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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.

November 24, 2023

Avoiding Outerwear

From a sartorial perspective, I’d argue that layering season is the most wonderful time of the year.

It never fails, too. Every single season, the piece that reigns supreme in my closet is…

… The faux fur vest.

I love a good vest, and if you’ve been a c+c reader for awhile, you know that to be true.

Whether or not you’re in the same boat, the sleeveless topper is arguably the MVP (Most Versatile Piece) that every girl can have in her wardrobe arsenal. I wear mine to work, on weekends, for travel — you name it. Talk about endless outfit opportunities!

I recently added this faux shearling number to my winter weather repertoire — and despite the fact that it’s faux fur, it’s an insanely luxe impersonator. Swoon!

(And speaking of which, Blank NYC/the brand I’m wearing has a ton of faux fur/vegan leather separates available through Zappos this season — I have this jacket.)

During the first few months of cooler temperatures (and for travel, especially) I like to layer faux fur vests with thicker separates (and cute beige boots) as a cozy alternative to outerwear — and so that I can avoid wearing big, bulky jackets entirely.

Like I told you guys last week, I’m in denial.

///

On another note:

You know how when you hear something so fundamentally profound that you just want to share it with everyone you talk to? That’s me after listening to a commencement speech that Jim Carrey recently made at a small non-profit college in Iowa (MUM).

Perhaps it was a multi-cup caffeine high, but I listened to it three times over the course of Sunday afternoon — and again this morning. Here’s one of my favorite excerpts:

“As far as I can tell, it’s just about letting the universe know what you want and working toward it while letting go of how it comes to pass.”

Boom. Pop your headphones in and give it a listen as you mindlessly put off your task list today — start at the ten-minute mark if you’re feeling antsy. Report back with your thoughts!

*In this post:

Wool sweater: Calypso St. Barth (love this version)
Faux fur vest: Blank Denim via Zappos (similar here)
Pencil skirt: Vince Camuto (on sale)
Handbag/satchel: 3.1 Phillip Lim (medium Pashli)
Ankle booties: Vince Camuto via Zappos
Lipstick: NARS Audacious in “Anna”
Nail polish: Essie “Merino Cool”

*CLICK TO SHOP: OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS | FAUX-FUR VESTS
THIS POST (BELOW):

///

Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

23 comments

Jessica on November 24, 2023 at 7:27 am

I adore this vest on you. I’ve never been a fan of the bulky fur vests, but I can get on board with this sleek alternative!

http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 24, 2023 at 3:19 pm
  
  Thanks Jessica! It’s SO cozy, too. Black is the way to go if you’re not a fan of a bulkier vest — so sleek-and-chic!
  
  Reply
Rose on November 24, 2023 at 7:45 am

I love that Jim Carrey speech—it got a lot of buzz back home earlier this year since he gave it in Iowa! (I don’t think he actually went to school there though it’s a small Hindu business school)

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 24, 2023 at 3:17 pm
  
  Ahh… I thought he did since they gave him an honorary degree, but good to know. : )
  
  Reply
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl on November 24, 2023 at 8:11 am

Loving this whole look of layers…those booties are perfection!

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

Reply
Kristin Clark on November 24, 2023 at 10:29 am

I love your vest and booties!

xo
Kristin of LivingInColorPrint.com

Reply
Lauren on November 24, 2023 at 11:34 am

Love that vest and I am all about the motivational speeches these days!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 24, 2023 at 3:19 pm
  
  Can never get enough. : )
  
  Reply
Meagan on November 24, 2023 at 11:43 am

Love that vest! I am all about the vests and yours is perfect!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

Reply
Summer on November 24, 2023 at 11:55 am

Ah, I’m kicking myself for not getting a shearling vest that I recently tried on at Nordstrom Rack. You look amazing!!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 24, 2023 at 3:19 pm
  
  The worst kind of buyer’s remorse… Go back! Or just get this one, it’s on sale! #twinsies
  
  Reply
alyssaaguero on November 24, 2023 at 12:58 pm

Totally agree that a faux fur vest is the MVP! I have a similar one hanging in my closet and I love it.

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

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Brittany Sampson on November 24, 2023 at 1:10 pm

I am all about a fur vest. Now if the weather down here would just cool down, I wouldn’t look so ridiculous walking around in full on winter gear in 65 degree weather.

Xo
Brittany

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 24, 2023 at 3:25 pm
  
  Haha. Ironically, it’s 70 degrees here today! Mother nature can’t make up her damn mind…
  
  Reply
cassidylou on November 24, 2023 at 2:23 pm

that is a great vest. Love the neutral layering!

xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com

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Alyssa from The Sparkly Life on November 24, 2023 at 5:05 pm

Those boots though!!! #swoon

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Christina on November 24, 2023 at 9:14 pm

Love the outfit, although do your feet hurt from walking around NYC in the booties? I have to admit, I am usually scared to buy any boots with heels because I think they will hurt my feet. Do share!

And thanks for the link to Jim Carrey’s speech - it is nice motivation and a great surprise to see on your blog!

~ Christina

http://mabellechristina.blogspot.com

Reply
Melissa on November 24, 2023 at 10:48 pm

Love those booties Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Enter My Elizabeth Arden Giveaway -> http://bit.ly/11CkynH

Reply
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Kerrie Mitchell Burke on November 25, 2023 at 10:53 am

Really love this look Hallie - the styling of that vest is perfect! And now I’m off to listen to Jim Carrey’s speech!

K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on November 25, 2023 at 3:03 pm
  
  Enjoy it! And have a great holiday, Kerrie. x
  
  Reply
WeDress Alright on December 12, 2023 at 11:25 am

Girl, I have to agree. My layering piece of choice is a vest!! Jackets just seem to bulky for me. Plus, I live in Florida so a jacket is not always practical! I definitely need to add a fur vest into my wardrobe ASAP

http://www.wedressalright.blogspot.com

Reply
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