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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.
I could write the book on how impossible it is to write when you’re hungover, but it would simply take me too long to write…
Based on how the last week’s been going, at least. I’m alive, back-in-action and, yes, still blogging. Let’s catch up a bit, shall we?
I’ve been back in Chicago — my old stomping grounds — for the last week(ish), working around the clock, catching up with friends and family, music festival-hopping and after-partying. (Obligatory shout-out to my #FestieBesties!)
Of course, that entailed many meet-ups at many bars, restaurants and, well, bars. I would apologize for the recent radio silence ’round these parts, but hey, as they say, “Living your life will only inspire your work.” Right? (I actually said that, in this post.)
Unless, I guess, that entails a week(ish) of consecutive cocktail nights. And that friend who always petitions for “One more nightcap!” Then, the aforementioned dilemma remains…
… I digress. And no, really, I am sorry for the radio silence.
You know the days we’ve been talking about in which you have no idea what to wear? They’re even worse when you’re trying to pack for a trip.
Packing for a week of both work and play presents quite the challenge, especially.
Let’s flash back to last week:
Regardless of where I’m going and for how long, I only bring a carry-on suitcase when I’m traveling (yes, even if it’s a month-long trip to Asia). I have it engrained in my mind that I can only bring pieces that will work double-duty for day or night — especially if I’ll be gone for longer than a week’s time. (Note to self: Pre-pack Advil in that suitcase for future morning emergencies.) And in case you’re wondering, I use the Delsey expandable hard-side spinner suitcase. What a mouthful.
Now, two things I learned while packing under pressure (because if it weren’t for the last-minute, would it ever get done?): (1) Dresses are tough, and (2) a simple tee will seriously extend the variety of your closet.
Let me elaborate on the dress portion of this post: Dresses are simple.Though some are elaborate (such as my favorite of the moment), they make a very singular point. And like a short sentence, they can be difficult to re-punctuate.
However, the LBD never fails — when paired with the proper accouterments. If it happens to be hot enough (spoiler alert: it wasn’t), I’ll wear this little Topshop number on its on. For work, I packed my favorite walkable pumps and go-to white blazer (which also comes in pin-stripe). And as I delightfully realized, achieving that Casual Friday vibe was as easy as tossing on this vintage tee.
Beyond that — as a general packing tip — stick to colors that blend harmoniously (like neutrals, shown in this post), then scout your closet for similar color patterns.
Voila! You’re out the door — and rushing to the airport, if you’re anything like me.
And for hangover Saturdays/Sundays/Mondays (when working from home), I present…
A hidden haute mess express. Sunglasses and lip tint hide all of the sins, my friends. All of the sins.
Love ya’ll. Mean it. Glad to be (well-hydrated, rested and) back. x, Hallie
*Wearing: Trouve blazer (love this pin-stripe version), Lucky Brand vintage t-shirt, Topshop dress, Jessica’s Joelle Hawkens handbag, BCBGMAXAZRIA heels, rose gold bar ring c/o Dana Rebecca, polarized Chanel sunglasses (style #5271 C501S8), Nike dunks (sold out, similar here and here)| *Beauty: Urban Decay eye shadow (from the less expensive Naked Basics palette), NARS matte lip pencil in Never Say Never, NARS blush in Love Joy, Benefit Gimme Brow
I don’t think I could pack all of my things in an overnight bag to save my life … and that’s even for an actual overnight! I applaud you!
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Wow, I’m incredibly impressed you can just bring a carryon everywhere. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that for more than a couple days! Love the look though!
Glad you had a great time, but glad you’re back! Missed the blog!! Love the tshirt and blazer look - will definitely steal this for my Friday work outfit!
Obsessed with those white pumps Hallie! so cute 🙂
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter My ‘Laila Rowe Bling’ Giveaway On The Blog -> http://bit.ly/1kdJliZ
Let me tell you about those silver Dunks… I don’t play favorites with my shoes, but if I did, well… Maybe. Just maybe.
And social media is lovely in that we are totally friends/have lots in common, despite not yet having met in-person. : ) Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful comments, Megan. x
Dresses are actually my travel savior, but I’m also not one to change much before going out at night. Shoes and that’s about it. (That said, I’m also not one to go out at night often. This girl’s a day drinker.)
Glad that you’re back! Packing can be such a nightmare…especially for Chicago! I swear every time I go to Chicago (doesn’t matter if its November or August) I experience two drastically different seasons in a span of a weekend. Of course one of those happens to be frigid cold. Nonetheless, I’m heading back to Chi-town for the 4th and can’t wait!
Love the vintage tee paired with the blazer and skirt!
I’m a carry-on no matter what girl too! Also - “Dresses … make a very singular point. And like a short sentence, they can be difficult to re-punctuate.” is the kind of writing that reminds me why I keep coming back to your blog for more.
xx
Packing for a trip is hard girl! You want to make sure you have appropriate attire for any occasion (I mean….you never know), but at the same time you don’t want to have to check a bunch of bags. Kudos to for packing all of your stuff in an overnight carry on!
Also, I love you authenticity! You are always real and make me laugh! 😉
I don’t think I could pack all of my things in an overnight bag to save my life … and that’s even for an actual overnight! I applaud you!
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Love this look! You look fab xx
EatPrayWearLove
You’re amazing with packing! You look fabulous and so true about sunglasses and lipstick!
xx, Kristi
http://www.currentlycrushing.com
Wow, I’m incredibly impressed you can just bring a carryon everywhere. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that for more than a couple days! Love the look though!
Caroline
http://www.peachykeencaroline.com
Sounds like you had a fabulous time in Chicago! And I’m totally impressed (and jealous) you can travel with one carryon.
Xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com
Glad you had a great time, but glad you’re back! Missed the blog!! Love the tshirt and blazer look - will definitely steal this for my Friday work outfit!
I’ve got to get better at packing… I always over pack! Thanks for the tips!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Obsessed with those white pumps Hallie! so cute 🙂
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter My ‘Laila Rowe Bling’ Giveaway On The Blog -> http://bit.ly/1kdJliZ
Not surprisingly, I want to steal your shoes, both the white pumps and the silver Dunks.
Sounds like you had a great trip but glad you’re back. I missed you, at least as much as I can miss someone I’ve never met. 😉
Let me tell you about those silver Dunks… I don’t play favorites with my shoes, but if I did, well… Maybe. Just maybe.
And social media is lovely in that we are totally friends/have lots in common, despite not yet having met in-person. : ) Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful comments, Megan. x
Dresses are actually my travel savior, but I’m also not one to change much before going out at night. Shoes and that’s about it. (That said, I’m also not one to go out at night often. This girl’s a day drinker.)
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
Glad that you’re back! Packing can be such a nightmare…especially for Chicago! I swear every time I go to Chicago (doesn’t matter if its November or August) I experience two drastically different seasons in a span of a weekend. Of course one of those happens to be frigid cold. Nonetheless, I’m heading back to Chi-town for the 4th and can’t wait!
Love the vintage tee paired with the blazer and skirt!
Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
I’m a carry-on no matter what girl too! Also - “Dresses … make a very singular point. And like a short sentence, they can be difficult to re-punctuate.” is the kind of writing that reminds me why I keep coming back to your blog for more.
xx
Always the carry-on. Thanks, girl! Hope you’re having a good week. x
You’re so authentic, I love it!
xx
Meg of An Affair of Character
http://www.anaffairofcharacter.com
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Packing for a trip is hard girl! You want to make sure you have appropriate attire for any occasion (I mean….you never know), but at the same time you don’t want to have to check a bunch of bags. Kudos to for packing all of your stuff in an overnight carry on!
Also, I love you authenticity! You are always real and make me laugh! 😉
xx, Stephanie 😉
http://glamslamblog.com
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