horts, trunks or briefs? No matter what style of swimwear you ultimately opt for (or are characteristically drawn to) the truth of the matter is that there are indeed just as many elegantly cut and tastefully fitted variations to both (sartorially) revel and invest in as there are gaudy and distastefully stylized interpretations to be stunningly bewildered by.
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Point being: All swimwear is not created — nor fashionably stylized — equally.
Be that as it may, and whether you fancy yourself as an enterprising sartorialist who is risk adverse or a conservative traditionalist at heart who prefers resting on his (proven) laurels, this feature is certainly ripe for the picking with a vast well of considered swimwear choices that are sure to please a diverse spectrum of discerning tastes.
Being one of the few remaining style domains that you essentially have carte blanche to let loose (albeit within reason) in whatever manner you see most fitting (i.e. experimenting with colour, design, etc.), my advice as such is that — even if there is no limits (per se) as to how you can/should style your swimwear — you should nevertheless approach the purchasing of your next pair of swim shorts, trunks or briefs with visual restraint being top of mind alongside that of the ideal that the final product be just as flattering in wear, reflectively genteel in character, and impeccably cut as your exquisitely tailored formalwear.
Be that as it may, and whether you fancy yourself as an enterprising sartorialist who is risk adverse or a conservative traditionalist at heart who prefers resting on his (proven) laurels, this feature is certainly ripe for the picking with a vast well of considered swimwear choices that are sure to please a diverse spectrum of discerning tastes.
Being one of the few remaining style domains that you essentially have carte blanche to let loose (albeit within reason) in whatever manner you see most fitting (i.e. experimenting with colour, design, etc.), my advice as such is that — even if there is no limits (per se) as to how you can/should style your swimwear — you should nevertheless approach the purchasing of your next pair of swim shorts, trunks or briefs with visual restraint being top of mind alongside that of the ideal that the final product be just as flattering in wear, reflectively genteel in character, and impeccably cut as your exquisitely tailored formalwear.
Howbeit, it warrants note that swimwear is regarded — by many amongst us — as one of the most imposing, troubling and intimidating wardrobe realms; one commonly replete with sartorial pitfalls aplenty that is certainly in need of a helping hand and some much needed editing (for the masses at-large that is).
For proof, all one really need do is imagine the perennial sea of overzealous prints, unflattering silhouettes, and (most prominently) shapeless board shorts that plague beaches worldwide as well as all the tonally out of sync (with ones natural complexion that is) swim suits that leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons — think bright sunshine yellow trunks that are backdropped by pasty skin tones or near (lady-like) Capri-length board shorts with so many contrasting graphic prints or motifs that they prove overbearing to the eye of any onlooker (from both afar and whilst in proper frame).
Taking to heart that (troubling?) reality, the following style guide is purposefully awash with the sort of advice, tactful ad libs and styling inspiration that will not only help appease those lingering issues but that should prove most fitting to nearly one-and-all whether they be searching for suitable swimwear for Copacabana Beach, the Côte d'Azur or perhaps even a local hotspot or private (residence) pool.
For proof, all one really need do is imagine the perennial sea of overzealous prints, unflattering silhouettes, and (most prominently) shapeless board shorts that plague beaches worldwide as well as all the tonally out of sync (with ones natural complexion that is) swim suits that leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons — think bright sunshine yellow trunks that are backdropped by pasty skin tones or near (lady-like) Capri-length board shorts with so many contrasting graphic prints or motifs that they prove overbearing to the eye of any onlooker (from both afar and whilst in proper frame).
Taking to heart that (troubling?) reality, the following style guide is purposefully awash with the sort of advice, tactful ad libs and styling inspiration that will not only help appease those lingering issues but that should prove most fitting to nearly one-and-all whether they be searching for suitable swimwear for Copacabana Beach, the Côte d'Azur or perhaps even a local hotspot or private (residence) pool.
Casting an apropos light upon five of the most prominent styles as well as the important factors and questions to take into consideration before diving fully in, it is rife with most every style of swimwear (save for board shorts) from James Bond’s iconic pale blue form-fitting trunks and a variety retro 50/60s’ cuts through a finely curated contingent of versatile tabbed and tailored modern swim/walking shorts.
Arriving just in time for those with nautical prospects awaiting on the horizon, you could say that it is both (1) a call-to-action aimed towards battling the plague that has been brought upon many a beach by all manner of baggy board shorts and far-too-revealing (swimmers) Speedos and (2) an all-encompassing swimwear edit tasked with helping elevate true-blue swimwear into a prized possession that you will look forward to pulling on no matter how well that ‘beach-body’ workout regimen played out.
So with that in mind, and without any further or ado, here’s to taking the plunge in some of the finest swimwear (shorts, trunks, briefs) available and to making a splash whilst cutting a dash (at leisure) all summer long in what is a most tasteful and endearing manner…
Arriving just in time for those with nautical prospects awaiting on the horizon, you could say that it is both (1) a call-to-action aimed towards battling the plague that has been brought upon many a beach by all manner of baggy board shorts and far-too-revealing (swimmers) Speedos and (2) an all-encompassing swimwear edit tasked with helping elevate true-blue swimwear into a prized possession that you will look forward to pulling on no matter how well that ‘beach-body’ workout regimen played out.
So with that in mind, and without any further or ado, here’s to taking the plunge in some of the finest swimwear (shorts, trunks, briefs) available and to making a splash whilst cutting a dash (at leisure) all summer long in what is a most tasteful and endearing manner…
Inspired by the sporty form fitting cuts and classic colour blocking designs (often with contrasting trims and stripes) that dominated the shorelines of Rio, the Côte d'Azur, and Hawaii during the 1950’s and 60s’(as well as the iconic physique of Mr. Daniel Craig in Casino Royale), the retro charm and cropped silhouettes that distinguish these vintage fitted swim shorts/trunks from all others is not only enticingly evocative and refreshingly flattering in wear but also intriguingly reminiscent of a bygone cultural era that has been forevermore romanticized in film and literature.
As such, they are — in reflective aura and styling — likely to immediately appeal most prominently to both those innately unburdened by the notion of displaying a touch more skin as well as that peculiar set who have been gifted with (or developed) the sort of well toned, muscular and bronzed legs that will make the most of this classically handsome style of cropped swim trunk — any, in other words, who have the unfettered confidence, genteel spirit, and signature style to pull them off.
In applicational merit without question designed and presupposed strictly for beach and resort wear (read: not as a walking short for going about town in), I like to imagine retro form-fitting trunks as the sartorial gentleman’s tastefully modest answer to the far too revealing legless Speedo (brief).
As such, they are — in reflective aura and styling — likely to immediately appeal most prominently to both those innately unburdened by the notion of displaying a touch more skin as well as that peculiar set who have been gifted with (or developed) the sort of well toned, muscular and bronzed legs that will make the most of this classically handsome style of cropped swim trunk — any, in other words, who have the unfettered confidence, genteel spirit, and signature style to pull them off.
In applicational merit without question designed and presupposed strictly for beach and resort wear (read: not as a walking short for going about town in), I like to imagine retro form-fitting trunks as the sartorial gentleman’s tastefully modest answer to the far too revealing legless Speedo (brief).
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Often dubbed ’short shorts’ due in no small part to their streamlined silhouette, no other style of swimwear resting before you today cuts down on drag (which makes swimming in them an enjoyable pleasure) nor brings the same unique charismatic joie de vivre to any nautically framed affair then they do.
Having retained their inspired vintage zest erstwhile being sensibly updated with modern quick-drying fabrics, added stretch, and quality lightweight compositional construction, those chosen before you today (including the highlighted pair which was worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale) will leave you properly equipped to effortlessly mimic the casual elegance in dress of such luminary silver-screen icons as John Robie (Cary Grant, To Catch A Thief), Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law, The Talented Mr. Ripley), and James Bond (both Craig and Mr. Sean Connery, Thunderball) in no time.
To that account, take stylized liberty of 007’s sartorial cues and sport them with a rakish disposition alongside alightweight belted cardigan (Laneus; in lieu of any polo or t-shirt), round (Lennon) sunnies (H&M), Spanish espadrilles (Soludos) and a water-friendly Milanese band watch (Skagen) for a chic look that would indeed not be out of place is his revered cinematic universe.
Having retained their inspired vintage zest erstwhile being sensibly updated with modern quick-drying fabrics, added stretch, and quality lightweight compositional construction, those chosen before you today (including the highlighted pair which was worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale) will leave you properly equipped to effortlessly mimic the casual elegance in dress of such luminary silver-screen icons as John Robie (Cary Grant, To Catch A Thief), Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law, The Talented Mr. Ripley), and James Bond (both Craig and Mr. Sean Connery, Thunderball) in no time.
To that account, take stylized liberty of 007’s sartorial cues and sport them with a rakish disposition alongside alightweight belted cardigan (Laneus; in lieu of any polo or t-shirt), round (Lennon) sunnies (H&M), Spanish espadrilles (Soludos) and a water-friendly Milanese band watch (Skagen) for a chic look that would indeed not be out of place is his revered cinematic universe.
Aesthetically encapsulating the lively, fluid and naturally lavish spirit of summer whilst characteristically bespeaking (in a most appropriate manner) unto that of the underlying carefree and laissez-faire attitude that defines the season, opting for swim wear — namely either cropped board shorts and fitted (boxer) style trunks — that is emboldened with an uplifting spectacle of flowers, tropical prints, fruit or rich green foliage is a considered way to refresh your wardrobe (as well as positively buoy your mood) in a truly happy-go-lucky 1950s’-esque Hawaiian surfer sort of way.
Immediate cultural, surfing and kitschy modern Hawaiian vacationer connotations aside, if taken in solely at face value swimwear styled with florals or tropical prints is an instant ice-breaker whose distinctive form of fashionable appeal is vibrant yet nonetheless peaceful, poignant and meditative.
As such understandably a popular choice worldwide, this is inarguably a style of swimwear with a busy and enterprising design principle in which the devil truly rests in the (nuanced) details — so proceed with caution.
Immediate cultural, surfing and kitschy modern Hawaiian vacationer connotations aside, if taken in solely at face value swimwear styled with florals or tropical prints is an instant ice-breaker whose distinctive form of fashionable appeal is vibrant yet nonetheless peaceful, poignant and meditative.
As such understandably a popular choice worldwide, this is inarguably a style of swimwear with a busy and enterprising design principle in which the devil truly rests in the (nuanced) details — so proceed with caution.
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That being said, and if in need of a fine sartorial reference to inspire towards in regards to sporting any of the above, I could not more wholeheartedly point you in the direction of Mr. Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii (for his tropical print mastery) or even perhaps the young Mr. Harry Styles.
Either or, or whether it proves to be another that inspires you to adopt such natural prints, do keep in mind that the key to pulling off any lively design with tasteful panache lay in keeping everything else you wear tonally muted (or colour blocked) and simply styled so that the overall effect is not too overbearing nor clashing.
Best sported by those with an unshakeable level of confidence and an eccentric sartorial spirit, style yours as per below with a subtle statement making pair of raffia Venetian loafers (Casablanca1942), a cottonstriped button-down shirt (J. Crew), an inviting to the touch cable-knit cardigan (for breezy days and damp evenings) and an ever-capable raffia Panama hat (Barney's).
Either or, or whether it proves to be another that inspires you to adopt such natural prints, do keep in mind that the key to pulling off any lively design with tasteful panache lay in keeping everything else you wear tonally muted (or colour blocked) and simply styled so that the overall effect is not too overbearing nor clashing.
Best sported by those with an unshakeable level of confidence and an eccentric sartorial spirit, style yours as per below with a subtle statement making pair of raffia Venetian loafers (Casablanca1942), a cottonstriped button-down shirt (J. Crew), an inviting to the touch cable-knit cardigan (for breezy days and damp evenings) and an ever-capable raffia Panama hat (Barney's).
As worldly renowned and highly coveted today as they were upon the day of their respective initial bows, stripes and (gingham) checks will continue to maintain their gilded position in the permanent fashion pantheon for good reason.
Having retained both the vintage nautical zest (i.e. stripes and their French Naval history/sailing spirit) and the modern Southern charm (i.e. gingham checks) that have come to popularize them, it certainly warrants mentioning that they are amongst the most profoundly easy to adopt as well as simple and approachable styles available before you today.
They are, you could say, the safest entry points for any looking to adopt what has become two of the most widely accepted and universally flattering swimwear designs in existence.
Having dutifully earned their summer staple wardrobe status, it may be safe to assume that many amongst us have become well-apprised of the endearing merits of stripes — both of the vertical (which will make you look taller and thinner) and classic horizontal variety (i.e. Breton stripes which broaden your shoulders) — in particular and in due course have become completely at ease and comfortable with wearing them.
Having retained both the vintage nautical zest (i.e. stripes and their French Naval history/sailing spirit) and the modern Southern charm (i.e. gingham checks) that have come to popularize them, it certainly warrants mentioning that they are amongst the most profoundly easy to adopt as well as simple and approachable styles available before you today.
They are, you could say, the safest entry points for any looking to adopt what has become two of the most widely accepted and universally flattering swimwear designs in existence.
Having dutifully earned their summer staple wardrobe status, it may be safe to assume that many amongst us have become well-apprised of the endearing merits of stripes — both of the vertical (which will make you look taller and thinner) and classic horizontal variety (i.e. Breton stripes which broaden your shoulders) — in particular and in due course have become completely at ease and comfortable with wearing them.
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Checks, on the other hand, and alongside a number of alternative plaids (such as these worn by Cary Grant in 'To Catch A Thief'), have been featured less prominently on swimwear throughout history but that needn’t mean that they are not a viable option as well. Gingham in particular, which can be found fashioned on this pair from Zara, has a preppy cultural cachet buoying it that will lend a playful yet distinguished Southern gentleman essence to any who wear them that is smart, handsome and sophisticatedly understated.
That being said, if you must insist upon selecting between the two I would advise going the quintessential stripe route.
Insofar as such, opt for a pair of form-fitting swim trunks (much akin to those below from Sauvage) that are finished off with retro vertical stripes and a contrast waistband as they will ensure you hit all the right sartorial notes whether you fancy venturing into the water or not. Inspirationally lifted from the fashionable heyday of the 1950s’ and 60s’, wear yours with a simple white patch-pocket jersey-cotton t-shirt (Frescobol Carioca), an exquisite navy-and-white piped rowing blazer (Rowing Blazers), aviators (Tom Ford) and flax-linen nautical anchor embroidered Albert slippers (Stubbs & Wootton) for a truly sartorial aesthetic that is profoundly elegant in spite of its otherwise louche casual purposing.
Either or, you really cannot go wrong by opting for swimwear fashioned in a (near) universally flattering stripe or check.
That being said, if you must insist upon selecting between the two I would advise going the quintessential stripe route.
Insofar as such, opt for a pair of form-fitting swim trunks (much akin to those below from Sauvage) that are finished off with retro vertical stripes and a contrast waistband as they will ensure you hit all the right sartorial notes whether you fancy venturing into the water or not. Inspirationally lifted from the fashionable heyday of the 1950s’ and 60s’, wear yours with a simple white patch-pocket jersey-cotton t-shirt (Frescobol Carioca), an exquisite navy-and-white piped rowing blazer (Rowing Blazers), aviators (Tom Ford) and flax-linen nautical anchor embroidered Albert slippers (Stubbs & Wootton) for a truly sartorial aesthetic that is profoundly elegant in spite of its otherwise louche casual purposing.
Either or, you really cannot go wrong by opting for swimwear fashioned in a (near) universally flattering stripe or check.
Wavy (Carioca-inspired) mosaics, pop-culture prints, superimposed photos, preppy (badged or heraldic) motifs, swimwear that is markedly distinguished by an artistic sensibility will impart upon your summer styling repertoire an energetic sense of Bohemian flair that is very of the moment and seasonally apropos.
Commonly adopted by those sartorially unperturbed by the notion of earnestly experimenting at will with maximalist prints and graphics, my advice for any interested party of this style of swimwear would be to avoid electing for elongated board shorts (whose additional real estate often always proves unflattering in wear) with overly busy designs or bright neon hues in lieu of a cropped (and tailored) swim trunk that is fashioned in a warm or muted colour palette and finished in a classic mosaic or nautical motif/appliquéd medley (such as those above from Thom Browne).
Commonly adopted by those sartorially unperturbed by the notion of earnestly experimenting at will with maximalist prints and graphics, my advice for any interested party of this style of swimwear would be to avoid electing for elongated board shorts (whose additional real estate often always proves unflattering in wear) with overly busy designs or bright neon hues in lieu of a cropped (and tailored) swim trunk that is fashioned in a warm or muted colour palette and finished in a classic mosaic or nautical motif/appliquéd medley (such as those above from Thom Browne).
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Cheerfully lighthearted as well as playfully spirit (tongue-in-cheek you could say), sport them (as per below) alongside a considered contingent of preppy (Aran cable-knit pullover crewneck jumper/Land's End & square acetate sunnies/Max Pittion) and Riviera-inspired (espadrilles/Castañer & ascot/Topman) summer staples to craft a rakish look that seemingly calls for (or that perhaps presupposes the booking of) an island-hopping holiday excursion to upstate New York so as to explore the renowned locales of Nantucket, Newport and Martha’s Vineyard (to name but three that immediately come to mind).
Sought after for their vivid visual contrasts and distinctive summer brio, it goes without saying that opting for printed or graphic swimwear is a considered choice that will most assuredly ensure you not only cut an aesthetically striking figure all season long but stand out from the beach-bound masses at-large for all the right reasons.
Wear with confidence and an unfaltering free-spirit lest you fancy appearing as though you are reaching well beyond the realm of your comfort zone.
Sought after for their vivid visual contrasts and distinctive summer brio, it goes without saying that opting for printed or graphic swimwear is a considered choice that will most assuredly ensure you not only cut an aesthetically striking figure all season long but stand out from the beach-bound masses at-large for all the right reasons.
Wear with confidence and an unfaltering free-spirit lest you fancy appearing as though you are reaching well beyond the realm of your comfort zone.
The modern benchmark when it comes to elegant swimwear, properly tailored swim shorts with a fly-and tab (zipper) waist symbiotically marry work and play like no other due to an eminently versatile form that is at once smart and ruggedly capable.
Structured like a dress pant (with fitted side-fasteners for a completely customized fit) so as to be donned as a walking short wherever deemed acceptable (outside the nautical realm that is) yet still a swim short in functional essence that has the ability to retain its exquisite form after frequent forays into the sea, they are (essentially) the next level upgrade — as well as a refined sartorial pleasure — that no man should forgo if he has his sights set upon swimwear that is as sharp as his tailored formalwear.
Truly a jack-of-all-trades marvel that is ageless in wear, understated in appeal, neat in styling, and without equal in applicational versatility (sport, leisure, swim or social), these will allow you to seamlessly transition from the beach to brunch with ease erstwhile intermittently combatting all manner of sun, sea and sport thrown at them with refined panache.
Structured like a dress pant (with fitted side-fasteners for a completely customized fit) so as to be donned as a walking short wherever deemed acceptable (outside the nautical realm that is) yet still a swim short in functional essence that has the ability to retain its exquisite form after frequent forays into the sea, they are (essentially) the next level upgrade — as well as a refined sartorial pleasure — that no man should forgo if he has his sights set upon swimwear that is as sharp as his tailored formalwear.
Truly a jack-of-all-trades marvel that is ageless in wear, understated in appeal, neat in styling, and without equal in applicational versatility (sport, leisure, swim or social), these will allow you to seamlessly transition from the beach to brunch with ease erstwhile intermittently combatting all manner of sun, sea and sport thrown at them with refined panache.
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Available in a dizzying array of breezy fabrics and tonal palettes alike, from bold statement making hues such as sunshine yellow (or perhaps a fresh and crisp white) through colour-blocked sunburnt pastels and even printed polka dots (above at left on main graphic from Robinson Les Bains), they will effortlessly ensure you leave a tastefully impressionable splash no matter your destination nor the chosen style tapestry in which you prefer having them rendered in — be it boldly adventurous (i.e. graphic prints), nostalgically evocative (i.e. Breton-stripes), or traditionally timeless (tonally solid) in character.
To wit suitably worn most anywhere (and with anything) that pleases you, I’ve elected to styling a crisp white linen pair (from Orlebar Brown) below into a fashionable two-toned (highlighting varying shades of white + brown) getup that would look positively dashing in such locales as Havana (Cuba) or perhaps the Amalfi Coast (Italy). Anchored by a silk knit polo (Beams Plus or Todd Snyder) as well as suede driving mocs (H&M), a straw Panama hat (Barbisio), andround (brushed canvas) sunglasses (The BespokeDudes), it is a curated look for those who prefer a classic, simple and clean aesthetic rife with a level of class, luxury and social versatility that is second-to-none.
To wit suitably worn most anywhere (and with anything) that pleases you, I’ve elected to styling a crisp white linen pair (from Orlebar Brown) below into a fashionable two-toned (highlighting varying shades of white + brown) getup that would look positively dashing in such locales as Havana (Cuba) or perhaps the Amalfi Coast (Italy). Anchored by a silk knit polo (Beams Plus or Todd Snyder) as well as suede driving mocs (H&M), a straw Panama hat (Barbisio), andround (brushed canvas) sunglasses (The BespokeDudes), it is a curated look for those who prefer a classic, simple and clean aesthetic rife with a level of class, luxury and social versatility that is second-to-none.
— Swim Short + Trunk Lengths —
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With a quite vast and varied umbrella of vintage, modern and avant-garde aesthetics at the fore and a modern styling sensibility underlying each respective style, each given article of swimwear — short, trunks and briefs — featured in this guide was chosen as consequence of not only being both the fluid representation (in their own right) of the endearing spirit of the season itself but do to the fact that they represent the perfect coalescence of cut, fit and style.
In utility often characteristically looking (and feeling) just as flattering out of the water as they do in it, this guide is replete with swimwear truly befitting the modern gentleman of style and substance. But, you may ask, why bother putting so much thought into (or upgrading) something that you spend so little time in? |
: CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
Serena & Lily, Kassatex, ASOS, Frescobol Carioca (Orange + Blue), Ralph Lauren, |
Perhaps because as a gentleman you deserve only the finest in life — especially in matters strictly sartorial in nature. Or perhaps because swimwear is seasonally indispensable (read: a cornerstone to any holiday wardrobe worldwide that we all wear) so why not make the best of the opportunity and raise your game to the next level. But most of all, because the perfect pair (rather then merely a good one) will not only properly extend your otherwise unimpeachable signature style into that of the realm of the sea but properly accentuate your unique physique whilst also instilling into you the sort of confidence that you have only (previously?) dreamt of.
Point being is that no matter what reason proves itself most inspiring, that begs for further exploration, or that acts as a personal call-to-action, that doing your due diligence — when it comes to choosing a proper pair of swim shorts, trunks or briefs — is certainly a characteristic prerogative given you are the sort who fancies cutting a dash (whether on the beach, streets or sea) and living the dolce vida in high style all season long.
So, whether its hybrid swim/walking shorts that are cut and fitted like suit trousers or form-fitting retro trunks that will both flatter and highlight the months of gruelling leg days you endured, here’s once again to making a splash and cutting a dash (whilst at leisure) all summer long in the finest swimwear you can afford.
Point being is that no matter what reason proves itself most inspiring, that begs for further exploration, or that acts as a personal call-to-action, that doing your due diligence — when it comes to choosing a proper pair of swim shorts, trunks or briefs — is certainly a characteristic prerogative given you are the sort who fancies cutting a dash (whether on the beach, streets or sea) and living the dolce vida in high style all season long.
So, whether its hybrid swim/walking shorts that are cut and fitted like suit trousers or form-fitting retro trunks that will both flatter and highlight the months of gruelling leg days you endured, here’s once again to making a splash and cutting a dash (whilst at leisure) all summer long in the finest swimwear you can afford.
Share your thoughts, anecdotes and musings…
What style of swimwear (shorts, trunks or briefs) do you typically turn to? And, do you ever wear your them beyond the nautical realm/beach/sailing? If so, how and where?
Do feel free to chime in below with your answers/opinions should the desire strike…
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Do feel free to chime in below with your answers/opinions should the desire strike…
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