The Fine Print

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.

May 6, 2024

Scuba

Every season, I strive to cleanse and equip my closet with the essential elements of a truly versatile wardrobe: clean, relaxed separates and iconic pieces that make for easy (read: lazy) dressing.

Every girl’s wardrobe should contain at least one fuss-free statement frock — and this streamlined, scuba dress is the one with which I’m playing favorites. (I’m having an geometric moment, it seems.)

I was recently introduced to Nicholas, an Australian brand known for effortless style and an understanding of the idea of easy-dressing.

It was over a late-night, wine-soaked perusal of Shobop’s annual Friends & Family sale — dangerous waters to charter, as you may also know from experience.

Long (and slightly hazy) story short, I fell hard for the designer’s unexpected color and print combinations, as well as the uncanny ability to share my perspective on the upcoming season. I’m all about a laid-back, minimalist sense of style that’s decidedly feminine for spring.

Dress season is finally here, and I plan to embrace it with cap-sleeved open arms, fluid silhouettes and spring-ready digital prints.

*Wearing: Nicholas dress (more styles here; love the skirt version), Tory Burch mini Robinson tote (sold out; similar here), Rachel Roy pumps | *Beauty: NARS matte lip pencil in “Never Say Never” & blush in “Love Joy”

//
Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

20 comments

Heidi on May 6, 2024 at 7:58 am

Love this dress! That baby can go anywhere.

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

Reply
katerina on May 6, 2024 at 8:11 am

There it is again, blue and red!And yet another great dress!

Reply
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl on May 6, 2024 at 8:55 am

That little mini bag is pure perfection! Love this look!

xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 6, 2024 at 3:49 pm
  
  And to think I almost returned it because it wasn’t practical… !
  
  Reply
Alyssa on May 6, 2024 at 9:06 am

I could 100 percent never pull this off, but you look incredible! I love the colors in the print, too.

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 8, 2024 at 1:03 am
  
  I disagree… : )
  
  Reply
Kayla on May 6, 2024 at 10:07 am

OBSESSED with this dress!!
You look fantastic!

Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com

Reply
shortisthenewblack on May 6, 2024 at 12:14 pm

You look awesome in this dress! Love this color on you!

Reply
wockyjabber on May 6, 2024 at 12:14 pm

Holy crap. I love this dress. It looks awesome on you. Gold star!!!

Reply
Meagan on May 6, 2024 at 12:34 pm

This dress is perfection!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com

Reply
Casey on May 6, 2024 at 12:39 pm

That teeny tiny bag is so stinking cute. Such a beautiful dress.

Reply
comfortablyychic on May 6, 2024 at 12:51 pm

This dress is amazing!

xo, jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com

Reply
Baubles to Bubbles on May 6, 2024 at 1:33 pm

I fell in love with this outfit when you posted it on Instagram! Whoever came up with mini bags is a genius!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 6, 2024 at 4:14 pm
  
  I’d have to agree (and give a nod to Tory)!
  
  Reply
westvillagevoyager on May 7, 2024 at 11:18 am

The contrast of blue and orange is great!!

xx,
Liz

http://thewestvillagevoyager.com

Reply
Kodi on May 7, 2024 at 11:18 am

Oh my is that dress perfect, albeit out of my budget. Such an all-in-one look! Maybe I can drop a hint to my hubby with my birthday coming up…

Reply
Missy On Madison on May 7, 2024 at 12:28 pm

Love this look! So pretty on you girl
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter my Spring Scarf Giveaway on the blog now -> http://bit.ly/1fI57jI

Reply
Megan // F Yeah! on May 8, 2024 at 2:01 pm

That dress is so right in so many ways (sophisticated, sexy, sassy, seasonal). Easily one of my “Top 5 Hallie Looks”!

Reply
Pingback: Easy | corals + cognacs
Pingback: Link Love, Vol. 52 - corals + cognacs

What do you think? Cancel reply