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 12, 2024

Test Drive Style

There are many days in which I feel like my life is spent in a car (or on a plane), balancing the act of going to-and-from.

Last week was no exception.

On Thursday — between coffee dates, work and blog meetings — I rolled up to Columbus Circle for an afternoon with Ford and Rent the Runway to #TestDriveStyle, a campaign aimed at making style accessible both on and off the road.

There, attendees and I tried on dresses and accessories (a la RTR), indulged in mini manicures and photobooth’ed in the 2014 Ford Fusion. Not a bad way to spend a lunch break, right?

My attendance was a rather late addition, so I didn’t have time to snag a shift dress from RTR (although it’s good to know they offer same-day delivery). Instead, I decided to navigate a corner of my closet that — to date — had presented a pretty significant intimidation factor: The Midi Skirt.

While the tea-length skirt silhouette isn’t a new trend so much as a style that’s become incredibly popular, I took mine for a test drive (ahem) last week.

I’m conditioned to think I can’t rock hits-below-the-knee hemlines because of my height (or lack there-of), so the shape and volume of this skirt is new to me and my wardrobe.

Despite that, I threw on that midi skirt, paired it with a few edgy accessories and made my way uptown. (Really living on the edge, aren’t I?) I arrived in a Ford Fusion, which was a welcome reprieve from the typical headache-inducing cab ride. The Fusion’s quiet hum actually lulled me to sleep, until a fire truck roared by minutes later.

So, the verdict? I’m obsessed. I think I’ll be pairing this little ruby red number with the simple classics in my closet for many months to come.

And beyond that, well, I wouldn’t mind having a Ford Fusion (and personal driver) to help me navigate that balancing act on a daily basis. Where’s my Chuck Bass at?

*Wearing: Zara jacket, Tibi tank (love the leopard print), ASOS midi skirt, BCBGMAXAZRIA Jovian pumps, Tory Burch sunglasses, NARS lip pencil in Dragon Girl

///
Rebecca Dale Photography

Sponsored by Ford

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

26 comments

Meagan on May 12, 2024 at 6:51 pm

Love that red midi on you! I’m trying to figure out a way to make a midi office appropriate without looking like a 1950’s secretary!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 28, 2024 at 5:52 pm
  
  Ah, tough one! I think… Closed-toed pumps and a cropped blazer — one that hits at your hips/doesn’t hang too low down the skirt so that it maintains the silhouette.
  
  Reply
Karen McCready on May 12, 2024 at 6:54 pm

Love the shoes

Reply
kim m. (@kimair) on May 12, 2024 at 8:19 pm

I think the length works perfectly on you. Sometimes I find that midi skirts are too long and overpower me. Also love how the pop of red ties into your lip, and the black and white top matches your colorblock sandals.

Reply
shendove on May 12, 2024 at 8:53 pm

Love your midi length skirt! It works so well with your jacket and heels. Definitely a ladylike and chic look.

Reply
StushiGal Style on May 12, 2024 at 9:13 pm

You look amazing! The red midi skirt and leather jacket look fabulous together! Great outfit!

Reply
Fallon Carmichael | Sage + Sparkle on May 12, 2024 at 10:08 pm

Those shoes (and that skirt)…. LOVE!

Reply
Jenn @ hello, rigby! on May 13, 2024 at 2:45 am

you totally rock that midi skirt! absolutely love this outfit.

Reply
Heidi on May 13, 2024 at 8:10 am

Woman, please. You can wear that skirt whenever the heck you want to!

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

Reply
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl on May 13, 2024 at 8:31 am

Gorgeous, as always! Love that red skirt on you!

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

Reply
annelw11 on May 13, 2024 at 10:02 am

LOVE this classic yet edgy look! Red is my favorite color to wear and this looks GREAT on you!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 28, 2024 at 5:54 pm
  
  More power to you, lady! Red is a tough color 🙂 Thank you!
  
  Reply
Kristi on May 13, 2024 at 10:11 am

Fabulous skirt! Nice way to to ride and arrive in style…
xx,
kristi

http://www.currentlycrushing.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 28, 2024 at 5:55 pm
  
  Indeed! Although on my way back to the office I definitely fell asleep in the Fusion… The ride was just so smooth, haha. Hope I didn’t drool on that nice interior!
  
  Reply
Nnenna on May 13, 2024 at 10:43 am

I’m absolutely loving this look! I’ve been thinking about adding a black midi skirt to my closet- I think I would get tons of wear out of it!

Reply
comfortablyychic on May 13, 2024 at 10:56 am

This silhouette looks amazing on you! It makes your legs look super long. Great pick!

I haven’t plunged into the midi-skirt trend yet either although this post is definitely convincing me to do so.

PS love the Chuck Bass line…the question is would you rather have your own Chuck Bass or Nate Archibald?? 😉

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

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 28, 2024 at 5:52 pm
  
  Chuck Bass. All day.
  
  Reply
Missy On Madison on May 13, 2024 at 12:13 pm

That skirt and shoes are to die for! Absolutely love it Hallie 🙂 So pretty!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter my ‘Wendy’s New Salad Collection Giveaway’ –> http://bit.ly/1hHxQjL

Reply
Kristin Clark on May 13, 2024 at 1:41 pm

I am in absolute love with that red midi skirt! And those shoes? To die.

xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com

Reply
Danielle on May 13, 2024 at 2:21 pm

Midi skirts are my jam! I tell ya, ASOS doesn’t make a bad skirt (or dress, or shoe, or…you get the idea).

Reply
lizmcavoy on May 13, 2024 at 10:45 pm

The pop of red from this skirt is so flattering on you — love it paired with crisp blacks and whites!

xo, Liz
{What Dress Code?}

Reply
20somethingsimple on May 14, 2024 at 2:16 am

That skirt looks amazing on you. It hits at exactly the right spot in your legs so you don’t look short at all!

xo Kimi

Reply
Jennifer on May 14, 2024 at 9:36 am

Love the pop of red! And those heels are awesome!!

xo, Jenn

http://bohsandlace.blogspot.com

Reply
Megan // F Yeah! on May 14, 2024 at 10:26 pm

I also have a skirt-above-the-knee complex due to my height (or lack thereof), but you look gorgeous! Note to self, give a midi a try 🙂

Reply
Stephanie (Glam Slam!) on May 14, 2024 at 10:39 pm

I am IN LOVE w/ your hot red midi skirt! i too (only being 5″3) am a bit intimiated by said midi skirt, however, this one in fabulous! I would love to snag one in pink! 🙂

xo, Stephanie
http://glamslamblog.com

Reply
Pingback: Link Love, Vol. 12 | corals + cognacs

The Fine Print

Hi, nice to meet you.

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

share this post:

26 comments

What do you think? Cancel reply