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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.
There’s a bit of a different dialogue happening here today, but FIRST, let me take a selfie talk about style and such.
Coming off my week-long Chicago bender, I’ve been copping out on the outfit front.
I won’t go into too much detail here, as we’ve talked about my feelings toward all-white ensembles. There’s so easy — especially when paired with a pop of ruby-red. And when have I ever needed an excuse to wear these red shoes?
Back to today’s dialogue: What are you listening to? Yes, you. And at this very moment.
I’ll go: The hum of my broken air conditioner and my elder next-door neighbor working in his at-home meth lab. (I’m, like, 90% sure that’s what it is. I would say I hope he doesn’t have Internet, but his wi-fi password is Bre8kingBad and HEY, dick, it’s not the name of your network you want to be case-sensitive.)
Ahem.
Usually, though, I’m listening to music.
The Sound of Meth situation is only because I just walked in the door from SoulCycle, a cycling class that I love because it mutes my anxious mind with 45-minutes of heart-pounding beats. And the fact that my ears are still ringing. (Though this could also be due to that little music festival bender in Chicago… Any of you a doctor?)
I love music. I love it so much.
In fact, I never ever leave my apartment without access to it. Whether I’m walking, writing, working, cabbing — even sleeping — I’m one of those obnoxious, sorry-can’t-hear-you people who constantly has her over-the-ear noise-canceling bits of heaven/Beats headphones on blast.
Music is actually a very significant cornerstone of my life. I don’t talk about it much on corals + cognacs because I wasn’t sure if you, too, loved music; hence the different dialogue we’re trying today.
A lot of people ask me where I source inspiration for c+c — be it for styling, writing, public speaking, and so on.
The honest answer is that a lot of my inspiration stems from music. Some days it’s a specific artist, beat or lyric, but mainly, it’s the fact that music allows my mind to whiteboard and to wander. Especially when I’m writing.
That said, I realized recently that I don’t often (or ever, really) share with you what I’m listening to. I’m off those noisy meth lab beats, by the way.
At the moment, it’s a mix of these sounds (which are also embedded below). I could go on and on and on about how good each they are, but I won’t. This is a safe place currently reserved for style and satire and laughing at all the weird-ass situations I tend to get myself in….
…And, of course, to stare at porn/shoes like these.
If you’re still reading, you must be like me: The right soundtrack can just set the tone for your day.Soundcloud is my go-to, and the songs I’ve had on repeat this month are embedded below.
If you’d like me to start sharing more about the music I’m listening to — or anything lifestyle-focused in general — feel free to comment below or tweet me. I’ll find a way to work it into my content based on popular demand (or lack there-of).
In the interim, here’s a few songs to help kick off your weekend.
And don’t worry, I always, always love your comments about my shoes, too. Sound off… (See what I did there?)
Have a great weekend! I’m heading out east with C.Wonder today; you can join me here. x, Hallie
Good Morning Hallie! Your playlist is now officially MY playlist. It’s currently playing as I type. I’ve been listening to the “La la la” on repeat since I heard it for the first time last month. I’m also a music addict and while I can’t rock my headphones like I used to (the BEST creepy subway encounter deterrent EVER), I do get to listen to SIRIUS/XM in the car now. Perhaps a little too much… yesterday my 5 & 3 year old were singing “Turn Down For What.” #goodparenting
Have a great weekend! XO
Stella/ http://www.theheartsdlite.com
Stella, thank you so much for your comment! I’m laughing out loud at your #goodparenting reference. HAHA!
I just discovered Sam Smith this year and I eat up everything that he touches (/sings). That song is all kinds of amazing. Glad you like it, too! Enjoy and have a great weekend. x
Also dying at this comment hahah. I have a brother who’s 10 years younger than me…(whoops, mom & dad) and the first song that he learned all of the words to was “Big Pappa”, he was 5 years old at the time hahahah. #greatparenting
“Big poppa” is a great jam. U definitely get bonus child rearing points for that one! Well that, and having your local liquor store clerk know your kids by name. Aspire for higher, right? #sorrynotsorry #mommyjuice
I didn’t realize how deeply we had this in common, Hal! Music has always been a huge huge huge part of my life, ever since my mom made me take up and instrument in childhood to managing my friends’ bands in high school to nearly moving to LA and working in the record industry there (seriously, I was this close to that happening instead of NYC!). Love this post, and I always give whatever you repost on SoundCloud a listen
Ha! At first, I thought you were saying your mom made you gave up instrument playing to manage your friends’ bands… Haha. Time for more coffee and — obvi — jams!
Thanks for sharing your playlist! I’m music obsessed as well, and have been for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school I went through a serious punk rock phase and wore a guitar pic around my neck that I caught at an Allister concert hahaha (thought i was sooo cool). I also decided to wear converse to homecoming. My football player boyfriend at the time was not as amused as I was. Obviously didn’t care what he thought!
Will be listening to this playlist on repeat, perfect Friday jams.
Music just makes everything so much more interesting. And it’s so powerful-the right song can change your mood in seconds…or is that just memory recall?
Currently listening to…my co-worker talking about his move to Hawaii at the end of August and wanting to punch him in the face.
Currently on my playlist…Iggy Azalea, Chromeo and Ed Sheeran, but I’m definitely gonna give your list a go b/c I love discovering new (to me) artists and songs.
Thanks for sharing, and have a relaxing weekend, Hallie!
I’m totally that person walking down the street bopping to their headphones not listening to anyone around her. And I’ve got Wagon Wheel stuck in my head so it’s been on repeat all day.
I’m addicted to my music as well! Love your picks 😉
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter My ‘Laila Rowe Bling’ Giveaway On The Blog -> http://bit.ly/1kdJliZ
Great outfit, great music, great everything! Since our new neighbours moved in last summer, my mom is 99.9% sure they are running a crack house (just because my city’s mayor is a crack head, doesn’t mean everyone is. . .) But 2am garbage bin runs, and a rottweiler as a guard dog? Meh, sounds legit.
I can’t wait to listen to this playlist when I get home tonight! Music is a significant part of my life too and I can’t imagine traveling around NYC without my music.
I’m always looking for new music to listen to so I’d love it if you shared more playlists like this. Also, loving your all-white outfit with a pop of red!
Good Morning Hallie! Your playlist is now officially MY playlist. It’s currently playing as I type. I’ve been listening to the “La la la” on repeat since I heard it for the first time last month. I’m also a music addict and while I can’t rock my headphones like I used to (the BEST creepy subway encounter deterrent EVER), I do get to listen to SIRIUS/XM in the car now. Perhaps a little too much… yesterday my 5 & 3 year old were singing “Turn Down For What.” #goodparenting
Have a great weekend! XO
Stella/ http://www.theheartsdlite.com
Stella, thank you so much for your comment! I’m laughing out loud at your #goodparenting reference. HAHA!
I just discovered Sam Smith this year and I eat up everything that he touches (/sings). That song is all kinds of amazing. Glad you like it, too! Enjoy and have a great weekend. x
Also dying at this comment hahah. I have a brother who’s 10 years younger than me…(whoops, mom & dad) and the first song that he learned all of the words to was “Big Pappa”, he was 5 years old at the time hahahah. #greatparenting
“Big poppa” is a great jam. U definitely get bonus child rearing points for that one! Well that, and having your local liquor store clerk know your kids by name. Aspire for higher, right? #sorrynotsorry #mommyjuice
Jen, your “whoops” comment has me literally LOL’ing… Hahaha! Stella, please let that liquor store reference NOT be hypothetical….
Haha, you two are killing it. I want and fully intend to be you when I grow up. x
Such a simple but very chic outfit! And that lipstick, love the right amount of pop!
http://ladydianaspearls.com
Great shoes! And I actually LOL’d at the line about your meth neighbor’s case-sensitive Wifi name.
I’m going to the Hamptons with C.Wonder today, too! Look for me? Would love to meet you!
Oh, awesome! Definitely will. I’ll see you on the Jitney!
I didn’t realize how deeply we had this in common, Hal! Music has always been a huge huge huge part of my life, ever since my mom made me take up and instrument in childhood to managing my friends’ bands in high school to nearly moving to LA and working in the record industry there (seriously, I was this close to that happening instead of NYC!). Love this post, and I always give whatever you repost on SoundCloud a listen
Ha! At first, I thought you were saying your mom made you gave up instrument playing to manage your friends’ bands… Haha. Time for more coffee and — obvi — jams!
Great post. Thanks for sharing your jams (& shoe porn) with us
EatPrayWearLove
My two pillars in life/on the Internet… : ) Anytime, Leah.
All white is a def DO this season and you rock it perfectly!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
All white makes those shoes POP even more, which I thought was physically impossible because they are that badA$$.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
Fabulous soundtrack! Love it so much and your outfit is fab. Happy Summer,
xx, Kristi
http://www.currentlycrushing.com
You just made my cubicle-Friday bearable. Thanks, ever so much!!
Thanks for sharing your playlist! I’m music obsessed as well, and have been for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school I went through a serious punk rock phase and wore a guitar pic around my neck that I caught at an Allister concert hahaha (thought i was sooo cool). I also decided to wear converse to homecoming. My football player boyfriend at the time was not as amused as I was. Obviously didn’t care what he thought!
Will be listening to this playlist on repeat, perfect Friday jams.
Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Love those red shoes! So chic! Have a great weekend!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Music just makes everything so much more interesting. And it’s so powerful-the right song can change your mood in seconds…or is that just memory recall?
Love this blog!
~Grace
http://lepiccolegrazie.wordpress.com/
Currently listening to…my co-worker talking about his move to Hawaii at the end of August and wanting to punch him in the face.
Currently on my playlist…Iggy Azalea, Chromeo and Ed Sheeran, but I’m definitely gonna give your list a go b/c I love discovering new (to me) artists and songs.
Thanks for sharing, and have a relaxing weekend, Hallie!
I’m totally that person walking down the street bopping to their headphones not listening to anyone around her. And I’ve got Wagon Wheel stuck in my head so it’s been on repeat all day.
Girrrrrl, just when I thought I couldn’t get enough c + c you brought music into the picture. Let’s jam. Also, supes classy in white today.
Let’s, girl. Let’s. : )
I’m addicted to my music as well! Love your picks 😉
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter My ‘Laila Rowe Bling’ Giveaway On The Blog -> http://bit.ly/1kdJliZ
love this outfit!
Great outfit, great music, great everything! Since our new neighbours moved in last summer, my mom is 99.9% sure they are running a crack house (just because my city’s mayor is a crack head, doesn’t mean everyone is. . .) But 2am garbage bin runs, and a rottweiler as a guard dog? Meh, sounds legit.
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Hi Hallie, I really like the lifestyle stuff on your blog
Also, thanks for sharing your playlist and those red pumps!
I’m glad to hear! I’m focusing on including much more of this moving forward — thanks for your feedback!
Gorgeous white top.
http://www.designers-artists.com
Love, love the all white with that amazing pop of red shoe! Just gorgeous!
I can’t wait to listen to this playlist when I get home tonight! Music is a significant part of my life too and I can’t imagine traveling around NYC without my music.
I’m always looking for new music to listen to so I’d love it if you shared more playlists like this. Also, loving your all-white outfit with a pop of red!
Thank you for the feedback, Nnenna!
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