time his shoulders are not accentuated by fabric or shoulder pads and it's really nice to see him like this. We all love a buff Mingjue, but CQL Mingjue is not that buff and I love him just as much.

Really elegant, not as imposing and he has every right to want to look civil for once. It may be the series' way of telling us that he's not dressed for real combat or war, who knows.

5. The "all this just for a flashback?" one

Listen, this one right here is just AMAZING

I don't understand why they dressed him so beautifully for what? 10 minutes of a flashback. I wanted to see it for more than a couple os scenes!!

Everything here is different, so this will take time.

First: His inner robe, the first one, is not the usual black, it's light gray, it's lighter than his robes actually, and we don't see him wearing it like ever again since chronologically in the series this is the first robe he wears. Does it secretly mean that all went wrong from the moment he met MY? who knows

Second: The outer robe is fancy. There’s so many details to it and it may be the lighting of the scene, but it seems to be a warmer shade of gray, doesn’t it? The golden\bronze thin strip around the silver larger strip is perfect. It kinda has the opposite effect of his shoulder pads, since it makes his shoulders look a bit smaller but it’s so very elegant.

Third: The upper part of the inner robe. I mean who gave him the right to look that good ??? It’s dark but it has golden little shapes in it!! And it kinda looks like there’s a zipper in there because of that mid section. And oh to be a single jewel resting over Sect Leader Nie’s chest...

Fourth: The bottom part of the robe is also something new. We see pleats on Huaisang’s main robes, but never on Mingjue’s until now, that’s why I took the last screenshot, nothing to do with the bloody Baxia at all. I wish we could have seen them in pretty pleated robes together.

It probably contradicts what I said about his shoulder things being a code for battle, since the first thing we see him doing with this outfit is killing some guy/puppet; but for the rest of the time he wears it is peaceful

Honestly, imagine how Meng Yao felt. It was some fairy tale thing, wasn’t it? You’re a nobody eating bread and drinking water and then this king pops up out of nowhere and defends you from bullying and offers you a job and takes you home with him?? 

6.The “kick your local murderer down the stairs” one

I don’t really know what to say about this one. The context kind of ruined it for me, but let’s try.

 It resembles the fourth outfit since it’s a really dark inner robe and a lighter and patterned outer robe. Except this one has this nice and shiny thin strips around the sleeves and the waist.

It’s pretty but not especially pretty in my opinion. If I were to rank the outfits, this one would rank last.

7. The “fighting qi deviation and needing emotional support” one

Fatal Journey, baby.

I know what I said about the second one, but this might be my favorite.  It’s practical, no long sleeves or heavy outer robes. It’s also appropriate for horse riding, wich is great. The simple, sleeveless light gray outer robe is really nice.

There’s a cape again!! And I have to say the cape looks even better now that his sleeves are tighter, the way it falls gracefully on his back is perfect. I love the way it seems to be attached to the shoulder pad too. 

The robes are simple but the thing is: The accessories are not. 

His belt is now silver and if we ignore that the production team just painted it, we can assume he has two sets of identical waist belts, one is bronze and the other is silver. Now the final touch: The shoulder pads. This is what makes this outfit the most extra of them all. It’s silver and just so, so pretty I wanna cry everytime I look at them. I mean, the layers, the dragon\beast entire head makes him look so fierce and ready for the fight.

 I wonder how comfortable they are tho.

10/10 would rank first place.

bonus: Baby Mingjue

We love a consistent king after all! Has he been wearing dark robes since he was a baby? We will never know. I love this dark yet translucent outer robe tho.

1000/10 the cutest and best dressed child out there.

Conclusion: Nie Mingjue is a fashion icon! 

* Do not take this too seriously, I did zero research and english is not my first language. If there’s any terrible grammar mistakes, point them to me and i’ll edit it. If I’m somehow disrespecting Chinese culture, please also point it to me and I’ll apologize, edit or even delete the post.

#nie mingjue #cql #chen qing ling #mo dao zu shi #is this meta?? idk #poorly analyzing fashion choices #nie brothers #the untamed

[nightskywriter]

WHG Round 14 - Atlas - The Reaping

@whgmasterofceremonies @concealeddarkness13 @ratracechronicler @maple-writes @rhikasa @pen-of-roses @timefirewrites

A/N: Sorry for taking so long to post! ❤️❤️

—

The people of the so called Panem didn’t look like much of a threat. Maybe it was just the, what did Joseph call it, district he was in, but they looked hungry. And not the good, driven hungry, but the defeated hungry. The look of a people whose entire civilization was about to collapse.

Atlas didn’t get why the other countries were so scared of these people.

He’d been in all of the surrounding countries, but Panem had been the most difficult to break into. But it was the country that enthralled Atlas the most.

Everyone he met that learned Atlas wanted to come here had warned him to stay away.

But then, Atlas wasn’t ever very good at listening. Maybe that was why he’d died so many times.

[[MORE]]

Atlas met the eye of one person, a man whose clothes were stained with ash and coal. The man quickly looked away.

The only people who didn’t hunch when they walked were the people in helmets and wearing all white.

They had batons at their side and had an air of overestimated importance.

Atlas didn’t like those people. Over the past few centuries, it was usually people like them that got him killed.

And sure, he came back every single time without fail, but dying wasn’t one of Atlas’s favorite pastimes. He tried to avoid it. Being immune to staying dead didn’t make him immune from the pain that often went with it.

“Boy!” Atlas looked away from the person in white he’d been analyzing and turned to the small woman who had called him.

She was too thin and her shawl had more holes than not, but her eyes were the first ones he’d seen in the District that were clear.

“Why are you not at the Square yet? If the peacekeepers find out… You can’t be late! Come with me.”

Atlas didn’t bother stopping her when she grabbed him by the arm, leading him in the direction she’d been going.

Now that Atlas thought about it, it was the direction everyone he’d seen so far had been going.

“The Square?”

The woman ignored him, pulling him after her faster.

The small, crumbling buildings around them suddenly stopped and the town opened into a large open square.

Evidently, most of the District’s people were already there, facing a poorly made stage.

The stage had one large glass ball that appeared to be full of slips of paper.

Three people were seated on the stage.

An older man in need of a haircut, with a flask in his hand. A round man, wearing a poorly tailored suit. And Atlas didn’t know what to think of the woman except her outfit made her hard to look at.

In the square, the adults and youngest children were separated from the teenagers. They looked down from stadium-like seating that was set up around the square.

The teenagers were in the center of the square. They appeared to be separated and organized by age.

The woman suddenly let go of Atlas’s arm and pushed him towards two booths where the people in white, Peacekeepers, were set up.

Sheets of paper were laid out in front of them on the tables and they had some kind of machine-looking thing with a needle on the end.

“You’re late,” one Peacekeeper said, hand outstretched.

Atlas looked down at the papers on the table. It was covered in names, most with a check beside it. It appeared to have the name and address of everyone in the district.

Over the years, Atlas had seen papers like this. Sheets with all of the names and how to track a person down if everyone didn’t show up.

It was never something good if the government was using the list.

The Peacekeeper reached forward and grabbed Atlas’s hand.

If Skylar were there, she’d probably get mad at him for not pulling away, but to be honest, the whole charade was a bit too fascinating at this point. He wanted to see what happened.

The Peacekeeper stabbed the end of one of Atlas’s fingers.

Atlas jerked his hand back with a curse.

“What was that for?” Atlas snapped.

Atlas imagined the Peacekeeper was rolling their eyes behind their helmet.

“Atlas Hemlock,” they said, reading off the needle-machine and consulting with the charts in front of her.

Atlas’s eyes widened. He wasn’t used to being recognized, especially in a country he’d never been in.

“Seventeen-years-old. You’re in section D.”

Well, they knew his name, but evidently not his age. He hadn’t been seventeen in a few centuries.

After sending the papers one last look, Atlas made his way to Section D.

*****

Atlas had seen many civilizations and cultures, many styles of music, language and fashion, but it’d been a long time since he’d seen anyone with as dreadful fashion taste as the woman who stood at the microphone.

Her hair was taller than her head, and it stuck out around her face like some kind of star. She’d even painted it silver. Her face had been painted a dark blue with white spots haphazardly dotted on.

Her dress and shoes looked like it was made of tinfoil from the 20th century.

“Welcome, District 12!” She said into the microphone, causing feedback to echo around the square. “Thank you all for coming to day—”

“As if we had a choice,” a boy beside Atlas muttered.

“As you all know, today is a day of celebration. We celebrate our Capitol and how it repaired this country after the war.”

Atlas glanced around the crowd. Except for the bizarrely dressed woman on the stage, no one seemed to think of this day as a day of celebration. Most looked nervous, others bored and some simply looked resigned to their fate of just sitting there.

Atlas shrugged his suit coat off. Any other time it would have been fine, but the square offered no shade and he was growing annoyed at the heat bouncing off the stone below his feet.

“So, with no further ado, it is time for the most exciting part of the day.”

The woman walked over to the glass ball.

Atlas wasn’t sure what was written on the slips, but whatever was written was powerful enough that it seemed everyone in the square had suddenly stopped breathing.

If the woman on the stage noticed, she didn’t show it.

She reached her hand into the bowl. She reached around the bowl as if trying to find the right slip to grab or maybe just raise the anticipation. After a moment she took her had out.

“Atlas Hemlock!”

Atlas frowned. His gut told him that her saying his name was a very bad thing.

But Atlas Hemlock what? What did she wasn’t him to do?

Lacking a better idea, Atlas raised his hand.

“That’s me,” he said, loud enough for the woman on stage to hear.

For the first time, the woman stopped smiling and just looked confused at Atlas’s reaction. After a moment she said, “Well, come on up here!”

Without a better option, Atlas made his way up to the stage.

As he walked up the steps, he noticed her face was back to the frightening smile.

She shook his hand with too much enthusiasm then turned back to the crowd. “Would anyone like to volunteer to take Mr. Hemlock’s place?”

The crowd looked up to Atlas with something like pity but no one spoke up.

After a moment, the woman looked back to Atlas.

“Congratulations! You are going to the Hunger Games!”

#WHG #WRITEBLR #writeblr hunger games #OC: Atlas Hemlock

[chelular-device]

Hey, could you do an analysis on Witch of Mind in the Land of Strings and Crossroads?

Strings and Crossroads is already an interesting land but when I saw Witch of Mind I sorta put two and two together. I'm assuming you're looking for some basic powers and probably a personality, and maybe some land quests too, so I figure that's exactly what I'll do! All three. Epic time.

Wait how do I do a read more line? Can someone tell me how to do that because that'll come in handy for these long ass posts.

Witch - Active manipulation class. Manipulates their aspect or with their aspect directly.

Mind - Can be related to the choices one makes, and their outward appearance, and obviously some form of intelligence or wisdom.

Knowing this, the Witch of Mind can manipulate a great deal of things, being likely able to warp and edit the path a choice will lead, or being able to take very specific choices to achieve the result they are looking for. And they could also probably be really good at fashion or whatever, editing their appearance as they please, perhaps even shapeshifting at times. Thinking back, this is a little ironic of me to make a connection to Mind with, seeing as Terezi, the Seer of Mind, was blind, and therefore could not see any outward appearance. At least not literally. She could lick them or whatever it is she does.

In terms of personality, Witches as we know them tend to be... Well, cute as hell. Feferi and Jade are both objectively the cutest fucking characters, if you ask me. So the Witch of Mind would likely have some interest in crafts, therein the metaphor of Strings for paths people take would come in. Probably makes long, winding scarves that can barely fit on them.

Yeah. That'd be cute. Their room is scattered with plenty of artifacts of interest, including but not limited to those scarves I was talking about. Maybe some other sewn or knitted items. Maybe I am taking the Strings metaphor too far, but fuck you Hussie took everything too far.

In terms of actual personality, they'd be very concerned with the choices they and other people make. They would actively make sure to tell people that what theyre doing is a Really Stupid Idea and that they should Stop Right Now. Those are both trademarked phrases. That is why I capitalized them, not because I wanted to sound like Kanaya or whatever for a few seconds. The Witch of Mind would be a mom, tl;dr.

In terms of powers the Witch of Mind would be incredibly powerful. Well, maybe incredibly is a stretch, but the power level is quite up there. Being able to bend the path you take in a direction that is favorable is quite incredible. Here's some powers with some silly names I thought of for them.

Perception Is Reality

Yeah okay so I might have played Superliminal recently and I maybe thought of this in reference to that. Being able to basically percieve things the way you want to makes your choices do exactly what you want them to do. Thinking "Oh, when I do this, this should happen," probably works.

Patterns upon Patterns

Being able to repeat an outcome without exhausting your options. Essentially, make the same choice twice, or thrice, or as many times as you'd like depending on what it does when you do that. This doesn't seem that useful but hush you I'm the analyzer here.

Not Today, Thank You

Forbid someone from being able to go through with their awful plan in its entirety by making some choice impossible to do. Could have dire consequences in the long run if performed poorly.

See wasn't that fun? I'm a real fun person to be around. That's a lie.

Oh right wasn't I going to do some land quests? I should do those. In terms of quests that I believe the average land would have, there would be one (1) quest that is simple and doesn't really have anything to do with getting closer to godtiering but it helps you feel more attuned with your aspect, and the one that involves making The Choice.

That first quest would likely be to untangle some strings on your land, or perhaps untangle ALL of the strings on your land, so that none of them are jumbled up into a pile and you can safely traverse the land without tripping over them or something.

That second one would be a little bit trickier. The denizen has made it arguably impossible for the consorts to go where they want to go or do what they want to do. They are set on a prebuilt path that they have no knowledge nor power over. Your job as the Witch of Mind is to essentially knock some sense into the consorts to give them their free will back and to take The Choice with your denizen to make sure this doesn't happen again.

It isn't really up to me what that Choice is. But I know one of the options is "fight" and the other is "do this quest that probably has more to do with your overall story than you realize." And since I do not know your story, I cannot tell you exactly what that third quest is.

Whatever, it's late game anyway. I hope I didn't do too terrible of a job with this. See ya.

#ask #witch #mind #witch of mind #land #analysis #homestuck #classpect #class #aspect

[its-love-u-asshole]

Twelve Hours [Ch. 9]

Pairings: Kuroo Tetsurou/Tsukishima Kei

Summary: Kuroo Tetsurou has dealt with a lot since he was eighteen, each year bringing the same depressing challenges on the same depressing night. He expects this time to be no different, but the universe is trying desperately to prove him wrong in the most bizarre ways imaginable. So screw it, Kuroo’s only choice is to buckle in and hope he doesn’t die. Easy enough. And hey, with some new allies at his side, maybe he has a chance. Who knows? At least Kuroo is sure of one thing in life when it comes to March 15th, and he stands by this unwritten law, no matter what happens:

If you try to kill pizza delivery boys on Purge Night, you’re irrevocably a bitch.

Rating: T

Tags: Purge AU, mentions of violence but nothing graphic or too bad, no character deaths here okay, this is borderline crack and idk what I was thinking, first meetings, other characters, shenanigans and just…a lot of fun (it seems angsty but its not)

Note: I realized just now as I was looking through authors notes that I forgot to say this fic was almost over last time so...NOW YA KNOW LOL. Okay but seriously I can't believe I'm so close to finishing another multichapter for this fandom, it's the most I've ever done for just one, and just...wow? thanks so much to everyone for all your support! ALSO if you don't know what postmates is, it's a food delivery service lol. Big thanks to @emeraldwaves for reading this over!

Read on AO3!

Something about seeing the streetlights in the distance made a chill climb up Kuroo's back, and it sat there, like he was frozen in time and unable to shake the feeling of being cold, inside and out.

No one had to ask where they were.

The steady disappearance of corner stores and graffiti gave way to fancy buildings and grocery stores Kuroo wouldn't even think of setting foot in. High end stores, neat landscaping...they all faded away too eventually, the invisible gates of suburbia not offering the slightest bit of comfort. They looked like nice, cozy homes, but looks were always deceiving in Kuroo's mind. Everything felt empty.

Were these homes even lived in? Were those tacky doormats and flags just staged?

If he didn't know any better, he'd say they'd wandered onto a nuclear testing plot, set to be demolished at a moment's notice.

That's how ghostly the houses stared back at him, passing by as Tsukishima drove. Blurs.

Then it ceased. Tsukishima pulled over and cut the engine, gravel crunching under tires which had seen better days, and the sharp noise echoed into the darkness. The whole car exhaled as they stared on ahead, and Kuroo glanced at the nearest street sign.

Polished and clean, unlike the faded and rusty ones by the pizza parlor.

West Elm.

Kuroo's hand fisted into his seat, and he stared forward too, but not at the homes.

No, he waited for his orders, from the two people at the front of all this, people he now trusted with everything he had.

Tsukishima cut the lights, letting the car get eaten up by the shadows of the night sky.

Terushima's shaky breathing filled the space as he looked between the windshield and Tsukishima, like he'd missed a step in their plan. "Why'd you stop?" he asked, his voice dry and thick with nerves. The rest of the car flinched, like even from this distance they'd be detected.

"There will be guards," Tsukishima muttered, like he was distracted, and Kuroo understood then. Tsukishima was forming a plan, and he bet the blond's eyes were already scanning the perimeter. "Not many. The gates are intimidating enough, and this area isn't exactly easy to rob. But still, we have to be careful."

Not to mention the individual home security systems...

"Can't we just say we're with Postmates?" Yamamoto offered, his voice booming with an attitude unbefitting of the atmosphere. Kuroo was about ready to throw him out of the car.

Some would argue the poorly timed comedic attempts which had plagued their voyage were good for dissolving tension. Kuroo didn't know if he believed that anymore.

"Why the fuck would we be with Postmates?" Terushima hissed before Kuroo could, his head resting against the glass of his window. Maybe he was contemplating smashing his head through it.

"I dunno, we're like...five hours late?"

Suga squinted. "Er...how does that relate...exactly?"

Yamamoto huffed a laugh, and actually...Kuroo couldn't argue with his point. "You've obviously never used Postmates."

"Okay," Tsukishima said, far more patient than Kuroo expected. "You're right, but...shut up."

"Sure."

"I mean I am dressed up as a delivery guy," Kuroo offered, but even he knew that was farfetched. He didn't have a pizza, first off, and he was pretty sure rich people wouldn't be ordering from their Purge Specials Menu.

He could hear Matsukawa's voice in his head. "Bleeding from the waist down? Don't let your wallet suffer along with you. Two large pies for half off!"

Kuroo couldn't wait to quit his job.

He'd mostly been joking about the 80s detective level plan, but then Tsukishima's eyes were on him, assessing him up and down.

Kuroo would never be over that gaze, not for the rest of his life, and he was confident it would be for the rest of his life. It felt like Tsukishima could pick him apart right there, analyzing mechanics and skills Kuroo didn't even know he had.

It was exhilarating, but nerve-wracking, especially given their new...relationship.

"Babe, I don't know if this is the time for bedroom eyes," Kuroo tried to jest, but his laugh just came out dry and unconvincing. Tsukishima paused in his examination, his eyes widening cutely before he rolled his eyes, but the fondness there didn't help Kuroo's breathing situation.

"You two are disgusting," Futakuchi muttered, but watched Tsukishima anyways. At this point, everyone knew when the blond had an idea, and they were all too happy to help.

"Don't worry, I need him with his clothes on," Tsukishima said, opening his door in the brave yet reckless fashion which had Kuroo swooning. The next words were just condemning him further to death. "...today."

Listen. Kuroo promised he'd never die during the Purge, but this...this was too much.

Actually no, Tsukishima's small smile at Kuroo's stupid grin was too much. Way too much.

Futakuchi sank further into his seat. "Like I said..."

"H-hey, what are you doing?" Kuroo asked when Tsukishima opened his door, beckoning him out.

Kuroo did as he was told though, because who was he to argue?

"It's what you're doing actually," Tsukishima said, and then his eyes were back on the road, scanning it until he found a parked car, luckily undisturbed. "You're going to be our distraction."

Then, before Kuroo could ask, Tsukishima was undoing his bulletproof vest.

Kuroo's hands immediately flew up to stop the blond's quick fingers, keeping him locked in place. For a moment, he didn't care about the plan, or his role in it. There was no way in hell he was letting this happen.

At least Kuroo could say he had some edge on the blond, with how Tsukishima struggled in his hold. Kuroo was thankful he'd never let himself go after college.

"Kuroo--"

"No," Kuroo said, and Tsukishima flinched at the seriousness of it. Honestly, so did Kuroo. But if he could have anything go his way, it would be this. He would not let Tsukishima take off that vest. "I don't care what I have to do, I don't need it."

I need you though, I need you safe. We all do.

Tsukishima's pout wasn't adorable enough to make Kuroo waver either, nor was the misty look in his eyes. "Kuroo...if you go up to those guards and they decide not to show mercy--"

"Hey, I've gotten out of stickier situations before," Kuroo said, trying his best to form the cocky smirk from when he'd initially left his friends at the parlor. At Tsukishima's look of disbelief, Kuroo's grip on the blond's hands tightened. "Kei, trust me. I'm not bullshitting you, I would never. I can do this, I'll be fine."

Tsukishima stared for what felt like ages, and Kuroo didn't rush his response. They both knew it wasn't a guarantee, but Kuroo was asking Tsukishima to trust him again. It hadn't let them down yet, had it?

A moment passed before Tsukishima's trembling fingers gently pulled away from Kuroo's grip, refastening the vest securely around his torso. Kuroo sighed, and he hoped Tsukishima felt the depths of his relief.

Thank you.

Tsukishima nodded, but his scowl pinned Kuroo to the spot, merciless. "I'm holding you to that, understand?"

Kuroo nodded. He had a lot to live for still anyways, first kiss included. "You ready?"

It wasn't their mission, but he had to ask.

He and Tsukishima had become the watchdogs, and they still had things to see through. Their jobs weren't over until Terushima was in that house, face to face with the man who had wronged his family.

Tsukishima nodded; he knew. This might've not been the way their night was meant to go, but they weren't backing down now.

The blond glanced into the van as Kuroo turned to face the same direction, meeting the concerned gazes of the group he'd come to respect, even through their terrible jokes and poor timing.

They would make it, they had to.

And he was pleased to say they looked about as ready as he and Tsukishima did.

No more detours, no more holding back. Decision time had arrived.

Tsukishima breathed in, his exhale long and suffering, just the right amount of done to make everyone crack a smile. "Alright, here's what we're going to do."

--

Another fact about Tsukishima: he could hotwire a car.

No one had been particularly surprised. Tsukishima was a mechanic's son, but Suga still muttered about ice cream machines for a good five minutes while Tsukishima discussed the plan with Kuroo.

Now, Kuroo was here, in a stolen car which smelled too much like cigarettes and peppermint candy, the kind which would stain his clothes. It was probably the least concerning thing about his situation, but sue him.

He hated smelling like smoke.

Then of course, he remembered Tsukishima's words

"Better than smelling like gunfire."

Right.

Kuroo should focus, especially when he was a mere few feet away from two huge dudes with machine guns.

Uncalled for, honestly.

"I already told you, this is West Elm," one of the guards repeated, and oh...the cosmic irony. "Elm is on the other side of the city."

Kuroo winced, drawing it out as long as possible, and he swore he saw the guy's eye twitch.

"That's not what my GPS says. Hate these things..." Kuroo mumbled, shaking his head as he messed with his phone. He really hoped he'd be relieved of his duty soon, because anymore of this and he'd get shot. "And you're sure about that? Like 100%? This pizza is really late."

The guard took a step forward, and it was not an appeasing stance. Kuroo's hand went to his gun as subtly as possible, ready to peel out of there if he had to. He promised Tsukishima he wouldn't try to handle it on his own, but...

The guard reached for his gun as well, eyes narrowing. "Sir, if you don't leave, I'm going to have to--"

One kick to the back of the legs, and a brick to the head later, and he was down. Where Suga got the brick, Kuroo wouldn't question; his eyes flew to the other guard, but before he even had a chance to move, he was lying on the floor too.

Both of them out cold, in the blink of an eye.

Tsukishima hadn't needed a brick though, just a rag dabbed with chloroform, and a steady grip.

Was it too early for Kuroo confess his love?

Tsukishima tossed the rag away, disgusted, before he was by Kuroo's car window, peering in. Kuroo cut the engine immediately, not risking the extra noise. Besides, the old purr of the car made it harder to hear Tsukishima's voice. "Are you okay?"

"Not a scratch on me," Kuroo said with a smirk, and Tsukishima sighed, shoulders slumping.

"Oh my god!" Suga said from behind them, and Tsukishima turned around, giving Kuroo a full glimpse as Suga looked at the two bodies on the concrete. His arms were still hanging in the air from where he'd grabbed the guy, and he dropped his brick from the shock, frantically staring between the two. "Did you see that? I did the thing!"

Tsukishima snorted, ducking his head as Kuroo nodded in appreciation. "You sure did."

As dangerous as that situation had been, looking on the bright side was their only option. It summed up the whole night in Kuroo's opinion.

Maybe they'd become too desensitized; at the start, Kuroo wished they'd stay the same, instead of falling into the pit he and Tsukishima resided in.

But well, he and Tsukishima had grown out of it in their own way too, and it was naive to think any of them would stay the same, even after only one night.

Kuroo smiled, even as his eyes drifted to Terushima's lone figure as it stood in front of the gate.

No one approached him, not even Futakuchi. From here on, it was Terushima's call.

Yet, it didn't stop them all from worrying, or from thinking their own, selfish thoughts for possibly the last time.

Parents, friends, regrets.

Kuroo just looked at Tsukishima, and Tsukishima's hand came to curl around his.

In a way, it was liberating, no matter how the night went. They'd fulfilled their impulse of a promise, had forced themselves to remember their past selves and the things they'd valued, while also acknowledging that a lot of those traits would never return.

For Tsukishima, it must've been deja vu to the worst night of his life, but he'd answered the universe's call in that respect. He made sure not to leave Terushima to fend off the night without a guide.

And Kuroo...

Kuroo hated the Purge as much as he always had, no getting around it. But he liked himself a little more, respected himself, and felt like he'd at least started the journey down a new path.

It was enough.

Above all, they had each other. They'd had each other for at least one night.

With that in mind, Kuroo didn't feel dread when Terushima turned around, eyes as alive and serious as a burning brush fire, consuming and merciless to everything in their path.

He looked to his friends just as their heads raised; after all, he'd taken them out here, had promised them they'd make it. This was his way of making good on that promise, of saying his thanks in more than one way.

They nodded back, and Kuroo knew it was time to get moving.

Terushima opened the gate.

"Let's go."

--

They pulled the car up to the side of the gate, close enough so a quick getaway would be possible. But they crossed the last leg of their journey, a distance spanning two houses, with heavy feet instead, silent steps carrying them until they planted themselves on the crisp cut lawn.

Dr. Takahashi certainly lived well, a thought which Kuroo knew Terushima wouldn't take sitting down. The leader's shoulders were tense, and Kuroo wasn't used to seeing him hold a gun at his side, poised to attack.

Kuroo looked away, but not from disappointment or nerves. It was inappropriate maybe, to marvel at the columned architecture of the home, the way the dew sat on the grass like it would any other day.

Nature didn't care about what was about to happen, about the way they disabled the door alarms and made their way into the house. Apart from their intentions, it felt like every other day for these people.

Clean, safe, warm.

Kuroo almost envied them, but then again...no, he was happy with what he had. The only thing he lacked happened to be the lack of concern and caution.

It would've benefited Dr. Takahashi to inherit some of Kuroo's anxiety. Maybe then, he wouldn't be sleeping so soundly in his bedroom as Terushima slipped through the front door.

Kuroo never slept anymore, and he nearly rolled his eyes as he stepped onto the porch, eyeing the cheesy slogans and garden gnomes plastered around fake planters.

A 'Best Doctor Ever' flag was buried in the artificial mulch, and Kuroo took it out in an instant, throwing it as far as he could.

No one questioned him.

Tsukishima held the door open for him, waiting, and not daring to speak.

Right, they had to go. Terushima needed them.

Turning around, Kuroo nodded to Suga, Futakuchi, and Yamamoto, who knew their job already. They stayed on the lawn as lookouts, hidden in the shadows despite the way Futakuchi rocked on the heels of his feet.

They wanted to go with Terushima; surely they knew his mother, had some less than kind words for the doctor as well, but...

Kuroo exhaled as Tsukishima pulled him into the house, those honey eyes telling him to not worry about it. They all knew their place.

Suga smiled encouragingly at him, and Kuroo finally acknowledged that Tsukishima and himself were who Terushima truly needed in this situation. His friends had taken him as far as they could, and they'd gladly be there in the aftermath.

Kuroo smiled back, and then clicked the door shut on the outside world, but the lawlessness still filled the air.

Thankfully, the sleek hardwood floor didn't make any noise as they walked through the living room. The home was an even more decked out version of Tsukishima's, and twice as customized. The furniture looked new, as if from a store window, the chandelier glistened even in the dark. Certificates and awards lined the wall high bookcases, but the lack of photos containing family or friends spoke volumes. It was another mask, a look into the wealth and prestige of a man who cared about little else.

Even the railing of the long spiral staircase with the handcrafted spindles didn't impress Kuroo, knowing all that.

But there were no signs of weapons, not even an interior camera or locks to each individual room. The doctor hadn't even bothered to put anything away.

Easier for them, Kuroo guessed, and he found himself thankful for the lack of concern Dr. Takahashi had after all.

Seeing all he needed to, he faced forward, just as Terushima opened the master bedroom.

Everyone looked peaceful and innocent when they were asleep.

Kuroo looked to Terushima and Tsukishima, expecting the same shock, but found no trace of it. The stone faces persisted, void of sympathy. Tsukishima had stood in this position before, so he wasn't so naive anymore.

But Terushima...

The anger in his eyes just told Kuroo how ready he was to face this, and a bit of twisted pride came from that.

Kuroo also realized that up until this point, things had seemed so disjointed and slow, like they were walking on the border of reality and peering in. It took one glance at Terushima to remember they existed; this was real, and there was no going back.

Without finesse or ceremony, Terushima hit the end of his gun against the nearest surface, jolting Takahashi awake.

He sat up in an instant, his eyes blinking through the haze of sleep to reach over to his nightstand. Before he could even get close, Tsukishima shot the handle of it, discouraging any further attempts.

A split second, and then everything froze again.

Takahashi pulled back slowly, hands raised, trembling. "W-what do you want?"

His voice was small, but comforting. No wonder he was so easy to trust. Coupled with the respected gentleman act...

People like Terushima's mom hadn't stood a chance.

Somehow, it made Kuroo's anger grow, but he stood still and silent.

"I-If it's money you want, there's a safe downstairs, I'll give you the code just...please," the doctor stammered out, and when Terushima took a step towards the bed, he flinched.

His shoulders still trembled, half his face concealed by the darkness, but Kuroo could sense the coldness there. If only this was about money.

"Get on the floor," Terushima said, devoid of hesitation or a trace of a threat.

A simple order, said just above a whisper, and yet Takahashi listened. He lowered himself from his plush comforter until his knees hit the cold hardwood, his joints and bones cracking from the unexpected movement.

"Who are you?" Takahashi asked, and Terushima stepped closer, his glare deep enough to rival Tsukishima's. Actually, it would probably win.

Had Terushima's breathing always been that loud?

Kuroo had barely noticed it, how well Terushima was keeping all his rage and emotions back.

The leader asked one question, the only question that really mattered. "Terushima. Sound familiar?"

'It better,' went unsaid.

Takahashi squinted, running the name through his ears and his mind. Terushima.

The look of confusion had Tsukishima grabbing Kuroo's wrist, as if he might lunge at the guy himself.

But when it clicked, it showed. The doctor's eyes widened, and he cowered some more, like any show of fear prior to this had been an act. This time, he seemed frantic, scooting until he hit the wall, his gaze leaping to the window. Too far up to jump out that way.

Terushima couldn't take it.

He snapped, raising his gun without prompting, his glare turning into a snarl. "That's right, you son of a bitch. You know exactly who I am! Why I'm here--you--"

Takahashi tried to fumble, shaking his head, and Kuroo felt Tsukishima's nails dig into his skin. The doctor's panic was as good as any admission of guilt. "Please you--you don't understand, what happened was an acc--"

"Don't you dare tell me it was an accident! What, you tripped and all of a sudden my mom's money was gone?" Terushima accused, his laugh humorless. He'd begun to shake more, but even with poor aim, Takahashi would be hit.

Terushima's words spilled out in a panic, like he'd never gotten to properly vent; he'd saved all his rawness for this moment, unbothered by the mistiness in his eyes or the tremble in his tone. "She...she trusted you! I trusted you! All those appointments and advice...she thought you were helping her."

Kuroo could imagine. When he'd been a highschooler, he'd been right by his grandmother's side through every checkup, every clinic visit. Worried, caring, but above all, hanging onto the doctor's words like they were the word of God.

This guy was no doctor.

"I tried, I tried to help!" Takahashi claimed, ducking his head as a scowl formed on his face. He liked to play the victim, they all did. No once had an apology slipped from his lips.

"No, you didn't, you only wanted to help yourself!"

"It just didn't pan out for her," Takahashi threw back in Terushima's face, fishing for an excuse which might stick. "There was nothing--"

"Because of you! You planned it that way, admit it!" Terushima stepped closer, as if to show he as serious. That gun certainly wasn't fake, Takahashi had to know that at least.

"Watch your mouth!" The doctor hissed, resigned to his situation. Kuroo didn't want to see his true colors for once, didn't want confirmation that people were really this awful, though he'd seen it plenty of times. "I'm a respected member of this community, your mother knew that."

"And look where it got her, heh," Terushima replied, cold as ice. "In fact, look where it's gotten you."

He raised the gun higher, and Takahashi flinched, his scowl growing. His desperation had left, melting off to expose his real nature. The 'Do no harm' mug sitting by his bedside also deserved to be smashed. "You...you little shit, if your mom hadn't been so concerned about you, she wouldn't have needed my advice. Her only son, struggling through school. Now what would she think?"

Tsukishima stepped forward, and Kuroo's arms wrapped around him, keeping him there even as he wanted to strangle the guy.

Maybe he and Tsukishima should've done this themselves after all, if only to spare Terushima the vile words.

Terushima didn't falter. "Shut up! You don't know anything about my mom! She loves me!"

"I know enough, you're hurting her just as much if you do this, you really think she'd approve?"

"That's a nice lie, but I'm done believing you," Terushima whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. The doctor kept getting worse; maybe Terushima had been looking for an ounce of redemption, an excuse to not pull the trigger. "And no, she wouldn't like this at all. Mom is too nice. You preyed on that, on us, because of our situation. You take from people with nothing..but you're a coward, and I'm nothing like you."

He knew what had to be done.

Kuroo still didn't know if he approved, not deep down, but he respected the willingness to decide, Terushima's trust in himself no matter what happened.

Yet, until his last breath, Takahashi would trample him and all those reasonings. "You lost, and you should've accepted that," the doctor said, delirious, his laugh bubbling awkwardly into the room. "That's all anyone will ever know if you kill me, I'll die the same. Renowned, adored...nothing changes."

Tsukishima flinched in Kuroos arms, all too familiar with the concept.

Terushima wavered, but his words rang true even as his eyes beaded with water. "Maybe, but I'd sure sleep a lot easier, you know?"

Takahashi's eyes widened, and he too began to cry, seeing no way out. He bowed his head, staring at the hardwood instead of the gun's chamber. Kuroo might've done the same, but then again, he was too stubborn for that.

Terushima didn't shoot though.

He just stood there, eyes slowing losing the ferocity, the murderous passion. They softened, unsure, uncertain, not unlike the Terushima from earlier in the night.

This was a different hesitation though. Not guilt or reluctance, but realization.

More agonizing seconds passed, filled with nothing but the doctor's tears and heavy breathing.

Tsukishima squirmed in his arms, and Kuroo let go of him carefully, letting him cross the room until his hand sat on Terushima's shoulder, his other on the handle of the gun. Tsukishima voice echoed so steady, so forgiving. "Terushima...you don't have to, remember that."

At the reminder, Terushima closed his eyes, breathing in once, twice.

"I know," he whispered, swallowing a lump in his throat. His gaze drifted to Tsukishima, looking for a clue, but found a blank canvas. He had to do this himself, but he wasn't alone. He'd never been alone. "Hey Tsukishima, you know I...I hate the Purge."

So obvious, said before. But Tsukishima didn't comment with sarcasm. "I know."

Terushima nodded. "Like I...I really hate it. It ruins everything."

And it would keep ruining everything, they all knew. Takahashi was just one example of its corruption.

Terushima sighed again, his mouth staying open until the sound found a pathway. "But I think I learned that…people who are shitty are just shitty year round. The Purge just helps them have an excuse. Right?"

Tsukishima hesitated for a moment, struggling for a response, before finally he acknowledged the truth. The blond's hands fell from where they rested on Terushima's, hanging limply at his sides. "Mm, yeah. I think that's...correct."

Kuroo squinted, but he already knew where this was going before Terushima spoke up again.

All he could do was look at Takahashi, and think one thing. You don't deserve it.

"He's right you know?" Terushima said. "If I shoot him, his name, his practice lives on..."

A recognized surgeon, maybe the best in the city. What a load of garbage. Kuroo ducked his head and waited though, as Terushima's words hit him far too deep in his soul.

"People like him deserve punishment in the real world, in the eyes of the law, without the Purge," Terushima said, and what he was proposing...it was a grander plan than this whole night. Although, maybe Kuroo shouldn't have been surprised. Terushima always thought big, never settled for less than what he believed.

But a just law system could only exist without the Purge, without even the slightest trace of it. The two had become so intertwined, Kuroo had nearly forgotten what it was like before.

It would not be easy, but...

Something told him Terushima knew that.

Terushima glared at Takahashi one last time. "And maybe without the Purge, people won't become so awful. Or at least, they'll have no reason to hide it. What happened to me, and what happened to you...it won't go away but..."

Tsukishima shushed him with a hand to his wrist, his eyes a storm, beautiful and strong.

An unspoken 'I believe you' sat between them.

Terushima smiled, so out of place in such a terrible home, but it made the tension in Kuroo's shoulders evaporate in an instant, the finality coursing through him.

Terushima handed the gun to Tsukishima, who took it with a smile of his own, and the blond rejoined Kuroo against the wall, basking in the same feeling.

A hopeful tomorrow.

"You know doctor, I guess I don't care if you live or die," Terushima said with a shrug, his hands on his hips to steady himself. It had been a long night. "I just can't stand the thought of you getting away with what you do while you're breathing. I won't let it happen again."

Takahashi's glare dissolved into genuine fear; it was simply the effect Terushima's words had. No matter how much work it would be, or how long it took, the determination in that voice told the world he wouldn't lose.

Kuroo would bet his life on it.

With that, Terushima turned away from the doctor as he began to quietly sob, stopping just in front of Kuroo and Tsukishima with a calm smile.

"Thank you," he said, and then his hand curled around Kuroo's shoulder. "Both of you."

Then he was gone, like the journey there hadn't been agonizing. Down the stairs, out the door, where his friends waited to congratulate him no matter what.

It was what he deserved.

However, Kuroo couldn't help but feel like there was one more thing they weren't addressing. He and Tsukishima looked over at Takahashi's pathetic form. He had money, resources, allies...

It didn't sit well with him. "You know, there's a chance there might be retaliation if we leave him here."

No one would believe Terushima's side of things until he got proof, and in the meantime, it would be easy to get Terushima and his mom out of the way through subtle means...

"I know," Tsukishima said, glaring as he sighed at the inconvenience. Seemed like they both wanted to protect Terushima as long as they could, even as the night came to an end.

As sickening as it was, an agreement formed between them, with Tsukishima willing to do the deed itself. Always looking out for Kuroo.

They shared a look, and as much as Kuroo's stomach churned, he would do nothing to stop this.

"Terushima was too noble to kill him," he said instead, and let the pride sit there, a reminder that this hadn't all been for nothing. Especially not Tsukishima's next steps towards Takahashi.

Looking to Kuroo, he tilted his head towards the wall, and Kuroo was already looking away. "Yeah, but I'm not."

Then, Kuroo heard Tsukshima load the gun.

--

By the time they exited the house, the group had already pulled up the car, ready to go as usual. What a bunch of losers, Kuroo thought as he grinned, far too fond for people he'd barely known for twelve hours.

They seemed in good spirits, and that's all that mattered to him.

Terushima perked up when he saw them both, and he stood up from where he leaned against the door. "Hey slowpokes, what took you so long?"

Tsukishima's hand was in his side immediately, jabbing him hard. "Ow, fuck you!"

"No thanks," Tsukishima scoffed, and the question was avoided.

Kuroo really did adore the blond for that.

"Why are you in such a rush anyways?" Kuroo asked, ruffling Terushima's hair. He was swatted away, but it had been a success. (Perhaps not as messy as Kuroo's, but oh well.)

Dutifully, Kuroo opened the door, and Futakuchi scooted himself over to make room. Okay, maybe this car wasn't so bad, though Kuroo liked his delivery mobile better.

He simply didn't hate this hunk of suburbia anymore.

"I'm hungry," Yamamoto said, followed by a chorus of 'no.'

Christ.

When Tsukishima reached for the handle of the driver side door, Terushima grabbed his wrist, stopping him. The blond's face twisted in confusion, but listened.

Terushima grinned, rubbing the back of his head like he was some dumb kid again, and Kuroo quickly exchanged an amused look with Kuroo.

Kuroo had a feeling their night wasn't over after all.

"Actually Tsukishima, can I drive?" Terushima asked, which really made Tsukishima's eyes widen brilliantly. "There's one last place I wanna go if that's alright. I won't crash into anything this time, I promise."

Futakuchi laughed, and it was contagious, the car erupting in idiotic snickers. It had been a really long night. Terushima blushed, throwing his jacket at the nearest target (Suga's face). "Shut it! I can do it!"

Despite his claims, even he looked like he'd seen a ghost when Tsukishima dangled the keys in front of his face, conceding to his request.

Terushima took them with shaky hands, his smile hesitant, like Tsukishima would take it back at a moment's notice. But no, the blond was all too happy to pile into the back beside Kuroo, shooting Terushima one last smirk over his shoulder.

"We'll see about that."

#kurotsuki #kurotsukki #adri writing #haikyuu!!

[xplainthexmen]

In which Dr. Andrea Letamendi of Arkham Sessions joins us to analyze some analysis; Doc Sampson has major scope-of-practice issues; Ren & Stimpy references continue to fail to age well; it’s hard to be Quicksilver; Val Cooper is not your friend; Polaris pretty much always deserves better; Charles Xavier should not be allowed to inhabit positions of power; and labels are often not the best tools for good representations of mental illness and neurodivergence.

X-PLAINED:

A very high-stakes 3-D puzzle

X-Factor #87

Doc Sampson

Making talking heads interesting

Wolfsbane’s relationship to pop culture

Appropriate boundaries

Several remarkable fashion choices

Pietro Maximoff in perspective

Therapeutic assessment vs. intervention

The extremely tragic backstory of Jamie Madrox

Imposter syndrome

A brief history of Polaris’s brushes with possession

A really poorly planned and presented sequence

Consequences of armchair diagnosis

Interactions of telepathy and psychology

Legion as a portrayal of mental illness

Writing mental illness in fiction

NEXT EPISODE: Rasputin Family Reunion!

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#X-Men #Jay and Miles X-Plain the X-Men #XPlaintheXMen #podcast #X-Factor

[sartorialonce]

Emma Swan’s wedding gown: an astonishing failure by any metric

(Many, many pictures in this post.)

I hope that, as readers of this blog, you know that I have a great deal of respect for the work of Eduardo Castro on this show. It was with dismay that I began analyzing this dress last season, when friends began asking me to talk about it. I like talking about the successes—negative analysis can be fun and cathartic and all, but analyzing something that works, in order to understand why it’s really that good, is at least as valuable, if not more so. But sometimes, a thing is really that bad, and that’s where we are today. I hope everyone understands that this is a critique of this garment, not an analysis of the character.

But let me be very clear: this dress was poorly made, poorly fitted, and poorly suited to the medium.

Arguably the most famous wedding gown ever made is that of Grace Kelly, worn for the Catholic ceremony of her wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco (the pair had been married in a civil ceremony the day before). Kelly’s gown was designed by a costume designer from MGM Studios, Helen Rose. Rose was a two-time Oscar-winning designer and ten-time nominee. She had designed costumes for Kelly several times, and she was also a well-regarded wedding gown designer.

This gown is without question her most famous work, and its influence has been far-reaching. Fifty-five years later, a dress inspired by Kelly’s was worn by Kate Middleton for her wedding to Prince William. Several European princesses of the same generation have also drawn inspiration from this gown.

Emma Swan’s wedding gown, however, does not draw inspiration from Kelly’s. It is a copy, and not even a good one.

Let’s start from the top.

The Juliet cap

It’s easy to underestimate just how ubiquitous hats were in American fashion at one time. Hats were a standard accessory both for men and women. In the 1950s, many women’s hats were far more decorative than functional, like the Juliet cap.

The Juliet cap has its roots in Renaissance Europe, when earlier traditions of women completely covering their hair had evolved into pieces that partially covered the head and accentuated hairstyling. This was true of the 50s version as well. The chignon was a popular hairstyle to pair with a Juliet cap. The Renaissance versions were often a net (beaded or plain) that held hair in place; by the 50s it was most likely to be a solid hat. Today the Juliet cap is strictly bridal, usually more like the earliest versions than the 20th-century ones.

Arguably it was the cap which doomed this costume. This piece, more than any other part, pegs this as a vintage design. The dress itself has had innumerable imitators over the last sixty years. The Juliet cap has not achieved that staying power. In Emma’s case, the cap goes awry on a few counts. First, the lace itself lacks the delicacy of the original. It’s coarser and lacks most of the tiny beads. Second, it’s way too big for her head. It touches her ear, while the original was about half an inch above. Third, the placement of the flower band makes it look like it’s sliding off the back of her head.

The final nail in the coffin is the actual outline of the piece. It’s hard to tell if they actually failed to copy the original accurately or if that original shape just doesn’t work well with JMo’s hairline. Either is possible.

If they had just given her a tiara, or braided her hair into a crown with flowers—well, I’d still be talking about how bad this dress is, but I bet a lot of other people wouldn’t have fixated on it and I’d just be stewing about it privately instead of writing a 3,000-word post about it.

Styling

I’m no hair-and-makeup expert, but to my eye this is all too severe. A softer lip color would have gone a long way toward helping this. The hairstyle may look really pretty in the back but we’ll never know because it’s covered up with a veil. I’m honestly a little surprised they stuck a veil on her at all, but we’ll get to that later. Anyway, what we can see of the hair is all repressed-librarian-chic and that is so not the intent of this look. At least I’m pretty sure. It’s also worth noting that while Kelly wore her hair up, she still had more volume to her hair than Emma does here.

Quality

There are some weird and frankly unprofessional quality problems with this costume.

The first and most noticeable problem is the seams of the lace jacket. I’ll be blunt: lace can be hard to work with. We’ve seen lace on costumes on Once before, but it’s often been handled using a technique called underlining. With underlining you layer two pieces of fabric together and treat them as though they’re one piece. For example, Snow’s white dress from 1.11 has lace on the bodice that was constructed this way. A major reason for underlining when you can is that it hides all the raw edges inside the garment.

However, when a garment is just lace, like this jacket, the preferred method is to hide the seams with the lace itself. This is done by cutting pieces larger than needed, following the motifs of the lace pattern. Then the irregular edge is appliquéd over the seam line, effectively hiding it. Kelly’s jacket is so well constructed that seams are virtually invisible.

I have to give some credit to the wardrobe folks, because they did actually use this appliqué technique on this jacket (which, when I first saw low-resolution images, I thought they did not). However, the motifs on this lace are so sparse that it doesn’t do a very good job of hiding the seams. And then, for reasons I suspect I will never understand, they decided to bind the seams. They took a white fabric and covered up the raw edges of the lace, so instead of masking the seams, they made them more obvious.

The thing is, those princess seams on the front are very unusual. Most princess seams are perpendicular to the waist and either run to the armhole or the shoulder seam, rather than creating that odd diamond shape. So the shape is odd and the seams are super-visible, and it starts calling attention to how it’s made. Those seams were in fact the first thing I noticed when I saw this dress, and I stand by what I said at the time: those seams are visible from space.

The seams on the sleeves are even more perplexing. At least the rest of the seams were all trimmed down, but the seam allowances on these are so wide. It’s like somebody forgot to trim and bind those seams or ran out of time. In some shots it appears that the side seams were treated similarly. This is just not standard practice, even if you discount the admittedly time-consuming process of hiding seams in lace. Standard practice is that whatever method you use to finish seam allowances—serging, French seams, flat-felled seams, Hong Kong finish, no finish at all—you use it for all seams in the garment. Especially when the seam allowances are visible from the right side.

Then there’s the buttoned opening of the jacket. Someone tried really hard to mirror the lace across the opening. They didn’t quite make it, which makes it more jarring than not trying to mirror the lace at all would have been.

On the back, the armhole has been cut in the strangest shape I’ve seen in a long time. Because this is lace, you can actually see where her underarm is and how far away the curve of the armhole sits. It looks like someone cut the front and back of the armhole symmetrically. The front is usually cut with a deeper curve than the back because the arm actually sits forward on the body and you need more room for forward movement than backward. This is just a weird choice and feels very much like a mistake.

Lastly, there’s the collar. Well, there’s not a separate collar here, technically, because there is no seam attaching a collar piece to the body. So this is actually a neckline. The salient point is, it’s badly off-center and there’s no good excuse for that. If I had to guess, I’d say someone failed to account for the placket while cutting the fabric. Or possibly that on one front piece, they measured from the edge and on the other front piece they measured from the center front (which in this case would be the line of buttons).

It’s just shoddy workmanship. Inexplicably shoddy workmanship.

Fit, or lack thereof

The bodice is too tight. This is a common problem in JMo’s custom-made costume pieces. There is stress and strain absolutely everywhere at even modest movement. Lace also doesn’t recover from stretching as well as some other fabrics, so the wrinkles caused by that strain tend to remain after the strain is reduced.

Even the bodice of the gown itself is too tight, as evidenced in this BTS picture. I have a very strong suspicion that this is the reason the pleats are off-center in other BTS pictures. Sometimes a garment being too tight will cause it to creep either up or around (or both).

The cummerbund is also too tight, but there are some other issues with that piece which we’ll get to shortly.

Straight lines vs. curves

Straight horizontal elements are rarely a good idea in clothing design. Most of the time, even if you appear to have a horizontal line, it’s actually a gentle curve. Waistlines, for example, are usually drafted a little higher in back and lower in front. It’s more aesthetically pleasing because straight lines on the body are pretty unnatural for most people, and a curve also tends to fit better than a straight horizontal seam.

Why use straight lines when gentle curves are more flattering? Straight lines are easier and faster. We’ll talk about that toward the end.

In this case, straight lines have been substituted in place of the original curves at the neckline of the gown (not the jacket) and the cummerbund. The original has an elegant sweetheart neckline that dips in the middle. The curve suggests the contour of the body without revealing anything. The curve of the cummerbund serves a similar purpose. It’s all about framing her figure in a flattering manner.

What went wrong with Emma’s? The neckline is kind of dipped—maybe a little—but not enough to be noticeable. The cummerbund is straight too, meaning instead of showing off her figure, it flattens everything.

Proportions

The most baffling choice to me in this garment is the changes in proportions of the bodice. The bodice of Helen Rose’s original design is all about the rule of threes. There are three sections—cummerbund, lace over gown, and lace alone—and each is roughly the same size. In particular, the high cummerbund gives visual lift to the bust. It’s all in service of the silhouette. The swan neck and the narrow, extra-long sleeves emphasize the vertical element of the design. The waist is also slightly high, which brings the eye upward to the more interesting parts of the dress.

As you can probably tell, the cummerbund of the costume has been significantly altered from the original. It’s much, much narrower, with a straight top edge instead of a curve. Kelly’s had a few well-defined pleats; this one is a mess. The edge that’s flipped up is also a sign that it’s too tight.

But more important is how the change to proportion and shape affects the whole. Instead of framing the bust, this flat neckline and narrow cummerbund make her torso look flatter. It’s the most baffling change they made in my opinion.

Less baffling is why they changed the train. You can’t really dance in a dress with six feet of fabric trailing behind you. But in that case, why have a train at all? Why have one this anemic? This looks like a mistake, and if they hadn’t done this, I wouldn’t now be complaining about how crappy that hem is. And yeah, the section on quality problems was a while ago, but the wild thing about this dress is that it’s nearly impossible to separate all its problems into single categories, and now you know why it’s taken me nearly a year to get around to writing this post despite the absurd amount of time I’ve been thinking about it.

The length of the veil was likely altered for the same reason (Kelly’s was floor-length), but could they have picked a more awkward length?

Updating period garments

In the post on Emma’s pink date dress, I talked some about recreating period garments. Helen Rose’s design would have been made to wear with a 50s-style bra, obviously, but also a girdle to shape the waist and a crinoline to shape the skirt. Not wearing appropriate undergarments for the design has a huge effect on how the garment looks. If you’re going to make this literal a copy of a garment, then you really need to go all in with the whole look. On the set of various Star Trek series, Robert Blackman famously had custom underwear made for everyone who wore a Starfleet uniform. Undergarments are that important.

If they weren’t going to have JMo in a girdle (which for the record I do not blame anyone for choosing not to do), then the crinoline needed to be larger. A critical part of the silhouette of the original dress is the waist-to-hip ratio. Emma’s version puffs out a little but not nearly as dramatically. The crinoline seems to be the one place where they attempted to modernize the dress at all. But instead of really updating it and using an A-line silhouette, they kept the bell shape and just made it less bell-shaped. Attempting to adhere to the original silhouette but not doing it at all faithfully is a large part of why this copy is so lackluster and unpolished.

Context

The original garment was designed for a royal wedding in a Catholic country, pre-Vatican II. Its modesty is in deference to those factors. This was a gown meant to look regal, even statuesque in photographs.

Emma Swan’s wedding is a musical number. She needed a dress for dancing. What she got is incredibly awkward. The skirt doesn’t swish nicely when she moves. It is, in fact, so heavy that whenever she spins around, she looks like she’s in danger of being knocked down by the skirt’s momentum. The tightness of the jacket is really exacerbated whenever she lifts her arms, which is a thing that happens pretty often while dancing. And the veil—the veil. That thing swings around so wildly that I’m amazed no one on set stepped in and had her take it off. There are shots where it looks like it’s going to whack her in the face.

It just looks like she’s being attacked and swallowed up by this monstrosity of a gown, and it’s shocking to me that anyone with any notion of how clothing behaves would look at the original gown and say “yes, this will be great for a dance number.”

I don’t want to get much into questions of “would Emma Swan wear this,” but... would she? Is she a big fan of Grace Kelly? Hugely fond of 50s style? Where did this dress even come from in the universe of the show? It wasn’t there at the beginning of the episode when she was looking at dresses. Was it custom made by some seamstress in town? Are we supposed to believe it was conjured up with magic? And if that’s the case why didn’t they show us that? It’s a show about fairy tales and they’re not going to take the opportunity to do a Cinderella-style magical dress?

This doesn’t feel like a decision made in the universe of the show. It feels like someone fixated on this dress and to hell with making any logical sense within the story.

Feasibility

Grace Kelly’s gown was made in the MGM costume workshop. Helen Rose had a team of 36 seamstresses to construct it, and it took them six weeks to complete. That’s thousands of hours of labor from some of the most skilled dressmakers in the country.

I don’t know how many people Eduardo Castro had working on this, but I doubt he had a staff of 36. I know they didn’t have six weeks—Castro has said that they only had two weeks to make it. (They also only had one fitting, which... explains a lot.) With those constraints, and a TV budget, making a good copy of this dress simply was not possible.

But Castro and his team have made beautiful gowns under the same restrictions before, so what’s the difference here? Castro’s most successful designs have been ones where the design itself is relatively simple. Most of the garments worn in the show are of relatively basic construction. The richness comes from the textiles used, like sarees or quilted fabrics. Patterns were also reused. Snow’s gown in 1.11 is the same pattern as Belle’s in 1.12. These are smart shortcuts for a workshop that doesn’t have unlimited time or budget. The latter in particular had a twofold benefit: it established a consistent style for the universe of the show, and it streamlined the work for Castro’s team.

The worst costumes produced for this show have been the ones that step outside of the design language Castro established early on, notably Elsa and Ingrid’s gowns. This one suffers from the same problem. Instead of starting from a known pattern, they had to start from scratch. Pattern drafting requires time, and as I noted in an earlier section, the jacket in particular has some unusual and challenging features that would need a lot of precision to get right. By picking a design where they couldn’t rely on the time-saving methods they had developed over the years, their ability to produce a high-quality garment was immediately hampered. This is probably part of the reason they used straight lines instead of curves to the detriment of the garment, why the seam finishes on the lace are so inconsistent and bad, and why something as simple as the pleats on the skirt look so sloppy.

And that’s not even getting into the budget. The materials alone for Kelly’s dress cost more than $70,000 in today’s money. The lace jacket was made from Brussels lace made in the 1830s. This was quite simply not something that could be replicated well on the budget of a network television series.

There is to my mind an ethical issue as well. Days of publicity went by before anyone mentioned that this dress was a copy of Helen Rose’s work. Almost immediately a narrative sprang up that Morrison had “helped design” Emma’s wedding gown, but this notion is patently false. No design went into this, only minor tweaks of another artist’s seminal work.

Helen Rose was highly acclaimed in her day, but her lasting legacy is Grace Kelly’s wedding gown. Her work deserves better homage than this poorly conceived and poorly executed disaster.

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