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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.
As a result, all my friends are getting married — and I’m just building a killer ass wardrobe.
By choice, my friends. By choice. You know all-to-well that I’m hot-and-heavy with New York City and we’re still very much in the honeymoon phase. (And he loves what I wear on the first date!)
I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the Midwest over the past year (home in Ohio and Illinois, mainly) celebrating some of my life-long friends on their journey to the altar… Whew! A sentence that, admittedly, makes me sweat as I sit and type it.
There’s nothing better than reuniting with your bests and feeling justified to revert back to your college-style ways for the weekend. Is there?
Well, except for adding lots of pretty dresses to your wardrobe to celebrate said journey.
Wedding weekends are the perfect excuse to wine, dine, celebrate — and, of course — to show off your sophisticated, evolved-since-high-school style. And a home-town affair (poor choice of words?) calls for a look that’s bold and beautiful.
I’ve had a very specific obsession over the last month: Lace and eyelet dresses. Both by Dolce Vita and from Zappos. They’re perfect in a number of ways, but mainly, I love them because: They’re ready-to-wear, they go easily from day-to-night and they don’t wrinkle — key for me since all of my events are out-of-town.
In the spirit of the season of nuptials, I’d venture to guess you’re attending more than one wedding this summer, too. Show of hands?
Even if you’re a bridesmaid in practically all of them (and I’m in the same boat, girlfriends), you will need a fantastic dress to fit the bill for all of your wedding-related rehearsals, duties and dinners.
My wear-to-a-wedding ensemble is all about balance: A feminine-feeling pink dress in a classic, not-too-tight silhouette (as I will always end up tasting every damn layer of that sheet cake), and accessories that pop. Equal parts pretty and ready to PAR-TAY.
Adding a sexy, strappy shoe is an easy way to embrace your fashion darling without upstaging the lady in white, too.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m not trying to steal the spotlight from the bride-to-be, but a girl’s got to hold her own. I mean, it’s guaranteed that there will be a series of eligible bachelors that are LITERALLYparading in front of me!
And with how tiny my bladder is, I will most certainly be repaying the favor at the reception.
Of course, let’s be honest: At the end of the day, it’s all about the dancing; which is why I keep my handy Tieks in-tow. A foldable flat is just plain brilliance, no?
Hey, DJ. Turn it up!
*Wearing: DV by Dolce Vita lace cap-sleeve dress (only a few left in stock) via Zappos, lace-up pumps c/o JustFab (similar styles), BCBGMAXAZRIA clutch, Tieks flats (love the pale pink color), Julie Vos earrings, Loren Hope crystal cuff | *Beauty: YSL Rogue Volupte lipstick in Rose Opera (#29)
Would you believe we don’t have any weddings this summer?! I’m on Cloud 9! As much as I love getting together with old friends, it’s a relief to have a summer without the expense of new dresses and wedding gifts!
I seriously thought those were Aquazzura when I saw your instagram last night so to click the link and see that they are $50 was the most wonderful surprise!!! I think I’m going to get them!
You’re not alone in that! And good eye — these look quintessential Aquazzura. While I’d venture to guess those are slightly more comfortable, these are just fine for a few hours (and worth a little extra pain with that modest price point). : )
I only had one so far this year and I’m ok with that
You look STUNNING by the way. If you get the chance, join my linkup today to share your amazing post.
And seriously, Tieks are amazing. I have two pairs and neither have shown very much wear. I never not have them with me, if that makes sense. I think the blush-color is my next purchase!
I still can’t get used to the fact that all my friends are now getting married, especially since I graduated college two years ago. Time is FLYING! The best part about weddings (other than an open bar) is getting dressed for them. I’ve racked up quite the cocktail dress collection in anticipation of upcoming weddings. Love this soft pink and turquoise combo on you, Hallie!
Somehow, I don’t have any weddings this year…but I already have four on the calendar for 2015, so totally holding onto these tips. Love these colors together! You look gorgeous!
So I’m obsessed with those shoes girlfriend and even more I’m obsessed with the first line…building a killer wardrobe! I’m 100% with you on that! Clothes, shoes and handbags are always a good date 😉 If only men could make us as happy as a Marc Jacobs bag on sale…then life would be awesome haha!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Girl, you have KILLER legs! Amazing! I love the unexpected combo of blush and teal! Great look, and definitely an inspiration towards my next wedding look!
I love this color combination! I’m invited to a wedding this summer, but I have no idea if I’m going… I don’t know how to get there from the airport (and can’t rent a car, lol). I’ve missed every other wedding I was invited to for one reason or another and wanted to catch this one but this travelling thing is stressing me out.
Obsessed with that dress AND those heels.. and I feel ya on all the weddings.. my hubby has been in THREE so far this year.. I’m totally going broke on outfits.. haha
Anyway.. happy Tuesday.. you’re gorgeous.. love ya! : )
Hallie - you look beautiful and this dress is PERFECT on you! I’m loving the, “As a result, all my friends are getting married — and I’m just building a killer ass wardrobe.”
Those are some freakin’ amazing shoes girl! I love how you paired feminine with edgy in this look; the two colors look gorg together! I actually don’t have any weddings to go to this “wedding season” but hey, I don’t need an excuse for a great pair of shoes, eh? 😉
This post pretty much convinced me that I NEED a pair of Tieks, like, now. I have been wanting a pair for awhile but this pretty much just sealed the deal.
Would you believe we don’t have any weddings this summer?! I’m on Cloud 9! As much as I love getting together with old friends, it’s a relief to have a summer without the expense of new dresses and wedding gifts!
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com
I seriously thought those were Aquazzura when I saw your instagram last night so to click the link and see that they are $50 was the most wonderful surprise!!! I think I’m going to get them!
You’re not alone in that! And good eye — these look quintessential Aquazzura. While I’d venture to guess those are slightly more comfortable, these are just fine for a few hours (and worth a little extra pain with that modest price point). : )
I only had one so far this year and I’m ok with that
You look STUNNING by the way. If you get the chance, join my linkup today to share your amazing post.
xo
PinkSole
Umm…AMAZING! Love this color combo and those shoes are to die for!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
I have SEVEN weddings to go to this year. Lord.
I definitely agree that, although all of the attention should be focussed on the bride, a statement accessory or two is the way to go!
Why haven’t I bought a pair of Tieks yet???
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Um, seven? Shit, you win.
And seriously, Tieks are amazing. I have two pairs and neither have shown very much wear. I never not have them with me, if that makes sense. I think the blush-color is my next purchase!
Fabulous shoes and you’re so right about making a statement! Gorgeous!!
xx, Kristi
http://www.currentlycrushing.com
I still can’t get used to the fact that all my friends are now getting married, especially since I graduated college two years ago. Time is FLYING! The best part about weddings (other than an open bar) is getting dressed for them. I’ve racked up quite the cocktail dress collection in anticipation of upcoming weddings. Love this soft pink and turquoise combo on you, Hallie!
Can’t go wrong with those shoes! Amazing!!
Those are some hot shoes, lady!
That dress is gorgeous! And those shoes..to die. You look lovely!
Xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com
I have come VERY close to pulling the trigger on these shoes probably 10 times.. LOVE them paired with blush!
Somehow, I don’t have any weddings this year…but I already have four on the calendar for 2015, so totally holding onto these tips. Love these colors together! You look gorgeous!
xo
Sam
Love those shoes! I don’t think I could pull those off (let alone walk in them), but they are so pretty!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Gorgeous outfit! The pops of blue are pure perfection there.
<3
http://zazzish.blogspot.pt/
I kinda miss that stage of my life. Right now it’s all about babies!
Love the outfit. I really like the mix of turquoise and blush. Very pretty.
So I’m obsessed with those shoes girlfriend and even more I’m obsessed with the first line…building a killer wardrobe! I’m 100% with you on that! Clothes, shoes and handbags are always a good date 😉 If only men could make us as happy as a Marc Jacobs bag on sale…then life would be awesome haha!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Girl, you have KILLER legs! Amazing! I love the unexpected combo of blush and teal! Great look, and definitely an inspiration towards my next wedding look!
Bold Subtlety
I love this outfit, especially the shoes! I was considering buying them, but worry they’re not very versatile? Do you think they’re worth it?!
Lauren
This post was perfect. Loved everything about it!
Your shoes just get better and better. If you ever get tired of them, feel free to send your shoes to me 😉
1. You look absolutely gorgeous!
2. “And a home-town affair (poor choice of words?) calls for a look that’s bold and beautiful.” Well done my friend, well done.
Absolutely love this dress and the high collar perfectly balanced with the funky shoes.
I love this color combination! I’m invited to a wedding this summer, but I have no idea if I’m going… I don’t know how to get there from the airport (and can’t rent a car, lol). I’ve missed every other wedding I was invited to for one reason or another and wanted to catch this one but this travelling thing is stressing me out.
xo Kimi
ha i love that saying.. i had that happen 3 years ago..so many weddings, so many new outfits. love the color combo!
Obsessed with that dress AND those heels.. and I feel ya on all the weddings.. my hubby has been in THREE so far this year.. I’m totally going broke on outfits.. haha
Anyway.. happy Tuesday.. you’re gorgeous.. love ya! : )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Hallie - you look beautiful and this dress is PERFECT on you! I’m loving the, “As a result, all my friends are getting married — and I’m just building a killer ass wardrobe.”
Hope all is well <3
Love your shoes! Both of them… What’s better than building an amazing wardrobe?
x Nina
http://trendsurvivor.com
Those are some freakin’ amazing shoes girl! I love how you paired feminine with edgy in this look; the two colors look gorg together! I actually don’t have any weddings to go to this “wedding season” but hey, I don’t need an excuse for a great pair of shoes, eh? 😉
xo, Stephanie
http://glamslamblog.com
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Absolutely love this color combo — and Tieks = so necessary for the dance floor!
xo, Liz
{What Dress Code?}
This post pretty much convinced me that I NEED a pair of Tieks, like, now. I have been wanting a pair for awhile but this pretty much just sealed the deal.
Lookin’ fab lady!
xx,
Sara
Style for the Seasons
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