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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.

June 30, 2024

Summer Brew Style

In anticipation of the Fourth of July, I’m wearing what I like to call my Summer Brew Style today.

You know, your go-to ensemble that’s equal parts casual, comfortable and appropriately patriotic. An outfit that’s perfect for mid-afternoon patio lounging with an ice-cold lemon-flavored beer… Because, well, sometimes good things happen to those who don’t wait (’til happy hour).

I’m such a bitch for talking about this on a Monday, aren’t I?

So, the Fourth of July. Are you ready to celebrate in style?

Despite a semi-restrictive color palette (if you’re playing by the rules), the Fourth of July still lends to unlimited styling possibilities.

Though I must admit: The holiday’s festive flair can be a bit too much for me (beyond these 20 pieces), so I tend to take a less literal approach on the classic combo of red, white and blue.

I’m heading (back) to Chicago for a long weekend, and as you know, I’m all about packing obnoxiously light. And since the holiday weekend’s activities usually consist of lake-side lounging, BBQ’ing and impromptu day-drinking, effortless style is ultra-important.

In my carry-on (a red Large Metro Tote) for this week’s trip are a few of my trusty summer staples: Zimmermann bathing suit, a breezy cover up, stretchy cotton-denim shorts, and a light, striped knit. My cult-classic high-top Chuck Taylor’s, too — all pieces that I know can carry me through an inevitably lazy span of the next few days.

What’s on your agenda?

*Wearing: LAMade striped knit, Joe’s Jeans white jean shorts, Converse high-tops c/o Zappos, Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier hobo (on sale here), Large Metro Tote c/o MZ Wallace (ENTER TO WIN yours here!), Michael Kors watch, Ray-Ban aviators, Beats by Dre studio headphones | *Beauty: NARS matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl, Tarte 12-hour blush in Blissful, Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow

The best part of this shoot? Our little photobomber — such a ham. COULD YOU JUST DIE? (Although those ombré locks? Bitch stole my look.)

///
Lydia Hudgens Photography

Lastly, just a few quick housekeeping items: I’m giving away two MZ Wallace handbags (the red tote I’m carrying above) — and the bags are winner’s choice. Today is the LAST DAY TO ENTER!

In addition, I posted 20 fashionable finds to help you pull together a look for the Fourth that’s festive and summery (but not cliché or cheesy). Those Brooks Brothers striped bow wedges are everything, am I right?

Shop my look:

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19 comments

Meagan on June 30, 2024 at 11:33 am

Love this look! So easy and effortless! Have a fabulous long weekend!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

Reply
Kayla on June 30, 2024 at 12:28 pm

Omg I feel like we are twinkies today.. and um you should have stolen that dog!!

Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com

Reply
Kristi on June 30, 2024 at 12:56 pm

Totally right on those striped wedges! Have a fabulous 4th!
xx, Kristi
http://www.currentlycrushing.com

Reply
comfortablyychic on June 30, 2024 at 1:04 pm

Love the photobomb! My english bulldog LOVES to pop her head out right in front of whatever I’m shooting at the last minute haha.

I’m heading to Chicago too! My boyfriend’s family lives there so we’ll be spending Thursday and some of Friday in the city and will be in the burbs for the rest of the weekend. We’re going on a trolly hop on Thursday, I’m pretty excited. Hopefully the chi-town weather will finally cooperate for me!

Maybe I’ll see you around the city!!

Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on July 1, 2024 at 1:45 pm
  
  SO fun! Have you been before? Trolleys are always a rowdy time : ) The weather is supposed to be nice, so fingers crossed! If you guys are looking for a beach, head to Oak Street — North Avenue gets WAY too crowded, especially on the Fourth of July.
  
  Have a great trip and absolutely do say hello if you see me!
  
  Reply
  - comfortablyychic on July 2, 2024 at 8:40 am
    
    Yep, my boyfriend’s family and countless of college friends live in Chicago. But we’ve never been for the 4th! We’re usually there around Christmas when it’s ungodly cold out.
    
    Great tip about Oak Street beach! We’ve been to North Avenue beach before and it was just as described, insanely crowded!!
    
    Reply
Samantha Tananbaum (@sameve) on June 30, 2024 at 2:17 pm

Love that top & the whole look! Such a cute photobomber too Have a great weekend in Chi-town!

xo
Sam

Reply
Megan, TFDIARIES on June 30, 2024 at 3:20 pm

it’s just too perfect!

Xo, Megan, http://www.TfDiaries.com

Reply
Ali on June 30, 2024 at 3:35 pm

Love those hightops and your little photobomber! xox

Reply
Katherine L on June 30, 2024 at 7:02 pm

Love this! I’ve wanted that purse for the longest time, but I always find myself drawn to the Kate Spade purses in stead. It’s on my list for next big purchases!

-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca

Reply
- corals + cognacs on July 1, 2024 at 1:44 pm
  
  It’s often on sale, too — with the exception of the more traditional colors. Keep checking Shopbop and Barney’s (Warehouse).
  
  Reply
Kristin Clark on July 1, 2024 at 10:35 am

Aw what cute little photobomber! Love your outfit..your kicks add a great touch!

Xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com

Reply
Missy On Madisonm on July 1, 2024 at 12:38 pm

Such a cute and casual look Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com

Reply
Stephanie (Glam Slam!) on July 1, 2024 at 6:40 pm

I’m all about the non-traditional 4th of July attire as well. Love this laid back, comfy, but still chic, look! I can’t believe it’s already almost time for the 4th! Oh and loved your Glitter Guide 4th of July attire feature! You looked fabulous!

xo, Stephanie
http://glamslamblog.com

Reply
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courtney on July 2, 2024 at 11:16 am

Love how you are mixing the converse high tops with shorts - too cute! Happy I read this post today on a Wednesday, with my half day tomorrow or else I might be a little bitter!

Also I can’t take the photo bomber - too cute!! As a dog mom to the biggest Ham in town I understand the trials and tribulations of shooting with a pre-Madonna. I can’t snap a pic without waffles trying to crash … attention whore.

XO Courtney
Color Me Courtney

Reply
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