smile brilliant: cariPRO electric toothbrush review + giveaway

s m i l e   b r i l l i a n t

When it comes to beauty routines there are so many brushes involved.  The right make-up brush to contour your cheeks.  The proper hairbrush to style and tame your mane. Often forgotten is how important the perfect toothbrush is. It may not be as glamorous as some of the other brushes in our lives, but proper dental hygiene is an essential part of any beauty and wellness routine. After all a brilliant smile is the most important part of your face! All the more reason to Smile Brilliant! (haha, see what I did there...)

Growing up with a very unpleasant childhood dentist, I became obsessed with dental health. To the point of being downright over enthusiastic when it comes to the latest and greatest dental products and gadgets. Charcoal toothpaste? Coconut floss? Count me in! I’ve used an electric toothbrush for as long as I can remember, but it has always been a love/hate relationship of sorts. I’m excited to say that the Smile Brilliant cariPRO is everything I’ve been searching for in an electric toothbrush! 

When Smile Brilliant reached out and offered to send me the cariPRO in exchange for a very honest review I was beyond ecstatic to try out a new dental gadget, but also a bit skeptical. When it comes to electric toothbrushes I’m a tough critic. As fabulous as the fan fave Quip is, in my experience it just can’t compete with its more complex counterparts in terms of cleanliness and plaque removal. I still love it for travel and on-the-go, but for day to day use I prefer something that gives a deeper clean and more options. 

d e s i g n

The first thing I noticed when opening the box is how well designed the cariPRO is. I know you can’t judge a toothbrush by its cover, but this is a very stylish and sophisticated edition to the bathroom. I’m a big fan of the modern gray and sleek silver. The handle is soft, ergonomic and comfortable- unlike my former Oral-B which was slippery, unwieldily, and looked like a kitchen utensil. The cariPRO is also waterproof! In case you love brushing in the shower as much as I do. I was delighted to discover it can last about 30 days on one charge! My former toothbrush only lasted 10 days if I was lucky. 

b r u s h   h e a d s

Next up I investigated the brush heads. Crucial when choosing a toothbrush because you want clean teeth, but not painful gums. The cariPRO passes with flying colors! The bristles are perfectly staggered to really reach all of those difficult nooks and crannies. Some of my previous electric toothbrushes didn’t hold up to the floss test. Nothing like being surprised by what your toothbrush missed, yikes! Luckily the cariPRO leaves no trace of everything bagel behind. It passed the floss test!!! Instead of a spinning head, it vibrates faster than the competition, removing 7x more plaque and bagel. The bristles and vibrations were soft enough to not irritate my gums, but still very effective in getting that sparkling clean. 

s e t t i n g s

Offering 5 different settings, cleverly disguised within 2 buttons, I found it very user-friendly. The cariPRO also offers some cool options I haven’t seen before. The settings are: clean, whitening, massage, gum care, and sensitive. Leaps and bounds beyond my old electric toothbrush that only had an on/off button. Like the Quip, it also has a timer set for 2 minutes and it alerts you when to switch quadrants. 

c l e a n

Lastly, the most important test- how smooth do my teeth feel post brushing, and how long does that feeling last? Again, cariPRO for the win! My teeth have honestly never felt cleaner. They were perfectly smooth, and my mouth felt so remarkably fresh. After a couple weeks of use, I noticed a whiter brighter smile in addition to the sparkling clean feeling. At this point I'm ready to build the cariPRO a statue in its honor! Cleaner, whiter teeth feels amazing! I'm also pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is considering how much it offers. Now I can’t wait to see my dentist because I have a feeling she will be very happy! Happy teeth = happy dentist = happy you! 

g i v e a w a y    +    2 0 %    o f f

Yay, Smile Brilliant is awesome and they are doing a giveaway of one of their amazing toothbrushes- click here to enter!  Also they are giving you 20% off your purchase of the cariPRO. Use the code: caseofcuriosities20 at check out! Treat your teeth to something nice!

electric toothbrush

beauty con POP

{plaid cropped jacket and pants} Sara Battaglia {rock tee} Bleached Goods {handbag} Chloe Elle clutch {white booties} Lousie et Cie {photographed by} Jessamyn Land

Beauty Con POP was a fun experience in celebrating self-love and acceptance.  Like most "Instagram experiences" the Beauty Con LA pop-up featured a series of imaginary rooms- like this one with a giant eye shadow palette.  However, the best part was the running theme of inclusivity paired with beauty and body positivity.  Each room challenged you to self-reflection (literally in a mirrored room), while celebrating the fact that beauty comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes.  You are perfect just as you are.  

la dolce vita: positano

{scarf} Wilfred by Aritzia {dress} Stone Cold Fox {bag} Auxilliary by Aritzia {sunnies} Karen Walker Number One {blouse} Frame Denim {check skirt} Rhié {yellow linen trousers} Creatures of Comfort 


A few snippets from my favorite place on earth- Positano.  A magical seaside haven on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, now overrun by tourists thanks to Instagram.  There is still some austere, timeless quality about this vertical town perched on the most brilliant blue sea.  Something untouched, and unspoiled by time and modern invention.  It may be a hard trek for the 'ol glutes and calves, but strolling the inclines, getting lost amidst the endless back alleys and winding stairs you begin to see life from a new perspective.  It's a bit slower, more cinematic, filled with heaping bowls of linguine ai frutti de mare (fruits of the sea, is there a more perfect title?) and local shop owners pouring you shot glasses of "Limoncello!" sweet lemon liquor that is a specialty of the region. Note that some of the lemons here are the size of your head.  Welcome to the sweet life, la dolce vita!  More on my adventures in Positano to come...  

  

NYC: how to mix prints

{patterned wool coat} Kenzo {skirt} Marni {holographic logo clutch} Kenzo {sweater} ALC { booties} Schutz {sunnies} Old Céline {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic {SoHo, NYC} 

Mixing prints is apparently one of my trademarks according to one of my friends.  I do love the challenge of combining a pastiche of patterns without looking like I got dressed in the dark.  The trick to mastering print mixing is to keep the patterns similar, and in coordinating colorways or neutrals.  For example, a variety of prints in various shades of the same color will looked pulled together because of the matching color tones.  Likewise, pulling main colors from each print to tie the look together is more bold, but also effective.  Keeping the patterns somewhat similar- geometric prints with geometric prints, florals with florals, help keep the clash to a minimum.  Though sometimes for the sake of having fun with it I like to disregard those tips and just play it by ear...or rather by sight.  Try it on and if you feel amazing, you've got a winning look! 

NYC: sparkle and shine

{dress} Dodo Bar Or {green bomber jacket} Dion Lee {holographic cross-body logo bag} Kenzo {black platform booties} Schutz {tortoise sunnies} Old Céline {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

New Yorkers know that if there is a sunny day break in the dregs of winter you take it and dress as extra as possible!  Break out the shorts!  Maybe I don't go that far, but it's a nice opportunity to put on a fun dress, or dress down something sparkly with an army green bomber jacket, and leave the parka behind.  I'm a spoiled Cali girl in a way.  I've come to expect sunshine everyday, so it's always nice to spend time on the eastern seaboard where you quickly learn to appreciate nice weather as it isn't everyday.  Isn't that a good analogy for life in a way?  We go through the hard bits to learn to appreciate the good bits.   

tibi printed trench coat

{printed trench coat} Tibi FW18 {plaid wide leg trousers and top} Zara {handbag} Tibi Bébé bag by Myriam Schaefer {white sneakers} Saint Laurent {LA River}

Trench coats have long been one of my favorite things.  Perhaps because they will always have a sort of mysterious glamorous retro spy vibe, kind of like The Pink Panther.  Especially with a popped collar and sunglasses, it quickly becomes this transformative piece that makes you feel stylishly incognito, as though adventure is waiting around every twist and turn- even if those twists and turns are only in the cereal aisle of a grocery store.  

This Tibi trench from their FW 18 collection is a major addition to my collection.  The removable quilted collar flap, cool belt, and printed neon graffiti-style details make it unique but still classic.  I am so into the edginess of the print and how it plays on the neon trend.  It brings a bit of streetwear-style edge to any ordinary outfit which is basically a major tenant of my personal style. 

Ps. I look grumpy in all of these photos.  I was actually just being blinded by the sun, and I think a little hangry.   

LA times: LACMA urban light

NYC: stella mccartney superstellaheroes

{striped polo sweater and superhero pants} Stella McCartney {green bomber jacket} Dion Lee {handbag} Proenza Schouler PS1 {black heels} Maje {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

SuperStellaHeroes was part of one of my all-time favorite Stella McCartney seasons.  I have so much love for these super fun trousers with superhero masks embroidered on them.  I get so many compliments on them.  Even on the day these photos were taken while wandering around SoHo, a lady stopped me and asked if the mask characters were Luchadores or Strong Bad.  I had forgotten all about the Homestar Runner web cartoons and Strong Bad- who one of the masks does kind of resemble.  One of my fave things about fashion is how it can be an ice breaker and start conversations.  Success with this outfit!  

winter style NYC: statement coats

{plaid coat} MSGM {floral dress} Zara {handbag} PS1 mini, Proenza Schouler {sunnies} Karen Walker Number One in Crazy Tortoise {black jeans} Reformation {black booties} Schutz  {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic {NYC lower east side}

Winter, especially in New York City, can get gray and drab rather quickly.  Pretty soon you've fallen victim to purely utilitarian dressing (which sometimes is a necessity)  The black on black on black- wool, down, thermals routine, gets boring quite fast.  My favorite solution is a statement coat that is both functional and cozy.  Offering a pop of pattern and color with an out-of-the-ordinary ruffle.  Having fun with outerwear is a sure fire way to spruce up your winter wardrobe.  Granted I've layered some thermals and a thin down jacket from Uniqlo underneath (tricks of the trade).  Adding a bold contrasting blouse or dress underneath will keep the "daydreaming of spring vibe".  I love a dress over trousers in the cold winter months.  It's a fun bit of layering, and your legs will thank you when the wind chill sets in.  Ps. How cute is itty bitty baby Proenza?

NYFW: fashion week look

{dress} DVF {long trench coat} Manrepeller x VEDA {clutch} Tenoversix {heels} Zara {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

My fave look from NYFW was this mixed print DVF Diane Von Furstenberg dress paired with a long green duster from Manrepeller's collab with VEDA.  It was perfect for dramatically crossing the street and letting it gallantly billow in the wind just-so.  But that is the beauty of fashion week, you get to be extra extra- hence my fave weeks.  Every week is fashion week in my book, if only because I believe in dressing however you feel the most empowered.  For me it's in dramatic outfits that wave in the wind. Proud of myself for not tripping over any of those cobblestones, haha.

Fall is one of my fave seasons in NYC.  The vibe of the city really changes with the weather shift, there's something so charming about hot coffee and pumpkins and the return of coats and cozy things.  As always, I'm so in love with that SoHo architecture.  Don't forget to look up when you're walking South of Houston, so many beautiful details to take in.

days are getting shorter

{embellished sweater & skirt} Altuzarra {camo jacket} Zara {handbag} Zac by Zac Posen {sunnies} ACNE Studios {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

The end of summer transitioning into fall always feels like a mad rush to wear skirts and dresses sans tights, all of your fave booties, and anything in remotely fall colors but in fabrics too flimsy for the chill of impending winter.  Particularly true on the East Coast.  In Los Angeles, this would be my winter wear, or rather year-round wear.

One of my favorite things about NYC is wandering aimlessly.  The streets are all on a grid, so it's near impossible to get lost.  I try to take a different route each time to the same places.  Taking in new architecture, street art, shops and cafes I hadn't known existed.  Every block is packed to the brim with something new to discover.  I remember when I first stumbled upon this park on Elizabeth Street.  It was a magical space to happen upon.  Green and lush, filled with time-worn statues and concrete.  A small respite from towering skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the city.  This is where you catch your breath.     

NYC: summer trench coat in the city

{short sleeve trench coat} NSF from The Real Real {top} Marco de Vincenzo {fur clutch} Shrimps {sunnies} Karen Walker Number One {pink suede bow mules} Zara {boyfriend jeans} ACNE Studios {photographed by} James Emmerman

Late spring transitioning into early summer is the perfect time for pieces like this NSF short sleeve trench.  I'm a huge trench-a-holic, always on the lookout for an updated detail.  So finding this jacket with unexpected short sleeves that can be worn rolled up for warmer temps or elbow length was such a score in my book.  Breaking out some bold colors, textures, and details, as well as my favorite happy fur clutch from Shrimps, updates the classic denim and trench look.  An easy way to have fun with basics!

baja + bcbg

{baja sweater} BCBG Max Azria {pleated leather skirt} Le Fou by Wilfred, Aritzia {pvc clutch} Peter Pilotto for Target from Netaporter {sunnies} Karen Walker Number One in Crazy Tortoise {photographed at} Laguna Beach, Orange County

Few articles of clothing are as synonymous with the bohemian beach lifestyle, or California surf culture as the baja sweater or jacket.  Also known as a Mexican Threads Hoodie, sudadera de jerga, or in the cannabis sub-culture- a drug rug.  The sweater garnered it's name since it was popularized in 70's era California, by surfers returning from wave-riding excursions to Baja California, Mexico.  Today, the style has remained classic, still retaining it's associations with laid-back beach life, and well granola hippies living in VW vans along the coast of Santa Cruz (hey, there's nothing wrong with that, Santa Cruz is beautiful this time of year).  I love the reimagined fashion version by BCBG Max Azria.  In a super soft knit, with a more tailored shape this sweater is my new go-to.  Excuse me while I get sentimental, I'll be wearing my hoodie and listening to Brian Wilson's "Surfer Girl" while I chill on Laguna Beach.  

Remember that time I went to Newport Beach, I was heading back to my car and the sun was setting.  The only other vehicle in the lot was a beat-up old RV.  A dude appeared on one of the beach trails and approached me.  He asked if I had a light, explaining he was eager to "light one up".  I shrugged apologetically.  He headed over to the RV and knocked on the door several times.  Suddenly the door creaked open and a voice bellowed, yelling furiously "why would you knock on my door!!!"  The dude scurried away confused by the angry man in the RV.  This folks, is how episodes of CSI start.  And there is your random story of the day.    

silverlake + sandro

{dress} Sandro Remini mesh yoke tunic dress {sandals} Loeffler Randall {sunnies} Karen Walker Number One in Crazy Tortoise

Silverlake is one of my favorite 'hoods in LA.  It might be the closest doppelgänger you'll find out west to my New York neighborhood, the L.E.S and East Village.  Both have that hip, artsy vibe with vintage shops, tons of artisan organic cafes, and coffee spots lining the street.  Granted it's easy to poke fun at these "hipster" standards, but when you're just out here livin' life there's something to be said about a nice cup of coffee, and a corner succulent shop.  Not only did Forbes name this THE coolest neighborhood in the U.S. (I'm still unsure of the criteria used to determine such things..."cool" is subjective, no?) but all of my NYC Lower East Side friends who have moved out to LA have settled right here.  Maybe it's the urban legend surrounding nearby Echo Park Lake, supposedly once a favored dumping ground for...well, severed heads.  That sort of gritty edge is untouched by any level of gentrification, or sump pump.  "What a lovely park!"  "Remember when people used to dump heads in the water?"  "Oh."  To set the record straight, I'm pretty sure that was all urban myth.  Pretty sure.  The public restrooms in that park are still worthy of a fright though.  Speaking of the dirty "g" word, gentrification- the area was also once subjected to real estate developers who wanted to turn the reservoir into a hipster resort.  Yeah, that happened.  They wanted to call it "Hipster Beach".  Sooo glad that never saw fruition.  We're in LA folks, there's a real beach just due west.  You will have to cross the 405* to get to it thought, which I know for many is a deal breaker.  (*Inside LA joke, the 405 divides the east and west side fairly far to the west, westsiders often refuse to go east of the freeway divide and well eastsiders loathe going too far west.  What?!  We're ridiculous in this city, that's already been established.) 

Here I am going off on my Silverlake tangent and forgetting to even talk about this look.  Here's a wrap tunic dress from Sandro.  It has a perfect black and white pattern reminiscent of those composition notebooks we all had in school that we scribbled bored musings and doodled little hearts into.  Yeah, those books we were supposed to be taking chemistry notes in but instead divulged our deepest darkest secrets and sketches into- that composition book.  These cut out bootie style sandals from Loeffler Randall give the elusion of a more substantial shoe, since it is fall, but in LA it's still summer.  Sometimes you have to just pretend to be seasonally appropriate.  

a blazer for every season

{silk battle blazer} Rag & Bone in black and white floral print {jade blouse} Babaton from Aritzia {black shorts} Zara {double date bag} KARA from Opening Ceremony

Summer slowly beginning to fade from long humid nights, to shorter days with a hint of chill gently grasping at our sun bronzed skin (or in my case still pasty skin).  Transitional dressing starts invading our thoughts when school supplies start appearing on the shelves at CVS and August seems like it just won't last.  Granted in Los Angeles, transitional dressing means throwing a light jacket in the car just in case.  I'm a big fan of blazers.  Linen blazers in summer, wool blazers in winter- there's a blazer for every season.  This silk number from Rag & Bone proves my point.  Casually unstructured, a bit oversized and made from a lightweight silk, it's the perfect transitional piece. In summer thrown over an origami folded blouse from Babaton, with shorts, and later in the fall over a thin sweater with a pair of denim.  The abstract line drawn floral print and classic black and white makes it season neutral.  Important in LA where there are technically no seasons.  Walking around my old neighborhood in New York's East Village, this blazer fits right in with it's slightly tailored slightly insouciant vibe.  It's also coast neutral. I mean, it is black after all.  When in NYC embrace the black wardrobe even in summer!  

beach lace

 

{crochet lace tunic dress} Etoile Isabel Marant {white pumps} Zara {sunglasses} Karen Walker Number One in Crazy Tortoise

Nothing like a black crochet lace number from Etoile Isabel Marant to give you that swimsuit cover-up, California surfer girl goes Upper East Side vibe.  It's laid-back but not without attitude and a touch of elegance.  I'll just stand here on this life guard shack in Marina Del Rey and day dream of wearing this tunic over a neoprene bikini post surfing in Panama.  Granted I'll have to brush up on those surfing skills if that will ever happen, and well, learn more about Panama...  

pool party style

{fig. 1} Jonathan Simkhai halter top (Intermix Exclusive) and 3x1 Denim Avenue C Gaucho Shorts {fig.2} Tanya Taylor pinwheel print Katelyn Dress {fig. 3} The Seea Leucadia bikini bottom and Chicama cropped rash guard top with Karen Walker Number One Sunglasses {fig. 4} Tanya Taylor dress {fig. 5} Rocksbox jewelry subscription - Perry Street bracelet {fig. 6} Tanya Taylor dress {fig. 7} pool party essentials - Rocksbox jewelry, Boxed Water is Better, Karen Walker Number One sunglasses, The Seea Chicama top {fig. 8} Forever 21 palm tree clutch, Illesteva polarized sunglasses, Perry Street bracelet from Rocksbox {fig. 9} Tanya Taylor dress and Adidas Adilette slides {fig. 10} Topshop crop top and skort, Wilfred by Aritzia Tali linen blazer {fig. 11} Rocksbox - Perry Street bracelet and Gorjana ring {fig. 12} sneakers by Superga

It's no longer the early aughts, but for some reason every time you open the door Nelly's iconic summer anthem "Hot in Herre" starts to play *so hot* *in herre* because let's face it, it's flippin' hot out herre.  Time to hit the pool with all of your friends and frenemies, it's pink flamingo floatie and inflatable swan time!  If you, like me, suffer from Bikiniphobia (an irrational fear of swim wear) don't fret, there's options guys!  Check out the above looks for pieces that will keep you looking and feeling cool poolside.  I'm particularly fond of the neoprene-like Tanya Taylor dress, wetsuit/dress hybrids are kind of the best thing ever.  

Accessories may seem like a pool party don't but just because you're hovering at the edge of a large body of chlorinated water doesn't mean you shouldn't look fly.  Just remember to remove said jewelry before diving in.  RocksBox the Netflix of jewelry recently named me one of their It Girl style influencers.  I've been having way too much fun adding items to my wish list (queue) and unlike Netflix a Rocksbox subscription actually encourages you to leave your house.  Everytime you return a box, another magically appears via USPS fairies filled with sparkly treasures.  What's not to love?!  Guys, you even can get a trial month free with this very special code that I share with you now - "yoitshannaxoxo" so get on over to www.rocksbox.com and get your summer bling!