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Hi, nice to meet you.
I'm Hallie, a Midwest native, New York City transplant and the mind behind corals + cognacs. If you're looking for an online destination for stylish inspiration and musings on Manhattan living, you've come to the right place.
Here's a bit more about me (and if you'd like to keep in touch, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook).
I hope you enjoy reading corals + cognacs as much as I enjoy writing it.
FAQ //LOCATION: New York, New York •BY WAY OF: The Midwest (Cleveland/Chicago) •HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Attainable, trendy and fun. I’m constantly wearing unexpected pairings – like statement pumps and a graphic tee. •FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? The vintage Gucci clutch I thrifted for $40. •ANY OBSESSIONS? I like my coffee black, my heels high and my martinis dirty. •GUILTY PLEASURES? Complex carbohydrates and shoe shopping -- both in excess. (And SoulCycle, as a result.)
ARE YOU A FULL-TIME BLOGGER? No, I work as a Development Manager and Contributing Editor at Glam.com. •WHY DID YOU START YOUR BLOG? I've spent nearly seven years on the corporate grind, where sartorial humor and an expertly crafted color-block can get lost in the boardroom. As a result, I decided to create a blog -- a space where I’d hoped my writing, styling and excessive shoe collection would be better comprehended. •WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Living stylish and spontaneously in New York City – and beyond. I aim to inspire others to have fun with fashion and to live lightheartedly •HOW’D YOU THINK OF THE NAME? To be honest, the name just came to me. I’m a big color-blocker and a sucker for alliteration in writing. It just fit. •WHAT’S THE CORRECT WAY TO WRITE IT? corals + cognacs.
HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT? corals and cone-yaks. •WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE? A Canon T3i with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. •DON’T YOU FEEL WEIRD TAKING PHOTOS OF YOURSELF? Absolutely. Everyone looks at me like I’m insane – especially when it’s cold. Wouldn’t you? •DO YOU WORK WITH ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS? Yep! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk. •HOW ELSE CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH? On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kicking off the week with a little photo diary of sorts, to wrap up my recent trip to the Bahamas.
Believe it or not, I only packed a carry-on. (If you recall from my four-week trip throughout Asia last year, I never check my bag!) The ability to do this all boils down to a few key pieces, which I’ll share the deets on today.
Soludos is one of my favorite warm-weather shoe brands, and Zappos always has an expansive array of their shoes (and sizes) on the site. (Side-note, Soludos’ prices are so good. The shoes I’m wearing are only $36!)
… And because one can never pack too many shoes, I brought these espadrilles, too. I’ll be wearing both pairs all spring and summer!
If you’ve never been to Atlantis, it’s a beautiful, expansive resort situated on Paradise Island, which is less than an hour from Nassau airport.
My family and I spent much of our time on the beach and in the “Cove” area of the resort, as it has a strict “no children” policy (which is probably best, given the pool-side bars and gambling tables).
My kind of place!
All-in-all, the week in which we were there was a hilarious mix of honeymooners, vacationers and high school spring breakers — and in case you weren’t aware, the drinking age is 18 in the Bahamas…. Hot mess express, ya’ll. Hot. Mess. Express.
Were we that big of shitshows when we were teenagers? I seriously hope not.
Anywho:
As a result, one of my favorite parts of the trip was a chartered sailboat trip, where we spent an afternoon away from the crowds and out on the water.
It was raining on various parts of the island that day (but hot-and-sunny in random pockets, if you can picture that), so a loose, open-weave stitch sweater, white shorts (and the one-piece, natch) served as the perfect layering pieces for the day.
Once that rosé kicked in, though, all bets (and layers) were off.
///
When we weren’t water-logged, three of the pieces I wore most regularly on our trip were a sheer dress from Ella Moss, this pretty pink Yumi Kim romper and a printed shell from Lilly Pulitzer.
I think I somewhat over-ambitiously packed only bright colors and bold prints (beyond that black one-piece, that is).
Really, though, who can blame me? It’s been a long winter and beachy chic was the name of the game.
I agree with Amy! I can’t believe you managed to pull together such cute outfits by only packing a carry on. I seriously have to up my packing game. That pink romper is to die for and that casual sweater & shorts look is quite possibly my favorite look from your photo diary! xo jen
LOVING this post! I’m in the throws of planning my honeymoon and all I want to do is buy bright-colored swimwear, dresses and rompers I can wear. Thanks for the style inspo!
So good! Your boat look was amazing! Looked like such a fun trip. I haven’t been to the Bahamas since I was 7 (where I got yelled at for sitting on my dad’s lap at the slot machine) 😉
(Side-note: The links above contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you click on them and buy something. Just wanted to be transparent!)
LOVE the romper look! I am repeatedly going back and forth on whether I want to add one to my closet… maybe it just takes finding the “right” romper. Do you mind sharing what lippie shade you are wearing?
I’m so impressed that you managed those incred outfits with just a carry on! And that pink romper, oh my!
I agree with Amy! I can’t believe you managed to pull together such cute outfits by only packing a carry on. I seriously have to up my packing game. That pink romper is to die for and that casual sweater & shorts look is quite possibly my favorite look from your photo diary! xo jen
Cutie! You are such a carry-on only inspiration
LOVING this post! I’m in the throws of planning my honeymoon and all I want to do is buy bright-colored swimwear, dresses and rompers I can wear. Thanks for the style inspo!
Aw, so fun! Where are you heading?
So good! Your boat look was amazing! Looked like such a fun trip. I haven’t been to the Bahamas since I was 7 (where I got yelled at for sitting on my dad’s lap at the slot machine) 😉
Pink Champagne Problems
Do you have a favorite carry on bag? I’m looking to get one for my trip to Mexico in a few weeks!
Yes! I like the brand Delsey — their hard-top luggage, mainly.
Here’s a few styles: http://bit.ly/1F6p3bl
Here’s the newest version of the one that I have: http://bit.ly/1DENsVx
This one is also really cute (and functional): http://bit.ly/1Gh1kWg
(Side-note: The links above contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you click on them and buy something. Just wanted to be transparent!)
LOVE the romper look! I am repeatedly going back and forth on whether I want to add one to my closet… maybe it just takes finding the “right” romper. Do you mind sharing what lippie shade you are wearing?
Of course! It’s actually a drug store find — Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color stick in Bright Berry: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/moisturesmooth+color+stick.do?sortby=ourPicks
thanks! **adds to payday shopping list**
you’re putting such great karma into the world these days. love your energy and vibe.
So beautiful!! I especially love that romper. You look so happy and you’re glowing! Loving the pictures
Love the romper!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Love vacationing in the Caribbean! You look fabulous in all of your pics - hope you had a wonderful time with your family.
Audrey | http://www.keygypsy.com
LOVE that fringe skirt!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Sounds like you had an amazing trip! I love everything you packed, especially that romper!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
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You look fab and I am now totally jonesin’ for an island getaway!
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