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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.
Honesty hour: Do you have a man-repelling piece that you can’t rid your closet of?
Samesies… And I’m wearing mine today.
It’s not that I can’t get rid of it; it’s that I just won’t. That said, let’s talkin defense of the first date ensemble:
I remember when I first laid eyes on this little 3.1 Phillip Lim gem (the top).
I noticed the floral print on Lucky magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Eva Chen, during Fashion Week in September, and I could tell from the eclectic mix of color, texture and embellishment that it was, indeed, a la Lim.
I’m decent at ID’ing designers, but let’s call a spade a spade here: I’m a total slut for this particular designer dossier.
Thus, imagine my delight when I came across it up-close-and-personal on the clearance rack at Otte New York. At an additional 20% off and with just one size left… Mine.
YAS! It was a truly serendipitous moment. (Yes, I’m single, if you’re wondering; which we’ll get to in a moment.) The boxy, futuristic fit was an added bonus and — holy shit! — it has sequins and mesh detailing. Done and done.
When I wore it to work with a pair of black pants a few days later, a co-worker stopped me to ask where it was from.
I proudly relayed the story of my major fashion find, to which she responded, “oh, cute. But yeah; you can never ever wear that on a date or anything.”
… Well. I. Uh. Well.
I suppose she’s right, in some regard. Which inspired me to recreate the original outfit with a dose of date night appeal.
I did a bit of research on the topic first-and-foremost, and every article I found was all: “How To Be More Attractive to Men!” and “What He Wants You to Wear on the First Date.”
Hold. Up. What the what?!
(Side-note, I also came across a few handy write-ups on “Dressing for Your Court Appearance,” which I bookmarked just in case… Just. In. Case. Is that you, Universe?)
Depending on the guy (or gal), of course, he likely isn’t going to notice labels or trends. Although if you’re a male and you, too, were capable of immediately identifying this Phillip Lim number, call me.
Either way, I’ve always felt the key to dressing yourself for a first date (or for any day, at that) is super-simple and exactly that: Dress [for] yourself. Right?
Channeling confidence through what you’re wearing is the perfect way to convey who you are. What you wear is more or less just personal branding, after all. And if that happens to be through a boxy-fit, Tommy Bahama-resembling designer blouse from the clearance rack of a little boutique in Nolita, so be it.
The moral of the story and/or the Cliff Notes version is this: If I can’t find a guy who will appreciate the perfect transitional pairing to my faux-leather mini and strappy summer sandals, do I even really want one? (Kidding, here, Mom and Dad.)
As the saying goes: Feel good, look good, get the guy (/gal), conquer the world… Or something like that. All in a day’s work, my friends.
Ha ha ha! Love this! And whatever you do… don’t show up to court in a pair of sweatpants (I had a client who did this… true story!)
-Meg http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I like this look on you much better than the first with the pants. And I don’t believe it for a second that this would be a deal breaker for a date! You look great! He’d be crazy not to notice those legs! http://ladydianaspearls.com
Haha this is great and I completely agree.. I dress for ME! I’m sure I put on tons of outfits and my husband is like ‘uhh.. Idk what that is!’ But God love him.. he would never say a thing!
Anyway.. you look super FAB here! Go girl! MUAH! : )
So good. Although I’m no longer concerned about “first date appropriate” — just celebrated 8 years of marriage to my partner — I love this outfit, and I love your mantra. If the relationship is worth investing in, he’ll want to know you’re comfortable in your clothes, and most importantly, in your own skin. Own it, girl. Own it.
Ditto to what Julia said I think Natalie Joos wrote a post with a similar idea in mind a few years ago in reference to a crazy top she owned. But I think, if it’s you, own it and your confidence will show!
As soon as I read the title of this post I thought, “On a date, dress however it is you feel most confident and beautiful!” [And forget what the man may think…] I’m glad we’re on the same page.
I love the leather skirt on you! My bf always tries to steer me away from buying more striped tee shirts…I think he thinks they are too tomboy-ish. But I love them, they are super comfy and look great with skinny jeans. Go with your gut!
I don’t think this top is that man-repeller-y (I also don’t think that’s a word.), especially when paired with a skirt giving off a ‘come hither’ vibe. You look hot. Period.
But, I still appreciate the underlying message of the post.
Ugh, I hit “Enter” before I was finished typing. Damn you, fat fingers! Continuing…
I also appreciate being married to a man who knows that I’m going to wear whatever the hell I want so he has never, not even once, made a negative comment about my clothes. When you find your Magic Matt, hold on tighter than that ‘come hither’ skirt
I’m WAY more likely to look and feel confident in this getup than a body-con dress that my date is going to drool over. Especially if I’m tugging at it the entire time… no one wants to witness that haha.
My boyfriend questions about half of my closet…he particularly has a vendetta against rompers and booties but that doesn’t stop me! But hey, he’s stuck around for 4 years so at the end of the day as long as your happy and confident that’s what your guy wants.
Here’s hoping I come across a Phillip Lim gem on a clearance rack soon
Love, love, love this. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure he loves you in your rompers (I can’t wear them because I have the #worldssmallestbladder), he just won’t admit it… ; )
Great pairing!! That skirt looks way more expensive than it is- those are the best finds, aren’t they? Women do dress for women, even when were technically supposed to be glamming up for the men. Whether you’re single, dating, or married that doesn’t change- I think it’s just a mark of confidence and security in who you are. Personally, I think those attributes are way more sexy than your highest pair of stillettos, anyday!
xo, Stella
LOL I love this post! I just adore your humor! And the item in my closet that makes my hubs go “wtf” are my peep toe sling backs. He calls them “mom shoes” and every time I put them on he asks me if I’m going to go pick up the kids from soccer. (We don’t have kids)
Dressing for yourself, for what makes you happy and confident is so important. You never should dress in a way that doesn’t make you happy just to please someone else. Fashion is about self expression and saying who you are through your style. Way to go girl! I LOVE that top!
GORRL, your legs look amaze in this date night look. I doubt it man-repells, but at the same time I’m not a dude. And love the rule: always dress for yourself
Ha ha ha! Love this! And whatever you do… don’t show up to court in a pair of sweatpants (I had a client who did this… true story!)
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I like this look on you much better than the first with the pants. And I don’t believe it for a second that this would be a deal breaker for a date! You look great! He’d be crazy not to notice those legs!
http://ladydianaspearls.com
Haha this is great and I completely agree.. I dress for ME! I’m sure I put on tons of outfits and my husband is like ‘uhh.. Idk what that is!’ But God love him.. he would never say a thing!
Anyway.. you look super FAB here! Go girl! MUAH! : )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
I’d date you in this…
So good. Although I’m no longer concerned about “first date appropriate” — just celebrated 8 years of marriage to my partner — I love this outfit, and I love your mantra. If the relationship is worth investing in, he’ll want to know you’re comfortable in your clothes, and most importantly, in your own skin. Own it, girl. Own it.
Ditto to what Julia said
I think Natalie Joos wrote a post with a similar idea in mind a few years ago in reference to a crazy top she owned. But I think, if it’s you, own it and your confidence will show!
As soon as I read the title of this post I thought, “On a date, dress however it is you feel most confident and beautiful!” [And forget what the man may think…] I’m glad we’re on the same page.
I love the leather skirt on you! My bf always tries to steer me away from buying more striped tee shirts…I think he thinks they are too tomboy-ish. But I love them, they are super comfy and look great with skinny jeans. Go with your gut!
-Lauren
http://www.prettypiecesblog.com
This post is perfection; I wish more girls would embrace your motto.
You’re the hottiest hottie ever in this outfit! Great post,
xx, Kristi
http://www.currentlycrushing.com
I 100 percent agree! If a guy doesn’t like what I like … then too bad. And you look amazing in that outfit! Werk it
I don’t think this top is that man-repeller-y (I also don’t think that’s a word.), especially when paired with a skirt giving off a ‘come hither’ vibe. You look hot. Period.
But, I still appreciate the underlying message of the post.
If it wasn’t before, it is now! Thanks, girl. x
Ugh, I hit “Enter” before I was finished typing. Damn you, fat fingers! Continuing…
I also appreciate being married to a man who knows that I’m going to wear whatever the hell I want so he has never, not even once, made a negative comment about my clothes. When you find your Magic Matt, hold on tighter than that ‘come hither’ skirt
Love this!
I’m WAY more likely to look and feel confident in this getup than a body-con dress that my date is going to drool over. Especially if I’m tugging at it the entire time… no one wants to witness that haha.
My boyfriend questions about half of my closet…he particularly has a vendetta against rompers and booties but that doesn’t stop me! But hey, he’s stuck around for 4 years so at the end of the day as long as your happy and confident that’s what your guy wants.
Here’s hoping I come across a Phillip Lim gem on a clearance rack soon
Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Love, love, love this. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure he loves you in your rompers (I can’t wear them because I have the #worldssmallestbladder), he just won’t admit it… ; )
So cute! Love this look…that skirt is amazing Hallie
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Really love this floral print top! You look great!
This is definitely one of my favorite outfits! You look absolutely great!
I routinely wear Lilly Pulitzer dresses with animals on them and am also single, so who am I to talk? But I love this outfit
You and me in our Lim & Lily pieces — let’s plan our asses at a bar and catch up. Soon.
Wait one second. I do not think this blouse is that crazy, I definitely have seen more man repelling things before. Totally date worthy.
Great pairing!! That skirt looks way more expensive than it is- those are the best finds, aren’t they? Women do dress for women, even when were technically supposed to be glamming up for the men. Whether you’re single, dating, or married that doesn’t change- I think it’s just a mark of confidence and security in who you are. Personally, I think those attributes are way more sexy than your highest pair of stillettos, anyday!
xo, Stella
Ok fine, you can take me on a date wearing this look! LOL Loving this whole look…the skirt is such a great Target find too!!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
LOL I love this post! I just adore your humor! And the item in my closet that makes my hubs go “wtf” are my peep toe sling backs. He calls them “mom shoes” and every time I put them on he asks me if I’m going to go pick up the kids from soccer. (We don’t have kids)
EatPrayWearLove
Really?! Peep-toe sling-backs are HOT, girl. You do you — but work on educating that man of yours… : )
Dressing for yourself, for what makes you happy and confident is so important. You never should dress in a way that doesn’t make you happy just to please someone else. Fashion is about self expression and saying who you are through your style. Way to go girl! I LOVE that top!
xo, Stephanie
http://glamslamblog.com
Preach it! And thanks — I’m glad ya’ll approve, cause I’d love it too much to consign it. : )
I think that’s a gorgeous first date outfit! I may be biased since I’m a girl, but I love the top!
So So true, and sometimes the ‘man repelling’ are the ones the right person will like the most! I love the ensemble!
Caroline
http://www.peachykeencaroline.com
YAAAAAAS *bows down to you* - dress for yourself, guys can go kick rocks;)
Pink Champagne Problems
You kill me. Love every word of this post.
: ) Thanks, Molly!
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GORRL, your legs look amaze in this date night look. I doubt it man-repells, but at the same time I’m not a dude. And love the rule: always dress for yourself
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