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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.

October 4, 2023

Halloween Costume Ideas: Animal Instincts

Halloween is fast approaching, and as a tried-and-true trendsetter, I’m sure you’re planning to be out on your city’s scene soaking up the insanity. So, that begs the question: What the heck are you going to wear?

The best thing about this hallowed holiday is the free wardrobe reign we can adopt rights to for an evening. I mean, when else can you rightfully justify purchasing an oversized leopard-print jacket? Or, as I did last year for the ever-creative costuming of Pocahontas, mid-calf fringe Minnetonka boots.

Consider it an excuse to show some skin or to bundle up in a faux-furry ensemble, but whatever your prerogative, go (ahem) wild.
Halloween Costume Inspiration: More Animal Instincts

Pretty in Leopard Print: ASOS Coat / Topshop Chiffon Blouse / Leopard-print Leggings / Steve Madden Booties / J.Crew Edie Bag

Halloween Costume Inspiration: Even More Animal Instincts

Chicly Masculine: AKIRA Husky Hat / Topshop Dress / Lace-up Loafers / Vintage Eyewear / NARS Burn It Blue Eyeshadow Palette

Halloween Costume Inspiration: Animal Instincts

Simplicity with Dalmatian Print: Knitted Dalmatian Top (left) / / Moschino Cheap + Chic Blouse (right) / Leggings ($12!) / DD&G Dogtag / Modcloth Accessories / Tassle Bag / Similar Loafers

For a more budget-friendly way to concoct your costume, take the ideas from this post and find pieces in your wardrobe that work, borrow what you’re missing from a friend, and hit the consignment shops. While it can be fun to add themed apparel to your wardrobe, there’s no reason to break the bank for a costume if you’ll only wear it once!

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6 comments

Fashion By Alicia on October 4, 2023 at 3:51 pm

Great ideas! I am not sure what I am going to be yet this year, but I definitely like these suggestions.

Reply
Megan, The Frugalista Diaries on October 4, 2023 at 5:18 pm

great ideas! I need to figure out 4 costumes this year…guess I'll be sewing a lot…

Reply
Goody on October 4, 2023 at 7:16 pm

fun ideas, although i just usually purchase one, i love the creativity

Reply
dressupsandmessups on October 4, 2023 at 9:45 pm

Those are cuuuute. I think I'm going to be a unicorn. All white outfit with a handmade glittery horn placed on a headband.

<3 Rachel

Reply
LR {sixtwelveplace} on October 4, 2023 at 11:01 pm

Love the dalmation!

Reply
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