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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 story behind this double-slit maxi skirt, and it isn’t of the Angelina Jolie variety.
I bought this skirt a few years ago — and I haven’t touched it since.
I remember like it was yesterday, though: It was the last one in stock and marked down to a very tempting price. So much so, that despite it being a full size too small, I couldn’t pass it up. “Free-99!” my shopaholic side had whispered.
YOLO, you know? It was one of those (you’re an ass)pirational purposes. The ‘ol: “Oh, well this will be my motivation to lose weight. Purchase, justified! Win.”
Sound familiar?
I never got around to wearing it — or even trying it back on — until now. In fact, I honestly didn’t even know I still had it until I did a massive closet purge over the weekend (more on that tomorrow). I guess being a hoarder has it’s sartorial silver linings.
And apparently, this whole stressed-the-fuck-out diet is real, guys, and it works. Thank you, New York!
Just kidding — I’m going to tell you all about my fitness journey next week, but for today, we’ll keep it casual and talk about color schemes.
And that slit.
Slits. Plural.
I’ve been wearing the same variation of my fall uniform (there’s that sweater again), so in an effort to freshen up my all-black ensemble, I decided to “invest” in a few a seasonally appropriate accessories in a palette of rich, blue hues.
I was surprised when I found this ombré scarf at Charming Charlie, which is a brand I’ve grown up on but only really (and wrongly) considered for jewelry in the past, like midi ring sets and the like.
Charming Charlie and I go way back — and by that, I mean I used to spend all of my hard-earned Hollister paychecks there every month each summer break.
(Yes, it’s true. I worked at Hollister. Those were dark times, my friends.)
I’ve always liked how the store is merchandized by color, which is how I’ve been attempting to organize my closet. It keeps me in line and is ultimately the easiest road map to find what you’re looking for in the morning… So in other words, it allows me to snooze.
Until tomorrow’s closet convo, tell me: Thoughts on the double-slit maxi skirt? Would you wear it? And if so, with what?
*Wearing: 525 America crop sweater (also love this version) | BCBGMAXAZRIA double-slit maxi skirt (similar) | silky ombré scarf, cocktail ring, midi rings and cluster earrings c/o Charming Charlie | Alexander Wang Lia studded bag (here in black, more options here) | Pour La Victoire wedges | *Beauty: NARS matte lip pencil in Never Say Never
I love how you put together the blue and black… but I don’t think I’m as brave as you are to wear a double-slit! I’m excited to see your fitness post, you are looking awesome
Happy Tuesday! http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Two things, 1. I’m SO excited to hear about your fitness routine/journey. 2. I’m allergic to cats and when I first started shopping at Hollister, I couldn’t figure out why I was itching and sneezing like crazy…the store actually had a live cat and bird in it. Did yours?!
OMG, haha. So weird! I wonder why? No, I don’t remember there being animals in our store… Just a shitload of fragrance! And I’m still jaded from the experience of folding jeans in a specific way.
I’d like to say yes, but in reality probably not. I can just imagine sitting somewhere and having the middle panel slide between my legs and both slits easing a little too high up the thighs and all of that not being bueno.
It’s gotta be that NYC life + Parker parties, obvi 😉
Also, my roommate who just moved out still works for Hollister…she started when she was 18 and is now a traveling DM for the Pacific Northwest, it’s crazy. I don’t know how she could stand to be in there every day, haha!
First off i want to just compliment you on your writing because i literally laughed the whole way through. Even though this was a collaboration post it didn’t sound stiff and you didn’t spend your whole time gushing over the brand making it utterly obvious it was a collab/sponserd post. I love being able to read your posts and see so much personality! And now you have also officially reminded me that I am due for a charming charlie visit! =)
Xo http://www.hercharisma.com/
Happy Tuesday, Hallie
Love the blue accessories, great way to brighten up an all black outfit!
http://lovecompassionatelee.squarespace.com/
Oh, I am love lovin’ cobalt and black together this season- you’ve done it!
Heather | Style Prescription
I love how you put together the blue and black… but I don’t think I’m as brave as you are to wear a double-slit! I’m excited to see your fitness post, you are looking awesome
Happy Tuesday!
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Oh my goodness I’ve been looking for something exactly like the similar dress you added, and that’s in my price range! Add to cart. Thanks!
I’m so glad! With a jacket, too, you can rock it for the next few months. : )
Well hello sexy lady! love the high slights on the skirt paired with the chunky knit…so fun!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
What a fun look! And don’t worry… I used to work at Build-a-Bear Workshop. Ha ha!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I feel you on the whole “I didn’t know I had that…” deal!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Two things, 1. I’m SO excited to hear about your fitness routine/journey. 2. I’m allergic to cats and when I first started shopping at Hollister, I couldn’t figure out why I was itching and sneezing like crazy…the store actually had a live cat and bird in it. Did yours?!
OMG, haha. So weird! I wonder why? No, I don’t remember there being animals in our store… Just a shitload of fragrance! And I’m still jaded from the experience of folding jeans in a specific way.
You nailed it by pairing this skirt with a chunky knit. LOOOOVE the slits!
I can’t wait to hear more about your fitness journey - I’m also in the process of a healthier lifestyle as well as losing weight! You rock!
Pink Champagne Problems
I’d like to say yes, but in reality probably not. I can just imagine sitting somewhere and having the middle panel slide between my legs and both slits easing a little too high up the thighs and all of that not being bueno.
umm I need that bag<3
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Skirt yes! Bag hell yes! Shoes no no no! Trying not to soud a total bitch I would love to know about your fitness journey!
Hah, the Hollister days! Oh how the times have changed.
I know you know what I’m talking about. Guilty Party of Two. (See what I did there?)
It’s gotta be that NYC life + Parker parties, obvi 😉
Also, my roommate who just moved out still works for Hollister…she started when she was 18 and is now a traveling DM for the Pacific Northwest, it’s crazy. I don’t know how she could stand to be in there every day, haha!
You look so beautiful!! Blue is a great color on you, and those shoes are amazing!
http://www.alovelyintention.com
i worked at the limited too, so…
love the blue and black!
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First off i want to just compliment you on your writing because i literally laughed the whole way through. Even though this was a collaboration post it didn’t sound stiff and you didn’t spend your whole time gushing over the brand making it utterly obvious it was a collab/sponserd post. I love being able to read your posts and see so much personality! And now you have also officially reminded me that I am due for a charming charlie visit! =)
Xo
http://www.hercharisma.com/
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