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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.
There are two themes to today’s post: (1) gratitude and (2) friendship.
You also have two chances to win these gorgeous handbags – details at the bottom of this post.
GRATITUDE.
During the holidays especially, I aim to make a more conscious effort to be present during and grateful for the meaningful moments in my life.
This is a conversation that Jessica and I have often.
Because we work and blog full-time, life can become one big spiral of hustling, writing, e-mailing, editing and so on. As a result, sometimes we both forget to sit back, unplug and say thanks — most importantly, to readers like you who support and inspire us to push forward on five hours of sleep every day. (Gimme six and I’m mother f’ing Beyonce.)
FRIENDSHIP.
Post-college, it’s hard to find girlfriends. Like, really good ones. You know? Especially in a city of 10 million people and in an industry that can seem, at times, incredibly cut-throat.
Hands down, my favorite perk of being a blogger is meeting and making genuine friends who push you to see things (including yourself) in a different way. The ones who come to know your drink order, your shoe size, how you take your coffee, and your unfortunate drunk food routine — among many other things.
… I cannever run for President.
If you’re lucky enough to have one of these types of women in life, hold on to ’em.
Okay, I promise we’re getting to the good part.
Lydia did a fantastic job capturing our friendship in these photos — and the funny thing is, we aren’t posing. We don’t always skip through Madison Square Park arm-in-arm, but figuratively, that’s how we tend to approach blogging and life in general.
Instead of going the competitive route, Jessica and I leverage our unique personal tastes and points of view to collaborate — which is why it was a no-brainer when Joelle Hawkens asked us both to style up a giveaway for one of her fab bags. Friendship, gratitude — two birds, one stone.
If you haven’t heard of Joelle Hawkens, here’s your cliff notes version: She’s a handbag designer that hits all the high notes – think affordable luxury in a vibrant array of hues and custom, distinctive hardware.
Joelle’s entire collection is a series of must-have modern classics that’ll go with anything in your wardrobe — I’ve been wearing mine on repeat.
That said, here are details on how to enter to win your own Joelle Hawkens handbag (if you have questions, leave ’em in the comments, please) — just click the form below:
Logistics: Contest ends Friday, 12/6 at midnight EST. One winner will be selected randomly on coralsandcognacs.com (to win my blue bag); another via bowsandsequins.com (to win her gray bag). US only (apologies). Good luck!
Thanks, Andi - Lydia did an awesome job. And shooting photos with a friend is so much more fun/less boring than doing it solo! There may be more of these types of posts to come… ; )
You two are both right! It is difficult to find adult friends. Throw in moving cities into the mix and it’s damn near impossible! I’m happy you two found each other (man that sounds creepy, but it wasn’t meant to sound creepy!).
Bahaha, don’t worry - we’re aware of the creep factor ourselves. And I know you can relate RE the blogosphere! Hope you ha a great Thanksgiving, Heidi. 🙂
Thank you, Justine! That means a lot to me. And I love seeing Chicago through the lens of your blog! Next time I’m “home”/in town, we’ll grab a ‘tini or two.
LOVE these pics of you two, so cute!
Thanks, Andi - Lydia did an awesome job. And shooting photos with a friend is so much more fun/less boring than doing it solo! There may be more of these types of posts to come… ; )
So true! Being competitive gets your nowhere! You two ladies are fabulous!
xxo
Thanks, girlfriend. Glad you agree - good luck in this week’s giveaway!
You two are both right! It is difficult to find adult friends. Throw in moving cities into the mix and it’s damn near impossible! I’m happy you two found each other (man that sounds creepy, but it wasn’t meant to sound creepy!).
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
Bahaha, don’t worry - we’re aware of the creep factor ourselves. And I know you can relate RE the blogosphere! Hope you ha a great Thanksgiving, Heidi. 🙂
You guys are too cute! I love this.
xo, Lindsey
http://www.caviartaste.com
Such a great post! Making friends as an adult in NYC is definitely tough, but I think that makes those great friendships all the more important!
Awesome giveaway! Love that bag and your outfits!
~Ashleigh {Dazzle by Day}
http://www.dazzlebyday.com
Keeping my fingers crossed to win either here or on Jessica’s blog
Working + blogging full time is so hard- I’m not sure how some people do it! I try (key word- try!) Love these bags- entered!
You too look so happy together! Love the bag since I saw Jessica wear in a few posts ago! Quick question: is the contest open to Canadians as well?
I think it’s just US, unfortunately, but let me triple-check and get back to you!
Hi there, lady! I just checked and this giveaway is open to Canada as well. Good luck! x
Really love this post, a nice reminder on cherishing your frienships!
You two are adorable!
Love your style. I am a fan of yours on FB. Would love a new bag. =) Happy Holidays!
Yall are SO cute! LOOVEEE that blue faux fur!
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Such a great post, Hallie! I love reading your blog! xo Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Justine! That means a lot to me. And I love seeing Chicago through the lens of your blog! Next time I’m “home”/in town, we’ll grab a ‘tini or two.
Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving!
You two are so cute! I love your genuine friendship- something that everyone should have a chance at in life. Keep doing what you are doing, guys!
Xo
Sloane
you girls are so cute and this post brought such a smile to my face! lucky to count you both among my friends! xx
Friendships are important and it’s true… Hard to keep and make post college. Cute post about you and Jessica, Hal 🙂
Perhaps that’s partially because the friends you meet in college are truly one-of-a-kind… : ) I miss you, Kate!
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