Whether you’ve got a man at home or you’re running the world solo, taking some style cues from the boys can sometimes work wonders—and vice versa. Ladies: go for a spritz of earthy cologne instead of your normal floral. Guys: grab a pair of trunks to match your girl’s tropical bikini. After all, it’s 2016, time to break free of gender-specific scents and garb and have a little fun with your style.
Compatible Chambray
Wake up, throw on a soft, chambray shirt, button up and head to work or leave open over a swimsuit and hit the beach. Sounds like an ideal morning for both him and her, right? Then Frank & Eileen shirts were made for you—with slim cuts and luxurious cotton and linen fabrics, these lightweight button-ups jump from the backs of guys to girls effortlessly. Woven in Italy from high-quality yarn and made in California, Frank & Eileen creates the quintessential chambray, moving from tucked in, to collar open, to beach cover-up, to tied shirttails with ease.
$150–$250. Black Bird Lifestyle, 1540 Main St., Sarasota, 941-366-0941.
Olfactory Delights
The quest for a sweet-smelling bathroom spans the sexes, our greatest shame coming from an unkempt commode. What better
way for both men and women to keep their WCs from retaining an odious odor than tingeing the air with a forresty fragrance—chic packaging included. For the jokester in you, try Manready Mercantile’s Throne Spray in Forest. With a sly sense of humor, the bottle reads: “For Those Who Take Care of Business.” Lending a more subtle hand are PF Candle Co.’s extra-fragrant soy candles, each in woodsy scents that cater to the olfactory senses of both ladies and gents.
$18–$23. Able + Willing Supply Co., 6561 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-451-7838.
Sophisticated Shear
Men and women may be from different planets, but both are brought together by the desire for smooth, hydrated skin. St. James of London’s post-shave gel is technically made for men, yet the elegantly packaged, fresh-smelling elixir seemingly calls out to the fairer sex. This post-shave gel leaves skin cool and soft, without leaving behind a sticky residue and is 100-percent natural, alcohol-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free. The fragrant hints of mandarin and patchouli, black peppercorn and Persian lime calm and refresh any user, man and woman alike.
$35. American Shave, 4244 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-993-1703.
Beach Babes
Catch some rays and ride some waves in a suit that suits your personality and coordinates with your lad or lass. Shore Brand’s teal tropical leaf print can be found emblazoned on a surf-ready bikini or a mid-length board short. California-made but with a laid-back Florida vibe, the sustainably produced materials hunger for the coastline and are wearable during an intense game of beach volleyball or while rope-swinging into a freshwater lake. Be the envy of all your male and female friends on the sand or get cute and match with your honey for a day on the water.
Shore Sarasota, 465 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-388-3535.
Seeing Double
Randolph Engineering was born out of the pursuit of the American dream. Founded in Randolph, MA by Polish immigrants Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski in the early ’70s, the company manufactured Mil-Spec Aviator sunglasses for the US Air Force. To this day, the brand espouses American heritage, channeling an air of cool that accompanies the iconic aviator. Women often gravitate towards the style in the satin rose-gold, while men go classic with the matte black.
$210–$230. Black Bird Lifestyle, 1540 Main St., Sarasota, 941-366-0941.
Dual Dungarees
Sarasota eco-conscious shop Able + Willing Supply Co. collaborated with South Carolina-based denim company Billiam to produce a line of men’s and women’s selvedge jeans. Made with the same raw denim, the two styles are interchangeable, albeit different sizes, and conform to the contours of your body over time making them uniquely yours. Billiam also donates 20 percent of its year-end profit to Wellspring Living, an organization fighting sex trafficking.
$250. Able + Willing Supply Co., 6561 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-451-7838.
