About six months ago I decided to grow out my super short pixie. A few months later, my hair had reached the length where I wanted to enhance its natural waves. I needed to find the right product.  Who better to ask for advice than a curly hair expert. As it happens, our dear friend Phoebe Ash created and runs Curly Sister, a service dedicated to helping people to style and maintain their naturally wavy and curly hair without damaging it.

Phoebe was spot on with her recommendation. In one quick text she recommended I use Innerscense Organic Pink Himalayan Salt Spray to create easy beachy waves. The spray does just that and I like the results. I spray it onto wet hair, scrunch the wave, finger curl the waves in front, and leave it to dry naturally. My hair is fine, so it dries fast. When it’s dry, it’s wavy and voluminous, much like I’ve been on a windy humid beach all day. Sometimes I leave it like that, and sometimes I neaten up the top waves by using a curling iron.

The waves last well, and I’m impressed with the product. My hair feels soft, and looks shiny too. It was nice to hear hubs Greg mention how healthy my hair looks, and that he likes the wavy change.

I mentioned in this year’s trends post that lower rise bottoms are coming through as a nod to late ‘90s fashion. They are achieved by wearing bottoms with lower rises, or by wearing slouchy higher rises with waistbands that rest on the hip bone. High and very high rises are strong, but mid rises and low rises are once again gaining momentum. It’s the first time that multiple lengths of rise are on-trend.

My guess is that we will all find our desired rise length — lower or higher — at retail and at thrift stores from now on. Take your pick! It’s good news because there is something for everyone.

Here are some examples of the lower rises hitting retail at the moment.

Low rises are generally 8 inches in the front rise. Mid-rise lengths are between 8.5 to 11 inches. High rises are typically 11 inches and higher. Of course, rise lengths are relative. What is low, mid, and high rise for one person, is not for another.

Mid and ‘not too high’ higher rises are the most popular with my clientele. They like their waistbands a little below the waist, or on their natural waist. Because body types vary, this can mean anything from a 9 to 13 inch front rise measurement. In short, we tend to enjoy a similar waistband position on pants and jeans, but it takes a range of rise lengths to hit the sweet spot.

Personally, I enjoy wearing low, mid and high rises. That said, I am relatively short in the rise, so low rises aren’t that low, and mid rises are higher on me than most. I enjoy a 9 to 10 inch rise best, which is on the high side on me, but mid rise for many. I also don’t mind an 8 or 8.5 inch rise, and will wear an 11 to 13 inch rise that has more of a dropped crotch point. 

Over to you. Which are your favourite rise measurements? After many seasons of higher rises, how do you feel about the increased availability of lower rises?

My recent search to replace a couple of beaten up casual white loafer wardrobe essentials was successful in a few ways. First, it was great to see that more and more footwear brands are producing more sustainably and ethically. 

Second, after trying many styles, two pairs ticked off the boxes and made my shortlist. Both pairs had an extremely soft footbed. Later I noticed that both the Carvelas and the Hispanitas have what they describe as a ‘TRIFLOW gel system’. They had an attached swing tag explaining that this is a triple-padded footbed that emphasizes “cushioning, flexibility and innovation.”

Is it coincidence that these two shoe designs are extremely comfortable, or is the TRIFLOW gel system living up to its promise? I can’t be certain, but these two pairs of shoes are remarkably comfortable. It’s just what I need for my city walking lifestyle. It’s also great to see comfort technology being used in shoes that are not athletic sneakers. I’ll be on the lookout for more TRIFLOW gel footbed action. Have you noticed it in any of your shoes?

You are on Team Black if you prefer wearing solid black to wearing solid grey in Summer, and vice versa. All wardrobe items and shades of grey count. Metallic silver bags, belts, and shoes count as grey. 

I don’t wear solid black or grey at all, and bat for Team Gold. Dark blue is my ‘black’ and solid grey is not a neutral I am attracted to. I’ve worn a very light pearl grey Furla satchel in the past, which was almost white and liked it. I would wear that colour bag again if I found shoes to match. Since I wear neither solid these days, I’m sitting this one out on the bench.

Over to you. Do you wear more solid black or solid grey in Summer? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams. If you can’t choose, or wear neither, come join me on the bench. I’m serving a very chunky peppadew, Swiss chard and chicken soup with the very best bread and butter. Papaya and strawberries for dessert.