For Florida resort wear, Coconut Row has got you covered

There is such a thing as resort wear – and it starts with comfort.

Now that I'm retired and living in this tropical paradise, I've tossed out all my structured clothes and built my wardrobe around colorful, casual, comfortable separates.

One of my favorite brands is Coconut Row, an exclusive at Anthony's, the women's resort wear leaders.

Coconut Row fashion is as perfect for Florida as the original Cocoanut Row – a lush grove of coconut palms on the grounds of Henry Flagler's grand Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach, where Anthony's opened its first women's fashion store in 1895. At the turn of the 20^th century, all fashionable ladies strolled and strutted along the Cocoanut Row.

Today, I stroll and strut the green market, the mall and my patio in my Coconut Row Bermuda shorts, capris and ankle pants. This brand fits like a dream, and the fabric is stretchy and easy care.

Each September, I eagerly await the arrival of the new Coconut Row Bermuda shorts. They are long enough to cover my knees, slim enough to make me look skinny without clinging and stretchy enough to go from workouts to cocktail hour. They often feature a special detail at the hem, like a few buttons or a touch of sparkle.

I thought I had given up wearing shorts until I found the Coconut Row Bermudas.

Once you discover the great fit and fabric of these Coconut Row pants, you'll add the capri length and ankle length styles to your wardrobes, too. I have the ankle length pants in a versatile khaki color. They have a scallop hem in the back that give them an extra touch of class.

If you're wondering how to build a great Florida wardrobe, check out Anthony's ladies apparel stores, where you'll always find what's first in Florida fashion.

Val's vacay tip of the week: Take your Coconut Row pants on a trip to the Keys! The Florida Keys are full of fun things to do this fall. My hubby Marv and I are planning a trip to Key West to check out a trio of new lodging options by the Keys Collection. The first hotel to open, The Gates Hotel, debuted its first building in the spring and plans to open a second building in October. The 245-room hotel touts minimalistic design and luxurious accommodations. My Coconut Row pants and I will be sipping a tropical drink at the hotel's Rum Row bar.