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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.

August 5, 2024

Mercy

After an indulgent weekend, I’m all about donning a dress that forgives.

More specifically, I’m talking about a no-fail fashion solution that hides your sins.

On any given day, that usually means I went all-in on a carb-loaded brunch, but this was after a particularly late night out. Or “early” would be a more appropriate term to use here, but I digress…

“The Ellen” dress is a recent sale find from my go-to boutique in the West Village, Otte. I’ve worn it a number of ways — belted and with a knotted t-shirt over top — but today (given the aforementioned indulgence) there was no question; the answer was free-flowing.

*Wearing: Ottedress, necklace c/o Capwell, Zara sandals, sunglasses from Polette.com, Michael Kors watch, C.Wonder bangles

Complete the look:

Photos taken by Jessica Sturdy

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

8 comments

Ellen on August 5, 2024 at 6:53 am

I really love this dress! I’m also pretty sure it is named after me due to the fact I have been overindulging like it’s my job.

Reply
Jessica on August 5, 2024 at 8:16 am

Such a great dress! Still determined to find that Ann Taylor one! xo

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Rose on August 5, 2024 at 10:45 am

LOVE this dress!!! So glad you bought one, after Pepperologie I’ve been lusting over it but other things keep draining my bank account (ahem, Zara sale). It looks fantastic on you!!

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Kayla on August 5, 2024 at 11:06 am

I love that dress-you are right, perfect for hiding all of your sins! Although I’m sure you have nothing to hide! : )

Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com

Reply
michelle on August 5, 2024 at 4:41 pm

love that dress! i ate horribly this weekend and could have used a dress like this today.

Reply
Candida on August 6, 2024 at 12:04 am

Amazing dress! I love the cutout in the back. Def could have used something similar this morning as I dressed for work. I may have eaten my weight in Twizzlers, M&M’s, and wine this weekend. Detox.
I wish I looked half as good, after my weekend of food debauchery. Get it girl!

xx
Candida
Merch Maven

Reply
dana on August 8, 2024 at 11:24 pm

loving that dress - so gorgeous!

The Casual Classic

Reply
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