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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 2, 2023

Layered in Leather

Leather, you guys. For FALL. No sh-, right? Hear me out…

This one’s a recurrent trend from years’ past, but rightfully so. Aside from the obvious chic du jour factor, leather separates are actually quite versatile — and an appealing choice for your cold-weather wardrobe, at that.

The tricky part with leather, though, is styling. Pop quiz: Faux-leather leggings? Go with a girly blouse. Leather jacket? D, all of the above (items in your closet).

Easy, right? But the question that struck me as I was wandering up and down the racks of designer discount finds at T.J.Maxx was: What exactly do you wear with a faux-leather mini skirt?

I mean, of course there are options that’ll score you free cocktails for the night, but that’s a road less traveled for me. (The good ‘ol days! Spring Break circa 200-…. Not telling.)

After my statement suede jacket, this was one of the first pieces I scooped up during my #Maxxinista wardrobe revamp. There were a lot of trendy options in-store and online, but I ultimately went with an textured leather mini because it’s easy to dress up for work or down for the weekend. (And I already have a pleated A-line skirt.)

If you’re unsure how to wear this trend, my suggestion is to tone down the skirt’s inherent hauteness (and up the cool-girl vibe) by pairing it with booties and a basic tee – a look that’s ideal for a low-key cocktail party. A polished piece like a prim, silky blouse translates to daytime perfection, too.

*More outfit details/styling ideas: Faux-leather jacket, printed t-shirt

**
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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19 comments

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures on October 2, 2023 at 8:58 am

I am obsessed with that jacket!

Reply
Emily on October 2, 2023 at 9:42 am

Cuuute! I’m all about leather for fall. Now all I need is a leather skirt!
Isn’t That Charming.

Reply
Kodi on October 2, 2023 at 10:22 am

Look at you with that bold lip! Hotness! And of course the skirt is great — thinking I need something similar for shooting weddings this fall.
-Kodi
grey et al

Reply
Heidi on October 2, 2023 at 11:01 am

That leather skirt is anything but basic! Love it. I seriously cannot get the Rolling Stones out of my head because that lips teeshirt reminds me of John Pasche’s work. Leather + Rolling Stones = always a good time!

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

Reply
Rebecca {at} Preppy Panache on October 2, 2023 at 11:42 am

I think your oz look bag convinced me to keep the RM one I found at TJ Maxx over the weekend.

Rebecca {at} Preppy Panache

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michelle on October 2, 2023 at 11:55 am

the only leather items i own are bags. not even boots anymore, i destroyed mine last year. i think i need to change that. i have seen a few leather items that are amazing this season!

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Brenna on October 2, 2023 at 12:33 pm

Hello sassy, sparkling lip t-shirt! Love it. Also digging the leather on leather look. You wear it well, Hallie.

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Jackie {York Avenue} on October 2, 2023 at 12:49 pm

Great styling job! I would NOT know how to wear a skirt like that. A t-shirt looks perfect to tone it down.

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Katie {Pearls and Twirls} on October 2, 2023 at 1:21 pm

Loving this look on you Hallie, especially the red lip! You look gorg! And I’m loving all the leather TJ Maxx finds I’m seeing! Looks like I need to stop in soon!

xx
http://www.pearlsandtwirls.net

Reply
Brittany Sampson on October 2, 2023 at 2:01 pm

I am love love loving that skirt. I won’t like I tend to stick to leather in top ie, leather jacket and leather sleeved cardigans but this skirt may just change my mind. Stylish as always.

Xo
Brittany

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Nikki on October 2, 2023 at 3:16 pm

Love the way you styled the leather skirt! Leather skirt + tee + booties is one of my favorite looks! Now I must find a leather skirt…

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

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Lauren @ Lake Shore Lady on October 2, 2023 at 5:35 pm

Love everything about this look!! The maroon bag and graphic shirt really brighten up all of the black- love it. So playful and fun!!
xo,
Lauren at http://www.lakeshorelady.com

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Andeea on October 2, 2023 at 10:07 pm

Great advice! I actually don’t own anything leather, or even faux leather. Wow, I just realized that lol. How sad! But I definitely will keep all this in mind. Love the way you styled your outfit. I’m especially loving your bag. The colour is perfect for Fall! Thanks for sharing
wearitbetter.com

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Hitha | Hitha On The Go on October 2, 2023 at 11:50 pm

Leather and statement lips FTW. You look great!

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Lauren on October 3, 2023 at 7:31 am

I recently purchased a faux leather pencil skirt, and I can’t wait to dress it down a bit for the weekend!

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Danielle on October 3, 2023 at 10:29 am

Listen to you, miss sassy! So glad you know that WE know that leather is where its at. Good thing you step it up a notch with your fab styling! Love it - and the hair is awesome. Definite inspiration for my new cut!

XOXO-
Danielle

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Niki on October 3, 2023 at 7:09 pm

I love the booties and tee idea! You are rocking the leather mini!

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Rachel on October 4, 2023 at 2:33 pm

Super cute! I love this jacket and skirt together!

Reply
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