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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.

February 26, 2024

Suitcase Diaries: Three Key Pieces

When you’re living out of a suitcase, sometimes the easiest way to get dressed is to simply pair your three favorite pieces together…

Tomorrow’s the big day; I can’t believe I’m moving to New York!

I was particularly productive over the weekend: I shipped my out-of-season shoes and such home, donated a lot to the American Red Cross and successfully purged my jewelry collection. For the next month, now, I have just two suitcases to survive on, which should make for an interesting batch of outfit posts.

My recent recipe for an easy, wear-anywhere outfit entails this chunky sweater, my boyfriend jeans and a pair of statement pumps. They’ll be in heavy rotation when we hit the ground running in NYC!

*Wearing: Zara chunky sweater | Joe’s boyfriend jeans, Alice + Olivia pumps |
Prada sunglasses | thrifted Gucci clutch (and here’s the story behind that)

Photos: Lisa

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22 comments

Amber - Real Girl Glam on February 26, 2024 at 6:41 am

I absolutely love looks like this (with basic pieces and then something ‘wow’). It’s a perfect way to dress when you can’t have a lot and you still look fabulous! Glad to hear things went well in preparation for your move. Hope things continue to go smoothly!

Reply
Alyssa on February 26, 2024 at 9:24 am

Congrats on your big move…that’s SO exciting! I’m loving the red heels–perfect way to enter NYC

Reply
Rebecca on February 26, 2024 at 9:42 am

Good luck with your move! Hope you found a fab place to not be homeless in And I’m really enjoying your boyfriend jeans. I love the Joe’s ones too!

Reply
Lauren on February 26, 2024 at 10:52 am

Those shoes!! Oh my goodness they are fabulous! Such a simple yet cute outfit with great details!

xo Lauren

Reply
viv on February 26, 2024 at 11:08 am

So excited for your move!!!

Reply
Liz @ Foodies And Booties on February 26, 2024 at 12:10 pm

I heart chunky sweaters!!

Good luck on your move!!!

Reply
Jessica on February 26, 2024 at 12:13 pm

You’ve always got my closet, girl

I really love this casual outfit … The pops of red are fab! I’ve been on a major red kick lately..

Reply
Lisa on February 26, 2024 at 12:15 pm

Congrats on your move! Great look too… love slouchy sweater. I can relate as I am preparing to move to NYC the beginning of June (from Seattle) so a lot of planning to do as well. I hope all goes well for you and you keep us updated!

Reply
Nnenna on February 26, 2024 at 12:39 pm

I love your shoes- so fun! Best of luck with your move tomorrow!

Reply
Lia ~ Smart n Snazzy on February 26, 2024 at 12:48 pm

Love this fashion formula! Such a great look, and so excited for your big move!
xx
Lia
Smart n Snazzy

Reply
Piper Alexander on February 26, 2024 at 3:26 pm

Question: Where do you suppose your donations would end up? I’m going to assume you donated a bunch of good stuff!

Also, I love this outfit.

Reply
Christine on February 26, 2024 at 11:30 pm

Those shoes are amazing! Looking forward to new outfit posts with those You’ll get creative with the limited options. Happy moving, lady!

Christine In Color

Reply
Lisa on February 26, 2024 at 11:46 pm

These photos are perfect. The outfit choice goes SO WELL with the backdrop on the ledge!! Those shoes <3 You're going to make such a statement in NYC.

Reply
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Artur Nash on March 29, 2024 at 4:02 am

Gorgeous sexy outfit,sexy sweater tight jeans and sexy hot got to be at least a six inch heel ,Love those sexy pointy stilettos on you’re gorgeous bare feet,showing you’re sexy toe cleavage & high arches,absolutely stunning !

Reply
Artur Nash on March 29, 2024 at 7:26 am

Lovely sweater and sexy tight jeans and those sexy pointy six inch stiletto heels on you’re gorgeous bare feet,showing sexy toe cleavage & high arches,absolutely stunning !

Reply
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