“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.
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.
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.
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.
Adorable outfit Ashley, I love the details on the shirt and the statement necklace. Haha! I need to watch Austin Powers soon. Cute reference.
So gorgeous! Have a great weekend!
You look awesome, Ashley! I love this outfit- so easy to replicate in my own wardrobe, too! Yay!
Wow your teeth look great! I always wonder if these products will make teeth that are not naturally white, white. I bleached my teeth about a decade ago and it seemed it make them “brighter” not really “whiter” I asked my dentist and he said it would but I am not so sure.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
LOVE those shorts! So perfect with a boldly printed tee!
<a href="http://www.regallysoled.com/"RegallySoled.com
When I pulled up this post I immediately noticed the scalloped detail. Love it!
And I’m also due for a whitening. Although I don’t know if I’m disciplined (or patient) enough to do a regimen. Last time I just did the zoom white that took an hour.
BTW, just started following you on instagram (not sure why that didn’t happen sooner LOL)
♥ Gita @ mimiandchichi.com
Love this outfit!! Love the black and orange together, and I never thought I would say that!
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
Gorgeous on you!! I am a huge fan of going a size up in these types of shorts for just the right amount of slouch 🙂
Tori
FashionBlingGirlyThings
Gorgeous outfit! You’re so pretty, Ashley! Have a good weekend!
Another cute outfit, as always! 😀
Love this outfit but can’t even lie I love the Austin Powers reference even more!
xx Cara
Great short dear 😀
http://WWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM
What a babe! 😀 😀 😀
Great whitening product review!
While the shorts were a great find, my favorite part of the outfit is the t shirt! I love the bold print and colors. And wowie do your teeth look white! As a constant coffee drinker, I should def check this out
Mili
Beyond gorg! Work girl!
Great outfit!
those shorts are too fun, loving the little details!
xo mk
http://www.goldhattedlover.com
I love your outfit. Your shirt is too fun!!! I love the corally, orange colors on you. I think that you definitely shine in those. So pretty. Plus your shoes are just too fun.:)
Angela
http://www.prettyinherpearls.com
Those shorts are adorable! I love finding cute little boutiques when I’m traveling- such a great way to find new and cute things to add to the wardrobe!
Lovely!
Awesome outfit!
Those sounds awesome! I am going to have to look it up. I am looking for a new whitening system so that I can have pearly whites for engagement pictures!!
http://www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Wowwwww It’s so amazing!!!
Good job sweetie, very useful review. You look awesome
Kisses
Maggie D.
The Indian Savage Diary Fashion blog
We’re loving everything with scallops right now. Love your shorts. We could see ourselves wearing them with everything!
xx 365hangers
Me encanta este look!!
Besos
Love the shorts- & your bracelets! The Novawhite made a difference! That’s great!
You look beautiful…amazing necklace!
Kisses
http://www.angelswearheels.com
Great look, I love the laser cute shorts!!
Kristina does the Internets
Oh. My. Gosh. The Dandy Boutique black shorts are so cute! The styling options for them are pretty much endless!!
http://findmethoseheels.blogspot.co.uk/
– I follow back on Bloglovin’ –
x
love those shorts! I’m such a sucker for loose fitting shorts this year! And your smile is just gorgeous…before and after!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Such a cute outfit! And great legs too! OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Those shorts are amazing! Perfect withe the red pump. I am loving shorts and heels right now. Hope you’re having a great week.
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
Your dimples outshine your smile. 🙂 Every time! And you’re so right about the details on the t-shirt and shorts!
Gina — On the Daily Express
Gorgeous girlie! Love those shorts! They look so comfy!
xo,
Jacqueline
stylininstlouis.com
I am absolutely dying over this outfit. DYING. it is absolutely fabulous head to toe!
I love that you paired this top with a necklace!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
So love your outfit! And the shorts is very classy, you look lovely carina 😉
besos,
M
http://theflowerduet.blogspot.com/
love the outfit, and the shorts is very classy, you look lovely carina 😉
besos,
M
http://theflowerduet.blogspot.com
Bombshell! Looking great dear!
Lena
http://skinnycature.com/2014/06/26/work-the-line/
Oh, I love this look !! <3 The Pop of red Looks in combination with the black amazing. So fresh and full of life 🙂 You look beautiful !!
http://www.theeche.com
Love the shorts and top! I think shopping is always mandatory – even when on a business trip 😉
nice tee!
http://www.mrsnoone.it
kiss
great shorts and nice beauty post! have a nice weekend!
Cute lace shorts. Keep in touch.
Valentina.
http://WWW.ZAGUFASHION.COM
ZAGU FACEBOOK PAGE
bloglovin follower
i love nova white!! it’s what i use!
Ashley, this look is amazing! I love everything about it – the detailed shorts, the matching top and heels and the vibrant colors! Absolutely love it!
Nice chick look!
Kisses
Manasi
http://www.indianfashionandlifestyle.com/
shorts are super cute!!! such a beautiful look, as always
mon | http://www.monsemble.ca
Loving this bright printed top! Summer is all about those vibrant colors! Have a great weekend!