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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.
Do you ever have this irrational fear of wasting a really good outfit on a totally insignificant day?
F-k, man. That’s today’s post, in a nutshell. Kind of.
This look right here was supposed to be an incredibly inspiring outfit post for a night out about town, but somewhere in the mix of things, shit went awry.
Lydia (my photographer) and I photographed this outfit together about two months ago. When she sent me the proof sheet with all the photos she’d taken I LIT-ER-UH-LY had to pour a glass of wine and wipe away my tears (from laughing). What the hell is wrong with me?
You know how you buy something and it waits patiently in your closet until the perfect day arrives to be worn? That was me with this dress.
Ugh.
Well, apparently, I’ve developed this complex where I cannot take a normal shot. This makes Lydia’s job more fun, I think, and most mornings she is telling me to “think eye-opening thoughts” and that it’s okay, I just “have heavy eyelids.” What?
At any rate, it was decided. These gems are too good not to share. So…
Here’s what NOT to do when taking photos for your blog (or in life).
Let’s ease into it: This is often what Shot #1 looks like. (Come on, Lydia, I wasn’t ready!)
Nope, still not ready.
Okay, aaaand go:
DON’T… Be alarmed by that four-legged flying bug just landed on your chest. It’s fine.
DO… Adjust your handbag. But DON’T be as ungraceful as I am.
Maybe DON’T… Accuse random passers-by of trying to steal your stuff.
And then DON’T try to talk about it with your photographer through non-verbal queues.
DON’T… Do this.
DO have fun with your photos… But DON’T laugh like this.
Yes, it’s hot (was hot), but DON’T let on to how much you’re actually sweating.
And when your photographer still has the camera in her hand, DON’T accuse her of snapping the shutter for the sole purpose of capturing your outtakes for her own personal benefit. You know she’s just adding to her own “Make Me Smile File,” (as I like to call it) but like, honestly. Can you blame her? This is desktop screensaver material.
So, yes. There you have it.
Style blogging is a tricky game. There are a lot of fantastic fashion bloggers out there who crank out an arsenal of fabulous, inspiring Pinterest-worthy images. I suppose I’m one of them on occasion, but I can tell you with certainty (and at this point in the post you’ll likely agree): I am a goddamn expert when it comes to what not to do when taking blog photos.
To wrap up, here’s the lone normal-looking shot from our morning session — just for good measure. And if you’re wondering, the Outfit Gone To Waste is comprised of a Nicole Miller dress (here’s a similar option), Club Monaco vest, Tory Burch shrunken satchel and Sophia Webster heels.
Oh, and one other thing: Outfit Outtakes Vol. 4 is coming soon… For a good laugh, I’d strongly suggest browsing the archives if you haven’t yet been acquainted to this series.
Way to keep it real, Hallie! Taking outfit photos is my LEAST favorite part of blogging. NYC has this unwritten rule of anonymity where even if weird sh1t is going down, you kind of ignore and keep moving. Unfortunately, CLE does not. A well dressed woman accompanied by a photographer in a public space is a literal freak show! A few weeks back I made some new “friends” while shooting in an industrial area- the grittier side of town! There may have been bullet holes next to me
Aw, C-Town (#home)! I can imagine. That’s the nice thing about shooting in NYC — you can literally dress up in the most ridiculous ensemble possible and no one will pay any mind to you.
It was like that in Chicago (where I used to live) for awhile; but don’t worry, you won’t notice them soon enough!
You would not even believe how much footage has to be cut out whenever I film a style/fashion type video. My dad, who has zero camera know-how, really tries… but it just never goes very smoothly. LOL I love the dress anyway! http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Love that you allow your readers to see the “not so perfect” photos! It makes you more relatable. Most of my photos “in real life” look like your outtakes! Ha ha!
-Meg http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Hahah this is great! The first time I tried to take photos I think I downed an entire bottle of wine and wondered how a person could look so do darn awkward - oh and I blamed my bf for the multiple chin angle he mastered.
this is so good. and for the record, this is usually what happens with me when i shoot with lydia. we end up catching up and chatting about how things are (you know, life) and meanwhile while i’m taking she’s shooting. and then i look at the contact sheet and it’s me with my mouth open in almost every single shot. that being said, you look amazing!
Oh god, dying at this…if I had a dollar for every time I’ve had something similar happen, haha. Sometimes whoever’s shooting will take 100 photos and I’ll look at them and be like WHAT AM I DOING what is wrong with my face? Legit have pictures where my arms are raised like a zombie, too. Thanks for the laugh today (PS—you clearly looked great that day, crazy pics aside!).
LOL I am glad I am not the only one who can take a ton of pictures and almost all of them be crazy. I do blame my non-professional husband photographer for some of the issues. This pictures may not have been the best, but the outfit was awesome! Those shoes are seriously to die for.
This is great! I don’t have a photographer to help me (my husband tries sometimes) so mostly it’s me, a tripod, and a timer. And the tripod can’t tell you if you look ridiculous.
In outfit-related commentary. I still wish I’d splurged on that vest. Every time you wear it I get jealous!
This was funny but true…my brother who shoots my photos just continues snapping even while I’m adjusting myself or still talking to him…I just haven’t been brave enough to share those outtakes like you do…you are more courageous than I am 😉 haha
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
I’m dying. This is hilarious!! It always amazes me how many pictures I need to DELETE in order to find 5-6 blog-worthy gems. Glad to hear I’m not alone. The struggle is real.
xoxo, Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com
Hahaha loved these pics because they show the real “struggle” of taking pics for a fashion post! Love that you shared them with us because we can see for ourselves not everything is as perfect as it seems. Killer legs, btw!! I need those shoes!
Just know that I left a HILAR post and then WordPress ate it… perhaps it is in your spam folder now. Anyways… cliff notes version: the struggle is real, you look fierce! Thanks for sharing this giggle with us!
xx Here&Now
Way to keep it real, Hallie! Taking outfit photos is my LEAST favorite part of blogging. NYC has this unwritten rule of anonymity where even if weird sh1t is going down, you kind of ignore and keep moving. Unfortunately, CLE does not. A well dressed woman accompanied by a photographer in a public space is a literal freak show! A few weeks back I made some new “friends” while shooting in an industrial area- the grittier side of town! There may have been bullet holes next to me
Aw, C-Town (#home)! I can imagine. That’s the nice thing about shooting in NYC — you can literally dress up in the most ridiculous ensemble possible and no one will pay any mind to you.
It was like that in Chicago (where I used to live) for awhile; but don’t worry, you won’t notice them soon enough!
Ha, ha, ha! Love these. The bug on your chest is the best. Your stems look awesome though. So there’s that.
I love it! I’d say a solid 85% of the photos my husband snaps are outtakes. Shoot.
Heather | Style Prescription
You would not even believe how much footage has to be cut out whenever I film a style/fashion type video. My dad, who has zero camera know-how, really tries… but it just never goes very smoothly. LOL I love the dress anyway!
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Let’s see those outtakes, girrrrrl!
HAHAHA. These are RICH.
Love that you allow your readers to see the “not so perfect” photos! It makes you more relatable. Most of my photos “in real life” look like your outtakes! Ha ha!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Hahah this is great! The first time I tried to take photos I think I downed an entire bottle of wine and wondered how a person could look so do darn awkward - oh and I blamed my bf for the multiple chin angle he mastered.
Love the outfit, though!
xoxo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
amazing. absolutely amazing…
allison
http://www.dariesdiary.com
Haha - I know you know what I’m talking about here, too…
This is a day maker right here! I look similar when attempting to shoot outfits (which doesn’t happen very often).
I love the red bag!
xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com
I’m sorry. I heard nothing you said. I was too busy looking at you legs. GAHDANG, girl!! I need to do whatever you’re doing.
SoulCycle, my friend. It’s my drug of choice!
this is so good. and for the record, this is usually what happens with me when i shoot with lydia. we end up catching up and chatting about how things are (you know, life) and meanwhile while i’m taking she’s shooting. and then i look at the contact sheet and it’s me with my mouth open in almost every single shot. that being said, you look amazing!
Hahaha, yes! I know that struggle; glad it’s not just me. : )
Freakin hilarious!
oh my god I love you so much Hallie. This was exactly what I needed today. Also, miss you!!!
You should see my outtakes (or, let’s not!). Thanks for sharing - you’re more brave than me 🙂
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
A $300 Kate Spade giftcard giveaway on the blog
Oh god, dying at this…if I had a dollar for every time I’ve had something similar happen, haha. Sometimes whoever’s shooting will take 100 photos and I’ll look at them and be like WHAT AM I DOING what is wrong with my face? Legit have pictures where my arms are raised like a zombie, too. Thanks for the laugh today (PS—you clearly looked great that day, crazy pics aside!).
These are hilarious! I love…
LOL I am glad I am not the only one who can take a ton of pictures and almost all of them be crazy. I do blame my non-professional husband photographer for some of the issues. This pictures may not have been the best, but the outfit was awesome! Those shoes are seriously to die for.
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
This is great! I don’t have a photographer to help me (my husband tries sometimes) so mostly it’s me, a tripod, and a timer. And the tripod can’t tell you if you look ridiculous.
In outfit-related commentary. I still wish I’d splurged on that vest. Every time you wear it I get jealous!
I cannot waaaait for Outtakes Volume 4!
Ohhh yes. Spoiler alert: This deck is STACKED.
Girl, you crack me up!
O this post was so good and hilarious! ahahahahaha! Thanks for the laugh, Hallie 🙂
This was funny but true…my brother who shoots my photos just continues snapping even while I’m adjusting myself or still talking to him…I just haven’t been brave enough to share those outtakes like you do…you are more courageous than I am 😉 haha
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
You seriously just made my day! I wish I was half as funny as you, Hallie! You always know how to make light of a bad situation 🙂 Miss you!!! xox
You are actually hilarious. I can’t even take it! Can’t stress enough how great it is that you’re so open with these kinds of photos! Love it!
Pink Champagne Problems
Priceless. <3
EatPrayWearLove
Hahah I love this! Outtakes are the best! And even your OUTTAKES look good!
I’m dying. This is hilarious!! It always amazes me how many pictures I need to DELETE in order to find 5-6 blog-worthy gems. Glad to hear I’m not alone. The struggle is real.
xoxo, Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com
Hahaha loved these pics because they show the real “struggle” of taking pics for a fashion post! Love that you shared them with us because we can see for ourselves not everything is as perfect as it seems. Killer legs, btw!! I need those shoes!
Just know that I left a HILAR post and then WordPress ate it… perhaps it is in your spam folder now. Anyways… cliff notes version: the struggle is real, you look fierce! Thanks for sharing this giggle with us!
xx
Here&Now
You are my hero for this. I like working solo with my tripod and remote… she doesn’t talk back when I have *derp* moments, haha.
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