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You, my readers, and overall editorial integrity are the two most important aspects of corals + cognacs. Know that I will always retain 100% control over the content on corals + cognacs, all opinions are that of my own, and that I will always disclose to you the items for which I have been paid and/or gifted.

Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!

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.

October 27, 2023

Viva Las Vegas: Life is Beautiful

Fall’s powdery fashion palette has been at the forefront of my wardrobe this season, which made packing for my most recent get-a-way weekend a breeze.

And with that, I’m going to interrupt what’s left of our Paris programming ever-so-briefly to share an update from this weekend’s desert festivities.

Last week, I (unpacked, repacked and) hopped on a plane to Vegas, where I’ve been spending a few days with the Zappos team and three blogger buds — Jess, Justin & Anthony — for one final music festival hurrah this year.

You know I’m always down for a good time — and there’s plenty of that to go around in Las Vegas — but we’ve actually spent most of our time away from the strip and in the heart of Vegas’s up-and-coming downtown neighborhood, which is the city’s original townsite/gambling district.

These days, it’s more of a central business district — and the Zappos.com CEO, Tony Hsieh, has been championing a community-focused revitalization of sorts. (Free history lesson?)

Anyway, we took a 60-minute tour of the Zappos campus (yes, campus — not office), styled and photographed a series of looks throughout downtown; and spent our evenings dancing around the Life is Beautiful festival.

My favorite line-up was last night — and my voice is hoarse from singing (screaming) along to Galantis, St. Lucia, Foo Fighters and Skrillex, among others. Have you seen any of ’em live?

Although it felt counter-intuitive to pack for (A) dry, desert weather and (B) an outdoor music festival given it’s nearly November, it wasn’t difficult to do.

Beyond these powder blue hues that I’m all about as of late, black denim shorts and a fresh pair of Nike’s are always, always, always my festival go-to’s. When you’re walking and dancing and sweating all day and well into the evening, comfort comes first.

This pair of shoes, especially, has been on repeat.

I wore them throughout my travels in Paris and love that they double as a running shoe. You know, just in case motivation strikes… Juuuust in case.

*Wearing: Bik Bok cropped shirt (purchased in Oslo; similar here), COS necklace (purchased in Paris), Nike Flex 2014 shoes via Zappos (I also have & love this pair), Frame Denim black shorts, Olympus Pen Plus camera c/o

*Click to shop: Nike shoes, this post (below):

///

Photos taken by Jessica Sturdy

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22 comments

Jenna {Clothed in Confetti} on October 27, 2023 at 6:51 am

I must say, I have really been crushing on your tennis shoes as of late. The metallic number on your instagram this weekend were amazing. It is too early to start a christmas list?!

Reply
Charlotte on October 27, 2023 at 7:27 am

Cute look - that last photo is adorable!
I’ve got to say, your joie de vivre really comes through in all your recent posts. You are living it up!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 27, 2023 at 5:20 pm
  
  Thank you Charlotte : )
  
  Reply
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl on October 27, 2023 at 8:55 am

These pictures are so fun! You’re such a jet setter….LOVE it!

xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com

Reply
Meagan on October 27, 2023 at 9:11 am

That necklace is so cool! What are the links made of?
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 27, 2023 at 5:25 pm
  
  They’re rubber, actually. Lots of people ask to touch it in-person, haha. Good convo starter?
  
  Trying to find similar items to link to - stay tuned!
  
  Reply
Jackie (York Avenue) on October 27, 2023 at 9:52 am

Haha, nice jump move at the end there! That necklace is really amazing - even better since you purchased it in Paris!

Reply
Sarah Lagen on October 27, 2023 at 11:14 am

I love your last picture, it looks like you had a blast!!

Reply
Kristin Clark on October 27, 2023 at 11:21 am

That chunky necklace is to die for!

xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com

Reply
Larisa on October 27, 2023 at 12:03 pm

Looks like so much fun! I spent a decent amount of my childhood in Vegas so I have fond memories of the old districts. And the outlets there are toooo good! Glad you had fun!

xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com

Reply
Kayla on October 27, 2023 at 12:31 pm

SO fun! Love your big chunky chain! : )

Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com

Reply
Liz @ Shopping My Closet on October 27, 2023 at 1:44 pm

What a fun necklace!

Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
A $300 Kate Spade giftcard giveaway on the blog

Reply
Alyssa Aguero on October 27, 2023 at 4:59 pm

Loveee those shoes! I’ve been wanting a pair like that.

xx, Alyssa
http://www.kneehighsandpumpkinspice.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 27, 2023 at 5:24 pm
  
  Yes! FYI: This is my favorite pair of running shoes to-date — I need medium support and they are perfect! Think I’m going to get the black, too. : )
  
  Reply
Elena Michelle on October 27, 2023 at 8:06 pm

Cute looK!!!! That last pic is adorable. I really am digging the sneaks with this outfit. I’ve only just started to work them back into my wardrobe for non-workout looks. Jack Purcells were my first step in this direction…

xoxo, Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com

Reply
Missy On Madison on October 27, 2023 at 8:23 pm

Great photos Hallie! Isn’t the Zappos compound great?! When I was there they had camels there for ‘Humpday’ and a petting zoo! Crazy Say hi to my friends at the social team http://bit.ly/1wD8pIi

Reply
- corals + cognacs on October 28, 2023 at 12:51 am
  
  Yes, so fun! It was cool to see Tony’s desk, too. I am fascinated by him and the culture he’s built; I’m reading his book now!
  
  Reply
Ella on October 27, 2023 at 11:35 pm

Can I just say how much I LOVE the personality that shines through in the last picture? Also (please, please take this the best way possible), your body confidence is something I aspire to. Love!
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26

Reply
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The Fine Print

Hi, nice to meet you.

*Click to shop: Nike shoes, this post (below):

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