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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.

December 12, 2023

#VVeryMerry and Matchbook Magazine

Late last month, I headed uptown with Jess, Carly and Mackenzie for a #VVeryMerry holiday party for Vineyard Vines and Matchbook Magazine.

Admittedly, I hadn’t paid much attention to Vineyard Vines prior to this year. And unless your style is pretty preppy (like my lovely party counterparts), you might not have either.

That said, imagine my surprise when a friend re-introduced me to the brand in early 2013 and I ended up utterly swooning over the array of paisley, stripes and plaid. (What’s not to love?)

Was it the clothes themselves? How they were styled? Maybe it was those preppy bow-tie ridden boys. I meaaan!

sequin-blazer-and-dress
A renewed appreciation for Vineyard Vines has helped me see that while the brand is indeed a preppy one, the aesthetic has evolved over time into a subtle sort of preppiness that anyone can work into their wardrobe – including me, whose style personality is that of a chameleon.

During last month’s shoot with Matchbook Magazine, I totally fell for VV’s holiday collection. To me, it felt festive, trendier and more grown-up, while remaining reminiscent of their signature Nantucket aesthetic.

Here are some photos from the spread:

On-set, I loved the challenge of styling VV’s lattice-embroidered Carolyn dress with my own style twists. I stayed true to my downtown aesthetic by wearing it with my go-to Phillip Lim boots. I upped the ante on the festive factor by borrowing Jessica’s sequined blazer. (She wore the skirt version with a plaid top, see the full outfit here.)

Ever since, the cotton-velvet dress has been my perfect holiday party companion. The all-over embroidery, thick texture and back bow detail make it particularly fitting for a festive gathering.

Come warmer weather (in, like, six months), I’ll be working VV’s boat-print dresses, shorts and tanks into my spring wardrobe. In the meantime, I’ll be picturing myself poolside in the Hamptons (or better yet, on the beach in Thailand next week). Wink.