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You, my readers, and overall editorial integrity are the two most important aspects of corals + cognacs. Know that I will always retain 100% control over the content on corals + cognacs, all opinions are that of my own, and that I will always disclose to you the items for which I have been paid and/or gifted.

Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!

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.

January 15, 2024

Distressed Denim: My Perfect Pair of Boyfriend Jeans

For awhile now, I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of distressed denim. I’m not sure when the hunt for boyfriend jeans became a “thing” for me, but I’ve been carrying a mental checklist of my ideal combination of wash, fit and fray for quite some time.

Okay, let’s back up for a sec. There are a few things I’d like to accomplish in today’s post. Namely…

Formally introduce you (Alexander Wang) Rockie. Though you Instagram’ers have already met him — twice.
Discuss the re-birth of boyfriend jeans as a wardrobe staple.
Whine how purposefully wearing a vintage white tee over a black bra will garner you lots of questions from co-workers.

alexander wang rockie, alexander wang orange rocco, alexander wang rockie bag coral

As mentioned, boyfriend jeans aren’t typically my go-to wardrobe staple.

I’m not sure what’s caused the recent change of heart… Perhaps it’s the fact that Rachel Bilson has always looked so effortlessly stylish (and comfortable) in them. Either way, there’s something that screams off-duty model that’s transfixed me into a woman obsessed over finding ways to make the low-slung style work on my petite frame.

After awhile, I finally found Joe’s Jeans Vintage Reserve. These skinny boyfriend jeans have a just the right amount of heavy distressing, which makes them easy to style for work or for weekends. Instant classic in my closet.

Personally, I think vintage-style skinnies look best with a plain white tee and minimal accessories. It’s an outfit that works when it’s kept low maintenance and informal (hence my well-worn, semi-sheer shirt aesthetic), but I decided to go for a slightly chic’er vibe, smartening up my Joe’s with a sapphire crystal bracelet, matching Pour La Victoire wedges and an Alexander Wang Rockie duffel.

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pour la victoire shows

*Wearing: Zara tee | sapphire crystal bracelet and gold chain-link bracelet c/o t+j designs (discount code below) |
Vintage Reserve Joe’s boyfriend jeans | Pour La Victoire Mai wedges |Alexander Wang Rockie duffel Lastly, I’ve been a long-time fan of t+j Designs, founded by two fashion-minded sisters (and friends of mine), Tiffany and Jen. I was first introduced via the Today Show when I saw an ad for (and I purchased) Love necklace. Most pieces are well less than $100 — including the sapphire blue crystal bracelet and gold textured chain-link bracelet I’m wearing.

Click on over to shop t+j’s affordable jewelry finds. Comment below and let me know your favorites!

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21 comments

lisa on January 15, 2024 at 11:17 am

Love the jeans and the bag! and pretty much everything about this outfit

Reply
Amanda Weiss on January 15, 2024 at 10:39 am

Ok. I am not sure where to start with what I love-because honestly, I am drooling over this whole look! The BAG (OMG) the extra pop from the shoes (OMG) and those perfect jeans! I just ordered a pair of bf jeans and this is a total outfit inspiration for SURE!

<3 <3 <3
Amanda
FashionableeMe

Reply
The Wearist on January 15, 2024 at 11:24 am

I love how your Wang matches the detour sign, it’s almost like you’re redirecting traffic to your amazeballs bag. I am more than jelly girlfran!

xoTaylor

Reply
Lauren on January 15, 2024 at 1:02 pm

LOVE that bag and your blue shoes! i just got blue loafer flats today at marshalls and i think ill style them the same way!

-Lauren
http://www.prettypiecesblog.com

Reply
Eleanor @ Sequins & Sass on January 15, 2024 at 2:55 pm

Absolutely LOVING this outfit!

xx, Eleanor

Reply
Lexi @ Glitter, Inc. on January 15, 2024 at 3:11 pm

I can 100% relate! I am endlessly looking for the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans, though I’m still not completely satisfied. I have too much booty for most of them. And your Wang bag is gorgeous!
Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.

Reply
- Piper Alexander on January 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm
  
  Lexi, I just picked up a pair of boyfriend skinnies from JCP that fit great (and I know about too much booty). They’re by a.n.a., in case you’re interested.
  
  Reply
Liz @ Foodies And Booties on January 15, 2024 at 4:14 pm

Those jeans look amazing on you and do look like the perfect staple!!

Also, I mean, I just love this look in general. Very laid back, but at the same time, fashionable. Love!!

And the sapphire bracelet, well, it just has my name written all over it

Reply
Amy on January 15, 2024 at 4:10 pm

I love your new bag and those shoes! I feel the same way about boyfriend jeans. No luck yet!

Reply
Lia ~ Smart n Snazzy on January 15, 2024 at 4:58 pm

Okay, so this is just the best outfit. So comfy yet chic, pulled together but effortless… I could go on and on. Those wedges are to die for, and the duffle too. Love it all, Hallie!
xx
Lia
http://www.smartnsnazzy.com

Reply
lyddiegal on January 15, 2024 at 9:59 pm

those jeans look great on you! why can’t i find a good pair of BF jeans??
Love your bag as well, sooo gorgeous!

Reply
Emily on January 15, 2024 at 11:20 pm

Absolutely adorable! I love those shoes and how you paired this whole outfit together. And, love the shots of Chicago, I need to do that for my outfit posts!
Isn’t That Charming.

Reply
sara on January 15, 2024 at 11:10 pm

love alex and your blue suede wedges. but i got to say i live literally a block from where you took these pics and how are you not freezing!? jk style must shine even in cold weather

Reply
Christine on January 16, 2024 at 12:23 am

Loveeee your blue and orange, lady!

Christine In Color

Reply
Rachel on January 16, 2024 at 3:17 pm

You look gorgeous and I love the blue wedges!

Reply
Caitlin Wilson on January 16, 2024 at 8:15 pm

Dang, girl. Your Alexander Wang duffle is to die for!!

And I’m right there with you; I liked the idea of boyfriend jeans, but I never liked them on me. However, I found a pair from Gap that I really loved, and now I want to wear them every day.

Caitlin
re-mix-her.tumblr.com

Reply
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Jessica on January 18, 2024 at 4:56 pm

Rockie is a friggen BABE!

Reply
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