Fashion Q&A: Carrot pants not for everyone

Q: What on earth are these carrot pants I'm hearing about on the TV fashion programs?

A: As the name suggests, carrot pants are shaped like a carrot, wide at the top and tapered toward the bottom — rather like harem pants, but not as baggy. They are a trendy women's style this summer, and I am starting to see some fashion-forward men's lines doing them for fall.

Pleats help create volume through the hips. A slimmer cut, and sometimes a sewn-down pleat at the hem, narrows the pants toward the ankle.

Because the style adds width where most women would rather look slimmer, it is a tricky style to pull off. It helps to be tall and slim. But isn't that the sad truth about most fashions?

— — —

Q: What kind of clothing should I pack for a visit to the Florida Keys over Thanksgiving?

A: Lightweight layering pieces in casual and dressy-casual styles suit the warm daytime weather, mild evenings and laid-back lifestyle in the Keys. The coolest temperatures you're likely to encounter will be in air-conditioned spaces.

— — —

LOST & FOUND

Lost: Sandy needs help finding a half-inch, brush-style curling iron, as well as a disposable dishrag infused with soap, which she says is great for cleaning outdoor grills.

Can anyone suggest where a sunshade (not an umbrella) can be purchased? And where Doris can find women's pants in pastel shades, especially yellow?

Don is trying to track down golf shorts by Higgins Slacks Co., which have a unique expanding waistband.

An Orlando, Fla., reader is looking for nightgown-and-robe sets.

Victor is trying to find linens made for sofa-bed mattresses, which are just five inches deep.

Found: Good news for Audrey, who is looking for plus-size, A-line robes with a zip or snap front. Readers have spotted them in JCPenney stores and online at jcpenney.com. Another reader suggests catalogs such as Roamans (1-800-459-1025, roamans.com), OneStopPlus (1-800-400-4481, onestopplus.com), Woman Within (1-800-228-3120, womanwithin.com) and ShopNational.com (1-800-480-4673, shopnational.com).

Aimee can find clear, adhesive, reusable Shoe Angels to protect her heels while driving at myshoeangels.com.

Marissa can find Tri Swim shampoo, conditioner and body wash, which removes chlorine, at the RDV Sportsplex in Maitland, Fla., or at tri-swim.com.

Ocoee, Fla., reader Libby should be able to find Ken Paves hairstyling tools at Ulta stores. And the Orlando reader wanting Beyoncé heat fragrance can find it at Dillard's.

Rachelle is out of luck: Max Factor products are no longer available in U.S. stores, but can be ordered online at drugstore.com.

— — —

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