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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.
Earlier this month month, I hopped on the subway (flats on; heels in-hand, natch) and headed downtown to chat with Cynthia Vincent, one of my favorite contemporary ‘Merican designers.
We met at her flagship boutique in Nolita (253 Elizabeth St.) — an utterly ethereal space with a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Once in-store, I was greeted with an array of leather-sleeve sweaters, feminine silhouettes and eclectic, boho patterns. Each piece, I noted, would be wearable for nearly any event on the calendar (including my upcoming trip to Thailand, which I plan to spend exclusively in kaftans).
After I was able to reel in my mental fashion frenzy, Cynthia and I sat down to chat about jet-setting, cocktails and her most recent Resort collection. Read on and get acquainted with the beauty (and brains) behind the brand, Twelfth Street.
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Hallie Wilson (HW): Your designs are perfect for the girl-on-the-go – and for any event on her calendar.
Cynthia Vincent (CV): Yes! I think a woman looks her most sexy when she’s comfortable. For me, it’s about how you feel great in what you’re wearing.
HW: What’s your interpretation of the Twelfth Street Girl?
CV: She’s boho – even if just in spirit. It’s more about the mindset – she loves fashion and trends but isn’t consumed by either of them.
HW: Totally – every piece is stylish, but functional. Tell us about this year’s Resort collection.
CV: I’m really embodying [LA] now, embracing what’s in my backyard. It’s about a mindset – you can put on a dress and take yourself away or be present and feel that boho spirit.
HW: Speaking of which, any dream vacations or exciting travel on the horizon?
CV: We’re going to Sweden and Switzerland this winter. We were just in Tulum, which is sort of my getaway. I love to travel, whether real or imagined. Although this summer was all about the staycation.
HW: And what do you do on your staycations?
CV: Redecorate! I bring all of my stuff so that I feel at home – you’d laugh. My pillows, blankets and so on. We invite friends for lunches and dinners. They bring the food so I don’t have to do anything but host – it’s fun, easy and I still felt like I was on vacation.
HW: What else did you do this summer?
CV: We had a rollerskating party! I took the team and gave prizes for the best outfit.
HW: So fun! Okay, it’s cocktail hour and we’re buying. What’ll it be?
CV: Ooh – I like a rendition of the Moscow mule. I love citrus and ginger, but I add real lime and hard-pressed ginger to give mine a contemporary twist.
HW: Just like you do in your designs.
CV: Exactly! It’s how I approach life
HW: Okay, last question. If you had to choose: New York or LA?
CV: Do I have to?
This post was originally published on my column for Glam.com.
Click on over to read the full interview with Cynthia Vincent.
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Click below to shop my favorite Twelfth Street separates:
Love this interview! I’m a fan of any designer who says they make clothes for people who aren’t consumed by trends. You distract Cynthia by stealing some clothes and I’ll try to smuggle that couch out of her store. Totally doable.
Love this interview! I’m a fan of any designer who says they make clothes for people who aren’t consumed by trends. You distract Cynthia by stealing some clothes and I’ll try to smuggle that couch out of her store. Totally doable.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com