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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 25, 2023

In-between

As mentioned yesterday, we’ve been perpetuating that in-between season here in New York.

In the morning on your walk to work, you’re freezing. Same goes following that after-work happy hour (though the wine sweater helps). In between, it’s actually quite nice.

So, how to approach your closet during the in-between season (and well into fall and winter)? Layer… DUH.

Old news, I know. But regardless, I think it’s worth repeating. And, hell, it’s really fun to style.

Like mixing prints, this can be a tricky trend to master, so for my final post with T.J.Maxx, I thought I’d touch on my favorite ways to layer (using some of the designer finds I found in-store to illustrate):

Leather: A texture that’s grown up this season, lending an edge to your more sophisticated silhouettes.
Lace: Sweetens up a tough girl vibe. Stick with low-maintenance frills to avoid looking overtly girly.
Faux fur: Always. Anything that makes you feel cozy when it’s cold is a do in my book.

Occasionally, I like to mix all of these things together to create depth and dimension — like I did today. (Yep, even a lace situation is happening- wink!). Screw that whole “everything in moderation,” thing.

On a final note, given it’s my last post in the series, I swear to you: T.J.Maxx strategically sets up their brick-and-mortars so that the beauty and holiday departments are near — no, IN — the check-out queue. Do you fall victim to them, too? I can never leave without a quick browse (and seasonally appropriate impulse purchase).

Note: If you have specific questions about the items I’m wearing, let me know in the comments below!

**
Photos taken by Jessica Sturdy

Expressing yourself through fashion, and knowing how to put together a great look—at great value, is what being a Maxxinista is all about. At T.J.Maxx you can score the unexpected to make your own personal style statement. Here’s to rockin’ your real deal.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by T.J.Maxx (a brand I love and shop often) via Glam Media.
The opinions here are mine, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that support corals + cognacs.

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25 comments

Trendy Mondays on October 25, 2023 at 12:39 pm

Layering is always a must here in San Francisco but especially in-between seasons! Love your fur vest!

Trendy Mondays - your online fashion destination for independent European designers

Reply
Heidi on October 25, 2023 at 12:40 pm

Are these the booties that Lydia got low for? Because I would get low for them!

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

Reply
Kimiko on October 25, 2023 at 12:54 pm

Hallie, I’m obsessed with your entire outfit! I would love to know where you got your amazing booties!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 25, 2023 at 1:36 pm
  
  Thanks, girlfriend! I found them at T.J.Maxx I’ll shoot you an e-mail with some similar links/the booties if I can find them. Talk soon!
  
  Reply
  - Kimiko on October 27, 2023 at 10:50 pm
    
    Yay! Can’t wait!
    
    Reply
Nikki on October 25, 2023 at 1:40 pm

Those booties… I have no words other than OMG I NEED THOSE LIKE YESTERDAY!!! They are beautiful. I love this whole outfit. You look fabulous.

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Reply
allie on October 25, 2023 at 3:58 pm

pssst.. you’re glowing in these pics, gal! question is, is it the weather or the wine? 😉

allie at alliewears.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 6, 2023 at 3:45 pm
  
  Hahaha, I’m just seeing your comment. The answer is wine, lady. The wine.
  
  Reply
Danielle on October 25, 2023 at 5:18 pm

Those booties are the deal. Need those.

Reply
Rebecca {at} Preppy Panache on October 26, 2023 at 4:15 pm

Um those booties. Need to know more.

Reply
Megan Zietz (@MeganFrugalista) on October 27, 2023 at 1:45 pm

love those booties!

xo, megan tfdiaries.com

Reply
Kelly in the City on October 27, 2023 at 4:40 pm

Layering is the BEST

Love this vest on you!!

<3

Kelly
kellyinthecity.com

Reply
Kodi on October 28, 2023 at 7:53 pm

I’ve been wanting a fur vest for this fall/winter — this post only makes me want one more! Definitely going to need to do some shopping.
-Kodi
grey et al

Reply
Whitney on October 28, 2023 at 9:04 pm

LOVE those shoes!

Reply
stefanie on October 29, 2023 at 9:36 am

can you let me know the name brand of those booties

Reply
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ali on November 3, 2023 at 1:53 pm

oh my goodness those boots! Been searching for the right pair and I think those are it!!!!

Reply
Victoria on November 4, 2023 at 10:30 pm

What are the brand of those ADORABLE booties!:)??

Reply
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Elizabeth on November 5, 2023 at 3:19 pm

What brand are your booties? They are awesome!

Reply
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mackenzie on February 4, 2024 at 4:05 pm

what is the brand of those amazing booties?!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on February 4, 2024 at 4:33 pm
  
  Hey, lady! They’re Rebecca Minkoff. x
  
  Reply

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