Soooali http://www.soooali.com en ailbhemcneela@gmail.com Copyright 2012 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:30:15 GMT Evil Eye Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/evil_eye/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/evil_eye/#id:192#date:11:30 I took these photos while in Stockholm and forgot to post them…thought I’d stick them up anyway. I told you I was sticking to muted colours, so here’s my first step into the land of colour this year. However I feel like a but of a fraud because I’m actually wearing a bright raspberry knitted jumper as I write this…! It is February afterall. I’m so glad I invested in so many knitted jumpers due to the recent cold snap. They’re so easy to wear too. I usually wear a million t-shirts underneath and jeans…stick on some chunky accessory or scarf and tada…instant fash-un! The thesis is getting priority as usual but I managed to make a video which I’ll be posting later in the week. So because of all the work I have to do I’ve been looking for outfits that work as uniforms for college, something I don’t have to think much about. I also cut all my hair off too (the less distraction the better!) which you’ll see in the next post. Like I said in a previous post I’m cutting down on clothes and creating a capsile wardrobe. I guess I’m detoxing my life somehow. That is until June when I’ll be free FOREVER!


Jumper from H&M, jeans from Gina Tricot, shirt from Uniqlo, shoes and brooch from Topshop.

]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:30 GMT One at a time Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/one_at_a_time/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/one_at_a_time/#id:190#date:10:56 Hola! I was in Madrid last week, so I’m only getting to post now. I didn’t get a chance to take many photos while I was there and didn’t bother with outfits. I’ll put some up on the Soooali Facebook page for anyone who’s interested. I hadn’t been to Madrid before and was completely surprised by just how much there was to do there. I went with 30 art fanatics and we were all spoilt for choice. I definitely have to go back for longer next time. The weather was amazing, bright sunny and warm. I forgot there was such a thing as sun! Even though the weather has been quite mild here it’s been as dull as ever…however January is nearly over and with that comes February and a whole new world of possibilities! Haha! I’m still sticking to black for the time being though. Baby steps…one at a time.


Black cardigan from BikBok, leather skirt from Penneys, boots from Office and necklace from H&M.

]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:56 GMT Elements Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/elements/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/elements/#id:191#date:23:16 Howdy. This is one of my most favourite outfits. It’s nothing special to look at, I know. However each individual element plays a huge role in my wardrobe and when I wear them all at the one time I just feel…I don’t know…good. These suede and leather boots are incredibly comfortable, I can’t take them off! The necklace brightens up any outfit and my mood too.The knitted jumper is perfect with skirts, dresses and jeans…I love it so much I bought it in taupe too. I think it’s important to feel comfortable in your clothes. As someone once said, ‘wear the clothes, don’t let them wear you’. Not enough people have heard this! I’m really enjoying getting dressed these days…is that weird? But I finally feel like I have a good capsule wardrobe to pull from now. I’ve rid my wardrobe of every novelty and ill-fitting piece!

My little sister headed off to Edinburgh last week for university, so I’m lost for a make up model :-( I was trying to think up some new ideas for the blog to replace the tutorials when I realised I had the perfect idea! I’m in my final year studying History of Art and Architecture in Trinity and for my thesis I’m focusing on 20th century fashion. Mostly it’s Elsa Schiaparelli, her fashion and art but through my research I’ve been reading so much fashion history. So, I thought I’d share some fashion history posts every now and then for some diversity. Stay tuned!


Knitted jumper from H&M, Uniqlo jeans, boots from Office.

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:16 GMT New Beginnings Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/new_beginnings/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/new_beginnings/#id:189#date:22:19 Well it’s Friday 13th and what better day to have your first post of 2012! Ok, so I haven’t really stuck to my new year’s resolutions so far blogging-wise, but with my finals and a thesis looming I’m not gonna be too hard on myself. I had a wonderful Christmas spending time with family and friends. Stockholm was just what the doctor ordered too. I found a few good bargains in the sale (photos to follow). Here’s what I wore on new years eve. I’m seriously addicted to this leather skirt. I only brought that and a pair of jeans with me and I could make up so many outfits with so little. Leather naturally lends itself to versatility! Have a good weekend guys!


Leather skirt and top from Penneys, boots from Office and Chanel Rouge Allure lippie.

]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:19 GMT Warm Winter Make Up Tutorial Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/warm_winter_make_up_tutorial/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/warm_winter_make_up_tutorial/#id:188#date:17:14 Gott Nytt År from Stockholm! (Happy New Year!) Here’s a nice make up video that’s just as good for day and night. I’ll be wearing it tonight. I’ve lemon chicken on the pan, roasted veg in the oven and a lemon and basil mojito in my hand. What else could one ask for? I’m off for now…see you in 2012!


MAC NW25 mineral foundation, Rimmel pressed powder, Cheek of it highlighter, MAC cockney lipstick and eyeshadow in Down Brown, L’Oreal Mascara and Urban decay eyeliner.

Watch video on Soooali ]]> Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:14 GMT Merry Christmas! Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/fur/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/fur/#id:186#date:17:08 I’ve been a bad blogger, I know. But there’s a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes!! I’ve been wearing this outfit a lot over the last couple of weeks. I guess it’s a twist on the heritage trend somewhat. I’m currently packing for Stockholm, I’m heading off tomorrow and I can’t contain my excitement! I’ll be sure to keep more up to date on my travels!


Fur waistcoat from TK Maxx, Gina Tricot jeans, boots from H&M and bag from Warehouse.

]]> Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:08 GMT Bundled Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/scarf/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/scarf/#id:187#date:17:09 I’m getting so lazy with my outfits these days. The colder weather means we’re wrapped up in a jacket 90% of the time, so most days my mindset it, why bother? However there is a reason to give a damn. If I put even the tiniest bit of effort into my clothes, I feel better in myself and my whole mood is lifted completely! Plus, as the years roll on I’m becoming an expert at cheating! I use coloured scarves and tights to inject life into my otherwise boring outfits. Now that’s not too difficult, is it? It’s cheap and still highly effective. I’m working on a new look for Soooali in the new year, so instead of regular blogging I’ve been putting more of my energy into that. It’s quite exciting actually. I feel like the site has changed a lot in the last two years and I want the look of the site to reflect that. Don’t worry, nothing will be too drastic!


Scarf and cardigan from H&M, Dress from a boutique I forget the name of! Tights from M&S and shoes from Office.

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:09 GMT Red Robin Martin McKenna http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/red_robin/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/red_robin/#id:185#date:03:18 After the last post, I decided to inject a little but of colour into my life! I got these cute moccasins which were reduced in Penneys. In fact, I actually got two pairs! They have really cheered me up. I love how clothes can do that, for me anyway. I haven’t done one bit of Christmas shopping yet. I’m mostly giving homemade gifts. I think it’ll be the best Christmas yet! Now it’s time to make some pepparkakor, Swedish ginger bread. It’s delicious! Don’t forget to ollow me on Twitter and Like me on Facebook to get daily Christmas cheer from my Soooali advent calendar.

Jumper and shorts and necklace from H&M, and moccasins from Penneys.

]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:18 GMT Leather Up Martin McKenna http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/leather_up/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/leather_up/#id:184#date:15:02 I love leather. Who doesn’t? It’s quite versatile and since texture is my fashion buzz word this season, it fits in perfectly. I like to keep my look simple when using leather; black, grey and white are the only colours allowed. Leather is a great for daytime and night time. It can take a bit of bling too. I think this is going to be my go to outfit over Christmas! I’ve been wrapping up assignments for college and getting ready for out annual art exhibition, so I’m really looking forward to blogging more frequently again. Look out for a couple of Christmassy things which will be coming soon. Also, if you want a little treat everyday, I’m running a Soooali advent calendar on Twitter and Facebook. Each day I will post a cute little picture to keep the spirits up! Follow me on Twitter or Like me on Facebook to join in the Christmas cheer!

Leather skirt and clutch from Penneys, black ballet top from Topshop, shoes from Killiwatch in Paris.

]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:02 GMT Purr… Ali http://www.soooali.com/index.php/blog/post/purr/ http://www.soooali.com/index.php/index/blog/purr/#id:183#date:07:05 The Parisian weather was so strange. The day we arrived it was so warm that I only needed a jumper. But by the time we left, a couple of days later, was so cold I was convinced that it was going to snow! Needless to say, I was so happy to have my trusty faux fur on hand. I inherited this from my Mom’s friend a few years ago and can’t let it go, it’s just got me written all over it! This week has been so nice. My sister is home from London and I hadn’t seen her in months, so it’s been nice to have some family time. I’m kinda feeling Christmassy already…is that illegal?!

And by the way, on Thursday there’s a little surprise coming over on Facebook, so get liking Soooali so you don’t miss a thing!


Vintage faux fur, cable knit jumper and chunky necklace fro H&M, Zara skirt and Topshop shoes.

]]> Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:05 GMT