The Spark Grand Opening at Solent

September 1, 2016September 1, 2016 | Ch1oeleigh

Solent Southampton University opened their new project, ‘The Spark’, with Prosecco and canapés to their guests before showing us into the seating area and the sculpture itself. My plus one and I were at the event with @SouthamptonBloggers and are truly grateful to have been invited to such a perfect evening. We were seated to designated tables, unfortunately we were split from the other lovely bloggers, but the miniature picnic bench filled with starters and fresh bread definitely made up for this factor. (Also not forgetting the endless amounts of wine..)

The Spark itself will be used as lecture rooms and the space around it provides more class rooms and working areas for students to sit independently, with sockets for laptops and USB ports for that low iPhone battery life, because you keep testing out the new Snapchat filters rather than listening to your tutor talking *guilty*. For this evening only, the classrooms were packed with activities and tasty treats! Imagine having a glass of wine in one hand and a pick & mix in the other, I was living the life I tell you! (May also confess that I’m currently chomping on that same bag of Pick & Mix as I type this, but that’s between us). I managed to try Bubble Tea for the first time and am still to make up my mind whether I actually liked it or not, it’s just a bit weird and pointless, I don’t see why you even need squishy balls to pop in your mouth? Dirty minded!

My rosé was soaked up with a gorgeous main course of citrus chicken with an avocado and beetroot salad, followed by a raspberry; vanilla and white chocolate mouse. The food was inspired by their own Summer and Gala Dinner Menu, meaning these delicious meals are available beyond this night. I would like to brag that ‘Gordon Ramsey’ was also enjoying the cuisine and a few seats away from me may I add. He could have gone and helped the chefs!

(Isn’t he just the spitting image?! Wonderful impersonator)

Jarrod, Charlotte and I giggled the entire night away whilst exploring the cocktail bars and chatting about all things Solent related, as we are so thrilled to be involved in such an impressive and outstanding University.

My dress is from a charity shop back in The Midlands called New Life, my gorgeous brown heels are an Asos gem and the mini black bag is Matalan.

Thank you so much for reading.

All my love, Chlo x

Superdrug Haul

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016 | Ch1oeleigh

Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation

I kept seeing positive reviews on this product, and would often walk past the makeup stand eyeing it up, without even realising. A few weeks ago I was drawn in with a bright red promotion poster, saying this foundation was now being sold at £3.99! Crazy right? So I thought it would be the perfect time to trial it out, as the bank was definitely not broken. I picked up the shade Ivory 2 and was concerned that it was a little too dark when I applied it for the first time, but with some bronzer around the jaw line; I managed to make it work. From the few times I’ve used this foundation, I can tell I’m going to love it more each use I get. The formula isn’t too rich, making it easy to blend and also adds a dewy glow to the skin. The coverage is medium, but would only need a small amount of added product to build a full coverage base. It’s super long lasting, finding that the longer I wore it, the better it looked. By the time it came to taking my makeup off at the end of the day, my skin / foundation looked that nice that I was gutted to remove it. Lastly, the bottle has a frosted glass finish to it which gives a luxurious touch the the appearance.

Sleek Matte Me Liquid Lipstick

I’m trying my best to step out of my comfort zone with makeup recently (probably noticeable with my last haul, where I purchased a pastel pink eyeliner.. mega cute though). So when I saw Zoella unbox these Sleek Matte Me Liquid Lipsticks I knew I had to swatch them for myself. The colours I really loved were the nude shades, particularly ‘Shabby Chic’ and will 100% be purchasing that one when I have the chance, but I thought this bright shade would be perfect for summer days.. and I was so right. The pigmentation is crazily high and applies quite liquidy, but dries completely matte. I got so many compliments when wearing this lip product that I just kept applying it over and over (not necessary at all). After applying it a few too many times throughout the day I noticed that it came away from the inside of my lips, leaving just a lip liner mark around the edge. I laughed about it with my friend at the time, but definitely learned my lesson to not be too heavy with this one.

Maybeline Colour Tattoo’s

I have had two of these little pots of joy since they were first released, use them within my daily makeup routine and have hardly made a dent; so why on earth have I not invested in more shades? This was the question I was annoying myself with as I was vigerously digging through the testers in Superdrug. In the end, I picked up a true nude shade titled ‘Creme De Rose’ to cancel out any discolouration on my lids and to create a perfect even base. I also picked up ‘On and on Bronze’, which is a gorgeous copper shade with a subtle shimmer to it. I thought a bronzed eye makeup look would compliment the bold lips I’ve been testing out, and can say I am obsessed with the outcome. I’m thinking of doing a makeup look on my blog, which will features these Maybelline Colour Tattoo’s – if you would like to see that then please do let me know. I’ve never done a post like this so would be fun to experiment and see what I can come up with.

Skyler Silver Anklet

Okay, admittedly this is not from Superdrug. However, I did purchase it on the same day and felt it was far too pretty not to photograph, especially against the bright purple tissue paper it was wrapped in. I was on the hunt for a chunkier anklet as my dainty one that I adored snapped whilst I was sleeping *cries*. I figured if it snapped that easily, I’m in need of a more fool proof size. This one was £6 and falls beautifully around my ankle. The silver circles droop below the angled squares, and don’t make a jingling sound when I walk – bonus! When I’m sat down, this does dig into my skin, but all is forgiven because it’s just so sweet when it’s on. Yes I am that 19 year old that wears jewellery around her ankle and I’m perfectly okay with this.

Thank you so much for reading this blog post, and sticking it out until the end. Feel free to leave a comment on what your favourite product from this haul is, I’d love to know what you think.

Speak to you soon,

Chloé x

In The Frow Charity Event

June 23, 2016April 3, 2018 | Ch1oeleigh

I took my two lovely ladies to a cat walk show in the middle of April to try and distract us from our endless studies, for one night. We had heard that a handful of our course friends were modelling in the show and would be rocking some seriously stunning clothes, and had further heard that the beautiful Sarah Ashcroft had travelled to Southampton to present the entire evening! I didn’t get my hopes up as I thought that the possibility of actually meeting her was ridiculous, however, we did.. and she was truly the most lovely and genuine person. We chatted as if we were old friends catching up and to see one of your motivations in the flesh is breath taking. I can assure you I was absolutely not fan girling all night .. *rolls eyes in denial*.

The show consisted of collections that were both jewellery and clothing, which was refreshing to see as I’d never witnessed a jewellery show before this. The 2 for 1 cocktails were highly appreciated too, even though I definitely picked the wrong drink (some sort of sour strawberry concoction..). My good friend Safia had the most insane cream liquor, that I happily sipped away at in between the free Prosecco and nibbles of popcorn from the goody bag.

My favourite collection was from a talented young designer named Mimi Schofield, with her clothing brand titled appropriately (and very cutely) as Mimi & Bow. On their website you can see the beautiful coats that she sells, with Sarah Ashcroft shining on their home page (and sporting one in the photo below too). I was lusting after these coats throughout the entire show, especially after seeing a friend (HEY BENIE YOU ANGEL) slaying the garment with a body con dress and heels. I never even imagined I would actually win one for my very own that evening. I’m ridiculously grateful to have won the give away, and to have met the designers. The entire event was truly beautiful and honoured to the loveliest family to raise money for both Momentum Charity and CF Trust.

(She actually had to bend down and make herself seem far shorter than she is, because I’m embarrassing small..). I also definitely need to step up my makeup game.. How does she manage that glow?! *heads over to her YouTube channel to watch her tutorials back to back*

Thank you so so much for reading, I know I have been completely MIA for a handful of months but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Keep yourselves safe.

Speak soon,

Chloé x

Daylight Photography

March 3, 2016March 3, 2016 | Ch1oeleigh

For my Photography unit during University, we have been given an assignment based around Bowie – giving a tribute to his memory.

I partnered up with my wonderful friend Molly, and headed to the studios to shoot a daylight styled portrait that was suitable for my chosen publication. Molly also captured some images that I modeled for with i-D in mind for the final production. The feedback we were given from our tutor was taken on board and noted down, ready for our final images to be captured. He went through the angles that we had chosen, admittedly, we didn’t plan this aspect too well as the photos would only be suitable to cover the magazine, and not for a feature inside. Our tutor, Gino, also spoke about the use of colour within the setting and the emphasized structure of my models face through glitter pens. I thought this may have disappointed Gino but he was actually really thrilled with what I had created. (AH Phew..)

These aren’t my final images, but will be going into my research and work book for development analysis and now I can’t wait to put my latest tips and tricks into good use.

Natural shots

Styled Shots

With permission, I have inserted the images that Molly took, as she deserves tonnes of praise. Its very rare to make my face look somewhat acceptable but I’m definitely not afraid to say that she hit the nail right on the head.

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Thank you for reading,

Love Chlo x

Valentines Look

February 14, 2016February 14, 2016 | Ch1oeleigh

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I hope you are all well, and spending your time with your loved one – not that I believe Valentines Day should be a real thing, but I do love how everyone digs out their pink and red clothing. So cute.

For me, I’m not doing anything other than being a slob with my other half, with plenty of chick flicks and junk food to go through. However, we decided to celebrate on the Saturday instead, with some sight seeing and a shopping trip (some may know I live away from home, so Southampton is a new place for both of us to explore together). With this being said, I was going for a romantic day time look, with comfort and obviously plenty of pink shades.

All details are at the end of the post! ♥

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Jumper – Topshop

Pinafore – New Look

Boots – Topshop

Clutch – Sainsburys

Bracelet – Pandora

Rings – Pandora

Nails – George Matte Finish in Raspberry Forest

Lips – Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm in 125 Flirtatious

Speak to you soon,

Love Chlo x

Thinking I’m a Model

November 26, 2015February 19, 2016 | Ch1oeleigh

In the first few weeks of University, we were introduced to a Photography session by a lovely man named Gino! This was just a taster of what we will be taught in January, and I am way too excited for it to come around. I enjoyed myself far too much and knew I wanted to use the images for blog headers and social media if they turned out okay (I am not photogenic at all). After being pleasantly surprised by the outcome, excluding that dreadful blonde bobble.. ew, I threw them straight into a post to share with you guys.

Behind the scenes looked a little like this..

I had to take the images myself using a Bluetooth controller, following Gino’s instructions – he knew what he wanted from each individual and my photo’s have a clear statement of ‘I think i’m sassy with my leather jacket and heavy watch, but i’m innocent really’ ACCURATE.

If I had the qualities to become a model, I wouldn’t hesitate. I was completely at ease and felt comfortable throughout the process. Roll on January.

Chloé Cordell

Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle.

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