Create A Little L.O.V.E


Hey everyone,
As i'm more than sure you're aware Valentines Day is approaching. If you have however been living in a cave or miraculously managed to avoid every red glittery heart shaped object on every surface in every shop, then I salute you, but regardless of your feelings on it, it's happening on Friday.

I will admit (as you can maybe already tell) I have never been a fan of Valentines. Taking one day out of the year to profess your undying love for someone seems silly to me. If you love them, tell them every day, you don't need a stuffed animal or a bouquet of roses bigger than your house to let them know.

Anywho, this was until a lovely ethical jewellery company called Brilliant Earth got in touch with me about their Create A Little Love campaign. They want a collection of photographs from different people that creatively spell out the word 'love'. As you know, i'm a big fan of little acts of kindness and all that jazz and I really loved the idea of spreading a little (non-commercialised) love this Valentines Day.

I was wracking my brain for days and days about what to do, something that I haven't done before and something that all in all, represented what love means to me. So off I went into my very chilly very soggy, very dark garden, with Tom (whose fab idea this was, by the way...) in tow, armed with a torch and my camera. Also, a very ill judged university hoody - I thought that you wouldn't be able to see me all that much so do excuse my extreme lack of style-prowess... but hey, if you can't prance about in an oversized hoody in the name of love, when can you?!

Now is the time to brace yourselves as I get all slushy and conceptual (you have been warned...). Love for me isn't always massive gestures or bouquets of flowers or weekends away, it's being there when you need someone the most. In your darkest hours, they're the little bit of light that gets you through things (get it?!). It's slushy, but I know that it's certainly true for me.

Anyways, I hope that you all have a LOVEly (couldn't resist, sorry...) Valentines day, whatever it is that you end up doing!

Dr Lewinns | Renunail Sensitive Nail Treatment | Review

Hi everyone! 
Ever since I finally put a stop to my nail biting habit before my Aunties wedding last year, i've been on a bit of a mission to get the prettiest shaped nails that I possibly can - the only problem with that? The fact that I have the most horrendously brittle nails that peel, crack and break super easily. Every time I seem to get them all to an equal length and a shape that I like, a breakage seems to happen almost instantly. 

I searched and searched the internet for a miracle solution and stumbled across more than a few reviews of this promising little product. Almost every review that I read spoke of promising results, which made it a pretty tempting prospect. The Dr Lewinns Renunail nail treatment promises stronger, longer nails in just four weeks - a month to better nails? That seemed too good to pass up . I popped straight onto E-bay and managed to find the sensitive version for around £6 for a 14ml bottle (it usually retails for £12). I opted for the sensitive version as I've found that quite a few strengthening polishes that I've tried in the past have made my nails more brittle, and it just felt as though I was coating my already easily breakable talons with layers of plastic. This seemed as though it might be a bit more of a gentle formula.

(Dr Lewinns - Renunail Sensitive)

The treatment itself is applied just like a normal nail polish, but unlike other strengthening polishes, you apply one coat a day, for four days. After the four days are up you remove all of the layers, give your nails a little breather for a week and then repeat the treatment another two times, again leaving a week in between. This probably isn't ideal for those of you who just can't deal with naked nails (I feel your pain polish obsessives, I feel your pain...) but for the sake of prettier, more paintable nails, a few weeks have got to be worth it haven't they? 


(Nails - Before Treatment) 
Anyway, I thought this could be a little bit of a long running review and for the sake of comparison I took a couple of photos of my nails before I started the treatment the other day so that we can properly see the difference after the month is up. As you can see, they leave a lot to be desired at the moment. The product itself goes on really nicely and doesn't seem to smell too overwhelming - theres nothing worse that unscrewing the lid for your room to be filled with eau de Nail Salon - this though seems no more scented than your run of the mill nail laquer. It left my nails looking super shiny and not overly coated and after only 2 days, my nails are definitely feeling a lot less fragile. Make sure to check back in a couple of weeks! 

What Sopho Wore

Hey lovelies! 

This week has been a bit of a strange one really. After nearly a month off from uni, I finally went back this week, to a whole new set of modules and a reading list longer than my arm. I feel like i've gone very swiftly from lounging around in pyjamas watching crap Christmas TV with Tom all day to manically trying to get all of my reading done for my seminars, but hey, it will all be worth it in the end!   In other, less studious news, my year of hats has continued! I am finding that they make outfits look a lot more 'put together', i'm a big fan! 

(Hat- Topshop, Jumper - Cath Kidston, Jeans- Jack Wills, Shoes - Converse at JD Sports c/o Styleclone)

I wore this casual little ensemble to pop into town to run some errands the other day, there really is nothing better than some slouchy knitwear and your favourite Converse for days like that! We all know how much I love a jumper and this one was picked up in the Cath Kidston sale (it will be appearing in a little sale haul very soon!). It's one that i've had bookmarked on my laptop for what feels like forever but never bought due to it's hefty £70 price tag. I found it while shopping in Exeter for only £40, at that price I couldn't say no. It's perfectly slouchy and I love that it's got quite a home-knitted feel about it. Not bad considering I went in there in search of a new make up bag! 


My pastel pink Cambridge Satchel is probably one of my favourite pieces that I own. It was bought in my second year at university, not long after the company started getting a lot of attention and I still love it as much now as I did then! As it's leather, it's started to age in places but I think that just adds to it! It's also got my initials blind embossed into the front section and I quite like the fact that they're not super obvious, although if I were to purchase another one in the future I think i'd go for a coloured embossing. It's my own little slice of pastel pink leather perfection! 

(Bag- The Cambridge Satchel Company, Nails - Essie 'Eternal Optimist', Ring (just seen)- Tiffany & Co.)

Any favourite pieces of yours that you just can't stop wearing at the moment? 

1st Blogiversay | A Whole Year of The Sopho Diaries

Hi lovelies!

So today is a very special day at Chateaux Sopho Diaries. This little blog of mine is a whole year old. That means that i've been a blogger for an entire year! Now I don't want to get all soppy with you all and go on an emotional ramble, but as I sat here, 12 months ago, attempting to negotiate layouts, fonts and photo sizes, I had no idea how much I would grow to love it. Blogging was always a hobby for me, a little (very girly) corner of the internet where I could chatter away, where I could write and where I could utterly be  myself. I had no idea that people would actually be interested about the little happenings of a twenty something girl from sleepy Devon. My blog has become a huge part of my life and last year I had some brilliant opportunities because of it.  This year i'm going to get properly on the blogging ball, i'm going to make it as successful a year as I can possibly make it.


I also just want to thank some people (apologies that this sounds as if i'm picking up some kind of award...). I want to thank my family, my dad especially for supporting my blog, no questions asked. He's my biggest fan and I can always rely on him to give me that little push I need when I've felt like i've lost my blogging mojo. Dan, for always being on hand to take as many photos as I need him to, being on my case to make me find time to blog when things all get on top of me and generally being pretty lovely. He has the patience of a saint. Similarly, my friends (you know who you are) who have embraced my blogging almost as much as me and are always ready to help out... even if that does mean not being allowed to eat anything until i've photographed it, taking outfit photos when we're out and about and always being happy to be featured. You're all amazing and I love you all dearly.


That brings me to you guys. The people that visit this little site again and again and leave lovely lovely comments. If I could hug you all I would. You've made me realise that I can actually do this and for that i'll be eternally grateful. I love talking to you on twitter, i've met some incredible people through blogging and next year I hope to meet so many more.

So from me, thank you for reading, and to my blog, Happy Blogiversary!

Lots of love, hugs and gratitude,

Pearlys | Smile Box | Review

Hi everyone!

I seem to have been on a mission for super white teeth for as long as I can remember. With hours spent watching the Olsen twins films and endless episodes of The OC coupled with an unhealthy addiction to buying fashion magazines growing up, its no wonder that the perfect gleaming white smile has been the aim ever since. Now i've never had massively discoloured teeth but nor have they ever been the true white colour that i've always wanted, but with a tea addiction to rival the best of them its really no surprise that i've always been on a quest for pearly whites.

Admittedly, for an Olsen twin/ Marissa OC level of gleam, you're probably talking pricey veneers and a few hundreds if not thousands invested into professional dentist whitening treatments and so I hit the high street. I've tried an absolute shed load of whitening toothpastes, whitening mouth washes, pastes with a light attached to the dispenser - you name it, it's been on my bathroom shelf. They all claim to be better than the last and all claim to dramatically whiten your teeth within a few uses. The only thing that i'd never tried (not that I hadn't spent hours on the internet traipsing through reviews and information) are the infamous whitening strips, which by my research are effective but seem like a bit of a faff and can cause quite a bit of discomfort and tooth sensitivity. Absolutely not for me.


(Smile Box - C/O Pearly's)
Thats where Pearly's come in. I met the lovely Liz at the South West Bloggers Meet back in November,  she was there with a few of the company's best sellers demonstrating them and telling us all a little more about the products. I must admit, Pearly's isn't a company i'd heard of up until then, but after having a little (pretty unattractive!) go with the Weekly Brightening Powder at the event I was really impressed. It's product of which i've never heard, and the prospect of brushing a powder onto my teeth seemed a little strange, but even after that one, super quick use, my teeth felt really clean, shiny and definitely had a bit more sparkle. After the event, Liz kindly sent a full kit of their whitening regime to have a go with at home.




The Smile Box is made up of three products. First of all the Weekly Teeth Brighten Powder, a pot of blue powder which is used on a dampened toothbrush (electric works better but manual is absolutely fine too) once or twice a week. You just clean your teeth as you would normally for 2-4 minutes and the powder removes any surface stains leaving your teeth feeling super clean and looking sparkly. The Daily Teeth Whiten Foam is a daily use foam which you just pop a pump of onto your normal toothpaste (it turns any toothpaste into a proper whitening one) and brush as normal. Finally, the product I was most intrigued by, the Teeth-Whitening Pen, a gel filled pen, not dissimilar to the packaging of YSL Touche Eclat, that you twist up and carefully apply to teeth once or twice a week.



I've used the products for about a month now, and quite frankly, I absolutely love them. I've noticed a huge difference in the whiteness and general brightness of my teeth, so have family members and friends (which is always a true test of a product in my eyes!). The products are so simple to use, they've slotted into my usual tooth-care regime perfectly. The pen in particular is absolutely fab as its a lot more targeted than some of the gel and mouldable tooth tray kits on the market, you can completely avoid getting the product on your gums due to the handy pen nib which is something that has always concerned me with other kits. The foam is fab as you can still use your existing toothpaste. As you only use a single pump at a time it lasts for ages. Similarly, the powder is only a small amount at a time and the amount provided in the pot will last for quite a while. I've experienced absolutely no sensitivity while using the products, something that I know a lot of people suffer with other methods, which is absolutely fab. There is also no huge waiting periods like other kits where you have to leave the product on for up to an hour, then not eat or drink for four. The only waiting time is the one minute you need to wait for the pen gel to dry, then as long as you don't eat or drink for thirty minutes you're good to go. Perfect for those of us in a constant rush.





As for before and after photos, this is going to sound really silly, but something that i've realised since using the products is that until now and since trawling through old Facebook photos, I barely ever smiled with my teeth. Well never actually, save for the few drunken university night out photos in which i've lost all toothy inhabition and have whipped a proper smile out,so excuse my drunk-face.  I'm super pleased with the results and would most definitely be tempted to repurchase once these products run out. At £50 for the kit, it's a bit pricier than your average whitening toothpaste, but by the same token, it's a lot lot cheaper than a trip to the dentist, and plus, much more affordable than other systems. Even my housemate is tempted to get one now that he's seen the difference in my teeth. A massive thanks to Liz from Pearly's, i've found teeth nirvana!
(Not the best quality as the bottom two are screenshots from YouTube but it gives you an idea of the difference!)
Have any of you tried any Pearly's products?

What Sopho Wore

(Hat - Topshop, Shirt - Jack Wills, Faux Fur Gilet - Miss Selfridge) 
Hi everyone!

First of all Happy New Year! I've spent the very first week of 2014 stuck under a pile of essays the size of your average semi detached hence the silence on the blogging front! Today was my first day of freedom since getting back from Dans after Christmas and having not hit any of the post christmas sales, me and Tom decided to take a little drive up to our favourite shopping destination, Exeter for a spot of retail therapy. Now i'm kicking the year off by sticking to one of my resolutions,  i've decided that 2014 for me is the year of hats. I always see other people in them and think how amazing they look, buy them and never wear them, so this year i'm biting the hat based bullet, channeling my inner Millie Mackintosh and going for it. I feel like i've become a bit set in my ways with clothes recently but this year i'm branching out!

This particular little number was purchased from Topshop after seeing it on Miss Mackintosh herself and blogger extraordinaire and all round fashionista Liv Purvis. It's remained, precariously balanced on a lamp with another hat shaped counterpart ever since and today is the first time that i've been brave enough to wear it. I'm a convert thats for sure. As for the rest of the outfit, it's a bit Jack Wills heavy i'm afraid but it was a perfect little ensemble for a bit of lunch and some bargain hunting, the purchases of which are winging their way to a YouTube shaped haul video very soon! 

(Brogues - Jack Wills, Jeans - Jack Wills) 
Anyway, I hope you're all enjoying 2014 so far, any sale bargains or New Years Resolutions? 

A Year Through My iPhone Lens...


As 2013 becomes a thing of the past and 2014 begins, it's only natural to start thinking back on what a year it's been. Instead of doing a year in outfits or my beauty favorites I thought that the best way to commemerate my year was through the lens of something that's been with me the entire time. My iPhone. I try to capture all my important moments so when thinking of a post to end the year, this one sprung to mind almost instantly! I've narrowed it down to just a few pictures that I think sum up my year. It's been tough and amazing in equal measure and ill be quite sad to see it go. 

January saw one of the most important events of my year, the start of this little blog. It's become a massive part of my life and I enjoy blogging so much. February saw snowy days spent in Staffordshire with Dan and my first snowman (Snow bear actually... called Brian). 

March saw final year essay madness and piles of books bigger than me. I became the queen of procrastination but hey, sometimes the only way to write final essays is to bribe yourself with Mini Eggs.  April saw some dreams come true. I was accepted to study for my English MA at Exeter University. Somewhere that I'd never believed in myself enough to even apply for until last year. I still pinch myself that I'm there and I'm so happy with my choice. May saw the end of my amazing time at university culminate in a beast of a dissertation that very nearly broke me as a person, cue endless cups of tea, 3am bedtimes and staring at half written pages wondering what I was even doing with my life. However to reward our very hard work, we did get to go and see Queen Bey. Too exciting for words. 

June saw me leave university life behind and move home to Devon. A pretty weird transition after three amazing years spent living with friends and having that bit of time away from home that i'd always craved. Cue endless job interviews and a pretty rubbish time mentally as I realised just how hard it was not having that university bubble around me. July was slightly happier with my final results. To find out that three years of work had payed off was one of the best moments of my life and made me all the more excited for graduation with my girls. 

August was an incredible but massively busy month. With graduation, weddings and Dan and I's 5 year anniversary, I barely stopped but it was a fab month. September saw me turn 22 (cue Taylor swift soundtrack...) with a quiet weekend in Staffordshire with my second family and my lovely boyfriend, being very spoilt indeed. I'm a very lucky girl. It also saw the return of my lovely Gammon, who'd been galavanting around the states for the summer! October saw me become a Masters student. Very daunting but one of the best steps I've ever taken. 

November saw my lovely GemGem back from Germany and Gammon leave on her next adventure. I'm so proud of them both for being so adventurous, exploring the world and having amazing experiences. My friends are pretty awesome. And finally, December has been a hard but a lovely one. I've moved out of the house that i grew up in and moved in with one of my best friends in the universe Tom and I'm happier and having more fun than I have in a long time. Leaving the house that was the last place that my family (mum included) were all together was heartbreaking but it's time for new memories. My daddy's started his new chapter and I'm starting mine. A fresh start. 

And that's been my year! Lots of memories made and hopefully so many more to be made next year. I'd love to see what you've been up to in 2013 so feel free to link any year in review posts below! 
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