“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.
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!
Aww girl you look amazing! Nice top and great color combo!
kiss
http://www.milanotime.net
The first look is very nice! Lovely shorts!
Alessia
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Kiss
Love the print of the top, so pretty and the orange is a great color. Your shorts are very feminine and pretty as well
co host from the link up, jess
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Love those shorts!!!!!!!
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Ashley! Girl you are killing it! Love this look, especially the shorts
Gorgeous look, those red details let it even more cool! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/
xoxo,
Jess
Beautiful look! I love the whole thing, super classy and chic yet practical. Great work x
Love that shirt – so beautiful! And that necklace is my fave I wear it all.the.time.
Visiting from the link-up 🙂
Jessi
http://www.haircutandgeneralattitude.com
lovely outfit!:) those shorts are amazing!♥
http://www.Lorietta.cz
I love the outfit!!! It’s bold but cute and not too dressy! You look lovely as always and this outfit is perfect for the summer!
xoxo,
BerryBloomXO.com
Beautiful look, loving the necklace
http://www.auxcapricesdeflore.blogspot.com
You can definitely tell a difference in your smile. Stunner! And your hair is beyond perfect!!
xo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com
love your top and shoes dear 🙂
http://lavinajampit.blogspot.com/
Those shorts are so pretty and I love them paired with that equally pretty print top and red heels. Super smokin’
Oh and there is always time for Austin Powers quotes. They’re always a great idea
SDMxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
I love goooooooooooold! – I forgot to add that in…
wow i am so in love with the top, and it looks amazing styled with the necklace and shoes, great job!
and ooo, this sounds like such a cool product, your teeth look great!
x
♥ Ellen #NZblogger
SHOPSTYLECONQUER.COM
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You look gorgeous in this outfit, love the necklace! Anyways, would you like to follow each other via GFC and other social medias? Follow me then and do let me know:)
Join my GIVEAWAY here 😉
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What a cool shirt! It’s so different and fun! 🙂
beautiful tee
FASHIONSEDUCER.COM
Love the laser shorts and this new beauty series that you are doing. I am going to have to give novawhite a try!
have anice sunday!
http://www.mrsnoone.it
kiss
the striped t shirt is so original and cool. love all of the outfit.
xxx
mari
http://www.ilovegreeninspiration.com
Nice outfit, love those cute shorts.=)
Love this… beautiful!
kisses from Miami,
Borka
http://www.chicfashionworld.com
Lovin’ the blouse and the heels… I need more orange in my closet 🙂
xo, tasha
twenty-something blog
Love your shoes and your necklace!
Confession: I have never seen Austin Powers. Are we still friends? P.S. I miss you.
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. =)
Super cute outfit!
Lovely shoes.
Love the shoes and necklace.
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!!
The detail on those shorts is so cute! Slouchy=comfy, but still chic!
The top is amazing, love your shorts too!
KARAMODE
You look perfect in your outfit Ash (as usual!). I would definitely love to try out that whitening gel, therefore, thank you for the review! 🙂
http://www.callmemaddie.com
Really loving the style of your top and the fit of the shorts. Funny Austin Powers reference as well, lol.
Dying over your shorts!! I love the hem, and they are perfect with your top 🙂
xo,
Angela
Your shorts are just amazing!!! And your smile, wonderful 🙂
xoxo
http://mondeamour.com
Such a cute look! Loving your necklace and shorts!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
This is such a beautiful, elegant look… and yet I bet it is SO comfortable! 🙂 Definitely my style. I love, love, love, those shorts!
http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com
Nice shoes.
OMG, you look stunning in this outfit!! I love the pop of red and those shorts are just too adorable!!
Xo,
http://www.chiclyyours.com
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
Your tee is amazing 😀
Marianna,
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Love the top and the shorts! The laser cut details are so cute.
Katie
Style Diary