Feb 29, 2012

Learn About Color from Pantone Expert Leatrice Eiseman

If you love color and want to learn more about how to forecast colors, create color combinations and expand your career join Pantone Color Institute's Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman for a 4-Day Color/Design class July 12th-15th on
Bainbridge Island. A maximum of 20 students are accepted per class and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Leatrice has taken her 30+ years of experience in the world of color and condensed it into a 4-day class. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge of color and understand the psychology behind it.

*Required reading prior to class:
Color: Messages & Meanings, a Pantone Color Resource” by Leatrice Eiseman
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Retail Minded Launches Lifestyle Magazine

The world of retail is rapidly changing and boutiques everywhere are struggling to keep up. Over the past few years we've seen many of the independent boutiques in our communities disappear and those that remain are hanging on by a thread as they struggle to adapt and adhere to the new rules of retail. That's why I'm excited to announce the launch of a new retail magazine that is completely devoted to the celebration of retail not only as a business but as a lifestyle. Retail Minded magazine is filled with relevant articles on everything from social media marketing to merchandising and contains useful tips and practical strategies that small business owners can put to work right away. The launch of Retail Minded magazine has been a long time coming for Nicole Leinbach Reyhle. She's spent years working in the trenches with boutiques on everything from employee training to assortment planning and believes that "retail isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle". As Founder and Editorial Director of Retail Minded, Nicole and her team strive to help provide quality resources to independent retailers in order to help them achieve success. Contributors to the magazine include a wide range of entrepreneurs, savvy retail experts, showroom owners and industry veterans to provide readers with a fresh, modern approach to understanding all things retail, including living life beyond the store walls. The inaugural issue includes articles on How Videos can Help Bring Customers to the Store, Effective ways to get feedback from shoppers, The Importance of Showroom Relationships, Tax Tips for small businesses and even an article on how to invest your money for long-term financial success. This magazine is a must-read for anyone living and working in the world of retail.

Retail Minded magazine will publish on a quarterly basis and include regular sections on merchandising, marketing, inventory,and lifestyle elements such as how to fit in a weekend getaway while working a retail schedule. Subscriptions start at $39.95. Group rates and student discounts are also available. Preview the premier issue here.

Feeling social? Follow Retail Minded on Twitter @RetailMinded.
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Feb 28, 2012

Karan Dannenberg hosts "Sympli the Best" Trunk Show

Join Karan Dannenberg Clothier this Saturday for a special trunk show featuring Canadian clothing line Sympli the Best and local jewelry designer Martha Driver of Rock Star Jewelry. The event will include refreshments by O Wine and Talking Rain plus the chance to win a $100 gift certificate when you spent $100 or more.

What: Karan Dannenberg presents Sympli the Best Trunk Show with Rock Star Jewelry

When: Saturday, March 3rd, 2012

Time: 11am-5pm

Additional Info: Keep up with Seattle boutique Karan Dannenberg via their blog or find them on Facebook.


Karen Dannenberg
2232 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
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Feb 25, 2012

Retail Minded Launches Lifestyle Magazine


The world of retail is rapidly changing and boutiques everywhere are struggling to keep up. Over the past few years we've seen many of the independent boutiques in our communities disappear and those that remain are hanging on by a thread as they struggle to adapt and adhere to the new rules of retail. That's why I'm excited to announce the launch of a new retail magazine that is completely devoted to the celebration of retail not only as a business but as a lifestyle. Retail Minded magazine is filled with relevant articles on everything from social media marketing to merchandising and contains useful tips and practical strategies that small business owners can put to work right away. The launch of Retail Minded magazine has been a long time coming for Nicole Leinbach Reyhle. She's spent years working in the trenches with boutiques on everything from employee training to assortment planning and believes that "retail isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle". As Founder and Editorial Director of Retail Minded, Nicole and her team strive to help provide quality resources to independent retailers in order to help them achieve success. Contributors to the magazine include a wide range of entrepreneurs, savvy retail experts, showroom owners and industry veterans to provide readers with a fresh, modern approach to understanding all things retail, including living life beyond the store walls. The inaugural issue includes articles on How Videos can Help Bring Customers to the Store, Effective ways to get feedback from shoppers, The Importance of Showroom Relationships, Tax Tips for small businesses and even an article on how to invest your money for long-term financial success. This magazine is a must-read for anyone living and working in the world of retail.

Retail Minded magazine will publish on a quarterly basis and include regular sections on merchandising, marketing, inventory,and lifestyle elements such as how to fit in a weekend getaway while working a retail schedule. Subscriptions start at $39.95. Group rates and student discounts are also available. Preview the premier issue here.

Feeling social? Follow Retail Minded on Twitter @RetailMinded.
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Feb 23, 2012

Everything your Ever Wanted to Know about Fashion PR

These days if you log on to Twitter chances are you'll find a million people claiming to be fashion PR pro's- but let's face it. Very few actually know the industry inside and out like PR Couture founder Crosby Noricks. With over a decade of experience in fashion PR and consumer marketing Crosby has been recognized time and time again for her contributions to the industry and was even recently honored at the inaugural Women in PR Summit; but my favorite thing about Crosby is that she is so willing to share her experience and insight on how to be successful in the industry with others. Never one to withhold information Crosby is always ready to dish out tips on how to pitch products, charm fashion editors, navigate your way through the world of SEO and lots more. Her website is so helpful and well-written many newbies might even consider it somewhat of a fashion PR bible. (Yes, I said it.) Crosby embraces a rare mindset that is often lost in the hustle and bustle of the fashion industry- the idea that if we all work together, we can all succeed. I absolutely love that about her and couldn't be more excited that she recently launched a new book filled with (in her own words) "sparkly wisdom" and must-read advice. If you're passionate about a career in fashion PR this book is for you my friend. In the 130-page guide Crosby includes information on:
- What to expect from a career in fashion PR
- Title and salary information
- How to get noticed for the job you want
- Actual job interview questions from top Fashion PR agencies
- Contact information for top NYC and LA fashion PR agencies
- How to use Twitter as a job search tool
- Identifying personal goals and a career vision to carry you into the future

Also, out of the kindness of her heart (and for a few extra good karma points) Crosby is donating $1 from the sale of each book to The Dream Project, a 501(c)3 US-based nonprofit organization that provides sustainable education programs for children and youth in the Dominican Republic.

The Ready to Launch: The PR Couture Guide to Breaking into Fashion PR book is on sale now for $17.99. Happy Reading!


For the latest updates follow PR Couture on Twitter @PR_Couture.
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AIS hosts 'The Rite of Spring' Fashion Show

Support student fashion in Seattle on Thursday, March 8th at The Showbox Sodo! The Art Institute of Seattle will be hosting their 14th Annual Fashion Show 'The Rite of Spring' sponsored in part by Nieman Marcus. Tickets are $20 for standing-room general admission and $60 for front row seating. General Admission student tickets are only $5 in advance. For full info click here.
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Feb 20, 2012

Local Fashion Designers Unite to Support Planned Parenthood


The countdown to the pink carpet continues as Seattle's fashion community unites for a special runway fashion show to benefit Planned Parenthood. Featured designers include Lizzie Parker, Lisa Vian Hunter, SPUN, Katie Chrisman, LAVSH, Kate Mensah, Lady Konnyaku, MEKA Clothing, Ilha Swimwear, Clear Coated Rainwear by Miriam Reynolds, La Belle Reve, Fancyhawk, Seamless in Seattle Winner Banchong Douangphrachanh, Cameron Levin and Twirly Girl Pasties. The evening will include performances by The Heavenly Spies Burlesque Troupe, The Can Can Castaways, Fuchsia Foxxx and DJ Sharadawn. Prior to the runway show Planned Parenthood Medical Director Anna Kaminski will host a short discussion on the status of PP's life-saving mammogram services. Tickets are on sale now!

"The support of this event has been incredible so far, and to see so many collaborate on this project is proving our gratitude towards PPGNW (Planned Parenthoods of the Greater Northwest). On March 1st, not only will we be highlighting women's health care, we are also celebrating the services that PP has provided men, women and teenagers for many years. It is our evening to say "thank you" and to give back to this organization so that much needed services can be provided for generations to come." says Grace Kelly, one of the many people who have spent countless hours working to put together this event.

Check out this great video about the Pink Carpet Project!

What: Pink Carpet Project: Seattle Fashion Stands with Planned Parenthood

When: Thursday, March 1st at 8pm

Where: Fred Wildlife Refuge 127 E. Boylston - Seattle, WA 98102

Cost: Tickets $25-300

Twitter hashtags: #pinkcarpetproject #standwithpp
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Feb 19, 2012

Zumiez to Relocate Web Fulfillment

In a move to remain competitive with e-commerce retailers who are offering customers rapid turnaround times after placing orders online, Zumiez has made the decision to relocate their e-commerce order fulfillment operations to Edwardsville, Kansas. The move, scheduled to take place in May, will allow Zumiez to deliver online orders to customers anywhere in the continental U.S. in 3 days or less. The 35 Everett, Washington-based employees affected by the move were given a 60-day notice last week and offered the opportunity to relocate to Kansas, or take severance packages based on their years of service and position.

"Decisions like this need to be evaluated carefully, especially when they impact our valued team members. As a company, we continually evaluate opportunities to increase the speed of delivering products to our customers while also improving our costs," said Zumiez Chief Financial Officer Marc Stolzman.

For more info on Zumiez or to shop online visit www.Zumiez.com.

About Zumiez Inc.-
Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories based out of Everett, Washington. As of January 28, 2012 Zumiez operated 434 stores in the United States and 10 stores in Canada.
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Feb 18, 2012

Spring '12 Beauty Trend: Bright Lips


There is something wonderful and effortlessly glam about reaching into your handbag and pulling out a tube of bright pink lipstick. One swipe can take you from office to evening and completely perk up your entire look. Spring is the perfect time to play with color not only in your wardrobe but also on your face.

One of the beauty products that makes the perfect baby step to exploring the wonderful world of color is the Limited Edition Collection of Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balms. Part lipstick- part lip balm, these jelly colored sticks leave the perfect amount of color on the lips and the best part of all is that the color really lasts. If you've tried lip or cheek gels in the past to get a pretty flush of color but hated the mess of staining your fingers- this product is for you. It's really easy to use and completely fuss-free. $10 on Sephora.com.


If you're ready for more intense color try the Sephora Collection of Rouge Cream lipsticks. At $12 a tube this lipstick is budget friendly and provides rich color that also works to help hydrate the lips. When wearing pigment rich lipstick be sure to tone down the rest of your eye and cheek makeup so that you don't look overly done. Bright lips take center stage and you'll want the rest of your make-up to compliment the look instead of competing with it.
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Feb 14, 2012

Enter to win a $500 Mercer Gift Card

Seattle boutique Mercer recently launched their own Facebook Fan Page and to celebrate their hosting a $500 gift card giveaway! Enter to win and you could be saying hello to your new spring wardrobe. Mercer carries contemporary clothing and accessories from brands and designers including Theory, Rachel Zoe, 2812 by Sienna Miller, Rebecca Taylor, Dolce Vita and more. Enter to win on the Mercer Facebook Fan Page and tell your friends. When they enter and mention your name- you'll be entered for an additional chance to win!

Find Mercer in Seattle at the University Village (2670 NE University Village Dr.) or in Sammamish at the Pine Lake Village (3046 Issaquah Pine Lake Road SE). If you run a business, check out these plastic card printing services for your own gift card givaways!

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Feb 13, 2012

Zumiez to Relocate Web Operations

In a move to remain competitive with e-commerce retailers who are offering customers rapid turnaround times after placing orders online, Zumiez has made the decision to relocate their e-commerce order fulfillment operations to Edwardsville, Kansas. The move, scheduled to take place in May, will allow Zumiez to deliver online orders to customers anywhere in the continental U.S. in 3 days or less. The 35 Everett-based employees affected by the move were given a 60-day notice last week and offered the opportunity to relocate to Kansas, or take severance packages based on their years of service and position.

"Decisions like this need to be evaluated carefully, especially when they impact our valued team members. As a company, we continually evaluate opportunities to increase the speed of delivering products to our customers while also improving our costs," said Zumiez Chief Financial Officer Marc Stolzman.

About Zumiez Inc.-
Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories based out of Everett, Washington. As of January 28, 2012 Zumiez operated 434 stores in the United States and 10 stores in Canada.
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Feb 7, 2012

Rent the Runway to Open LA Pop-Shop



Rent the Runway is taking their concept off-line and opening it's first pop shop at the Andaz West Hollywood Hotel. Running from February 11th-13th the apparel and accessories rental service will let guests peruse an edited selection of inventory from designer brands including Nicole Miller, Trina Turk, Moschino, Elie Tahari and more. The event was timed so that Rent the Runway (RTR) users in LA who crave instant gratification could shop for outfits to wear for Valentine's Day. Tickets to the event are on sale through Gilt City for $10 and are good for admission to the event plus a $20 credit toward an RTR rental. The company recently announced a partnership for a capsule collection with American designer Narciso Rodriguez. Follow Rent the Runway on Twitter @RentTheRunway.
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Feb 6, 2012

New Year, New You

Join Little Black Dress Events & Productions this Thursday at GEM Salon in Kirkland for a high-energy evening of beauty on Carillon Point. Guests will be treated to a beauty service of their choice (see menu below), nutrition consultations by Ashley Besecker of Crave Health, refreshments by Girly Girl Wine, sweet treats from NY Cupcakes, music by DJ Million, plus a VIP cocktail reception at The Woodmark's Beach Cafe. Tickets are $30 and guests can choose from one of the following beauty services:
  • Day or Night Look with Smokey Eye Make-up Application (including tutorial)
  • Blowout with Styling Lesson
  • Eyelash Extension Express Preview
  • Brow Wax
  • Lip Wax
Gem Stylists will also be on hand to give guests complimentary hair cut and color consultations.

What: New Year, New Your

When: Thursday, February 9th, 2011

Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm

Where: Gem Salon at Carillon Point

Tickets: $30 includes a beauty service of your choice (must schedule in advance), refreshments, and swag bag. Please call GEM Salon at (425) 822.2990 to book your service once you have purchased a ticket to the event.
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Feb 2, 2012

Spring '12 Dresses : Runway to Real Way

If there's one key item you need to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring, it's a great dress...Or multiple dresses for that matter. Spring '12 is all about playful dresses in a rainbow of colors and shapes.

The maxi dress is one of the signature looks for the season as pictured above from Valentino. This look is easy to wear and can also be dressed up for a special occasion when paired with a jacket, belt and heels.

From runway to real way: Wear the maxi dress trend by finding a style that won't overwhelm your frame. Asos.com offers the maxi trend dress in a variety of styles including wrap dresses, sweetheart necklines, ruffles and knife pleats. If the maxi dress is too much commitment, try a fitted top and a maxi skirt instead.


The Color Block trend is a carry over from Fall '11 and it's here to stay for another season as pictured above by Max Mara. This trend is a fun way to wear spring's playful color palette while pulling in additional colors that compliment the total look.

Wear the color block trend in real life by picking a spring dress with colors to match your mood and occasion. A flirty baby doll style is great for a date night while a navy blue number with sleeves would be best for a cocktail hour with friends.


Going transparent and totally sheer is another trend that was seen all over the runway for Spring, as pictured above from Lanvin. Leave your modesty at home because this trend- especially when worn in the form of a skirt- is not for the faint of heart.

Wear the sheer trend in real life by picking a style that's as bold as you want to be. If you're totally committed to the trend try a short dress with sheer sleeves, but if you'd rather play it safe, try a long, sheer, flowy skirt instead.


Draping is a technique that is universally flattering which makes this trend one of my faves for the season. An easy dress with beautiful draping is perfect for a spring wedding or even an elegant night on the town. Lanvin played up two trends for the season with the dress above: yellow (a major color for spring and draping- a style making a major comeback for the dress category).

Try the draped dress for spring by finding a style that drapes where you need extra coverage. A perfect drape can instantly help you shed unwanted pounds from your arms, stomach, or hip area. Just be sure to find a style that's not overly draped or ill-fitting to avoid adding extra weight instead of camouflaging it.


The wrap dress is another major silhouette that's in for Spring '12, pictured above from L'Wren Scott. This style is flattering on most shapes and sizes and there are so many ways to dress this style up or down depending on the occasion.

Wear this trend the real way by choosing fun colors and textures to compliment your wardrobe. A bright yellow or turquoise wrap dress is a great way to add color to your closet.


The stripe print is another spring favorite as shown above from the Juicy Couture collection. The key to wearing stripes is to keep the stripe size skinny and pick a dress style that is flattering on your body type.

Wearing stripes in real life doesn't need to be nautical. The shape, pattern and color of the stripe can create a variety of different looks, and of course, your accessories play a major role in dictating the overall look. To give your stripes a spring-time vibe pair with hot pink shoes, floral jewelry and a colorful clutch.


Sweet shades of sorbet made their way into spring as seen above at Chanel. This dress also plays up the ruffle trend which is another major key look for the season.

The dresses above from Asos.com play up the sorbet color palette and also the peplum trend (a short skirt added to a fitted jacket, blouse, or dress). This look can be worn a variety of different ways from fun and flirty (with cut-outs) to prim and proper for afternoon tea.


You know spring is in full bloom when the floral prints arrive. This mini floral by Balmain has a stylish 3/4 sleeve and looks edgy with a gold chain belt.

Wear the floral trend the real way by picking a floral print that works for you. Bold, all-over-prints make a major statement while minimalist prints downplayed by solid color pleats tone it down. The floral trend isn't just limited to nights, weekends and weddings, wear this trend for a day at the office by adding a blazer and a structured handbag.


Many of the dresses that pranced down the runway this season had something they usually don't: sleeves. Whether short or long- sleeves made a welcome come back for spring as shown here in this beautiful, black and white Art Deco dress by Balmain.

Wear the Art Deco trend the real way by finding art deco details on dress collars, hemlines and trims like buttons and clasps. I prefer classic art deco details like beading in shades of black and gold. This seasons art deco styles make the perfect party dress for spring's special occasions.


The return of lace has given girly girls everywhere a reason to celebrate this season! Valentino showed this look on the runway in a beige/pink colorway with a belt. You can wear this trend by keeping it simple and finding a lace dress that doesn't feel too frilly for everyday life. The styles below from Asos.com show the trend from a basic lace dress to a long sleeve style that feels very Kate Middleton.



Last but not least, the graphic print dress (shown below) is another do-not-miss trend for spring. Worn long, short, bright or muted, this trend is a refreshing break from the sea of solid colors we saw for Fall '11. Pair your printed dress with wedge sandals for day or mile high platforms for a dramatic night on the town. The styles below from Asos.com show the graphic print dress look from mild to wild.



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Feb 1, 2012

Beauty Notes: Bellevue Welcomes Noir Lash Lounge

Noir Lash Lounge has officially opened it's doors in Bellevue and as a beauty addict here in Seattle I can tell you- it's going to be a game changer. Specializing in eyelash extensions, Noir Lash Lounge offers guests full sets of lashes for $75, fills for $35 and additional services like strip lashes for a night on the town, Mink lashes for a little bit of glam, or Lash Dip, a semi-permanent mascara. The Bellevue lounge is Noir's 5th location and because of the high volume of lashes they go through on a weekly basis the company has worked with manufacturers to develop a special Noir Lash Lounge line of eyelash extensions, glue and oil-free makeup remover. This also allows the company greater flexibility to offer varying sizes and lengths of lashes that may not be available at other eyelash extensions bars. With a wider range of styles stylists have the ability to customize a signature look for each guest based on eye shape, lash fullness and style preference. "We want to make beautiful eyelash extensions accessible for everyone," says owner Joyce Poon in reference to Noir's pricing. Noir Lash Lounge may only be charging a fraction of what competitors in the area are charging for lash services but one thing Joyce & her team of stylists don't skimp on is quality. "We know that guests won't be back if they aren't happy with the experience," says Joyce, "and because we embrace a no-advertising policy we strive to impress our clients every time so that they'll keep coming back and recommend us to their friends."

The eyelash extension experience starts with a consult and recommendations from the stylist on lash type. All Noir Lash Lounge stylists go through hours of training to ensure their understanding of how to analyze the shape of the eye and create a custom look by combining various lengths and sizes of lashes. Guests receive a mini eye treatment via gel pads infused with Aloe and Vitamin E placed under the eyes to keep lower lashes from interfering with the lash application. The lash application process takes about an hour and half and includes a clear sealant top coat to enhance shine and help protect the lashes. A relaxing forehead massage completes the experience and guests are sent home with a tip sheet on how to care for their new lashes.

Noir Lash Lounge also sells a variety of retail products including Geisha Ink Eyeliner, a 24-hour, smudge proof liquid liner made in Japan, "Faux on the Go" kits that include Noir Lash Lounge strip lashes, glue and mini tweezers for application, Oil-Free eye makeup remover (a must-have for eyelash extension wearers), Bel Fiore hair ties, and Eye Curl, a heated eyelash curler which works wonders on hard-t0-curl lashes.


Once you fall in love with your new eyelash extensions you'll be searching for ways to make them last. Check out these fab tips from Noir Lash Lounge Owner Joyce Poon on how to care for eyelash extensions and make your look last. (My favorite is number 3!)

1. Less is best! The constant application and removal of eye makeup can be a strain on your gorgeous new lashes. Wearing less with lashes not only gives you that au natural fresh face, but keeps your lashes fresher longer. Can’t go without a little extra something? Try a new shade of lipstick or skin shimmer- your eyes don’t have to be your only fab feature!

2. Stop rubbing your eyes. Not only is the motion hard on your lashes, but think about the delicate skin surrounding your eye! If you’re stressing about fine lines, remembering not to rub your lashes will aid in your anti-aging battle and keep your lashes pretty longer.

3. Goggles. No, we’re not kidding. Straight from the mouths of our clients! That waterfall shower may be oh-so-heavenly on your achy muscles, but it’s not so nice on your lush lashes. Try replacing that icky rubber band on swim goggles with a soft stretchy terry cloth, then voila! Comfy and practical protection! Totally makes washing your hair worry free.

4. Sleep on your back! Face sleepers tend to have more issues with “tangling” and losing lashes, smooshing your pillow in your face stresses the lashes making them fall out faster. We can totally tell when you’ve been sleeping on your side, too. No we’re not psychic, your lashes tell us which side you’ve been sleeping on as you’re more likely to lose lashes on that side. The added bonus? Sleeping on your back prevents wrinkles as opposed to sleeping on your face.

5. Keep your lashes tidy. If you keep your lashes tidy this is will keep you from fussing with them throughout the day. Fussing with your lashes leads to a shorter lash life- remember rule number one: less is best! Detangle your lashes with tweezers after your shower to keep them in the best shape. The steam “softens” the lashes making them ultra easy to comb through. Using tweezers gives you control in fixing the placement of the lashes without the risk of snagging the lashes and pulling them out (ouch!). Once you leave the steamy room, the lashes will set in place looking picture perfect.

Noir Lash Lounge
225 Bellevue Way N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.454.5274
www.noirlashlounge.com
@NoirLashLounge
Open 7 Days a Week!
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