corals + cognacs works with third-party affiliates and advertising companies to serve advertisers. These companies may use aggregated information (not including your name, address, email or telephone) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.
In addition, sometimes I'll share affiliate links of retailers that I personally support via Twitter or Facebook. If you click through an affiliate link when buying an item, I will be partially compensated for your purchase. You're under no obligation to click through via one of the links when shopping online, but, if you do, you'll be supporting my blog as well.
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.
Last week, I spoke at a benefit for Bottomless Closet (called Smart & Sexy Day) on behalf of The Women’s Alliance in honor of Women’s History Month.
… I know, that’s a mouthful — I hope you’ve had your coffee.
The event was aimed at helping low-income women prepare to re-enter the workforce. My role was to talk beauty basics, provide style tips and aid in boosting self-confidence so that those in attendance would walk away feeling self-assured, eager and employable. Or, on a more basic level – to encourage them look and feel their best.
Now, a story:
On the morning of March 13, I was ready. I’d spent the entire week prior preparing, I wasn’t late upon arrival at the venue and I even had time to iron my blouse. (All of these things are a rarity, admittedly — especially in tandem.)
As I sat, sipped my coffee and listened intently to the first presentation of the morning, I realized in horror that the entire hour was devoted to preaching and teaching a more traditional dressing route – neutral slacks, pantyhose, avoiding patterns, and absolutely “no colored shoes.”
The audience nodded intently. I gnawed on my cuticles.
Well, f-k. Guess what I was wearing?
This ensemble, but with black pants: A striped blazer, colorful floral blouse and — per usual — matching neon shoes. (I almost went with the outfit in today’s post, but changed my mind last-minute.)
This type of talk is to be expected, I suppose, but it was right before my speech. Me, the “Tryer of Trends” and resident Fashion Blogger. Accordingly, I’m a walking “Don’t!”
I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I couldn’t ramble off my agenda of print-mixing and preach the art of a subtle statement shoe. And my gut wasn’t telling me anything but the fact that I should’ve eased up on the pastry buffet.
I stood up, made my way to the podium, grabbed the mic and tossed my speech in the trash.
“Hi, I’m Hallie. And I have a lot of explaining to do,” I began. They laughed.
The next 30 minutes transformed into dialogue — a discussion on how today’s slow-to-rebound economy can prove difficult for all of us. Combine that with not having the right outfit to make a great first impression at an interview and it can create impossibly paralyzing barriers. (This is why Bottomless Closet is such a fantastic organization!)
I was surprised at how seemingly foundational the questions being asked were.
“How do I wear make-up?” One woman (with pretty porcelain skin) said.
“I hate my eyelashes,” said another. “And can I wear color?”
As I stood in front of these women and swallowed back anxiety over my own personal image issues, it dawned on me that there’s a deeper business of beauty and confidence that we hadn’t yet tapped into.
You can’t apply beauty. It’s not something you buy or acquire or consume – it’s something you have to be. You can’t rely on your style or your looks to sustain you — what’s fundamentally beautiful is grace and compassion for yourself and those around you.
I know it’s super-cheesy and you’ve heard it before in some way or another, but that’s what hugs the heart, fills your soul and validates your external beauty.
Poise. Compassion. Grace. And a healthy side of sass (comma, bitches!).
//
Thank you to TWA and Bottomless Closet for having me last week. Want to know my own personal take-away that goes beyond beauty? Whether it’s a 30-minute speech or life in general, sometimes it’s best to go it unscripted.
*Wearing: The Limited blazer (40% off with code FASHION), Cynthia Rowley blouse, Express pants (styled here and here). Topshop pumps (similar), BaubleBar necklace | *Beauty: YSL Rogue Volupte lipstick in Rose Opera (#29), NARS blush in Love Joy, Benefit Gimme Brow
What a wonderful experience for you! I’m sure all of the women at the event were inspired! Thanks for sharing!
-Meg http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com
I love that you abandoned your speech and just went with the dialogue from your heart. As a former public speaker, I know this is extremely difficult and courageous-so my hat’s off to you, girl!
Time and time again you write some of my favorite all-around posts. Your voice and style is so simple yet exquisite, and I can always count on great grammatical flow (which is such a plus, you have no idea). While I wouldn’t even mind if you droned on and on, your posts are succinct but descriptive, full of attitude and humor. Love it as always.
You’re awesome. I love how you had the courage to go completely off script and actually engage with these women! I’ve been involved with dress for success in the past and it seems like a very similar cause. Love it!
I graduated at such a miserable time (2010) and I remember trying desperately to be myself yet fit the corporate mold which is ironically what inspired my blog post today. I’m so thankful that I survived those couple years after school and am now back to my confident self! You’re right, beauty (and style) is definitely more than makeup and clothes.
Thanks, Jen! I really admire Dress for Success — and your involvement in it! Such a wonderful cause (and very similar, yes). Thanks for sharing my link, too! x
Beautiful post Hallie. I’m already terrified of public speaking so I don’t think I would have had the courage to go off script like you did! If there was a recording of your speech, I’d love to hear it because it sounds like it was amazing 🙂
Thank you Nnenna! I’m with you — it can be really intimidating to speak in front of people. You just have to take a deep breath and remember that they asked you there for a reason. : )
Ugh, why can’t I live in NYC so that we can be friends? I love your fashion sense, your writing style and (perhaps most of all) your unrelenting realness despite working in an industry that’s all about the superficial. Kudos on being part of such an empowering event.
Um ya ok… Guess who is now CRYING into her tuna salad? I know this was earlier in the year, but I saw you tweet it and am SO glad I clicked. Speaking at a women’s retreat this weekend (on my usual style/confidence soapbox) and just needed this kick in the pants to wrap up my conclusion with honesty and heart. Thank you SO much for sharing (and re-sharing), sweet friend. 🙂 Love knowing that we’re on the same page - with confidence AND neon-colored shoes! XOXO
Such an important message! Thanks for sharing this experience,
xx,
Kristi
Love this story - and love you. An inspiration, a mentor, and a good friend. Your beauty is inside and out, Hal. xo
Um, #cryingatmydesk. Miss you, Kate!
What a wonderful experience for you! I’m sure all of the women at the event were inspired! Thanks for sharing!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com
I love that you abandoned your speech and just went with the dialogue from your heart. As a former public speaker, I know this is extremely difficult and courageous-so my hat’s off to you, girl!
Glad you shared this–I wish I could have heard your speech, because it sounds amazing!
A healthy side of sass… I have that covered! Loved this post lady… “you can’t apply beauty”, but you can learn confidence. Colored shoes or not!
xx
Here&Now
Enter my current giveaway!
You and me both! ; )
Time and time again you write some of my favorite all-around posts. Your voice and style is so simple yet exquisite, and I can always count on great grammatical flow (which is such a plus, you have no idea). While I wouldn’t even mind if you droned on and on, your posts are succinct but descriptive, full of attitude and humor. Love it as always.
You have no idea how much that feedback means to me, Danielle. Thank you so much (from one grammar whore to another). Happy Friday! x
Aww I admire you even more Hallie! So inspiring! Sending lots of virtual hugs! And you look fab here as always! MUAH! : )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
You’re awesome. I love how you had the courage to go completely off script and actually engage with these women! I’ve been involved with dress for success in the past and it seems like a very similar cause. Love it!
I graduated at such a miserable time (2010) and I remember trying desperately to be myself yet fit the corporate mold which is ironically what inspired my blog post today. I’m so thankful that I survived those couple years after school and am now back to my confident self! You’re right, beauty (and style) is definitely more than makeup and clothes.
xx, jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Thanks, Jen! I really admire Dress for Success — and your involvement in it! Such a wonderful cause (and very similar, yes). Thanks for sharing my link, too! x
Awesome story!
Beautiful post Hallie. I’m already terrified of public speaking so I don’t think I would have had the courage to go off script like you did! If there was a recording of your speech, I’d love to hear it because it sounds like it was amazing 🙂
Thank you Nnenna! I’m with you — it can be really intimidating to speak in front of people. You just have to take a deep breath and remember that they asked you there for a reason. : )
Pingback: friday favorites | Comfortably Chic
Love this mint + army green combo!
The Style Scribe
Ugh, why can’t I live in NYC so that we can be friends? I love your fashion sense, your writing style and (perhaps most of all) your unrelenting realness despite working in an industry that’s all about the superficial. Kudos on being part of such an empowering event.
Pingback: (Still) Layered | corals + cognacs
Um ya ok… Guess who is now CRYING into her tuna salad? I know this was earlier in the year, but I saw you tweet it and am SO glad I clicked. Speaking at a women’s retreat this weekend (on my usual style/confidence soapbox) and just needed this kick in the pants to wrap up my conclusion with honesty and heart. Thank you SO much for sharing (and re-sharing), sweet friend. 🙂 Love knowing that we’re on the same page - with confidence AND neon-colored shoes! XOXO
Pingback: My SoulCycle Journey | @coralsncognacs
Pingback: Link Love, Vol. 71 - corals + cognacs
Pingback: Why Your Clothes Need Woolite Darks Degergent