Skip to content
Style

'Florida chic' attire is fun, fashionable

    by Lissa Atkins
    Published 

By Jean Patteson

The Orlando Sentinel

(MCT)

Q: I have an invitation to an event that calls for "Florida chic" attire. I'm not sure what that means. Could I wear a cocktail dress?

A: That dress code is open to a wide range of interpretations. To me, "Florida" suggests something bright (or white), relaxed and resorty: a sundress or capri pants plus trendy top and cute sandals. But "chic" has a dressier, more-stylish connotation. It definitely suggests black — including a little black dress — but not a lot of glitz.

If you replace "Florida chic" with "dressy-casual," you'll be on the right track. An understated cocktail dress would be OK, if you keep your shoes and accessories casual. Skinny jeans would also work, provided you dress them up with heels and a special top.

Beyond that, in my opinion, any fun look with a fashion twist says "Florida chic."

———

2-Pocket Shirts Needed

Q: I worked in a business suit for over 40 years, so I had plenty of pockets. Now that I'm retired and wearing casual shirts, I find sports shirts have only one pocket or none at all. I always have regular eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses with me. When I'm not wearing either, I need a pocket for both — or I end up wearing one pair on the top of my head and looking like a dork.

A few years ago I struck gold when I found double-pocket shirts by Van Heusen at an outlet store, but no luck since then. One time when I was going on safari, I finally found the khaki poplin shirts I needed at JCPenney, but they had no pockets. I bought an extra shirt and had a tailor use it for making pockets for the other shirts.

Am I just old-fashioned, or is there a secret to solving my problem — besides wearing glasses on top of my head?

A: There's a new-fashioned secret to solving your problem. It's called the Internet. A quick check reveals several solutions.

I found short- and long-sleeve shirts with two pockets by Gap, L.L. Bean and Levi's. And a phone call to Downeast in Winter Park, Fla., turned up two-pocket shirts by Beretta, Filson and ExOfficio.

An Internet search also turns up alternative ways to carry eyeglasses. You could wear your spare pair on a lariat around your neck. These come in a vast array of designs, including manly-looking leather styles. Or you could try a belt pack, which is an eyewear case that attaches to your belt or belt loops. If you don't want to shop online, look for these items wherever eyewear is sold.

If all else fails, you could carry your extra specs in a "man bag" — or visit a tailor again, for some custom-made two-pocket shirts.

———

LOST & FOUND

Lost: A reader from Kissimmee, Fla., is looking for purse hangers, those gadgets used to hang your purse from the edge of a table.

Carolyn is trying to track down women's slacks by Alia. She thinks it is a Canadian label.

Susan is looking for cotton-blend pants that are lightweight and wrinkle-resistant. Can anyone suggest a brand and where to find it?

Found: Good news for Margaret from DeBary, Fla. Reader Renetta says BendOver dress pants by Levi's can be ordered from the Blair catalog, 1-800-458-2000 or blair.com.

The reader looking for a Vanity Fair bra No. 19192 can check for it at vanityfairlingerie.com or call the company's customer service line at 1-800-366-8339. And by the way, that model is known as a "bralet."

For Felicity, who is looking for disposable garment shields, readers recommend Kleinert's sweat-resistant accessories. Especially useful is the Kleinert's Starter Kit, which includes a variety of shields for customers to try. They come in packs for men and women at kleintersshields.com.

Joanie can purchase Boost Up Color Drops and Healthy Hair Daily Conditioner by Ken Paves at Ulta and Trade Secret stores.

———

(Fashion writer Jean Patteson welcomes your questions. Mail: Orlando Sentinel, MP-218, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL 32802-2833. E-mail: jpatteson@ orlandosentinel.com. Phone: 407-420-5158. Blog: Orlando Sentinel.com/fashionfocus.)

———

    LA
    Lissa Atkins