FASHION Q & amp;A

Q: I'll be visiting relatives in Chicago over Christmas. Just the thought of the freezing cold in the Windy City gives me an earache. I am very susceptible to ear infections and need to keep my ears covered and warm in cold weather.
But how do I do this without ruining my hairstyle? Caps that pull down over the ears give me hideous hat hair, and so do head scarves. I even bought earmuffs once, but they made me look too absurd -- like some creature from outer space. Surely someone's invented something more flattering.
A: Someone has. The invention is 180-degrees Ear Warmers. They are a variation of earmuffs, but they wrap around the back of your head, fitting under your hair -- and leaving your hairstyle intact.
Made of Polartec Wind Pro, a highly wind-resistant fleece, they adjust to fit any size head and comfortably accommodate glasses, earrings and hats. When not in use, they fold with a simple twist for compact storage in a pocket or purse.
They come in designs for men, women and children. Women's styles come in basic colors such as black, gray, blue and red, fashion shades such as tarragon and cappuccino, and faux furs in black, white, leopard, cheetah and mink.
XJean Patteson is the fashion writer for the Orlando Sentinel. Fashion questions of general interest should be sent to Patteson at the Orlando Sentinel, 633 North Orange Ave., Orlando, Fla. 32801. Or send e-mail to jpatteson@orlandosentinel.com. Individual replies are not possible.
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