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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.
Phew! It’s been a busy, busy week on this end, friends…
I moved (apartments) yesterday, which has kept me pretty preoccupied… Granted, it’s been a nice change of pace. It’s also why content has been on the slow side over here this week, so sorry ’bout that.
But beyond the fact that I’m currently buried in boxes, I’ve got one word to describe my routine the last week: Lighter.
I imagine it’s the turn of the seasons and spring truly approaching on the horizon, but quite simply: I’ve felt a shift in my energy lately. It’s left me feeling a lot more energized, lighter and overall happier. Does the same thing happen to you?
(Upon further investigation, this directional shift is actually scientific. For all of us! It has direct correlations to the energy in nature: In spring, for example, winter’s dormancy ends and that spirited, vibrant energy in us re-emerges. Ever felt like you’ve had a case of warm-weather ADD? Case-in-point.)
Overseas, of the things I remember marveling over is how simple and relaxed everything is — whether we’re talking street style, rush hour or even just a dinner reservation. Typically, you can spot an American by paying attention to (1) who has their phone on the table and/or (2) who is flagging down the waiter in a rush.
… To further illustrate this thought:
By far, the most popular footwear in Paris was — and is — Stan Smith sneakers. Super simple, bright white, no fluff. They’re everywhere! On guys, girls, kids and adults alike… Worn with dresses, jeans, skirts — you name it.
Do you have a pair yet? I LOVE them.
I actually tried to purchase a pair of these pre-trip, but they’ve been sold out everywhere so I had to wait until we got back.
Upon arrival, I haven’t taken them off. (Really.) In fact, I think I’m going to get the navy and white pair, too… Athleisure is my daily uniform, after all.
Since I had such a hard time hunting mine down, here’s a few places you can find Stan Smith sneakers (and as an FYI, I would suggest sizing down a half-size):
For today, I’m sticking to those low-key Parisian style vibes, styling my sneakers with my all-time favorite pair of white jeans (that are spill-proof) and a cropped leather jacket I found on sale in Le Marais. I’ve never owned a good leather jacket before (Zara or Blank NYC all the way), but this one was worth it.
Hair: Styled with Living Proof thickening cream Foundation: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in ‘Natural’
Lipstick: NARS velvet matte lip pencil in ‘Never Say Never’
Mascara: bareMinerals volumizing mascara
Eyeliner: Mac Liquidlast eyeliner Setting powder: Laura Mercier
I’m always on the lookout for comfortable, yet stylish sneakers, and I love these! They’re so versatile and I would absolutely love the navy and white pair!
I’ve been absolutely LIVING in my Adidas since I got them and I definitely wished I had sized down a full size because they are roomy!
I’ve been buying every pair of sneakers I see, it’s actually becoming a problem. These classics might be next on the list!
Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com
Love the spill proof white jeans!
emily
http://www.deltachic.com
Congrats on the new place! I love the crisp black and white - this outfit works so well.
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
That jacket is everything. I’m loving the sneaker trend.. I no longer feel super lame when trying to go for comfort!
xx Annie
http://www.successonstilettos.com
I’m always on the lookout for comfortable, yet stylish sneakers, and I love these! They’re so versatile and I would absolutely love the navy and white pair!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com