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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.

October 1, 2023

The Business of Balance

So for today, it’s business on the bottom and (slumber) party on the top.

I’m practicing my Parisian this week, you guys. And my French. How am I doing?

[“quelle horreur!” they agree in unison.]

I mentioned this last Friday, but the girls and I are Paris-bound next week. Crazy!

We found a place to stay, oh, yesterday (nothing like really waiting until the last minute) — and you guys have been immensely helpful with your city-wide suggestions for shopping, seeing and eating (drinking), so thank you! I’m feeling more prepared — and excited — for our Euro-trip with each passing day…

Packing, on the other hand, is another story. Here’s the thing:

What the hell does one wear in Paris?

Hmm.

I’m not super worried, I suppose — the French seem to be all about that #wokeuplikethis style — and um, hello! Hi. That’s me: Allergic to the alarm clock. I like to think I practically invented the art of smart snoozing, so that’s great news here. (#casual)

Another thing I’ve noticed? Parisian women stick to their signature styles. They know what works! I have this sweater in a few colors (I wore the black last week!), so does that make me tres chic or a total hoarder?

Either way, the plan, for now, is to start from this top and work backwards. Quite literally, as I’m talking about my hat. A wide-brim fedora is synonymous with French chic, so we’ll begin there.

… But seriously though, DA FUQ does one wear in Paris?

If you need me this weekend, I’ll be out shopping for cotton shirts, distinctive stripes and breezy silk button-downs to wear with my navy schoolboy blazer. Life is si difficile…

*Wearing: 525 America shaker crop sweater (also have the black version; more styles here) / faux leather mini skirt (similar styles here) / 3.1 Phillip Lim medium Pashli satchel, / Schutz shoes (similar style) / Otte Alexis hat (similar $16 style) | *Beauty: Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer / YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Opera Rose / Stila ‘convertible color’ lip & cheek cream / Benefit Instant Brow pencil

*Click to shop: Chunky sweaters, faux leather skirts, this post (below):

///

Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

21 comments

Annie Reeves on October 1, 2023 at 7:47 am

Looking tres chic (yeah, I don’t do French either…?) - but really, love the outfit. Cannot wait to hear about the fabulous travels!!

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Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl on October 1, 2023 at 8:06 am

The perfect black and white look for fall…LOVE that skirt!!

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

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Jess Zimlich on October 1, 2023 at 9:45 am

Bonjour, good lookin’! Ya…that’s about all I’ve got. SO excited to hear about your adventures, they are bound to be good 😉

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- corals + cognacs on October 1, 2023 at 2:08 pm
  
  Laughing out loud — that’s about all I’ve got, too. #nailedit
  
  Reply
Kristin Clark on October 1, 2023 at 10:20 am

Love the outfit! And the necklace ties it all together! Have an amazing time in Paris!

xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com

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Katie on October 1, 2023 at 10:39 am

Lookin’ tres chic as always! XO

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Sarah Lagen on October 1, 2023 at 11:04 am

I’m so jealous of your trip to Paris — can I please come along! haha, love this outfit too!

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Sarah on October 1, 2023 at 11:29 am

You are so hilarious!!! Your blog always starts my day off well!!

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- corals + cognacs on October 1, 2023 at 2:09 pm
  
  Thank you, Sarah!
  
  Reply
Nikki on October 1, 2023 at 11:36 am

Omg Paris is AMAZING!! You are going to have the best time. Eat as many crepes as possible (I like the chocolate and banana), and don’t miss Montmartre, especially at night. Love this look. That necklace is fab.

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

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Liz @ Shopping My Closet on October 1, 2023 at 11:49 am

I think this outfit nails it! Have a great trip!

Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

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Summer on October 1, 2023 at 12:06 pm

Ton chapeau est extra!! Manges un pain au chocolate pour moi svp!

Seriously, have the best time, nowhere can make you feel the way Paris does-most inherently chic place on the planet.

summerandatlantic.blogspot.com

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Daisy @ Simplicity Relished on October 1, 2023 at 12:15 pm

Wow- Enjoy your time in Paris! I’m so jealous that you get to go there this season. Bon voyage!
<3
Daisy | Simplicity Relished

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Katie Urban on October 1, 2023 at 2:04 pm

Love this skirt Hallie! Based on your ability to score that at Nordstrom rack, I am sure you will do just fine scoring other pieces for Paris. Have fun!

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- corals + cognacs on October 1, 2023 at 2:10 pm
  
  Lord help my wallet and I…
  
  Reply
Missy On Madison on October 1, 2023 at 3:07 pm

Umm your necklace…amazing!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com

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- corals + cognacs on October 2, 2023 at 9:24 am
  
  Thank you! Thrifty find from Japan : )
  
  Reply
Elena Michelle on October 1, 2023 at 8:56 pm

Have a great time in Paris!! My advice: leave room in your suitcase for everything you’ll buy

xoxo, Elena Michelle
www,anewyorkloveaffair.com

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Morgan Paige on October 2, 2023 at 11:50 am

Ahh Paris sounds AMAZING! I hope ya’ll have safe travels and an amazing trip! I say pack at least one pair of sensible walking shoes, and like Elena said room in your suitcase for Paris eye candy :]

Morgan Paige
http://www.mygorgeouschaos.com

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megan3784 on October 2, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Granted, I’m not an expert packer, but that’s never stopped me from offering my opinion before so here are a few tips based on my trip…

1. Take 1 pair of heels…max. Mine never left the suitcase thanks to the rainy weather and cobblestone streets.

2. Pack a purse (like your Lim) that’s big enough to fit your camera. I only took a small cross body so we had to carry the camera bag everywhere or, even worse, wear it around our necks straight up tourist style. Not cute!

3. A black leather baseball cap will be your best friend. See #1 regarding rainy weather.

4. Double or triple up on electrical outlet converters b/c 1 definitely isn’t enough to keep your phone, iPad, camera, iPod, etc… charged all day long.

Megan // http://www.fyeahblog.com

P.S. I’m trying to talk my hubby in to Thailand for our 5 year anniversary trip next year. I’ll keep you posted.

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Victoria McGinley on October 3, 2023 at 9:48 am

Ton Français…pas mal 😉 I agree with all the tips Megan posted above! And honestly, I’ve learned not to overpack for Paris, because you will get there, hate all your clothes, and want to shop immediately. I now like to hit up a Zara early in the trip, because I find the selection is better and slightly different than what’s in the U.S., and I can find something new to inspire what I’m wearing while roaming the streets!

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