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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.
Over the past week, I’ve teamed up with Marc Jacobs (via Glam) on a fun, collaborative Instagram project to showcase a few of my favorite spaces and places in New York City. It was in celebration of his new perfume, Marc Jacobs Honey.
I’m still a tourist in my own right having lived here just seven months — seems longer, no? — but I do have my go-tos when the occasion calls. That said, here’s a few hot spots that I’ve been buzzing about. (See what I did there?!)
Dine // Lafayette: I don’t care what you order — because everything is so, so good — but make sure you get a side-order of brussel sprouts. And this is one resto you should not skimp on that fresh-baked bread basket!
Wine // Chateau Cherbuliez: Ah, my after-work hide-out. While it’s warm, at least. Chateau is a scenic outdoor biergarten in an incredible location. Admittedly, I’ve never had great wait service, but beggars can’t be choosers when you’re seeking a cozy, tucked-away nook in the heart of Manhattan. May I suggest a glass of prosecco, $1 oysters (happy hour) and soft pretzel sticks?
Sake // Blue Ribbon Sushi: This one needs to be next on your list — seriously. Come for the colorful chunks of fresh fish over hot-and-sticky rice, stay for the lychee martini (because they’re open late). And, okay, the green tea creme brûlée.
Shop // OTTE: An undeniable fixture in the New York City shopping scene. Here, you’ll find you’ll a meticulously curated mix of some of the most coveted brands – from Wang to Carven and Kenzo. Plus, the dollar sign on OTTE’s own signature line is right.
Splurge // Brush: New York has a shitload of hair salons per capita, and as a result, I have a hard time remaining loyal to a stylist. (Seriously, how bad can you really go with brunette?) That is to say, until I found Yuli at Brush — she does the best balayage highlights. Maybe ever. Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you say yes to that glass of wine they’re offering you before 3 p.m.
Explore // Brooklyn Heights Park: If you have an afternoon to kill and you’re not intimated by the subway, I’d highly recommend this park. It’s a stretch of land with (arguably) the best views of the city, the Brooklyn Bridgeand the Manhattan Bridge. If your feet are up to it, you can walk the Brooklyn Bridge to get here, too.
If you’re planning a trip to New York (LuckyFABB, anyone?), feel free to ask more questions about my favorite New York City spots in the comments below.
If you want a sweet-smelling perfume for your Manhattan jaunts and want to check out Marc Jacobs Honey, I’d suggest Sephora. I swear, those department store perfume counter peeps can sniff out my shopaholic tendencies. The fragrance has sweet, energetic notes of pear and mandarin, but its vanilla and honey undertones give it a warmth that’s perfect for fall. Sign me up!
Lastly, here’s a few more spots around town you can often find me at — for… Coffee: La Colombe, Pushcart /Brunch: Preserve24, Peels / Mediterranean food: Jack’s Wife Freda / Mexican food: La Palapa, La Esquina / Pizza: Numero 28 / Burgers:The Spotted Pig / Sweets: Momofuku, 16 Handles / Drinks: Bar Veloce, Wilfie & Nell / Late-night: Boom Boom Room, Los Feliz, Hotel Chantelle /Fitness: SoulCycle / Champagne at 6 a.m.: Wherever this is.
Honey by Marc Jacobs is a sunny delicious floral – energetic and alluring, with a sparkling, golden touch. The perfect mix of brightness and warmth. The fragrance energizes with the freshness of green pear brightened with a splash of fruity punch and juicy mandarin. At the heart of the fragrance is orange blossom, a note of sparkling femininity that mingles with nectars of honeysuckle and peach. Honey, vanilla, and smooth woods dry down to a warm, golden base.
Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by COTY via Glam Media, but the opinions (and referrals) in this post are my own, as always.
Thanks for supporting the brands that make c+c possible!
I am so smitten with these photos of NYC! I have never had time to come and just explore the city/enjoy it… I think a trip needs to be high on my priority list! I did my faves of West LA today, its fun when you reflect on the past year of living in a new city and get to highlight some favorite spots!
What perfect timing! I’m heading to NYC on Friday. Blue Ribbon Sushi was already on the list, and we have reservations for Saturday brunch at Lafayette. Any more particular favorites at these two//tips in general? Thanks!
You are making me insanely miss NYC!!! I need to plan a trip back soon. All your pictures are gorgeous and I love how they capture the small things about New York that make it so amazing to those who live there. - Katy
So excited for you, Jennie! Please feel free to email me (use the contact form at the top of my site) if you’d like additional suggestions. Enjoy the city!
Thanks, girl! Perhaps I’m biased, but I think you should do it… And stay awhile, make that long flight worth it! I have many hotel recommendations, too. : )
Annnnnd now I want to hop on the next plane to NYC so I can stuff my face at all those restaurants. Carefree, AZ(seriously, that’s a place!) and Charleston are my next destinations — hopefully New York next year! Wish my hubby had more vacation time. And perhaps that we had a budget that allowed monthly flights to new places? Oh, to dream!
-Kodi
Whoa, Carefree? Really? Adding it to my list. I’ve never been to Charleston either — adding that one, too! Yes, hopefully you can make it to NYC sometime soon. And I’m always here for recommendations when that trip comes! x
I am so smitten with these photos of NYC! I have never had time to come and just explore the city/enjoy it… I think a trip needs to be high on my priority list! I did my faves of West LA today, its fun when you reflect on the past year of living in a new city and get to highlight some favorite spots!
xo,
Danielle
What perfect timing! I’m heading to NYC on Friday. Blue Ribbon Sushi was already on the list, and we have reservations for Saturday brunch at Lafayette. Any more particular favorites at these two//tips in general? Thanks!
mm… Lafayette. So good.
Let’s. Go. Back. Date night!
Why is everything you do so frickin’ brillant? I love the delivery of this!
You are making me insanely miss NYC!!! I need to plan a trip back soon. All your pictures are gorgeous and I love how they capture the small things about New York that make it so amazing to those who live there. - Katy
Thanks, girl - that’s so sweet! I’ve been trying to live like a local — so far so good, I guess. : )
Just went to Blue Ribbon Sushi over the weekend-so good! Blue Ribbon Bakery downtown is delish as well. I’m dying to try Lafayette, it sounds amazing.
Will have to add Blue Ribbon Bakery to my list. Thanks Jackie! And yes, Lafayette — BRUSSEL SPROUTS! Trust. x
Awesome post! Will be heading to NYC for my graduation present next year so will definitely be bookmarking some of these to visit 🙂 xoxo
Aw, yay! Congratulations to you, Ria. I’m sure there will be a few more obsessions that crop up in the meantime; I’ll be sure to share!
This list is great! I hope to tackle some of these eats & drinks on my upcoming visit to NYC.
Cheers!
Jennie
http://www.TheHappyHourTour.com
So excited for you, Jennie! Please feel free to email me (use the contact form at the top of my site) if you’d like additional suggestions. Enjoy the city!
Congrats on the team up. Love your photos and your tips! Makes me want to hop on a plane now and go back to NYC.
Especially for the lychee martini!!
X
K
http://www.fashionblender.com.au
Thanks, girl! Perhaps I’m biased, but I think you should do it… And stay awhile, make that long flight worth it! I have many hotel recommendations, too. : )
Annnnnd now I want to hop on the next plane to NYC so I can stuff my face at all those restaurants. Carefree, AZ(seriously, that’s a place!) and Charleston are my next destinations — hopefully New York next year! Wish my hubby had more vacation time. And perhaps that we had a budget that allowed monthly flights to new places? Oh, to dream!
-Kodi
Whoa, Carefree? Really? Adding it to my list. I’ve never been to Charleston either — adding that one, too! Yes, hopefully you can make it to NYC sometime soon. And I’m always here for recommendations when that trip comes! x
I went to Chateau on a date this summer. The guy was awful, but it’s such a cute, hidden gem!
Thanks for the suggestions! I will be in town for Lucky FABB and can’t wait to explore the city. I haven’t visited in years.
Enjoy! Wish I was joining you gals at LuckyFABB. Will be following along vicariously via social, though! Safe travels into the city.
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