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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.
I like to party. I just do. You know? Especially in the company of good people, and I’ve been lucky to find a lot of them in New York City.
On one particular night when Jess and I had a few cocktails, we got to chatting and the conversation turned to blogging, as it often does. Ten minutes later (which is really, like, 10 seconds in martini time) we were really adamant about changing the name of corals + cognacs.
Dead-set, actually.
The inspiration? Not many people can pronounce (or spell) my name. Like, almost no one. Haley, Hailey, Holly… You name it. [For the record, it’s Hallie — pronounced Hal-ly. Like Halle Berry. A phrase I may or may not feel the need to shout over loud music in crowded bars. And thanks, lovely reader, if that’s what you’ve been thinkin’ in your head all along!]
At any rate, back to that one night: We stumbled along in our stilettos to the first bar we could find with wifi to both research and purchase the domain name we’d so brilliantly concepted: “That’s Not My Name.”
So incredibly brilliant, right? Wrong… So wrong.
Thankfully, the domain wasn’t available. Which is not shocking.
I’m not sure where the unwavering idea came from, but boy, were we certain that a handful of vodka sodas had rightfully changed the course of any and all success of c+c.
For the time being, I wouldn’t change my brand. Or I’d certainly ask you guys first-and-foremost. “corals + cognacs” is very significant to me for reasons I can’t quite articulate, but that’s not the point of today’s post…
As they say, living your life will only inspire your work.
I don’t think this is an instance that “they” were referring to, but it’s kinda relevant. Right?
As of lately, there’s been a few exciting opportunities in my life that have resulted in a bit of writer’s block. And by writer’s block, I mean I (crazy fun) late nights and (rather awful) subsequent hangovers.
My friend and fellow blogger Hilary Rushford taught me the notion of creating seasons for our lives (at last year’s Pepperologie): Some seasons, you may be passionately enthralled in your work, blogging or hobby. In another, your priorities shift to places and people — saying yes, going out more, et cetera.
This type of mindset has taught me to listen to my gut and alleviate the stress of constantly feeling overwhelmed by the expectations I project onto myself — like putting up a blog post five times per week, answering every. single. e-mail. in my inbox, or feeling guilted into happy hour requests. You’re nodding, aren’t you? Do you think the notion of seasons is relevant to your lifestyle?
For now, I’m in a season of living. A season of not digitally enslaving myself. Of making good memories, not good choices. But, don’t worry, I’m gonna blog about it… Some of it. The PG-13 stuff.
haha well I’m happy you didn’t change the name, as I love it. I like the idea of splitting your life into seasons. Although I’m not quite sure on what season I am right now lol, but I think we can all share that feeling of being overwhelmed but hey that’s life I guess. You look great love the white jeans
I feel you, lady! Sometimes it’s an in-between-season type of situation. Or maybe one of self-reflection and channeling focus. I wouldn’t feel the need to define it *too* much — it just kinda happens and one day you realize that’s the “season,” you’re in… If that makes sense. x
I think you’re absolutely right and I love Hilary’s idea of seasons. Things happen in life that take up our attention and then things happen that should take up our attention. We can’t feel guilty if we give more attention or less attention to certain things because moderation is key, sometimes you’ve got to put more time and effort into something else in order to stay happy. And you can throw down a little non-PG13 stuff and no one would complain!
I was one of those people nodding reading about the seasons! It’s so true and I love the idea behind it. It definitely makes you feel less guilty when you’re not as passionate about something 100% of the time. Also, I love the head-to-toe black and white on you!
Good for you for your living your life to the fullest, because that is what living is truly all about! Love your outfit! You’re so brave for wearing white pants — I’d spill something on them before I even got out the door!
This black one is the medium — I use it as my everyday bag (it fits my computer, which is really my biggest thing). The large holds a bit more, but doesn’t come with a shoulder strap!
Thanks! I really want the shoulder strap because it helps when carrying around your laptop all the time (my forearm goes numb after a while). Thanks! I’m dying to get one and I just sold my KS leopard beau bag and think this will be a great replacement.
Ok one more follow up since you’re the only one I know who has both the large and the medium. The large now comes with a shoulder strap, would it be your go-to bag? I have a 13″ macbook pro and I don’t want that to be the only thing that fits into the bag.
I just freaking love you. period.
This post resonates with me so well because everyone thinks my name is Lucy.. which is understandable.. I mean it is called lovelucygirl.. but that’s my dog’s name.. haha. I’m not sure that anyone would understand why I named my blog after my dog but I get it and it’s cute and catchy, right? Okay.. we’ll just go with that.
Anyway.. it’s SO awkward when I get “Hi Lucy,” emails.. I mean I DO have an about me section..
Please keep us updated on your crazy fun life - LOVE reading about it and you look fab as always! HUGS!
ha, i always wonder if I’ll ever get a “hi rigby” email since my blog is named after my dog too. If that day ever comes I’ll probably just laugh and roll my eyes.
I’m so surprise people don’t say your name right - I had been reading it in my head properly and it seems so obvious! Bonus points for me! People mess up my name all the time too (it’s Annick). I’ve heard Anneek, Ahhhnick, Monique, Annette, Ainnick, Annika,… and just no, it’s Ah! Nick! I can’t really blame anyone though, it is French. So I hear ya on this one!
I’m loving this black and white look - simplicity at its best! <3
Thank you for writing this!!! The pressure I put on myself to be connected is the worst part- because it takes away from enjoying the real life things to do. I like this approach.
Girl (or Halley, Holly, Hale….) your stories are awesome! I hear ya though on the living life part and making memories. Actually LIVING my life and being “digitally ensalved” or pressured is something I constantly struggle with. I mean, I love both aspects or “seasons” as you put it, but eventually something’s got to give and you’ve got to find the right balance. Well, kudos to you chica!
haha well I’m happy you didn’t change the name, as I love it. I like the idea of splitting your life into seasons. Although I’m not quite sure on what season I am right now lol, but I think we can all share that feeling of being overwhelmed but hey that’s life I guess. You look great love the white jeans
I feel you, lady! Sometimes it’s an in-between-season type of situation. Or maybe one of self-reflection and channeling focus. I wouldn’t feel the need to define it *too* much — it just kinda happens and one day you realize that’s the “season,” you’re in… If that makes sense. x
I think you’re absolutely right and I love Hilary’s idea of seasons. Things happen in life that take up our attention and then things happen that should take up our attention. We can’t feel guilty if we give more attention or less attention to certain things because moderation is key, sometimes you’ve got to put more time and effort into something else in order to stay happy. And you can throw down a little non-PG13 stuff and no one would complain!
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
Love the idea of seasons! Speaking of, when is spring gonna arrive?! PS I totally sympathize with the name mispronunciation thing - ugh!
You are seriously hilarious. People confuse my name ALL the time - DANA turns into Donna, Dahna, and Dan. (UM WHAT?!). People are so silly.
Also. Yes to the mimosa. Mimosas…then dirty martinis. Sounds perfect to me.
Pink Champagne Problems
Wait, really? Dana?! People are crazy.
I was one of those people nodding reading about the seasons! It’s so true and I love the idea behind it. It definitely makes you feel less guilty when you’re not as passionate about something 100% of the time. Also, I love the head-to-toe black and white on you!
Good for you for your living your life to the fullest, because that is what living is truly all about! Love your outfit! You’re so brave for wearing white pants — I’d spill something on them before I even got out the door!
http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Haha, definitely have to rule out ketchup/salsa on days in which there are white pants. And limit myself to champagne/white wine, ha!
Sort of off topic, but what size is your pashli?
This black one is the medium — I use it as my everyday bag (it fits my computer, which is really my biggest thing). The large holds a bit more, but doesn’t come with a shoulder strap!
Thanks! I really want the shoulder strap because it helps when carrying around your laptop all the time (my forearm goes numb after a while). Thanks! I’m dying to get one and I just sold my KS leopard beau bag and think this will be a great replacement.
Haha, I understand your forearm woes. Good luck & happy shopping!
Ok one more follow up since you’re the only one I know who has both the large and the medium. The large now comes with a shoulder strap, would it be your go-to bag? I have a 13″ macbook pro and I don’t want that to be the only thing that fits into the bag.
I just freaking love you. period.
This post resonates with me so well because everyone thinks my name is Lucy.. which is understandable.. I mean it is called lovelucygirl.. but that’s my dog’s name.. haha. I’m not sure that anyone would understand why I named my blog after my dog but I get it and it’s cute and catchy, right? Okay.. we’ll just go with that.
Anyway.. it’s SO awkward when I get “Hi Lucy,” emails.. I mean I DO have an about me section..
Please keep us updated on your crazy fun life - LOVE reading about it and you look fab as always! HUGS!
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Haha - the feeling is mutual! And poor Lucy, I bet she feels the same! ; )
ha, i always wonder if I’ll ever get a “hi rigby” email since my blog is named after my dog too. If that day ever comes I’ll probably just laugh and roll my eyes.
xo. jenn @ hello, rigby!
yes, totally agree. I will say sometimes I feel like I have weeks over seasons!
Totally. Me too! I think when summer rolls around, though, weeks will turn into months… Nothing better than drinks al fresco!
I’m so surprise people don’t say your name right - I had been reading it in my head properly and it seems so obvious! Bonus points for me! People mess up my name all the time too (it’s Annick). I’ve heard Anneek, Ahhhnick, Monique, Annette, Ainnick, Annika,… and just no, it’s Ah! Nick! I can’t really blame anyone though, it is French. So I hear ya on this one!
I’m loving this black and white look - simplicity at its best! <3
Bold Subtlety
Oh, girl. I can’t even begin to imagine, hahaha!
And yes, bonus points for you — I’ve been saying your name correctly, too, which I’m so glad about. Holla!
Creating seasons! I love that, so liberating. Promptly sending this post around to my friends.
Thank you for writing this!!! The pressure I put on myself to be connected is the worst part- because it takes away from enjoying the real life things to do. I like this approach.
Girl (or Halley, Holly, Hale….) your stories are awesome! I hear ya though on the living life part and making memories. Actually LIVING my life and being “digitally ensalved” or pressured is something I constantly struggle with. I mean, I love both aspects or “seasons” as you put it, but eventually something’s got to give and you’ve got to find the right balance. Well, kudos to you chica!
Totally, such is the life of a digital strategist/social media marketer. I know you feel my pain! Hope all is going great with you, Midwestern girl.
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Got your outfit in my StyleUp today & you are officially my new favorite blogger. Can’t believe I hadn’t seen your looks before!
Great story and I love the idea of ‘seasons’ of our lives - so true! A mimosa sounds fabulous right about now..
xx,
Kristi
p.s. my Starbucks name is “Lola” because it sounds sexier than Kristi
You winnnnnn. Lola is SO much better than Helen. I need to change/upgrade mine, STAT!
Hallie, your blog convinces me that I’m a New Yorker at heart. Keep on doing what you’re doing… I’ll follow your blog with any name you choose!
Oh mah gaw… THAT’S how you pronounce it?!?!?!? 😉
You’re adorable. And you do a great job of keeping up with everything! Because of your writing, your blog is one of my favorites to read!
xx
Because I’m Obsessed
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