Laser Cut + The Vanity: NovaWhite.

Beauty, Fashion, Outfit Post, Prints and Patterns, Summer, 146 Comments

by Ashley

Ashley Style Blogger + Creative Director

“I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their heads.” -Dr. Evil

(An Austin Powers reference to kick off Friday Eve? Yeah, I’ll go there anytime.)

I scored these adorable laser cut shorts at Dandy Boutique when I was in Charleston for Giant Conference last week. (As if I could resist a little shopping, even on a business trip.) I was drawn to the cute laser cut detailing and the scalloped hem; not your basic black shorts, but still super easy to wear. I bought ’em a size up to maximize the slouch factor, and paired them with a printed Anthropologie tee last seen styled for the office for their inaugural run.

anthropologie printed tee, black laser cut shorts, zara pumps, jcrew statement necklace, ashley from lsr
Anthropologie tee (similar on sale here) // Dandy Boutique shorts (similar here and on sale here) // Zara pumps (similar here) // JCrew necklace (similar on sale here) // Gorjana cuff c/o // Dogeared cord bracelet
anthropologie printed tee, black laser cut shorts, jcrew statement necklace, ashley from lsr
Anthropologie tee (similar on sale here) // Dandy Boutique shorts (similar here and on sale here) // JCrew necklace (similar on sale here) // Gorjana cuff c/o // Dogeared cord bracelet
anthropologie printed tee, jcrew statement necklace, ashley from lsr
Anthropologie tee (similar on sale here) // JCrew necklace (similar on sale here)
anthropologie printed tee, black laser cut shorts, jcrew statement necklace, ashley from lsr
Anthropologie tee (similar on sale here) // Dandy Boutique shorts (similar here and on sale here) // JCrew necklace (similar on sale here) // Gorjana cuff c/o // Dogeared cord bracelet
anthropologie printed tee, black laser cut shorts, zara pumps, jcrew statement necklace, ashley from lsr
Anthropologie tee (similar on sale here) // Dandy Boutique shorts (similar here and on sale here) // Zara pumps (similar here) // JCrew necklace (similar on sale here) // Gorjana cuff c/o // Dogeared cord bracelet

It’s a t-shirt and shorts, people. So simple and comfy, but the style factor gets a buzz from the bright pumps, fun print on the tee, detailing on the shorts, and a sparkly statement necklace. It’s all in the details.

The Vanity: NovaWhite Review.

What girl (guy, person, human being) doesn’t want a brighter smile? I’ve whitened my teeth periodically for years to keep things on the white ‘n bright, so I was more than game when NovaWhite reached out with the opportunity to try their whitening gel.

What I like to see? 22%. NovaWhite’s whitening gels are 22% carbamide peroxide (CP), and that’s legit bleaching power. You can’t find this in your standard white strips, that’s for sure.

novawhite 22% whitening gel
Image courtesy of NovaWhite

The package came with a set of dental trays that mold to your mouth. (You boil water, dunk for 10-15 seconds, pop in your mouth, and bite down to form to your teeth.) The custom fit trays ensure the whitening gel gets in all those little cracks and crevices. When you’re ready to bleach, run a thin line of the whitening gel along the bottom front of each tray and you’re 15-30 minutes away from a whiter smile. (Bonus: the whitening gel is mint-flavored, which means no gross aftertaste.)

You can use the gels daily, but pay attention if you notice sensitivity after bleaching. My teeth are fairly sensitive, so I started with 15-minute whitening sessions every other day. I upped it to about 20 minutes every day for a little over a week.

A few tips I’ve learned from bleaching:

  • Don’t overfill the trays with gel. A little bleach goes a long way, and you don’t want the bleach to sit on the gums (which can cause irritation).
  • Be careful to avoid dark/colorful foods and beverages during the first 24 hours after whitening. The CP gel temporarily opens the pores in your teeth, and until these pores close again your teeth are more susceptible to stains. Steer clear of red wine, coffee, tea, dark sodas, mustard, etc., for about 24 hours after a whitening round.
  • Don’t be afraid to take a break. If you’re sensitive after a whitening session, take a day or two off.
  • Maintenance is key. The whitening effect won’t last forever; you’ll likely have to bleach periodically to maintain that bright new smile of yours.
  • Store unused whitening gels in a cool, dark place. Better yet: toss those bad boys in a plastic bag and place ’em in your fridge. That will keep them ready to roll for up to 18 months.

My results? Here are before and after shots taken about a week apart. I can definitely tell a difference; my smile is a bit brighter, and I think that will only progress the longer I whiten.

ashley from lsr, pre novawhite
Before NovaWhite.
ashley from lsr, post novawhite
After NovaWhite.

Interested in trying out NovaWhite? You can score four of their awesome CP whitening gels for $23. That’s plenty of whitening power to give your smile a boost.

Linking up today with Vodka Infused Lemonade, Stylin in St. Louis, I’m Perfectly Human + Soul & Spirit, VMG206, Midwest Bloggers, and Style Elixir.

*NovaWhite sent the product for me to review; thoughts and opinions are my own.

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146 Comments

  1. I am seriously in love with this look! Your hair looks amazing and the colors are so vibrant against the black and white contrast. Looking amazing lady!

    Reply

  28. Those shorts are gorgeous – I want a pair. Make it a pair of those Neon Pumps too. You are right it’s all in the details.

    Your teeth look beautifully white, also. =)

    Reply

  31. I totally love that you started this post with an Austin Powers quote – much respect!!
    And ahh how cute are your shorts??? Love the laser cut-out/scallop details are adorable!!

    Reply

  42. This shirt is so nicely detailed and I love the pop of orange! It’s a really nice color on you. Also, I’m glad you had success ombre-ing your hair! It looks great:)
    xo Olivia

    Reply
  45. Pingback: Easy Prints + $150 Cash Giveaway.

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