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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.

October 24, 2023

Newsflash

For today’s post, I started concepting (writing) about fall. And, you know, fashion… Until I slammed hard into a wall of writer’s block. How freakin’ original, Hallie?

I was walking through Madison Square Park on my way to work when it hit me.

Hands-down, the most hilarious thing about this time of year is how we endlessly worship fall in the form of piping hot bevvies, pumpkin-centric photos, wistful Twitter updates and constant conversation about how this season is just your absolute most favorite season ever.

Newsflash: It’s kind of, like, everyone’s favorite… Isn’t it? But before you cast me off as a heartless non-lover of seasons, let me clarify…

Of course I love fall. I do!

It’s just, to me, fall is more of a picturesque and pleasantly tempered climate that lasts for a few weeks — between an unbearably hot-and-humid summer and the frosty chill of a dark winter. When I can wear skinny jeans, open-toe pumps and no jacket, like so. A few weeks! Ugh. I may be slightly jaded having lived in Chicago for six years. (It snowed there this week; didn’t it, guys?)

So, mine is just more of an introverted obsession. You’re done judging me, right?

I digress… Don’t mind me, girlfriends. Please proceed: Place your hot drink orders, cozy up in your chunky knits and filter the hell out of your pumpkin-packed Instagrams. Regardless of whether or not I’m doing the same thing, you’ve got my double-tap for the sake of social support. (And hey, maybe you’ll rub off on me.)

*Wearing: Theyskens Theory top (also styled here), AG skinny jeans, Zara sandals, Alexander Wang bag (also styled here), BaubleBar galactic necklace, Tory Burch sunglasses

**
Photos taken by Jessica Sturdy

15 comments

Amy Weber (@thenewladytimes) on October 24, 2023 at 6:26 am

Whether you are freakin’ original or not Hallie - we still love you! I really want that bag, except I wouldn’t be able to use it this week, cause well, ya know…

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 24, 2023 at 9:36 am
  
  Hahaha, too funny. I hear you, girl. I hear you. : )
  
  Reply
ppfgirl on October 24, 2023 at 6:57 am

Everytime I see this top, I fall a little more in love with it - the volume of the sleeves makes me crazy (in the best way possible)!

Reply
Heidi on October 24, 2023 at 7:30 am

Fall should be a permanent season. The end. There’s just a crispness in the air that is exhilarating and unlike a frigid winter day you can actually run around and enjoy the weather.

And I’m in love with that necklace. Also the end.

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

Reply
Lauren Nolan (@lakeshore_lady) on October 24, 2023 at 9:49 am

I totally agree with you- I love fall but it’s almost over in Chicago already! High of 42 the other day? Haha that’s a little colder than I would like…

xo,
Lauren

Reply
Rose on October 24, 2023 at 9:56 am

THANK YOU for voicing this-I feel like Im the only person in the world (especially the fashion world, and definitely in girl world) who isn’t all “OMG, fall-the best season ever! Leaves! Pumpkins! Sweaters! Strolls in the park! Hot chocolate and lattes!”. Give me late spring and alllllll summer over fall any. day. Fall barely really exists in the form that everyone worships so much, because by the time the leaves really turn, it’s freezing, or it gets super hot again and you’re sweating in layers, and then of course winter is here smacking you in the face repeatedly for five months on end. I much prefer when the grass gets green and the trees grow leaves to anything else!

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Baubles to Bubbles on October 24, 2023 at 11:22 am

Totally agree with you regarding fall! I feel like it only lasts a week or two before it’s painfully cold for the next few months. In Ohio, it already feels like winter. I fall in LOVE with that top each time you wear it, by the way!
PS- I commented on your post yesterday that I didn’t know Halloween was this weekend. Turns out, Halloween ISN’T this weekend, which further proves my post-college celebrations are nonexistent!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 24, 2023 at 11:42 am
  
  Hahaha, I didn’t even pick up on that. I originally thought it was next, too, because of the day the holiday falls on!
  
  A friend of mine (who lives in Ohio) sent me a photo yesterday… Her CAR had SNOW on it in the morning! Not okay!
  
  Reply
Nikki on October 24, 2023 at 3:08 pm

I am an open lover of fall. Luckily in the south I feel it lasts longer because we have fairly mild winters, but it takes FOREVER to get here. It is still in the low 70s here. And I am OK with that! And I really love that shirt.

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Reply
Marissa on October 24, 2023 at 3:48 pm

Hahaha, I am crying at this post. So perfect! Fall happens to, dare I say… NOT be my favorite! I’m a sucker for summer - give me those 150 degree temps any day.

Oh and I’m so obsessed with this outfit. That sweatshirt is beyond. xxx

Reply
- Marissa on October 24, 2023 at 3:48 pm
  
  shirt/sweatshirt..?! either way.
  
  Reply
Kiri on October 24, 2023 at 5:41 pm

It’s so interesting to hear you write about the cooler weather… Oh how I long for that. In Australia we’re having steamers - really hot days and wind. Plus all the fires at the moment! I love your outfit and the clear bag! I had my eye on a Burberry one but I just felt like I would reveal too much to the outside world with it.

X
Kiri
http://www.fashionblender.com.au/blog
http://www.facebook.com/FashionBlender

Reply
Stephanie (Glam Slam!) on October 24, 2023 at 8:19 pm

No worries, you’re not the only one who’s noticed the obsession people seem to have with fall. I mean….If I hear one more thing about pumpkin spiced…..LOL! Oh, and by the way,you look fantastic! I LOOOVE that top! it’s so chic and fierce - too bad it’s out of stock!

Reply
Theodora on October 27, 2023 at 9:56 pm

I am NOT Team Fall. I am Team Sundress, and the cool weather makes me sad to pack my bright sundresses away.

Reply
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