Twee Blog

Overalls

Overalls are BACK my friends!  I swear overalls are something I have said for years I would never wear again.  And yes, I am that old that things are already circulating in the fashion world. I just don’t think I can undo one strap again!!!  Isn’t it funny when you look back at old pictures the things that were “in”?!?!?!  Seriously though, overalls are back with a vengence so you might as well go and find a good pair now.

Overalls | Sunnies | Top

This picture was obviously staged but it’s pretty much real life to see me with a venti iced coffee(unsweetened with almond milk) from Starbucks in my hand, so I had to have it in the pic.  I wish I had gotten a good pic of the back of these overalls, they are unique in the fact that the straps criss cross and there isn’t a full panel.  Makes them pretty fun!  And I only paid $22.50(they were half off at the time), even at full price they are definitely a STEAL!  I bought the heart shaped sunnies for our trip thats coming up but I actually keep wearing them already!

Overalls | Sunnies | Top

I got this white eyelet ruffle top at H&M, I recently heard that some people call H&M hit or miss.  lol, that is pretty true!  I have however had some good luck there recently.  This top is super feminine and I love how the puffy sleeve pops up on the sides of the overall straps.  It will also be so cute with black shorts for a dressier look or even a pair of cut offs in the summer.  This exact top is sold out(bought it a month ago) but I linked a brand new white eyelet top from there for you!

Bracelet 1 | Bracelet 2 | Bracelet 3

I seriously have these bracelets on repeat, wether I am dressing casual or not.  Even though there is a pop of blush they are pretty neutral!

Shoes

If you have been following along with me for awhile, you know I am obsessed with my Golden Gooses.  Being a stay at home mom, I pretty much wear them ALL the time!  They go with so many different types of outfits and they are extremely comfortable!

What is something you said you would never wear again?  Would love to hear in the comments!

XOXO,

Lissa

*All photo credit: Emma Jo*

Forever 21 Haul!

I got my order from Forever 21 for our upcoming trip.  I was going to wait to share all of my looks but decided I want to do a post because it’s all SO cute and I don’t want them to be sold out!  I have had a somewhat hard time linking things because they can go fast.  I was obviously looking for dresses and rompers, so that is what they all are!

Dress | Clare V Alice bag

First things first, everyone needs a chambray dress(and shirt for that matter)!  I love the statement sleeves on this dress as well as the ruffles at the bottom.  I bought the medium mostly for height but it is also a lot of fabric and it fits well.  This bag doesn’t seem to be on their site but I really need it!  Clare V has an amazing bag that I just can’t seem to splurge on just yet(linked it above)!

Romper

Love, Love, Love the red stripes and the ruffles!  If you saw my insta stories you heard me say that this romper is definitely short but I am short so it works!  I bought the L.

Romper

This romper is great because it’s a little bit dressier and has a romantic combo of stripes and flowers.  I am also digging the little opening that hits in just the right spot!  You can still wear a bra!  I bought the L.

Dress

I really wanted to love this.  I should have known it wasn’t going to work.  I bought it with the intent to stitch up the low neckline a couple of inches(which would be super easy).  But sometimes, you just shouldn’t have to try that hard.  It is just too top heavy for me.  I am wondering if I should try the medium(bought the L)….Less fabric would be better.

Dress | Bag(other option)

I consider these two items total Steals!  This bag is only $17.90, and I am so mad because I can’t find it on their site anymore.  If it comes back I will for sure link it!  I linked a super cute one from Amazon that I would have bought had I not found this.  This DRESS!!!  IT was only $14.90!  lol, I mean that is actually laughable.  Get it before it’s gone, gone, gone!

A few F21 online shopping tips….If it says that you can only return online, you can totally still return in store.  You just have to ask!  They are usually very helpful.  Don’t use paypal!  lol, I have a habit of this but if you order a bunch of stuff and want to return it in store, they can’t put it back on your card.  This is due to the security of paypal.  Also true for a lot of stores.  Just an FYI.

XOXO,

Lissa

Sandals | Earrings

Velvet Heels

Happy Monday!  I swear even being a stay at home mom, Mondays just stink!  Why do the weekends have to go so fast?!?!?  This past Saturday, my cousin and I finally got our schedules together and did a photo shoot so I have a few looks coming at you this week!  I like to consider this look a perfect lunch look.  It definitely entails the 4C’s.  Cute, comfy, casual, clothes….so even if I had the kids with me it could be functional.  Otherwise known as, I can chase Max if needed.  lol.

I bought this sweater a couple of weeks ago at a boutique in Chicago.  It’s super comfortable and I absolutely love how it is tighter at the waist.  One of my favorite details of all time is puffy sleeves!  I know in a way they are similar to shoulder pads….eek!  But puffy sleeves are just so feminine. Plus, everyone needs a tan sweater that they can throw on when you are in need of a neutral!

These jeans……Ok, first of all, I have literally only bought skinny jeans in I don’t know how many years but the trend is totes moving back towards other fits of denim.  I got the pair I am wearing at old navy, and since I am only 5’2″, the length makes a great ankle fit.  The raw crooked hem is an added bonus and adds so much to what could have been a very basic outfit.

My bracelet is a favorite of mine, I seriously pair it with a TON of outfits.  Its such a classic, chunky, link!  I also own the matching necklace but don’t usually wear them together!

For some reason, when I was picking this outfit, I immediately thought of my locket.  This locket was my great grandmas and even still has pictures of her and my great grandpa.  I love being able to combine old & new!  Since I can’t link this locket, I found another option that is the same size and is even engravable.

I truly believe that shoes & handbags make the outfit.  When I first bought these shoes last summer I was so confused by them.  Velvet sandals?  I mean, I feel like velvet is really for the winter…..but really, who cares?!??!  They are CUTE!  As far as handbags, we will save this for another post!  I could talk about purses for days……you can never have too many!

Let’s make it a great week!

XOXO,

Lissa

*All photo credits go to Emma Vitallo*

Flat-Lay Sunshine!

We are heading out on a weekend getaway in a couple of weeks, to a much warmer climate, sans kids!  Yay!  So of course, I have been on a fashion mission.

I have been wanting to get a super cute black and white gingham bathing suit but all of them seemed to be bikinis.  When I found this one piece it seemed practical, cute, unique, and also inexpensive!  Win, win (It also comes in 3 other colors)!  I am really digging the neckline, not to mention, the back has this fun tie which makes the front more supportive for those of us that need it🙋🏻‍♀️!

 

I literally lived in denim shorts last summer, and plan to again!

Heart shaped sunnies is where it’s at!  I found a pair that is only $7.99, you are welcome!  lol

Tory Burch really kills it in the sandal department.  They are also like walking on pillows!

Fun Beach Hats are a good way to be fashionable and play it safe!  Keep your face protected from all those harmful rays.

Happy Thursday!

XOXO,

Lissa

Shopbop Sale!

 

One of the BEST sales is going on right NOW!  The more you spend, the more you save!  Some of my all time favorite items I own you can get on super sale!  Use code: GOBIG18

My favorite shoes that I wear probably 5 days/week!!!  These are definitely an investment piece but do the math, if I wear them 5 days a week, thats so much better than all of the $20 and $30 pairs I own that I wear only once!  Hurry before they sell out!

This Kate Spade is one of the best one piece swimsuits I own, it’s definitely the 4C’s!!!

 

This cover up!!!  I honestly bought a dupe at Francesca’s last year but it isn’t available anymore and it’s amazing!!!

One of my go to pairs of sunnies right now is also part of the sale!

My WISH List

Things I am probably going to buy….might need to ask the hubs first!!!

Clare V is a serious addiction of mine and this bag is no exception!

Jumpsuits are pretty much life right now and this one is adorable!

Lovin’ these jorts!  haha

Also these Greece slides are perfect because they aren’t super pricey and I’m feeling like I don’t know how long this trend will be around?!?!?

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

Beautycounter Clean SWAP!

I’m super excited about the newest campaign Beautycounter launched last week-Clean Swap!

The gist of it is that they are taking the 6 BIGGEST offenders in the Skincare/Beauty market that tend to have the most harmful ingredients and really educating you and urging you to switch to safer!  I feel like everyday I’m learning more and more about things I should avoid and why.

I am definitely not a professional but here is my take on why you should switch these Offenders out!!!

Offender #1:  Eye & Face Creams

(This is me when I went to take this pic & realized my lotion is almost gone and my new one isn’t going to be here for a few days)!

Many traditional eye and face creams are made with preservatives which can release formaldehyde and wreak havoc on the immune system. YIKES!  Seriously, formaldehyde???  In face creams?  The thought of this makes me want to vomit.  All formaldehyde reminds me of is preserving the dead frog in High School science class.  I can still smell it now….The good news is that Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream and Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion are naturally preserved with phytic acid from green rice.  That sounds much more pleasant to me!  Why wouldn’t you switch?

Offender #2: Face Masks

Traditional facial masks can be formulated with PEGs, otherwise known as “Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that reduces the skin’s natural moisture. Increases the appearance of aging and leaves you vulnerable to bacteria. Used in spray-on oven cleaners and cleansers to dissolve oil and grease.”  That definition right there absolutely does NOT make me want to use anything like that on my face!!!  They also often contain dangerous chemicals.  Your mask should have nothing to hide. All of Beautycounter’s masks  contain naturally-derived glycerin, which helps condition and soften skin.

Offender #3:  Shampoo

Harsh sulfates, such as SLS and SLES, are found in many shampoos and can cause skin irritation. These are used to make the foamy lather, basically because it’s cheaper for the industry as a little bit goes a LONG way  However, in order to get the sulfite compound to work, they have to use petroleum.  Not to mention, sulfates dull hair and even make it brittle.  Here is an article with the top 10 reasons to avoid SLS.  Your scalp deserves a lot better. Beautycounter shampoos use beetroot sugars to deliver the rich lather and cleansing performance everyone wants.

Good Hair Days Start with Safer Ingredients- I really do believe this!  I can tell you that I have always had a problem with buildup where my hair would get super greasy from other brands.  Ever since I have used this formula, I am in love!

 

Offender #4:  Lipstick

Do you remember using Lip Smackers as a kid?  I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I ate more if it than I actually wore.  This rings true even with lipsticks as adults, really anything we put on our lips we end up ingesting.  The problem with this is that most all lipsticks include artificial fragrance. Artificial fragrances can be a blend of ingredients that are not required to be disclosed by U.S. law and can include trace amounts of phthalates (potential endocrine disruptors). That leaves a bad taste in our mouths, too.  Read this article on Potential Endocrine Disruptors if you want to learn why these are so bad.

Beautycounter Sheer Lipsticks come in 10 awesome colors, tell you all the ingredients, and are only scented with natural vanilla.  They also feel like you are putting butter directly on your lips, like the softened, smooth kind!

Offender #5:  Body Lotion

In a nutshell, you usually slather body lotion ALL over your body, right?  So they basically offer the most exposure to potentially toxic ingredients, like mineral oil (here’s a short article on 3 key reasons to avoid). Mineral oil is allowed in beauty products, it is a conditioning agent that may be contaminated with trace amounts of toxins and can suffocate skin. That just makes me claustrophobic!  I want my skin to breathe.  Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion contains a moisturizing blend of marula and mongongo oils which are rich in essential fatty acids to revitalize and nourish skin.  Not to mention, the natural Citrus mimosa scent is pretty dreamy!

Offender #6:  Mascara

Carbon black, a pigment used in mascaras to create the deep black color, has been linked to a range of adverse health effects. Mascara shouldn’t be that scary. I heard somewhere that Carbon black is also used in tires….I mean, what???  The Volumizing and Lengthening Mascaras are pigmented with naturally-occurring iron oxides.

Google what does it take to make carbon black…I dare you.  Or I’ll just show you.

Carbon black (subtypes are acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and thermal black) is a material produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as FCC tar, coal tar, ethylene cracking tar, with the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil.

I’m speechless.

Just remember that Knowledge is Power, and you CAN control what you are using on your body!  When you have a minute, download the EWG app and scan all of the current products in your house.  It’s crazy!  I would love to hear if you have tried Beautycounter and or what your favorite product is?!?!?!

XOXO,

Lissa

Don’t forget if you Purchase any one of the 6 offenders you get to pick a deluxe size (think travel sized) Countermatch face lotion, a hair conditioner, mini face oil or body wash!  Promo ends, March 7, 2018.  This is such a great time to sample some of the Beautycounter line!

 

 

Traveling with the Kiddos

First, bring a grandparent or two…..haha!!!  Seriously though, the most recent trip we went on my entire family came so Maxwell sat next to my parents on the plane.  It was magical!

This is all of the kids walking with my dad!

Getting back to being serious, we have traveled quite a few times with just Maxwell and now with both kids.  I am by no means an expert.  You really have to decide what is going to work for you, especially depending on where and when you are going as well as the age of the children.  I always sit and think about every step of our trip before I plan anything.

A few factors to really think about:

1-Do you really need car seats or can you rent them?  Will you even be driving once you reach your destination?

We have done basically all of the different options.  Traveled with a car seat that we used on the plane, traveled with a car seat but checked it immediately, and have also traveled with a car seat and gate checked it.  To be totally honest traveling with car seats is SUPER annoying, safety first though, and that is truly why we have traveled with them so many times.  Most, if not all car rental places have car seats you can rent but my experiences have been horrible.  Not only are they filthy dirty but I am not even sure all of them are street legal.  lol, I wish I was kidding.

If you are going to bring a car seat, this cart is great to pull it through the airport!

2-Are your children mobile on their own or will you need a stroller?  If so, what kind of stroller?

We have the Uppababy Vista that we prefer for travel with the kids being the ages they are.  The convert-ability is amazing.  Since we were bringing Emme’s car seat on this particular trip, it was awesome to be able to fit her other seat in the basket.  Plus both seats totally recline so we used it on the beach when the kids would nap!!!  I mean, genius, right?!?!

Before we had Emme we have traveled with our Maclaren umbrella stroller and our single bob!  Both were great, obviously the umbrella stroller was easiest to fold when you are boarding the plane but I love the ease and comfort of pushing the bob!

Also, just a tip, anything you gate check still needs a tag. So as soon as you get to your gate, make sure you go up to the counter for tags!  And buy these gate check bags to keep all your goods clean!  Uppababy makes their own travel bag but I just couldn’t splurge so we got this similar version for WAY less!  I also have a fabulous cup holder that attaches to my Uppababy that isn’t made by them.  I think it’s way better because it holds 2 drinks and has TONS of compartments!  Great for travel!  It works with almost any brand of stroller too!

3-Are you staying in the US?  If not, think about food and or formula, etc. for younger kiddos.

On our recent trip to Mexico, Emerson was still only 10 months so even though I was nursing I brought formula along as well as LOTS of pouches for her to eat

4-Where will you be staying once you reach your destination?  Will you need a crib, Pack n play, etc?

Tip: Call the hotel in advance to make sure they have cribs or pack n plays!  There are also companies that will deliver baby items to your hotel, I have never done this but have friends that have.  Traveling Baby is one of them that services a lot of the USA.

5-Snacks!!!!!  I usually load up on the kids favorites, Max LOVES m&m’s and this isn’t something we always have.  Plus, he can count them and talk colors!

Some other good snacks:

Yogurt melts

Pouches(especially for the little ones)

Goldfish in individual packs, although they usually get smushed!

Peanut Butter & Jelly bars(Trader Joes)

6-Lots of activities for on the airplane

Ipad or tablet-Make sure you download shows because we definitely made the rookie mistake of not doing that and had a screaming one year old when the wifi wasn’t working on the plane yet!

I usually hit up the target dollar spot and buy a bunch of little toys that are new to the kids and aren’t something I really care about losing or getting dirty!

Something I have always wanted to try but haven’t is filling up a pill box with candy or toys.  I guess the kids love to move stuff around in them and open/close the boxes!  Genius, not sure why I haven’t done this!

7-For mom & dad, well we pretty much don’t get to bring anything for ourselves!  haha, seriously though, bookbag all the way!  I am obsessed with my Fawn Design bag, and Dusko is never seen without his herschel bookbag.  Even when he travels alone, it’s a great work travel bag.  I have the grey fawn bag, and recently just got Emerson the blush mini!!  Tip: only buy when they have a promo, Emme’s was 20% off and I think I bought mine at 25%!  Another Tip, this bag, looks almost identical to my fawn and is only $29.99!!  OMG!  Also, grab yourself one of these fun Carry-On Cocktail kits!  Might help pass the time!!!  lol

IMPORTANT!  A lot of airlines require you to bring a birth certificate for your children.  Especially if they are lap riders.  Don’t make the same mistake we did(our first time traveling with Max we didn’t realize until the night before)!!!

Some of my favorite travel pics!

Just Remember once you get to your destination, it is ALL worth it!!!!

I linked what I have on here: Hat | Sunnies | Necklace

Leave a comment below if you have any tips!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

One last thing, I know I don’t need to remind you to bring diapers & wipes but DON’T forget an extra outfit for the kids!  You know if you don’t bring one, you are going to need it!  Isn’t that how motherhood works?!?!?

*None of this is sponsored, just my own opinion on some of my favorite items!*

Fun Easter Decor

I decided to turn my insta stories about Easter decor  into a blog post instead of trying to link everything in my bio!  I have a lot of fun decorating for all of the different holidays. I basically just hit up target, meijer, and any other store I happen to be at and make it my own!

I love how my entryway turned out because this picture I happen to have is from our first Easter(last year) as a family of 4!  It also happens to match!!!  I think I also love that it’s bright & colorful on yet another dreary Midwest day.

My mantel is always a little challenging because when we built our house we actually had them move it to the center of the wall so we could put our tv over it.  Now I find it annoying because I can only fit so much!  Lol  😂 I decided to split up the garland since I have 2 spots I like to hang things.

This is the $5 wreath from target that I think looks adorbs on my full length mirror!

I usually leave this buffet pretty much the same throughout each season and just add a few simple things.  I even left the bunny plates out because Maxwell is already insisting on using them!!!  I mean, that’s actually good because I bought them with no purpose in mind.

All the Easter decor is linked below!  The garland and tree aren’t exact but super close and I might even like them better 🙄.  Happy decorating!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

Garland | Plates | Wreath | Bunny | Tree

 

Fit Day, Fri-Day! Mostly American Eagle Try On Session, with some other fun stuff!

I’m loving this title because it’s Tuesday already🤣🤣🤣. For those of you that know me well, you know I’m generally early but this fit session is actually from last Friday! Hey, we had a busy weekend. Ha! So here it is, on Tuesday. Maybe we can just pretend I am early and it’s for this Friday?!?

At any rate, Emme and I went to American Eagle, I had high hopes because I was also excited to try on some of the Aerie bathing suits. Well, epic fail because my American Eagle doesn’t carry bathing suits yet. #bummer  I also felt like the store was all the same color scheme, so I really didn’t pick up a ton to even try on.  You will notice 2 of the tops were the same color!  Not everything pictured is American Eagle(most is), but all links are posted under the pics.  And, like 3 of the items pictured are on major sale, so check them out!

When I picked up this sweater I knew it was going to be mine…it’s the softest thing I’ve ever touched!  And I love the addition of stripes with the statement sleeves.  I already owned the clutch, bracelets, and jeans, and my earrings are my go-to, everyday, light as a feather, leather beauties!

bracelets | Purse | sunglasses | earrings | sweater | jeans

I mean heart shaped sunnies are all the rage, plus we have a fun little getaway coming up and I thought they would be perfect!

Who doesn’t want an 80’s band tee?!?!?  Am I right or am I right?  This head wrap/band I am super excited to wear.  I haven’t yet but it will definitely come in handy on a day I am definitely not washing my hair!  My purse is a vintage Gucci from my favorite Luxury Consignment Boutique, Jane Pabon’s!  Be sure to check it out if you haven’t.  I actually work here most sundays, so come visit me if you want!  I recently had a new customer walk in and she told me a woman from a different shop told her that Jane had the keys to all the women’s closets on the North Shore!  ha!  If you aren’t from Chicago this may not mean much, but basically, she’s got ALL the goods!  Jeans are old, same as above, and my earrings are another version of my light as a feather, leather!  The Etsy shop offers free shipping & tax on the regular!

Headwrap | earrings | purse | jeans | t-shirt

These are a few things I didn’t pick up but probably will in the near future!

This bucket bag priced at $88(on sale for $44) is a great quality of leather and I love the light color for spring!

Purse

This top and shorts are such an easy outfit to put together for spring or summer.  The t-shirt with the statement sleeve can be dressed up or down and isn’t everyone always looking for a great pair of cut offs? I am wearing a 10 in the shorts for reference, and a M in all of the tops.

Top | Shorts

Hope you have a good week, I’ve got another sick baby…this winter has sucked for all these viruses.

Where is your favorite place to shop?  Leave a comment below, maybe this fridays, Fit Day can feature one of your faves!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

Darling, Today You are One

We had Emerson’s First Birthday Party this weekend, we had a blast and I can’t believe it has already come and gone!  I wasn’t totally in the mood for planning a party this year which is odd because I LOVE to host and throw parties.  I realized that it was because I just wasn’t coming up with the perfect theme! Once I landed on Boho Floral, the rest was history!  Here are some pictures of all the special details!  I linked everything below!

Darling, Today you are One Poster.  When I saw this on etsy, I knew we needed it!  The Garland/poster stand are hobby lobby!  I couldn’t find the exact Poster Stand, but thought this one was super cute!

I just love this little drink area, the napkins are too cute, the gummies have alcohol(the adults needed something too!  lol).  The cocktail sign is old from target’s Dollar Spot!  Pellegrino just matched the theme and was of course a hit.  The letterboard is linked here, everyone needs one of these.  I have used it for so many parties and just fun to change with the seasons!  Oh, and you better believe the wine of choice was Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and Some of my other favorite, Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc!

The cookies are from my favorite local cookie baker, Sara’s Custom Cookies!

This super cute wall hanging I made with the help of my mom and grandma.  I bought the ranunculus bouquets from afloral.com, tied them on the string and attached them to this branch from my grandparent’s yard!  Super easy and makes such a statement.

As for Emme’s smash cake I am very proud of myself!  I bought an $8 cake from jewel and asked them to leave it white.  I added the flowers, eucalyptus leaves, and the One stick (didn’t make this) myself!  A much cheaper option than the $50 cakes I was looking at.  If you put your mind to it, you can do anything!

I Love this picture of Emme eating her cake and her big brother, Maxwell helping/eating her cake with her!  My heart melted as this was happening.

I absolutely fell in love with the floral garlands I made for the balloons, it of course did not turn out exactly as expected but to be honest, party planning never does!  You just have to roll with the punches and be creative!  I bought peony garland, eucalyptus sprays, and some extra Hot pink peonies to add more color.  All I used was floral tape to get it all to stay, floral tape is a must if working with real or fake flowers.  I had never used it before, and it’s amazing!!!  A real game changer.  The balloons I ordered in advance because Party City doesn’t seem to offer any of the fun shapes.  However, when Dusko went to pick them up, PC had popped a couple so we ended up with these random ones which actually turned out great!  Oh, and don’t worry the helium balloons couldn’t hold the weight of the garland!  lol, so I had to stick 3M hooks to my wall.  So basically, now I need to have someone come patch my walls…..eek!

Emerson’s adorable dress is from old navy!  Get it before it’s gone because its on clearance!!!  Her moccs are freshly picked, they are basically the only shoes that stay on her feet!!!  Dusko and Maxwell’s shirts are also from old navy!    Check out my top, my jeans, and my earrings!  These earrings are the Lightest and cutest things ever!

I love me some flower crowns so I knew we had to incorp this somehow!  These crowns were so cheap and turned out great!  The gold crowns were super cool for the dudes too!

Here are some of the crowns in action!

Had to share how I decided to display Baby Girl’s month pics!  Used this awesome printer that you can take any picture and print it as if it were a polaroid!!!

Here is a close up!

Last, this cake is seriously from Costco!  If you have never tried their $18 cake, trust me and order it for your next party!!!  You won’t regret it.  It’s also HUGE!  haha.  The trick is, they sort of decorate them a bit cheesy, so I asked them to leave it white and write Happy Birthday on it.  Then I got to do the rest!  Turned out great for $18!

Hope you enjoyed looking at pictures of Emerson’s Special Day!  I loved planning it and so happy with how it came together.

Have a great week!

XOXO,

Lissa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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