#and i don’t want sequins. i don’t want a yellow trench coat.

[jiishwa]

i hate when i try to look something up on google and pinterest and it just doesn’t exist. and they say there are no original ideas anymore.

[crazyblondelife]

A Touch of Color and My Wishlist for February

"“It’s realizing that a great dream is not as good as a great memory. The dream can be had by anyone. The memory – must be made.”"  -- Eric Thomas

I wanted to start this post…even though it’s a fashion post, with a little inspiration! I’m trying to be very conscious of how I’m spending my time and purposefully creating memories in my life!

Now, on to Spring trends, my wishlist and another understated outfit idea for Valentine’s Day!

When I can’t think of anything else to wear…I put on a pair of jeans! I just keep buying them but I would like to expand my fashion options this spring and find other kinds of bottoms to wear. It’s so much easier in summer because there are pretty dresses to wear but I hate nothing more than to be cold.

I recently did a big closet clean out and let go of so many things, which does make getting dressed easier, but now I’m feeling the need to find a few really great “investment” pieces that are colorful and classic and that I will keep for4ever!

Keep scrolling for a few things I’ve been eyeing recently that might just show up really soon and also for details on this affordable look I’m wearing here!

The one part of this outfit that I would't necessarily put in the “affordable” category are my Gucci shoes, but I would put them in the “keep forever” category. I’m sure I’ll wear them until I wear them out and they elevate any outfit I choose to put them with! When I bought these in Paris, I was looking for something classic that could be worn with a number of different looks! These shoes check all of those boxes plus they’re veryh comfortable. For the coming spring season, I’m dying over these retro pumps from Gucci, but I also found these that are much less expensive (although the heel is higher) and these from Tory Burch that are very cute!

The cute (and warm) faux fur jacket that I’m wearing is from Abercrombie and was purchased last season! I’t so neutral that I’ve worn it with everything and I think it looks much more expensive that it actually was! I’ve linked several in the boutique below that you may like! My jeans are new from Mother (the Hustler Ankle Fray) and they are more iight weight making them perfect for spring! They don’t look like ankle on me so just remember that I’m 5;4” if you order and I’m wearing a size 25 so they fit true to size.

The sweater is a cardigan from Loft and is on major sale right now! I love it because of the creamy color and just a touch of red and pink trim so it would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any day! I would also wear this with off white jeans for a more spring time look!

Soon, I’ll be doing a full trend report for spring, but in case you’re wondering…the trends for spring 2023 include sheer fabrics, low rise waists (finally they’re back and I’m all in), sequins, cobalt blue, boudoir detailing (think corsets and lace), black for summer, heart motifs, (groundbreaking) florals, fringe and more fringe, candy pink, ombre in red, orange and yellow, tailoring in soft shades such as green and grey,

It seems that Covid is officially over when it comes to fashion and we’re going to be dressing up (in color) and going out!

Enjoy the boutique below if you’re looking to do a little closet refresh. Many of the items are reasonably priced with a few fun exceptions! I especially love the short trench coat from Abercrombie and the beautiful and very feminine sling back heel from Veronica Beard!

Thanks so much for reading! Leave a comment and let me know what trends you’ll be wearing for spring 2023 (if any)!

[igotanidea]

The Raven's daughter: Morpheus x Matthew's daughter part 6

previously: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5

Part 6

This is one of those days.

The day when y/n feels overwhelmed with simplest task, getting out of bed seems like a challenge and going to work require the same amount of energy and motivation as climbing the peak of the highest mountain. From the very morning it seemed like the Murphy law will be the sponsor of the upcoming 24 hours. Everything that could fall from y/n hands, fell and broke, she was tripping over her own feet, the bus was late and to make it all worse, when she was crossing the street to get to the campus some asshole run right through the puddle drenching her pants in water. y/n was exhausted but inside it all the rage was slowly finding its way towards the surface. It was only a matter of seconds before explosion.

-Damn it! – she yelled entering the faculty room. She didn’t sleep quite well that night. Obviously she could just ask the Lord of the Dreams to help her, but considering that he would probably brag about it for the rest of the existence she stopped herself. To make those sleepless hours worth something she tried to work on her novel but her brain refused to work. In desperation (and maybe in some masochist reflex) she found herself browsing the pages for writers. This only made her more frustrated. There were so many talented people out there. The ones that truly deserved some fame and recognition. Who was she to even try and compare herself with them? Maybe her time has already passed, she achieved nothing and she has no right to teach? Maybe this feeling of incompetence will stay with her forever in a form of lump in throat, guilt and hopelessness? Y/n groaned and shut her laptop. Maybe she could try and do some paperwork instead. She had a stack of essays on her desk, assigned to the student about a week ago. It was highest time to check them and write some feedback. She reached for the first one, but was not able to focus. y/n felt like banging her head against the wall. Nothing worked for her nerves. Yes, nerves, even if she didn’t want to admit it. Finally, she just laid in bed, eyes closed, waiting for the morning too come. Unfortunately, so far it was no better.

- Hey, y/n! – a fellow teacher greets her cheerfully but immediately backed up seeing her mood – Woah, what’s with the attitude?

- Oh, don’t even get me started! – she pointed at her wet pants – Can I just go home and fall sick? I don’t think I am myself today.

- Cheer up, I got spare pair in my cabinet. Seems like you need them more than I do now.

- You want me to wear your pants? Not that I’m complaining, but….

- No buts! You don’t really have much time till your class so get yourself together and take what I give you. Or rather what I’m going to give you.  – with that words the friend takes from the room in order to gather the clothing.

The point was, that Kat, the chemistry teacher, was nothing like a stereotypical scientist in trench coat. To give her justice, she was the most colorful person at the university, both faculty and students considered. She loved wearing pink, red, yellow and neons, that made her distinctive. One thing for sure, no car would ever hit or wet her since she was practically a street light, visible from a distance. Kat was also a great fan of embellishments of all kind – sequins, nail heads, you name it. Having that in mind, even if she chemist was the closest thing y/n had to a friend, she was quite scared of what may be handed to her as a emergency pants. In her imagination she already saw some sort of circus knickerbockers or something equally crazy.

-Here! – Kat was back surprisingly quickly – this is the best I could find on such short notice.

-This is… - y/n hesitantly looked at what was handed to her - … not so bad, actually. – the simple pair of slightly wiped black jeans, quite adequate for a teacher. – That’s new. I never knew you could own something so simple, Kat.

-Please. I have bad days too, I’m only human. Now, be quick and meet me at lunch, I got a proposition for you. The one that you simply cannot refuse – Kat blows a kiss towards y/n and run for her own lecture.

-Why does everyone insist on speaking riddles to me! – y/n annoyance came back and she was forced to take a few deep breaths to calm herself down. – Head in the game, girl, head in the game – she spoke to herself heading towards the classroom hoping for full auditorium.

However, it seemed like someone up or down really made it his purpose to make this day a disaster. y/n heart dropped when she spotted only a few yawning students, as sleepy as she was. Feeling her spirit barely float above the ground she addressed the present.

-What happened? Where is everyone?

-Absent, professor.

-Well, I can see that – y/n spats – sorry, I suppose I’m not the only one who’s already struggling through the day. – she shook her head – you know what, there’s no point in having this lecture when there are only so little of you. You can go home or … do whatever else.

-But won’t you get in trouble professor? – one of the girls asked

-Why would I? No one showed in the classroom and everyone’s an adult. This class is not obligatory after all. No one will be chasing you or me. – with such assurance the students had no further inhibitions to skip the lecture, leaving y/n alone with her thoughts.

Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to call the class off – y/n thought to herself feeling the overwhelm coming again.  She still has an hour till lunch break when she was supposed to meet with Kat and had absolutely no idea what to do with that time. Knowing well enough her brain was functioning on some other frequency, the only way to deal with it was to get involved into something stupid just to kill the time. y/n was never the person to get addicted to her phone or any other electronic device, more of a book lover, but desperate times call for desperate measures. She reached for her smartphone and headphones to escape reality, but apparently someone else needed her more.

-Professor y/l/n, do you have a minute?

-Sure – y/n sighed – what is it?

-I heard you called off the classes, so I thought maybe I could use that extra time for some consultation?

-About what? A book? A novel?

-Some history stuff, actually.

-History? – y/n looked at the student with confusion – And I’m the one you decided to ask for help. No offense, but we have other teachers competent in that area.

-Well…. To be honest, I asked professor Gadling first, but he bustled me off to you.

-Really? That’s quite unusual. Is the subject so specific he had nothing to say about it? He seems like a hotshot to me.

-He is, but apparently had too much to do – the students look down – so, will you help me professor – using the most obvious trick with big, glistening eyes he added – you’re the only hope left for me.

-There’s no need to be melodramatic, is there? – y/n motioned him to a chair – what’s troubling you?

-You, professor. – the students smiles mischievously

-I’m sorry? – y/n raises her eyebrows in confusion – you should not speak to me like that. I’m your teacher after all. A little respect would be nice.

-You are not my teacher. However, I can most definitely teach you something about your future which is now connected with my brother’s.

-What? I don’t understand a thing of what you’re saying. Wait – a wave of realization hit her – you brother? Do you mean…. Dream?

-I do.

-Who are you exactly – y/n move in front of her desk crossing her arms in anticipation.

-I have many names, but you may know me as Destiny.

Destiny. – the girl repeated in flat voice. – Awesome. Are you here as some sort of messenger?

Destiny’s face expression did not falter in the slightest. God, he’s so serious. Almost like his younger sibling.

-You should not mess with an Endless calling me that. I am no messenger, human.

-I’m sorry – y/n sighed again – I did not mean to offend you in any way. I just… My life has been kind of crazy lately.

-I know. I know everything. And I’m here to give you a warning that it will be crazier. You should brace yourself. There’s a journey ahead of you.

-A journey? What kind of journey?

-I can only tell you as much as I told my brother.

-Wait… he knew?

-Yes.

-I knew he was holding something back from me. What kind of journey are we talking about?

-The one that will fill some blank space from your past. Questions will be answered and you will be different than now.

-Is there any point in asking you any more questions?

-No.

-Well then, thank you for the heads up Destiny – she rolled her eyes but became sad the next second – I don’t know if I’m strong enough to meddle with my past.

-You are.  You shall find soon enough how much power lies inside you.

-You just barely met me. How do you know that? – she looks up at her student.

-I know – he repeated and a shadow of smile lingered on his lips – you are much more than you think yourself to be. And for some reason, I believe in you, y/n y/l/n. I will watch over you to the very possible extend.

-Why? Why do you care about me?

-I have a feeling about you, y/n. We shall meet again – with those words he rise from his seat and moved towards the door – You are now under my protection.

-That really does make me feel special – y/n grinned – the Destiny’s protégée. It has a nice ring to it, can’t lie. Does it mean I have a connection with you as well as with Dream?

-Not the same kind, but yes, you can call it like that. You humans have a puzzling habit of defining things.

-Nah. That’s just something I do desperately trying to keep my life together.

-Goodbye, y/n. I’ll see you soon.

The girl just nods her head, serious expression on her face. She sensed that this is all she will get from Destiny so decided to just roll with what was coming her way. One problem at a time. Her visitor disappeared behind the door and when she looked after him the corridor was empty, as if nothing happened. y/n would probably think that she imagined it all if it wasn’t for a single sprig of myrtle laying on her desk. What is the meaning of this –she wondered taking the plant in her hand and examining in it carefully.

-Professor?

-Oh, god damn it, what now? – she spat and spun around annoyed.

-I’m sorry – the poor girl cringed.

-No, I’m sorry. That was way harsher than I intended. Can I help you with anything? -she strenously calmed herself down.

-Actually, I’m here to deliver a message. The dean wishes to see you, professor. He said it’s an urgent matter and he doesn’t wish to be kept waiting.

-Thank you, I shall see to him immediately.

***

-Professor y/l/n. All things considered, it is always a pleasure to see you. – dean Winchester motioned for y/n to sit down behind the great, oak desk and sat down on the opposite side.

-Thank you, dean. But… all things considered?

-I’m pretty sure you realize this is not a social call.

-I do, sir, but with all due respect – did something happen?

-y/n – dean slightly moved forward. Using my first name – y/n thought – that’s highly unusual­ – let’s be serious. You called your lecture off. Do you think that was within your power? You should have asked for a permission from me first

-I….. – the girl started, quite perplexed – who told you? – I’ve got a mole amongst the students – a single sentence crossed her mind

-Doesn’t matter. And let me finish. You’ve been acting strange for the last couple days. Is everything all right?

-That is not the word I would use, but I’m figuring things out.

-I;m really glad to hear it. Unfortunately, I can’t pretend that this didn’t happen. That was unprofessional and exceed of your prerogatives, professor. Hence I am forced to punish you, though I take no pleasure in that.

-Sir, if I may – she chimed in – barely a few students showed up on the lecture. My classes involve discussions and brainstorms therefore just a couple of participant is not sufficient for classes to be effective.

-I understand that. Given your perfect track record and highest ranks in evaluation I don’t intend to be harsh on you. You may treat it more like a warning, like a ….

Punishment for example? – she looked down intertwining her fingers to stop her hands from shaking.

The dean did not bother to answer that, just looking at his most prominent lecturer with mix of care and worry.

-y/n – he spoked softly causing the girl to look at him again – is there anything you wish to tell me?

Yes. Yes, of course. I;ve just recently found that my father is a Raven, I have some sort of connection with anthropomorphic personification of a Dream and I am under some sort of protection from analogic personification of Destiny, who happens to be his brother. Right, I want to tell you all about it. And then end up locked up in a psychiatric ward. I wonder if that’s something that was destined for me too.

-No. There is nothing of importance.

-I like you y/n/, but I cannot let my sympathy affect my objectivity. Professor Gadling will take your classes for the next three days. Consider this as forced leave of absence. Take care of your matters. I wish to see the same y/n/ I knew for the last two years back, do you understand?

 -Yes sir.

-Good, now go. Have your lunch and think about what I told you.

y/n stood up and rushed out towards the faculty cafeteria where Kat was already waiting for her, pacing in anticipation.

@marvelsmylife

@wickedly-grim

@mind-of-a-girl

@thereeallink

@lisacarolined

@boofy1998

@endlessdreamqueen

@mikariell95

@shadowluna25

@sippysthoughts

@kaoriloveskeiff

[heartofsnark]

Can You Feel The Sun? (Chapter Five): Just To Want It All

Notes: As stated in last chapter notes, i have a decent chunk of chapters done so these are coming out pretty rapid fire. Otherwise, I don’t have much to say other than massive thanks to my friend who reads these over for me and has been cool with me dropping 80+ pages of fic on them in a week. because yeah...I finished another chapter of this. 

Word Count:  7885

Chapter Warnings: mentions of alcohol and cursing, if that counts as a warning in cyberpunk 2077.  

If you haven’t yet, you can read the previous chapter here!~

Lizzie’s Bar stands out brilliantly in the city; out of all the gangs, she thinks she likes The Moxes aesthetic the best. Vivid pink and bright teal. Their colors splashed across the overpass, along with a neon pink skull sign with hair and a bow. At the side of the building is a towering neon skull girl sign, full bodied with an animated kicking leg and axe held above her head, the same hot pink color.

She parks and gets out of her car, doing a quick scan of the area, searching for more Militech drones. None that she sees, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. The credchip burns in her pocket, remembering some of the stuff T-Bug has taught her. How to crack an encrypted shard and see what’s on it, how to transfer its contents. V rifles through her bag, remembering she had a blank credchip somewhere. If Militech did anything dirty, V should be able to transfer the eddies onto a clean chip.

V makes a beeline to the front door, cement blockers and walls covered in graffiti.  More neon signs, the bars name over the door in glowing turquoise letters. Lizzie Jizzie scrawled across an outside wall; two screens on each side of the double stores, all covered in Nicola ads requesting V ‘taste the love’.  Groups of people loiter in the open outside the bar. V’s eyes are drawn to the two bouncers outside the doors.

Two women, one leans against the outside wall as she puff away on a cigarette. Short slicked back hair that starts blue and then fades to green, eyes hidden behind sunglasses and a gold septum piercing in her nose. The other one stands in front of the doors, a yellow spiked bat held over her shoulders. Long hair pulled up into space buns, purple roots and pink ends. Both of her arms are metal; black with pink and teal accents as well as spikes along the forearms.  Both women are skimpily dressed, no shame in that. The one wielding the bat has a white top with cleavage going beyond her breasts,  showing her almost plastic looking skin and the Moxes tattoo across her chest. The other shorter haired bouncer is wearing neon pink pasties beneath a teal bomber jacket.  V’s been here before, has maybe seen them in passing, both really attractive. She’s not sure there’s a Mox member who isn’t.

“Hey there, dollface!~” The bat wielder greets her with a grin, as if she could actually see V’s face.

“Interest you in a preem BD?” The smoker offers.

“What you got?” V asks to be polite, she doesn’t honestly even like brain dances. But the girls are cute, so… no harm in a little small talk.

“What don't we got? Women and men of your dreams, synaptic acting A-listers. No washed-up virtuporn boytoys or blow-up dolls here.”

“Auteur stuff - It'll grip your heart and blow your nerves right outta your body. Pure bit-based ecstasy - that’s why people come here.”

“Sure know how to sell it, don’t you?” V signs, trying not to laugh as the bouncers give her the spiel.

“Not a sales pitch, it's a warning. I'll give you one word - bespoke. Not for everyone's synapses.”

“Think you can handle it?”

“Think I can manage it,” she tells them, knowing damn well she has no intent to get any sort of virtus.

“Mmhm. Couple of things you need to know first,” she affectionately rubs her bat, “Ahem. Severe penalties for any unauthorized recording… “

“No drugs, no groping. Someone catch your eye, you do not grab 'em. You find 'em in the catalog, ask for a BD and get yourself a box.”

“No worries, not even my first time here.”

“Door's open. Have fun, Doll.”

“Welcome to Lizzie’s.”

The double doors open and V walks through a blue beaded curtain. There’s a front room, a stand where a woman with a bright pink mohawk is selling clothes, under another Nicola ad and neon letters saying ‘Fuck To Death’ behind her.

“My what a sweet face you have,” she says, her tone honeyed but its clear she hasn’t looked up from the counter, not even noticing as the masked merc walks past through another beaded curtain and double doors to the main club.

“Here in Night City~”

Music thrums as she steps in; the room is lit with strobing pink and teal lights. Couches with neon glowing lights on the underneath, some people with BD wreaths and others playing on their phones. People dancing  to the club music and  bar tucked away in the corner.  She doubts the client will be right at the start of opening, so V finds an empty stretch of couch, sitting down on black leather with a pink neon light at her feet.  V slides the Militech cred chip into her mask, it takes a moment, but she manages to crack it and get a look at the inside.

Ten thousand eddies and malware; it was meant to send all of Maelstrom’s data to another server and then fry the systems. Meaning, if V handed it over Maelstrom would get their systems fried, with her and Jackie dealing with the aftermath. V slides the blank cred chip into another slot in her mask’s edge, transfering the clean money over to it. Fucking around with tech and daemons isn’t her strong suit, but if she recalls Bug telling her that fairly simple malware like this could be reworked pretty easily. She works through the coding with her thoughts, the data and interface all on her mask. If she can get the coding right, she might be able to have it send something other than data back to the Militech servers…  Shifting and twisting what she thinks will work… if she’s done it right, instead of sending data back to Militech’s server, it should inject the same malware back into their system. If used, it would spike both Maelstrom and Militech.

She’ll call up T-Bug before they hit Maelstrom, double check she did the steps right. If Maelstrom play nice, they can pay and be done, if not...she can fuck over the gangoons, Militech, and walk away with an extra ten thousand in her pocket.  She puts the credchips in her pockets, spiked one in her left and clean one in the right.

Time to have a look around for the client. V making a beeline for the bar, bartenders always have all the info. Lizzie’s Bar in neon over the drink station, a brightly blue lit corner where a man works at making drinks, shelves of booze behind him.  She climbs onto a blue vinyl bar stool, feet no longer on the ground and unable to resist swinging them a bit. The bartender comes to her; a man with slicked back dark hair,  glowing white cybernetic eyes, and silver embellishments run across his cheeks and jaw. His shirt bright blue with a tropical design and if not for a single button above his pants, it’d be completely open. Beaded necklaces bringing even more attention to his exposed chest and stomach.

“Get you something?”

“Looking for Evelyn Parker,” she speaks the woman’s name, not wanting to waste time fingerspelling it even if the sound feels tight in her throat.

“And you are?”

“V, me and her were supposed to meet here.”

“Well, V,  it’s a pleasure. I’m Mateo.”

“Nice to meet you… any idea where she’s hanging around?”

“Club's big. Gonna have to look around. Can't do it for you-”

“It's all right, Mateo,” a feminine voice calls out and V’s eyes are drawn to a woman at the bar, “I was waiting for this one.”

There’s something about her, distinctly Mox and also not. Her hair is a short vivid blue bob with bangs cut straight across her forehead. Heavy makeup, a tight silver sequin dress with a dipping neckline, red thigh high vinyl boots, a black trench coat that pools around her knees with a pink and white feathered collar.  She holds two fingers up to the bartender and moves to the bar stool closer. There’s a clang and tink of glass; Mateo getting out a bottle of tequila and two shot glasses.  

“That won’t be necessary,” V signs before he can fill the second glass, “I don’t drink on the job.”

“Aww, what a good girl,” Evelyn coos, a smile pulling at her painted lips, “Evelyn Parker. I knew it was you as soon as you walked in.”

“And you decided to let me wander around instead of introducing yourself?”

“I wanted to get a good look at you first.”

“And?” V watches as Evelyn takes a swig of her tequila.

“Rest assured, if I didn’t like what I see, you’d know,” she takes another drink, “C'mon. Know a place we can talk where ears won't prick up to listen. We'll be in the lounge, Mateo. Anyone asks we're not here.”

Evelyn takes her black clutch purse and leaves the bar, V puts some money down for Mateo; if nothing else to compensate for his time. V hops down from the stool and follows after Evelyn, through a pair of double doors that goes into a hallway tinted red and pink, booth doors lining the way. The blue haired woman opens up a door, standing to the side as V walks in.

The booth is small, circular with a red vinyl couch around it’s curve, a table in the middle projects a hologram of a stripper who twists and dances. V sinks into the cushions, watching Evelyn stride in and light a cigarette as the door closes behind her. Everyone in the city a smoker it seems.  As Evelyn puffs on a cigarette, V is somehow just noticing the gold nail like finger caps she wears.

“Dex had a load to say about you. Called you professional, effective. And trustworthy. I hope he wasn't overselling…“

“You don’t give a shit what he says,” V retorts, not missing the tinge of disdain Evelyn’s voice. V doesn’t need anyone to blow wind up her ass.

“You have trouble accepting compliments?”

“Flattery’s beneath you.”

“Maybe Dex is beneath you,” Evelyn moves around the table, grabbing an ashtray from the table, then sitting down next to V, crossing her legs, “Have you known each other long?”

“First time working with him.”

“Hmmm, I've heard there are two kinds of fixers. Those with stable crews on long contracts and short leashes. Loyalty and predictability they value above all else. Then there's the other kind- Dex's kind.”

“Meaning?”

“Headhunters. They lay their trust elsewhere, not in people but in a thing- their intuition. They bet on potential. And if they lose that bet…It's the last mistake they ever make. I’m hoping Dex’s intuition served him well in this case.”

“Let's get to the point, why am I here, what’s this about?”

“Your target - I trust you know what it is.”

“Arasaka biochip.”

“Mmmhmm, their Relic, secure your soul technology. Arasaka's poured billions into personality transfer technology. But me - I just want the data on this one. The chip is tucked away inside Konpeki Plaza, the hotel. You ever been?”

“Fancy corp hotels? Yeah, no, way out of my price range.”

“The decor's to die for. As you'll see for yourself.’

So, V and Jackie have to bust into some fancy hotel to get the chip people are arguing about on tv. Understood, so far. But, theres a lot of risks involved in a heist of this scale. Its one thing to rip off a dropped piece of cargo or a convoy from a corp; but this kind of top notch tech?

“You know where the chip is, exactly?”

“In a suite on the top floor. The room's occupied by Yorinobu Arasaka.”

V swallows the lump in her throat, the son of Saburo Arasaka, heir to the entire fucking corp. She’s once again finding herself wondering why Dex thinks her and Jackie can handle a job of this caliber, the Arasaka’s seem downright un-fucking-touchable to a merc like her.

“He’s in NC?”

“Don't you read the screamsheets?”

“Not particularly, no.”

“Well, the media couldn't get enough of Yori coming to Night City, it was all over the headlines. He's heir apparent to the Arasaka empire - Saburo Arasaka's only surviving son.”

“So, he trying to take over while he’s in town?” V asks, trying to understand what exactly is going on.

“Only a handful of people in Night City know what the Arasakas' real plans are.”

“And you included in that?”

A smirk stretches across her face, green eyes devious; “Yorinobu is a puppet. He lost all his cards years ago when he failed to do daddy's bidding. Saburo's had Yori's balls in a vise for years. He might just turn the screw and crush them outright if he learns his son's up to no good again.”

“Someone like him is bound to have an army surrounding him, that hotel is probably a fortress by now.”

“Yorinobu keeps exactly no muscle around. Not one guard. Got rid of them a long time ago.”

“Why?”

“Surely you know what they say about Arasaka intel? Sneeze in Night City and a blossom drops from a cherry tree in Tokyo. Yorinobu was convinced his Arasaka security detail reported directly to his father.”

“If you got a spare ache up your sleeve, I’d love to see it.”

“ Now, this should make your tits perk up,” she says, putting the ashtray aside and leans forward.

“My tits are quite comfortable where they are, I assure you.”

“Cute, but more importantly, Yorinobu recently swiped the chip from an Arasaka laboratory. He's made a deal with NetWatch, aims to sell it to them. Have you spotted my ace yet or do I need to spell things out?”

“Okay, no muscle because he has daddy issues and no security on the device because he stole it from said daddy. Any idea where he’s hiding the thing?”

“Likely in a specialized container, one that mimics an organic neural environment. On the outside, it looks like an ordinary briefcase.”

“Which would be where?”

“You'll see for yourself soon enough,” she stamps out her cigarette and stands up, walking to the door, “Provided we're done gossiping about the Arasakas.”

“You know anything else about him?” V asks, wanting to see if she can mine any more useful information about the heir that could help.

“Quite a bit, actually. He studied finance and biotech in Tokyo. Hm, probably didn't have a choice in the matter, come to think of it. Saburo was grooming him to be his successor. But then Yorinobu vanished to chase his own dreams, cut himself off from the corp for years. Long story short, though the black sheep returned, the bitter taste remained. But that's only one side of him. There's another - an intelligent man who has always walked his own path and so has his own designs on the corp.”

There’s no doubt in V’s mind now that Evelyn knows Yorinobu personally, the way she talks and speaks is clearly colored by experience. Some prodigal son who ran away from his father and then came back with his tail between his legs when he couldn’t cut it alone. An odd lump in V’s throat at the thought; running away from shitty dads, being a black sheep…

“Sounds like any other corpo dick to me,” V signs, not liking the parallels her brain is starting to draw.

“Hm. Ever tried to imagine what life might be like for an emperor's son? You have everything, yet you are no one, nothing. At least as long as you remain in Saburo Arasaka's shadow. I…” she scratches almost sheepishly at her neck, her wannabe femme fatale attitude slipping for just a moment, “...sympathize. It's a vulnerability I understand well.”

V is still finding herself finding uncomfortable similarities between herself and fucking Yorinobu Arasaka. Its stupid, she doesn’t know the man and he has the wealth to destroy her for pretending she does. But, a power hungry leader for a father, leaving home, terrified of being under his thumb. Only difference, well many, but most pressing is she’s managed to make it on her own...so far… at least. Not that she hasn’t had her doubts or worries.

“So, what’s next?” V asks, practically shaking her head to dispel the weirdness swimming in her brain. Black sheep or not; Yorinobu Arasaka has a silver spoon in his mouth. She’s a nomad turned Night City edgerunner; their lives couldn’t be more far removed.

“Now comes the best part,” Evelyn opens the door and turns to leave, “Follow me. Got somethin' for you. Should help you plan. Braindance from Konpeki Plaza.”

V follows Evelyn out into the hallway, “ how’s a braindance going to help?”

“Think BDs are only good for fondling virtual tits, jackin' off to in those boxes?”

“Thought that was the main selling point, yeah,” V teases back as they turn a corner in the hallway, headed towards a door.

“No. They can be a very useful tool. Good for analyzing details human perception, even boosted, doesn't grasp. Exactly what you need,” Evelyn teases as they enters a dressing room, a few Mox at the tables painting their faces with makeup and styling their hair.

“What's on the tape?” Through another door and neon lights fade to harsher, darker lighting.

“Yorinobu's suite. The glorious interior,” the walk down a short metal flight of stairs, “You'll need to locate the Relic yourself. Hope I grabbed enough detail to make that possible.”

The stop at the end of the steps, Evelyn turning to look at V with a hand on her hips. Not that V really had any more doubt about it, but she’s been given more evidence that Evelyn and Yorinobu know each other.

“You recorded it?”

“Mhm. BD rec implant. Why, you object?”

“Not particularly, who you know and what you do with them is none of my business, lets see the braindance.”

“Judy'll help. She's a Mox, too,” down another short flight of stairs, deeper into the basement, “Besides, we go back… years.”

Evelyn stops them again outside a pair of double doors, Lizzie’s is starting to feel like a little maze at this point. But more importantly, Evelyn’s paused again, stumbled over her words and showed something under her facade. V felt something was off, a Mox but somehow not, and she’s starting to think Evelyn is purposely trying to put up a front. That she’s trying, a little too hard, to come across like femme fatale or corpo. Evelyn clears her throat.

“V, this is important. Judy's always been there for me. Always helped out. I trust her. But she's a Mox, not the latest member of your crew. Try not to forget. So you'll be a good girl, tread lightly and keep that tongue on a leash.

“Oh, but it's not my tongue you need to worry about.”

“Hmm, can feel you smirking under that mask, keep it up and I’ll tie those hands down, too,” Evelyn says with a wink as they pass through the double doors into another hallway, then through one more door.

Evelyn leads her through the basement doors, a dark little room with servers, netrunning chairs and screens. In an office chair slouching with one leg on a desk is a woman; late twenties or so with olive skin. One side of her hair is shaved, the other shaggy and down to nearly her shoulder, a deep green color with bright pink ends. The woman is heavily tattooed, bright red roses nestled above her collar bones, a spider web on her right shoulder, a cartoon ghost sitting in a shell, and a large number 13 on her bicep are among the standouts. But V could spend hours describing each artwork.

“Ahem.”

“Hey, there you are…” Judy greets Evelyn, a playful almost flirty tone to her voice.

“This is V. She's here for that BD roll. And V, this is Judy - best braindance editor I know.”

“Enough already, gonna make me barf.” There’s a slight accent to Judy’s voice, not unlike Jackie’s.

“Impressive set up,” V signs, at least, she assumes it’s impressive. Tech is already a bit of a blind spot for her, especially when it comes to brain dances.

“Mhm, Analyzers, sensory sig amps, acoustic and emotive wave monitors, facial expression translators.”

“Ahem, Judy,” Evelyn stops the inked editor before she can tell V more.

“All right, all right… Compiled your BD, Ev.”

“What do you think? Will it do?”

“Still pretty raw… but yeah, oughta do.”

“Mhm. V needs to get deep inside, that's most important.”

“So, let's calibrate, tune it to her,” Judy stands up from the table and moves to the desk closer to the door, sitting down below a neon pink light, “Believe me, I've dealt with worse. Should see the dig-Jig Street porn we gotta contend with sometimes.”

Evelyn has followed behind Judy, standing behind the editor’s chair, “So we drop V inside? Let her look, let her rummage around, right?”

“How 'bout it, V? Raw braindance - ever taken a dip before?” Judy leans forward on the desk, looking at V.

“No, not at all, but I’m a quick learner,” that feels like a lie as soon as she says it, “ and need to know what I’m dealing with. So.”

“Siddown, settle in, and we'll get you goin'.”

V turns around to the chairs, either netrunning or ripperdoc chairs, she’s not sure. But, she climbs into one, settling down into it as Judy comes back out around the desk. Judy is nearby, fiddling with a brain dance wreath.

“Be easier to fit without the mask.”

“Mask has optic tech, linked to my neuroport and biomon, should work just like it does with any set of cybereyes.”

“‘Fraid of ruining the mystery?” Evelyn asks, teasing again.

“Mask is for business, lot harder to track a merc if you got no clue what they look like. You that curious, feel free to try and track me down during my off time.”

“Fine, fine,”  Judy affixes the BD wreath around V’s head, lining it up properly on the merc before walking back to the desk,  “Gotta create your sensory profile first.”

“Go for it.”

“Now, sit still, look at me. Gonna run the analysis soft should feel a slight tingling…”

V’s breath catches as it prickles across her skin, a crackling and warm sensation crawling across every nerve. From the base of her skull, down her spine, across her arms to her fingers, running down her legs to her toes. A vague pulse, a current of something.

“OK now let's set the optics and other sensory sigs. Look smack into these two screens, pretend it's an eye exam.”

The two wreath panels flash and strobe white light, building in urgency and frequency.

“Gimme two more minutes. One more sec, need to get the pain receptor limiters in… OK. All set. Need to test your profile first. Tossing in a sam-”

“We can just use my recording, there’s no point in wasting time,” Evelyn interrupts Judy.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“I’m fine with just jumping to her BD,” V interjects her opinion, “better to get right to it.”

Judy sighs and rolls her eyes; “Fine, fine, what do I know.”

“Great, I’ll just need to patch Bug in.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, Who?” Judy jumps up from her desk, crossing her arms and looks at V like she just asked to summon Satan.

“Runner from my crew, security specialist. She'll tell me what to look for while we analyze. No problem, I assume?”

“Actually, it is a problem! You’re already asking me to cut fucking corners and now you want to bring someone else in?! Not what we agreed, Ev!”

“It’s not a big deal,” V signs, not sure what Judy’s sudden problem is.

“No big deal! You don't quite grasp the risks I took by lettin' you in here! What I'm risking pokin' around with this stuff!”

Judy continues to yell and V rolls her eyes, she’s a BD editor, not part of the actual crew, the client, or the fixer. If Arasaka goes after anyone it sure as shit won’t be Judy, so why is she throwing a fit.

“And you don’t seem to grasp the risk I’d be taking if me and my partner went stumbling into that hotel with no fucking clue as to what we or our runner are up against. I miss one hidden turret and I get pumped full of lead, either my runner links in or I’m gone.”

V makes a point to twist her head and look at Evelyn at the last part; Bug is the most highly trained member of their crew and Dex’s go to runner. Without her involvement and eyes on it, the job won’t be going anywhere.

“Bye then!” Judy yells out, “good riddance and don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”

“Judy, please…”

“Ev, she wants to bring a 'runner in. What part of that don't you understand?! How do I know she'll only perch in this footage, observe, not fuck with anything?!”

“Because Bug is literally involved with the heist, has a dog in this fight, and wants it to go well too,” V signs, hoping the AI voice is getting her annoyance across, Judy does level a glare at her over Evelyn’s shoulder.

“Me,” Evelyn steals Judy’s attention, “I'm your guarantee.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Help me, this one last time. I promise everything'll work out,  just like we planned.”

And it hits V, between the flirting and the soft drop in Evelyn’s voice here. The reason Judy is so worked up about this; her and Evelyn have something. Friends teetering the line into something else, girlfriends already, or maybe even more than that. V’s not sure. But there’s something distinctly not platonic to the way they interact. Maybe that’s the play on Evelyn’s. Scam Yorinobu Arasaka then run away with her porn editor girlfriend.

“Fine,” Judy shakes her head and sits back down, the anger gone, “call Bug and we’ll dive in.”

That issue taken care of V rings up T-Bug, the netrunner answering after a ring or two.

“What’s up, V?”

“Bug, listen. I got some useful footage from Konpeki Plaza. It's a braindance.”

“Konpeki? Ohhh, thought as much…” Judy looks up at Evelyn.

“Someone there with you?”

“Client and her...friend...is what I’ll settle on; that’s not what matters right now, its going to give us a layout of the room, a chance to find where the chip is, and some idea of security.”

“All right, see if I can walk you through it. Jackin’ into your tech now,” notifications alert across her mask’s interface, “Mh, you've gotta give me access. Opening port 1779… Secure protocol? Good, I'm goin' in. Should be getting my request… …now.”

“Got it. You ready?”

“Millisec. OK, connection confirmed, now some quick temp ICE and… we're clear. Ready to dance.”

“Let’s do this.”

And with that the wreath panels begin to flash and strobe in front of V’s eyes, quicker and quicker until the world goes out in white. And in the next snap of a moment, one reality becomes another. Her body is no longer her own, she’s placed in Evelyn’s mind standing outside an elevator. What feels like her body, moves to adjust a purse strap, gold capped nails.

“All right, V - eyes open. Gotta find out where Yorinobu is keepin’ the Relic. Everything is controlled by thought and intention; you can step into editor mode, access everything her cyberware picked up a signal of, can scan, rewind, fast forward. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

The doors open, exposing the hotel room, and a horror show of a man walking towards her. V can feel the spike in fear, whether from Evelyn in the moment or V’s own instinctual reaction; she isn’t sure. He’s around eight feet tall, complete metal and cyberware from his feet to his upper lip; more machine than human. Wire, hydraulics, steel; all branded with Arasaka. The flesh section of his head is sickly ashen protrusive veins, glowing red where eyes should be. As he draws closer there’s a whirr of machinery, hydraulics pistoning to give him movement. How is he alive? How is he functional?

“You look like a cut of fuckable meat. Are you?” He asks as he walks past, voice edged with something inhuman.

Evelyn reigns her fear back in, the past version of her walking deeper into the room, where a dark haired man sits at a table in front of a large screen where another blonde haired man speaks back to him.

“I said no,” the dark haired man speaks out, his voice colored by a Japanese accent and V knows it’s Yorinobu. Evelyn continues to walk closer, her heels clicking against the floor.

“They'll have my head for this…”

“Then you shall perish for a good cause.”

“But I-”

“Make yourself comfortable. I need a minute to finish,” Yorinobu tells Evelyn, sparing just a glance over his shoulder.

“Listen in on that conversation, V! Could be something important.”

She wants to watch through first, do an initial watch to look for things and then go more in depth. Two watches at least should mean she’s covered everything. Yorinobu switches the conversation to his holophone, pacing around the room. Evelyn meanwhile puts her purse down on the chair, then walks behind him, trying to keep him in range

“My father is a tired, visionless old greybeard who thinks nothing will change and he'll live forever in his tiny, frozen bubble! You will listen to this - Saburo is an addled despot utterly removed from reality, stuck in some fossilized vision of a world that no longer exists! Of a world that may never have existed! We have not seen eye to eye for the last twenty years. I am quite sure we won't now.”

Yorinobu continues to talk as Evelyn pours herself a glass full of champagne and takes a drink, the tech allowing V to taste the sweet bubbles as if they were on her own tongue. Glass in hand she takes a slow look around the room and walks back to the center of it, sitting at the table, the plush of the cushion letting her sink into it.

“Noted,” Yorinobu says into the phone as he starts to walk back to Evelyn, there’s something in his eyes, “enough.”

He hands up, putting the phone down on the table. Evelyn looks up at him and V through her eyes gets her first good look at the Arasaka heir. Dark hair with the sides shaved down close to the scalp, glasses perched on his nose. His cyberware is surprisingly minimal for a man of his wealth, two streaks of silver going up his neck to his jawline.

“Sorry, to make you wait,” he touches Evelyn’s shoulder and the woman rises, “business can be stupid.”

They’re close and V can feel his hands on her, Evelyn’s, hips. Evelyn’s hand on his shoulder.

“Mmh, it wasn't long,” Evelyn hums and it feels wholy unnatural to feel like she’s speaking with someone else's voice, “Not even long enough for me to grow bored.”

His hands start to creep and Evelyn goes to pull away, movements playful, when Yorinobu pulls her back in. Then he starts to dip his mouth.

“Fuck no!” V yells out as she pushes the thought to enter editor mode, separating her senses from Evelyn’s before she has to feel Yorinobu’s lips on Evelyn’s neck. She looks down and sees herself, though slightly digital, her bright blue nail polish and not gold jewelry. The scene around her has paused and a digital filter over them.

“Something wrong?” T-Bug asks with a slight laugh.

“Nearly had corpo droolon me,” V signs, happy to find the tech allows her translator to work in editor mode, “was going do a watch through, then a second go in editor mode, figured two look throughs would be best...then”

“Then you nearly had to lock lips with Yorinobu Arasaka.”

“Gag, rewinding back to scan the call fully.” With a thought she watches as Evelyn and Yorinobu move in reverse, getting back to win the heir was starting the call. Once she gets where she needs to be she scans his phone and restarts it from editor mode, thankful for the sensory disconnect. She hears the man on the other end of Yorinobu’s call speak.

“Please speak with your father. He's taken a particular interest in this project, he can certainly explain the risks invol--”

“My father is a tired, visionless old greybeard who thinks nothing will change and he'll live forever in his tiny, frozen bubble!”

“I should not even be listening to such things.”

“You will listen to this - Saburo is an addled despot utterly removed from reality, stuck in some fossilized vision of a world that no longer exists! Of a world that may never have existed! We have not seen eye to eye for the last twenty years. I am quite sure we won't now.”

“Read the documentation carefully. The Relic requires specific storage conditions. You MUST provide them.”

“Noted,” Yorinobu hangs up again and V pauses the BD.

“Heard that? Relic docs gotta be around here somewhere. Look for them,” Bug confirms.

“Once we find where the chip is stored we’ll do a clean sweep of the security, okay Bug.”

“Smart thinking.”

V watches half-heartedly as Yorinobu and Evelyn interact; her range of vision and senses limited to Evelyn. She fast forwards through the two canoodling, only mildly catching Evelyn mentioning something about ‘candy’ though V assumes it’s of the nose variety. Evelyn separates away from Yorinobu for a moment and walks to a control panel, offering to lend music to the scene.

But V’s interest is piqued when she catches Evelyn rifling through Yorinobu’s messages, a few spam and scam emails. Then she pulls up an email from Clouds, a dollhouse in the city. Evelyn deletes it, V rewinds back and pauses. The email thanks Yorinobu for his patronage; hmm, heir has a taste for doll prostitutes. Something, Evelyn doesn’t want that email to be there… Its all beginning to make more sense and V’s not sure she likes it.

The merc fast forwards further through the BD, moving through to Evelyn playing awful music and going to meet Yorinobu in his bed. Where he sits with a tablet, the second the screen is clear. She pauses and scans it, bingo.

“Manual details a special temp controlled container. Relic needs to be kept real cool,” T-Bug explains through the technobabble.

“Chip’s got to be in a freezer.”

“Yep. Could damage it otherwise. OK, switch on thermal layer detection in the editor. Should be easier to spot where Yorinobu's keeping the chip.”

V switches with a thought, the world turning into temperature signatures as she searches for unnatural cold places and spots. An air conditioner pumps out cold air, but that would be a stupid place to put billion dollar tech. One malfunction and you lost it all.  She rewinds back to get more of a view, a ice bucket for champagne, a fridge?

“That’s just a regular fancy fridge, not cold enough,” Bug tells her when she spends t0o long contemplating it.

V rewinds further and an amass of blue ice cold air from behind a pillar catches her eye, It seems to come up through the floor, unlike the AC, ice bucket, or fridge she has no clear idea where this one is coming from. A secret container in the floor? Seems like a much craftier place to hide expensive stolen tech, V scans it.

“Right, grabbed the heat sig. Matches the spec in the docs,” T-Bug tells her.

“Chip has to be here, we got it.”

“Mmhmm, time to scan security.”

V switches back to the regular mode, looking for what she needs to scan. The camera system first.

“Shit, cameras packed with newtech motion sensors, heat sig activators. IFF.”

“Can you kill it?”

“With access to their subnet, but we need the Flathead bot for that.”

They continue on, with Bug commenting on each security measure they scan. Alarm with fresh firmware, Automated turrets connected to the hotels server. Yorinobu’s pistol, loaded with the safety on. V rewinds and fast forward, searching anything else that might be an issue but comes up empty handed.

“Seems like we got everything. Looks like all their security systems are linked to the hotel subnet. We need the Flathead. No other way to shut down these systems,” T-Bug sumises.

“No way around it ourselves?”

“Nope. Least I'm fresh out of ideas. Think we got everything we need.”

“Okay, but hang on the line with me after we get out of the BD, need you to look over something for me, if you don’t mind.”

“No problem.”

V exists out of the brain dance, a flash of white and the world returns. Judy and Evelyn looking at her from across a desk, T-Bug still in the call panel of her mask. Her eyes hurt, her throat feels dry, and she can feel a migraine pushing at her temples. She fucking hates brain dances.

“Get everything you need?” Judy asks, a dark raised eyebrow.

“From the BD, yeah, got to clear something with Bug while I got her on the horn,” V gets the chip she fucked with out of her pocket and slides it into the proxy reader of her mask, “got a chip I fucked around with; decrypted and tried to rewrite the virus on it, so it will spike the people who gave it to me. But I want to make sure, I didn’t fuck up.”

“Need me to grade your work, V?”

“Kind of…”

“Oh, shit, V. You fucking over Militech?” T-Bug exclaims, a little pride in her voice as she reads over the code, thankfully her voice is only audible to V through her hearing aids.

“Mmhmm.”

“And you don’t want to sign and have your translator read it, because you don’t want to risk the client knowing you’re fucking over Militech while prepping to fuck over Arasaka.”

“Mmhmm, will it work?”

“It will fry the servers of any tech it’s plugged in proper and fry the servers it’s linked to, a Militech van from the looks of it. Won’t be a dent in their bottom line, but will surely piss off some reps. That what you meant for it to do?”

“That was the plan.”

“Preem work then, but I do want to make some...edits,” T-Bug edits the chips code in front of V’s eyes, “there we go.”

“Something wrong with it?” Nerves creep up V’s throat, if she fucked up, she’d rather learn her lesson now.

“Nah, I added a bit of a personal touch for you, nothing wrong with a little style added to your hacking.”

“Appreciate the help.”

“You know I won’t always be here to check your work.”

“I know, I know, but it doesn't mean I won’t take advantage while I can. Thanks again, talk soon.”

“Later, V.” With that V hangs up the call and slots the spiked credchip back into its respective pocket. Judgement, suspicion, and resentment are radiating off of Judy.

“I'll wipe the cache and your data. You were never here.”

Judy stands up from the desk and V tries to decipher a few of the tattoos she sees, noticing more sea themed ones, like a dolphin and sharks. V flinches behind her mask as Judy removes the BD wreath, glad to be free of the contraption, but she could have taken it off herself.

“Thanks…” V signs, despite this, just trying to be polite despite their spat.

“Keep it,” Judy hands her the wreath, V getting a good look at the octopus tattooed on the woman’s hand,  “I'll put it on Ev's tab. Portable device for handling BDs. I already uploaded your calibration settings. Not as sophisticated as what we got here, but should do the trick.”

“And it keeps you outta harm's way. Clever.”

“Speaking of harms way, know what I see looking at you,” Judy pins her hands to her hips and gives V that look again, “walking, talking corpses.”

“We needed this recording, just… relax, will you?”

“Relax! If Arasaka finds out you have it, you're dead. I'm dead! If you fuck this up and Arasaka comes knocking on my door!”

“Judy, relax, that’s… not gonna happen,” Evelyn is the one trying to soothe the editors temper again.

“Evelyn, please… no shortcuts. You go that route, city'll always win. So be careful.”

“'Course I will be. Besides, we'll talk in a bit,” Evelyn looks to V,  “lets walk.”

V stashes the new BD wreath into her bag and climbs from the chair, following Evelyn out of Judy’s basement space. It’s not like V is heartless or doesn’t know anxiety; but of everyone involved, Judy has the least skin in the game. V can’t spend her time coddling someone who doesn’t have a whole hell of a lot to worry about compared to her, Jackie, or Bug.

“Well? What do you think?” Evelyn asks and V can see that hint of nerves coming back.

“You’re not worried about this coming back on you, if they start looking through everyone he’s been dealing with?”

“They'll have a long list, then. Packed full of big names. Much bigger than mine. You tell me who they check first. Corpo hotshots and cutthroats? Or a little bedroom plaything like me?”

“Well, then... “ V tries to find her words, this all seems, too good, “intel on the heir, on the place, know roughly where the chip is, and how we should get to it… Seems like a perfect plan and job.”

“Mm. Thanks. Now the punch line, please.”

“Seems too good to be true, there’s got to be a catch…”

“Cold feet? Are you looking to get out of it?”

“I want to know you’re in control here; that there’s no secrets, no catches, no surprises that turns this heist from a cakewalk into a bloodbath.”

“V. I have zero reasons to haze you. We’re in this together. Really. Trust me that I got this.”

“Okay, if you say so, what next?”

“V….” there’s nothing good in the way Evelyn pauses, words stuck to her tongue for a moment, “Do this job for me. I mean me alone. No splitting the payout with anyone else. No middlemen. No Dex.”

Of course, of fucking course, there had to be something. Evelyn’s trying to play cutthroat corpo, fucking over a fixer because she has dollar signs in her eyes. But, she’s too damn naïve to the game to know that no merc with the lead in their gun would pull that shit. Greedy mercs who screw over their fixers end up broke on the street at best and swimming  with cement shoes at worst. And a high profile one like Dex has the means to destroy her.

“Fucking knew there was a catch, you want to fuck over our fixer.”

“Dex is a middleman. And a useless one at this point.”

“You don't fuck with fixers. That's the one rule every merc in this city knows - and actually follows!”

“But if we're smart…”

“There is no smart to this, a mistake like that will cost me my reputation and without that, a merc is fucking nothing in this city. Are you serious about this?”

“Better ask yourself that question. Do you want to spend the rest of your days blasting scavs? Or become a legend overnight? Your choice.”

“He would put me in the ground, if I pulled some gonk shit like that.”

“I could give you fifty percent, V, . Eddies enough to do whatever the hell you like, without needing Dex for anything. With cred like that, you wouldn’t want for anything, you could retire.”

“It’s not about the money.”

“I thought you were a merc. I thought it was always about the money.”

“No, its not actually. He trusts me, he’s taking a leap with me. And even if he weren’t, I’m not the only person I got to worry about. Bug vouched for me too and Jackie is my partner. I fuck over my fixer, it hurts them too. I’m not going to send them down the river for a bigger cut of the pie.”

“Fine. I never asked. But V?”

“Yeah.”

“I just hope you're as good as you are naive.”

“Pff, you think I’m the naive one, here. Cute.

“If you need me, call. I'll send you my number. Now go. I need a few words with Judy.”

“Later, then.”

And with that V heads back up the stairs, tension draws tight across her shoulders. This whole damn thing with Evelyn throwing her off. The BD and everything seems clear cut, if they get the Flathead, the job might even be easy. But, wanting to fuck over their fixer. Evelyn is not the corpo or femme fatale or whatever she seems to think she is. A doll, V’s sure of that.  Evelyn must have deleted the email from Clouds because its’s connected to her and the Mox offer protection to sex workers; must be where she and Yorinobu met. Clouds even has connections to Arasaka through the Tyger Claws. And she managed to become a powerful rich man’s plaything, so now she thinks she’s smart enough to fuck over not only him but Dex too.

She’s a messy client with good intel. V doesn’t want Evelyn to get hurt. The older woman is in over her head and doesn’t know how the merc world works. She doesn’t deserve to get hurt for that, the last thing V wants is for Dex to lose his cool and hurt the woman. But, V also owes it to him to let him know Evelyn put that deal on the table. If she doesn’t, what’s to say Evelyn won’t pull this on another fixer? Or Dex gets another job aligned with her and the next merc she offers this to isn’t so loyal? She has to tell him.

V fumbles with her holo as she walks back through the club, doing some quick research on Konpeki Plaza. Finding their policy on guns. Given the stealth nature of this mission, she can assume the only way they’re getting in is to find a way to get in like regular patrons. Which means they’d be scanned for guns as soon as they get through the door. If something goes south, she doesn’t want her and Jackie left unarmed with a hoard of Arasaka soldiers on their ass.

But they can’t confiscate cyberware.

Might be time to cash in her savings for something. Her holo buzzes in her hand as Dex calls; her stomach drops. Unsure for a moment what to say to him, if she should go ahead and tell him what Evelyn tried to pull. Would he lose his temper? Drop the entire damn heist? Would he hurt her for it? It weighs on her shoulders as she pushes through a blue beaded curtain, considering her options with a finger hovering over the phone.

[acambridgegraduate]

mostly bland, but add a bit of colour

That’s how I’d describe my sense of style.

Like everyone on this earth, I’ve been through lots of style phases in life, including being a ditsy print fanatic and a preppy uni student (...satchel in tow).

I’ve now refined what has become my staple ‘style’, as it were. Mostly, my wardrobe is made up of neutral (usually black) clothes, with rare features of animal print or understated patterns like stripes, spots or checks. 

However, I do have a peacock-like side of me that is attracted to those bright, flashing items of clothing that stand out beyond all else, whether its block colours of red, blue or yellow, or SPARKLE. I do also have a secret love of neon, but I’m trying to work out how to wear this comfortably...perhaps on future nights out I’ll be able to work it in.

I’m not really a frivolous buyer like I used to be as a student. Now, I would never shell out over £150 on a bright red satchel I would go on to hardly use because I ‘just loveeee’ it. Now I know what I like and what works, I know pretty much straight away how to distinguish a piece of clothing I get distracted by like a magpie but would never truly wear, and items I know I will wear constantly. Who knew that earning your own money and paying rent will make you more frugal…

Here’s a summary of my key items.

Black t-shirts 

A true staple & one I’m never going to stop wearing. Black t-shirt & black jeans combination is basically my life. 

Black dresses

Black dresses are the superheroes of my life. I have 3 that I seem to wear at least once a week each.

I don’t have a full-length picture of the black dress I wear most. It’s a midi black dress from Zara with short sleeves to just above the elbow, with a tie-front waist and 2 x splits up each side. It’s comfortable and versatile, and also looks professional without feeling constraining, so is great for a last min client meeting.

Next is a recent purchase of an ASOS strappy wrap dress I most recently wore to work, and then on a date. For work I layered a black polo neck underneath, but for the date layered a black mesh top and felt sexy AF. Wasn’t too revealing but I was still freezing in the January evening breeze, so I knew I probably looked good haha…

FINALLY, it is my TRUE love. Who cares about men, this black 90s slip dress from Urban Outfitters exists. In summer I wore it alone and felt great. I had hesistated buying this dress because I thought the cut wouldn’t suit someone who has curves, but as soon as I tried it on fell in love. This winter I’ve also been discovering new ways to wear it, with either that same black mesh top as I layered underneath the last dress, or a cream polo neck top and tights/trainers for a bit of a preppy vibe.

Jeans

Basically my advice is to have black jeans, blue jeans, and then jeans in a different colour. I have some ecru jeans that I was scared to wear at first because of the thighs/booty, but I’ve learned not to give a fuck.

Denim Jumpsuit

So I love dungarees, but they always seem to sit too low for me; I carry more weight around my hips and am personally more comfortable with a high waist fit rather than a mid fit. BUT THEN THE URBAN OUTFITTER GODS created this dreamy denim jumpsuit, and I knew I had to try it. I spent pretty much all summer in it as just a stand-alone piece, but in colder months layered it with t-shirts, cropped jumpers & polo necks. There’s something about the jumpsuit vibe I really love, it’s a lazy girl’s dream – I’m on the lookout for a boilersuit next…

Coats

I’m quite bad with coats as I always buy them and then get bored. I’m still on the look out for THE perfect coat and think I’m going to save up to get one like this from &OtherStories, but for now I usually stick with either my plain black coat (Zara), my trench coat (Weekday), or my faux fur coat (Topshop).

Leopard print

THE print of 2018…but I’ve been wearing it into 2019, too. I found this absolute steal of a £20 leopard print wrap dress from Zara over the summer, which was sultry as hell with a low cut (DATE ALERT), but which feels even classier & more wearable on the reg with a black polo neck layered underneath (in all honesty, with nothing layered underneath you do need to keep checking for nip slips).

Also a staple is a basic ‘basic bitch’ leopard print skirt. There’s so many out there (this one was from Zara), and they’ll probably go out of fashion very soon, if not already, but I do keep on discovering new ways to wear it & I’m not gonna stop.

AF1s

I wanted Air Force 1s for about 3 years before actually shelling out to buy my white ones last August – believe me it took a lot of strength to part ways with that amount of money, but I’d also had a really shit day emotionally and was in a TREAT YO’ SELF mood (I remember the purchase very well). But after wearing my white AF1s solely, day in, day out, I realised I needed more pairs. So, now I have 3 pairs (white, black/gum sole, sand/gum sole), and my life is probably (probably) now complete. I basically don’t wear anything else on my feet. I walk to work & they’re comfy, I also like the height, they feel stylish & look classic. They tick all boxes.

(But I do have my eye on some Adidas trainers that are white with flashes of colour too, just again having to justify them to myself…).

Doc Martens

I recently purchased Doc Martens after deliberating for a year and a half whether to get the patent pair or the classic pair…I got the classic pair. After the initial blinding pain of breaking them in, I’m slowly starting to realise all the possibilities they bring, and they felt really robust for walking around Paris a couple of weeks ago. Practical, classic & versatile. Oh and they look on point.

Red

I have a confession to make. Amongst the sea of black and beige, my forbidden lust has to be items of clothing in the colour red. I have red dresses, red jackets, and my go-to for feeling extra is my red lipstick. I’m not sure what it is about the colour, but I do just love the way it pops, and I love the way it makes me feel. It’s the complete opposite to anything I usually wear, so I think it just makes me feel special.

My red dresses are from Urban Outfitters (the same 90s slip as my black version) and Zara (the silky cami dress); the red denim jacket is from Topshop. I would really love to purchase red dungarees next, but as I’ve said above, not sure about the fit…

Sparkle

I’ve actually dulled down my level of sparkle of late, but I do have quite a few sequinned dresses, tops and skirts hanging up on my rack that have only ever seen the light of day at festivals. However, I’ve found a balance between full-on SPARKLE and my usual drab wear in the SAME Urban Outfitters slip dress I have in both black and red, in a black and gold sparkle. Perfect for nights out.

I think that pretty much sums up what my wardrobe is made up of. The curating of my style will probably never end, and I think as I get older I’ll maybe get braver. I’d love to be an older woman who wears bright, daring block primary colours, with funky glasses and even funkier hair. And I think that where I buy my stuff from will probably change over time, too, when I am able to spend more money on high quality items.

In the past I’ve felt the need to dress a certain way to fit in with certain crowds, but now I genuinely do feel like I dress for myself only. And I’m kind of a lazy girl who is hardly out of trainers, who usually wears a black t-shirt or poloneck top and mom jeans, and every now and then has a peacock moment where she parades about in red and sequins. And I’m comfortable with that. Finally.

Sarah

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34 Surprising Plaid Pieces Your Fall Wardrobe Is Yearning for

The word plaid conjures up a few images—none of them particularly trendy. There are lumberjacks clad in plaid flannel shirts. Hipsters clad in the same. Students who wear plaid skirts, per their uniform’s restrictions. And Scots who sport plaid kilts to fancy events. (Don’t come at me. My boyfriend’s family is Scottish, and I saw more kilts at the last family wedding than some people see in entire lifetimes.)

These plaid clothes are a far cry from anything you’d find on a runway—though, this season, some designers are trying to change that.

Peruse a fall collection or two, and you’ll find that plaid is everywhere—and it’s gotten something of a makeover. Dries van Noten’s line features an array of saturated plaids, Balenciaga is bringing more yellow plaid to the table than I realized was possible, and Fendi has coated its plaids with gloss so shiny it’s hard to look away. These eye-catching elements have left the plaid resurrection feeling distinctly mod.

Plaid’s shift from autumnal comfort to Technicolor contemporary is a welcome one, and it works in perfect tandem with some of 2018’s starkest accessory trends. Tiny sunglasses. Kitschy earrings. Lucite everything. Nothing pairs better with a crisp plaid print than an equally bold accessory, and 2018 has ensured we have them in spades.

So what’s the holdup? Your fall wardrobe is just waiting for you to inject a little upgraded plaid into it. Ahead, 34 places to start—none of which will run you the cost of those designer pieces we mentioned earlier.

House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Delphine Dress

Crisp plaids offered in your favorite jewel tones.

House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Delphine dress, $158 at Revolve

Photo: Revolve.

Plaid Tube Skirt

Perfect for Halloween—and every other day this fall.

Plaid tube skirt, $70 at Zara

Photo: Zara.

ASOS Design Mix and Match Shirt

For the person who has two favorite colors: bright turquoise and bubblegum pink.

ASOS Design mix and match shirt, $45 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

By the Way Cher Wrap Skirt

What Cher Horowitz would wear if Clueless were set in 2018.

By the Way Cher wrap skirt, $52 at Revolve

Photo: Revolve.

River Island Pointed Pumps

Yup, even your shoes are rooting for plaid to make a comeback.

River Island pointed pumps, $67 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Unique 21 Pleated Skirt

Because two-pieces aren't exclusively reserved for summer wear.

Unique 21 pleated skirt, $32 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

ASOS Design Jogger

A plaid, crafted from houndstooth, broken up by a bold teal stripe. (Levels.)

ASOS Design jogger, $36 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Plaid Baker Boy Hat

2018's favorite hat trend got the plaid treatment.

Plaid baker boy hat, $22 at Urban Outfitters

Photo: Urban Outfitters.

Check Pencil Midi Skirt

Thoroughly convinced this skirt would pair well with anything.

Check pencil midi skirt, $75 at Topshop

Photo: Topshop.

ASOS Design Button-Down Dress

Mod doesn't have to mean colorful.

ASOS Design button-down dress, $45 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Unique21 Longline Two-Piece

A power suit done the retro way.

Unique21 longline two-piece, $67 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Check Yellow Scrunchie

About as mod as it gets.

Check yellow scrunchie, $12 at Topshop

Photo: Topshop.

Stradivarius Mini Skirt

The zipper adds a little intrigue—and makes the skirt super easy to step in and out of.

Stradivarius mini skirt, $29 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Cheap Monday Check Jacket

A jacket that speaks for itself.

Cheap Monday check jacket, $139 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Monse Mon Louise Plaid Dress

The cut, print and color are all perfectly on point.

Monse Mon Louise plaid dress, $981 at Farfetch

Photo: Farfetch.

ASOS Design Check Print Sunglasses

Even your statement sunnies want to be on trend.

ASOS Design check print sunglasses, $10 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Checkered Mini Slip Dress

Whether you slip it over tights, a tee or nothing, you'll surely be good to go.

Checkered mini slip dress, $54 at Urban Outfitters

Photo: Urban Outfitters.

ASOS Design Slim Coat

A coat so cute you'll actually look forward to cold weather.

ASOS Design slim coat, $103 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Pointed Stiletto Boots

Sleekly cut. Prettily printed.

Pointed stiletto boots, $129 at & Other Stories

Photo: & Other Stories.

Daisy Street Pinafore Dress

Can you imagine anything more mod?

Daisy Stress Pinafore dress, $38 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Plaid Mini Skirt

Mustard, burgundy and aqua sound so wrong together, but they look so, so right.

Plaid mini skirt, $70 at Zara

Photo: Zara.

New Look Check Roll Top

Take the trend to the next level by combining this print with a more colorful one.

New Look check roll top, $16 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

ASOS Design Camera Bag

Great for cameras, makeup and anything else you need on hand at all times.

ASOS Design camera bag, $19 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Bershka Check Skirt

All I can say is... Yes, please.

Bershka check skirt, $40 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Warehouse Shopper Bag

A carryall that'll complement your whole damn look.

Warehouse shopper bag, $25 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

ASOS Design Printed T-Shirt

If the pink plaid print and cutesy cutout weren't enough for you, maybe the sequin-covered fabric will seal the deal?

ASOS Design printed T-shirt, $56 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

I.AM.GIA Polaris Pant

High-waters done right.

I.AM.GIA Polaris pant, $63 at Revolve

Photo: Revolve.

Les Petits Joueurs Trilly Disco Pouch, $745

Practical and a little sparkly. (And did you see that fringe?)

Les Petits Joueurs Trilly Disco pouch, $745 at Shopbop

Photo: Shopbop.

Noble Pant

Head-turning whether worn separately or together.

Noble pant, $158 at The Reformation

Photo: The Reformation.

Monse Plaid Pencil Skirt

The ultimate conversation starter at your next job interview.

Monse plaid pencil skirt, $790 at Farfetch

Photo: Farfetch.

Plaid Print Crossbody Bag

Fans of the print can spend an extra $90 to get the companion shopper, too.

Plaid print crossbody bag, $70 at Zara

Photo: Zara.

Check and Vinyl Mini Skirt

Poly-blend plaid, meet your new favorite complement—shiny vinyl.

Check and vinyl mini skirt, $22 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

ASOS Design Joggers

Comfy enough to wear around the house. So cute you'll be looking for excuses to go outside when you do.

ASOS Design joggers, $45 at ASOS

Photo: ASOS.

Marc Jacobs Belted Trench Coat

A shiny trench rendered in Halloween's favorite palette—and no part of it feels costumey.

Marc Jacobs belted trench coat, $795 at Farfetch

Photo: Farfetch.

Source: http://stylecaster.com/plaid-clothes/

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Plus-size fashion influencers share their holiday wish lists

With so many friends and family to account for this gift-giving season, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And it can be especially challenging if you are holiday shopping for someone plus size. To help you and your loved ones score the latest plus-size trends, I went straight to the tastemakers to find out what their must-have fashions are for the season.

Click through above to let these plus-size influencers help guide your shopping and see what’s on their wish list this holiday!

For more style inspiration, follow me on Instagram and read my style blog, Margie Plus.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• 8 festive plus-size holiday dresses at every budget

• 16 flawless holiday gifts for less than $50

• 6 stylish wide calf boots for every budget

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.

“Faux fur coats and shawls will always jazz up your holiday outfit and will have you feeling super bougie (we’re allowed to be extra during the holidays),” says Burkett.

Simply Be Faux Fur Coat, $150, Simply Be (Photo: Simply Be)

Plus-size influencers’ holiday wish list

Get inspired by the holiday wish lists of these plus-size influencers. (Photo: Ashley Nell Tipton/Premme)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Chante Burkett

Chante Burkett is all about the faux fur coat, a bold lip, and fun accessories this holiday season. (Photo: Chante Burkett)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Fun accessories

“Bold earrings or clutches, like this pearl one, add extra glam to your holiday outfit and don’t break the bank,” says Burkett. Sydney Pearl Clutch, $35, Fashion To Figure. You can find similar versions here and here.

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Bold red lipstick

“A killer bold red lip is always on my wish list during the holiday and beyond,” says Burkett. Bawse Lady, $13, The Lip Bar (Photo: The Lip Bar)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Glam faux fur coat

“Faux fur coats and shawls will always jazz up your holiday outfit and will have you feeling super bougie (we’re allowed to be extra during the holidays),” says Burkett.

Simply Be Faux Fur Coat, $150, Simply Be (Photo: Simply Be)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jazzmyne Robbins

Jazzmyne Robbins is crushing on millenial pink, comfy track suits, and paper bag pants. (Photo: Jazzmyne Robbins)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Think Millennial pink

“Even though Millennial Pink is ‘last year’s color’ I believe it is a lifestyle, and I will rock it all day every day!” says Robbins. “The fact that this is a velvet pink co-ord is a plus-size dream! I would rock this outfit with a bold black lip and let’s be honest, my light pink beret.” Davis Top, $49, Rue 107, and Chrissy Velvet Leggings, $39, Rue 107 (Photo: Rue 107)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Trendy track suit

“Alright, yes, this outfit is named after me, but I promise I am not being biased when I say this track set is literally the most comfy thing I have ever worn,” says Robbins. “Feeling comfortable and looking fly is what I live for!” Jazz Track Jacket, $79, Premme, and Jazz Track Pants, $89, Premme (Photo: Premme)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Paper bag pants

“Okay so this 2017 winter season, I have dedicated myself to mixing patterns,” says Robbins. “With that being said, I am obsessed with these pants. It’s really hard to find cute patterned pants in plus size, so I am going to buy these immediately. I plan on rocking these pants with a bold colored turtle neck and a beret!” Unique 21 Hero Paper Bag Pants, $48, ASOS (Photo: ASOS)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Callie Thorpe

Callie Thorpe is loving slip dresses, booties, and cozy pajamas this season. (Photo: Callie Thorpe)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Holiday party dress

“I love this dress and think it’s the perfect option for a holiday party,” says Thorpe. “The star detailing is gorgeous whilst also being subtle if you don’t fancy going all out glitz and glam.” Luna Slip Dress, $89, Premme (Photo: Premme)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Gold booties

“Nothing says ‘holiday season’ like the color gold, and these little ankle booties would make the perfect addition to any outfit,” she says. “And they come in a range of widths and sizes.” Bronze Block Heel Wide Fit Chelsea Boots, $80, River Island (Photo: River Island)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Cozy nightwear

“Holiday season is also about resting and rejuvenating,” notes Thorpe, “so why not do it in style with these gorgeous warm and cute star fleece pajamas?” ASOS Curve Lounge Star Set, $61, ASOS (Photo: ASOS)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Ashley Nell Tipton

Ashley Nell Tipton is all about bodysuits, booties, and berets this holiday season. (Photo: Ashley Nell Tipton)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Long sleeve bodysuit

“I designed this moody and retro off-the-shoulder body suit to be a wardrobe staple for every woman — not to mention it looks great paired with everything from a midi skirt to denim,” says Tipton. Beverly Bodysuit, $39, Ashley Nell Tipton (Photo: Ashley Nell Tipton)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Wide embellished booties

“I love a bold bootie and these embellished bee block heels give a cute edge to the typical bootie,” says Tipton. “And they are not only wide width, but they also go up to a size 13!” Embellished Bumble Bee Heel, $73, Torrid (Photo: Torrid)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Wool beret

“Beret’s are my favorite go-to for jazzing up my outfits,” says Tipton. “I love them in bold colors and to accessorize them with pins to give my beret a more one-of-a-kind look.” ASOS Wool Beret, $16, ASOS. Shop similar ones here and here. (Photo: ASOS)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Katie Sturino

Katie Sturino is dreaming about skinny overalls, minidresses, and duffle coats this holiday. (Photo: Katie Sturino)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Winter midi dress

“I’ve had my eye on this long-sleeved midi dress since it came out,” says Sturino. “I’m obsessed with the star print, and I love the subtle shimmer of the fabric. This would be perfect with over-the-knee boots for holiday parties or even dressed up for a winter wedding.” Night Sky Dot Mini Dress, $428, Kate Spade (Photo: Kate Spade)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Skinny overalls

“Some women think they can’t pull off overalls, but I’m telling you they’re easy!” says Sturino. “I like to think of them as an extra special pair of jeans, and this white pair is especially cute. I love these over a bodysuit or chambray button down.” Eloquii x Katie Sturino Skinny Overalls, $119, Eloquii (Photo: Eloquii)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Yellow duffle coat

“I’ve been bit by the Gen Z yellow bug and need this coat in my life!” she says. “On a dreary day, nothing feels better than a jolt of sunshiney yellow. Why wear a boring black coat when you can wear something statement-y and fun like this instead?” Women’s Squall Duffle Coat, $169, Lands End (Photo: Lands End)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Troy Solomon

Troy Solomon says a cozy puffer coat, a sequin trench, and a statement fringe shirt belongs on your holiday shopping list. (Photo: Troy Solomon)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Sequin trench coat

“Nothing says ‘the holidays’ quite like sequin and what better way to use sequin than in a trench coat,” says Solomon. “Eloquii nailed this one — they perfectly captured the holiday season in one single fashionable coat.” Long Sequin Trench Coat, $239, Eloquii (Photo: Eloquii)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Fringe shirt

“I feel like fringe is one of those things that never really goes out of style,” says Solomon, “and finally a brand made a fringe piece for men that is dramatic and interesting. This is a must-have for someone who wants to stand out this holiday season — and all year round.” Longline Long Sleeve T-shirt With Extreme Back, $45, ASOS (Photo: ASOS)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Ice blue puffer coat

“I am all about the ice blue right now — red was my color for fall and I’m really feeling ice blue for winter,” says Solomon. “This jacket pretty much speaks for itself — it’s chic, effortless, and fashionably interesting. I see myself integrating this coat into a more winter athletic look with a pair of patterned leggings and a longline simple shirt.” Kinda Puffer Ice Blue, $230, Universal Standard (Universal Standard)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

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Fashion Trends Spring/Summer 2017

Fashion Trends Spring/Summer 2017 **update: Yes I am finally back to posting again. Me and my fiancé finished moving back in with my parents so I can post again but I may have a job soon so I will keep you updated. Its almost time for spring and spring break and summer/summer vacation (for those who are still in school). As well as almost time to put those winter clothes and boots away and bring. Is your closet/wardrobe ready with the hottest new trends for this years spring and summer? If not and you don't know what the trends will be then this is the blog post for you. This years trends range from a bit of the 70’s to the 90’s the most era the trends come from is the 80’s, more specific 80’s glam. To further go into detail the most common trends from all of the fashion shows, whether from New York fashion week or Paris runway, are horizontal stripes, khaki, single shoulder cut out, off the shoulder, sleeve slits, robes (yes typically silk bathrobes), romantic (Victorian era), overgrown white button shirt ( look up Boy George “Time” music video or “Do you really want to hurt me” music videos), the athletic or sport look, bra out or mid rife shirts (yes showing a lot of your cleavage), 80’ glam, statement or slogan tees, trench coats ( yes and no it doesn't matter the color), shiny tops or jump suits ( satin, sequins, and silk), and finally floral or vacation prints. There were quite a few other trends present, which is why I have links to each website I used below to see the others, in this years fashion shows for spring and summer looks but once again these were the most common and most seen. Now as far as major color themes there were three big ones such as yellows, pinks and blues. Any and all shades of these colors. When it comes to jewelry it was big, bulky and statement making as in big long necklaces and huge earrings. As for bags make them huge and way over sized and you'll fit right in( but I think I'll stick with my medium sized bag plus I don't have a bigger bag than that). I am not saying you have to do these to a T, I am saying put your own twist or attitude to your style. I'm just here to keep you updated on the latest trends this year so grab your parents, your big earrings and your huge white shirts (or your man's T) and take a seat as we go with the motions of this years spring and summer trends, or maybe watch dirty dancing or the breakfast club its totally up to you. Links: http://m.en.vogue.fr/fashion/fashion-inspiration/diaporama/pe2017-spring-summer-2017-trends/37812#pois-les-tendances-mode-de-la-saison-printemps-ete-2017 http://www.glamour.com/story/the-most-wearable-spring-2017-fashion-trends http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Spring-2017-Fashion-Trends-42518894?slide=47 http://www.today.com/style/spring-2017-fashion-trends-statement-earrings-bell-sleeves-wide-leg-t108249 http://www.elle.com/fashion/trend-reports/g28728/spring-2017-fashion-trends/? http://www.instyle.com/fashion/spring-2017-fashion-trends-runway#1623603