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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.
On one of my recent trips across the country, I got to thinking about different kinds of air travelers.
There’s the organized lot that packs in advance, checks and double-check their bags the night prior and only feels at ease when they’re seated at the gate an hour before boarding.
Then, there’s those of us who roll out of bed, practically sleepwalk through security and get to the gate right as the flight is boarding.
Any guesses as to which category I fall into?
Oh yes. The latter, usually. Asshole alert!
Now, I’m getting much better about my preparedness when it comes to traveling, but I think that’s because I’ve been doing so much of it this year (recent trips include: Phoenix, Vegas, Paris).
//
When I’m traveling, there are a few specific “needs” that I plan for.
I need to be entertained (or productive), I need to be comfortable – and on return-flights like the one from Vegas last week, I ABSOLUTELY NEED to be close to a bathroom… And/or to be medicated. Wink.
With the holidays upon us, I know you’ve got a trip or two around the corner. So with that, I thought I’d share an updated version of my perfect packing list — as well as a (printable) check-list to help you travel like a boss this season:
Pin that for later, read this now.
First things first: The bag. Your closest companion and in-flight BFF.
Lately, I’ve been using my favorite reversible tote bag from Nordstrom. It’s big — not baggy — holds up well and fits everything I like to carry. (Of course, I love my Lo & Sons travel tote, too.)
Here’s what’s in my bag when I travel:
Essentials:
Phone, keys, wallet.
More specifically, the Michael Kors jetset wallet: To organize receipts, cash and cards.
NARS matte lip pencils — I am always wearing “Never Say Never.”
*Click to shop:
//
Health:
I’m not a huge germaphobe, but airports (and people) are fucking disgusting. As a result, I need hand sanitizer and tissues to go — always.
Aspirin
Vitamins
Hand sanitizer
Emergen-C packets
Tissues (I’ve been using Puffs Purse Packs and SoftPacks — love ’em both).
Tampons, Pepto, band-aids and Visine are also good to have.
//
Sustenance:
Does anyone really like airplane food? No? Me neither. Which explains why I’m the type of person who reserves the majority of her carry on for snacks on snacks on SNACKS.
Water bottle: I carry one with me and fill it once I’m through security.
Fruit and produce if I’m traveling domestically. You can’t bring those across the border, though. (I’ve learned the hard way.)
Nourish Snacks: I’ve blogged about these portion-control snack packs before, and with good reason. Each is 200 calories (or less) and made with all-natural, non-GMO ingredients. You can shop ’em a la cart or sign up for a monthly delivery.
Of course, we all have different needs and travel styles. Your list probably varies based on your destination, length of travel and the like. Regardless, though I hope you found this helpful.
What’s one essential item that’s got a guaranteed spot on your packing list?
***
This travel season, let’s keep in touch! Find me on… Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | snapchat: @coralsncognacs
This post is exactly what I needed! I leave for a quick trip to Prague in 24 hours and have not had anytime to think about what to pack. I’m even horrible at packing when I have time to think… so it could have been really bad. Plus, you’ve inspired me to pack my leather leggings!
This post was AMAZING! Absolutely bookmarking it for future travels. PS: I hope you have an outfit post planned for the future because those leather leggings and booties are FAB!
GIRL. YES. This is one of the best packing lists I think I’ve ever seen. Most people are like “Bring things that go together to be layered, and a lot of black, and don’t forget your chargers.” And that’s it. This was so in depth and detailed! I always make sure to save magazines that I subscribe to for a few weeks leading up to a trip so I don’t have to buy them in the airport (but let’s be real…). Cozy socks (especially if it’s possible that the floors of wherever I stay could be questionable in their cleanliness) and lotion are also musts. http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
This post is so amazing!! Great attention to detail. I will refer to this on my next travel adventure 🙂 Great blog! Check mine out if you have time!
XO,
Amanda
affordablebyamanda.blogspot.com
Thanks for this! I leave for Chicago in a few days and have been stressing about what to take. I’m a genius packer when it comes to car trips, but for flights I still get a little frazzled. 🙂
I’m loving this checklist! I’m always scrambling around in a panic when I have to pack… just Pinned for future reference!
Kisses,
Sarah http://everydaystarlet.com/
Great post! I also pack a pair of socks to slip on when I go through security if I’m wearing shoes without socks. Bare feet on the airport floor is nasty!
Meg http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I usually pack last minute but I can do that because I’ve written out a list days prior. I rarely forget anything. One thing I have to have is my magazines for the plane ride. I love to fly but don’t particularily want to sleep on my flight (I like to be alert at all times, just in case) so reading material keeps me company. Even If I’m flying with someone, I am not the person that’s gonna chat the duration of the flight. Let me read. Part of the heaviness of my carryon is the mags. Also my extra battery for my phone. It’s godsend considering when you’re at a place like Manhattan or Chicago and know you’re not going to be in the hotel room or anywhere to charge, it’ll allow you the chance of having a charged phone all day. I sometimes prefer to take pix with my phone vs lugging my camera around so an extra phone battery comes in handy.
Oh, girl. I so wouldn’t mind being wedged into a middle seat next to you - we’d be airplane BFFs.
Your reading = my music’ing. That’s half the reason I have over-the-ear, canceling headphones. They’re my obvious “Nope, not open to chatting. I’m jammin’!” Glad to know I’m not alone on this 😉
This is so great, Hallie! And very timely - I am flying to London tomorrow! I absolutely must have a pair of compression socks when I travel. Without them, I get sexy swollen cankles on international flights 😉 I also like to let my mag subscriptions pile up for a few weeks beforehand so I’ll have fresh content, and I have a secret stash of leftover Halloween candy to get me through the flight.
I like to bring my latest read or magazine with me, especially on short flights when getting out electronics seems like more trouble than they are worth! This is an excellent list 🙂
I was comparing your list of items with what I brought in my travel bag to Mexico last week and it’s true, brilliant minds think alike! 😉 No matter where I am traveling to/from or how early/late I get to the airport, I must stop and get a bottle of water before I board the plane. It might be part of my OCD travel ways.
Such an awesome rount up! Just got back from Chicago last weekend and wish I would have had this list. Love the print out, too. Will definitely be pinning it for later! xo
Umm loving your leather pants look…wearing that to the airport to turn some heads while waiting to go through security? 😉
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Ah, yes - they’re actually called “scuba leggings” from Express. Very stretchy and so comfy! Original post is here - https://coralsandcognacs.com/2013/11/what-to-wear-on-a-long-flight.html
try being you and married to an early planner. that’s me. please tell me you’ve seen/heard Kyle Kinane’s bit on pancakes on an airplane. here’s part I but make sure you click around to find part II > http://www.cc.com/video-clips/w3l1u3/stand-up-kyle-kinane-bag-of-pancakes-pt-1
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This post is exactly what I needed! I leave for a quick trip to Prague in 24 hours and have not had anytime to think about what to pack. I’m even horrible at packing when I have time to think… so it could have been really bad. Plus, you’ve inspired me to pack my leather leggings!
Caroline
http://www.peachykeencaroline.com
Wow, SO exciting! Have an amazing trip + safe travels, Caroline. x
This post was AMAZING! Absolutely bookmarking it for future travels. PS: I hope you have an outfit post planned for the future because those leather leggings and booties are FAB!
Pink Champagne Problems
GIRL. YES. This is one of the best packing lists I think I’ve ever seen. Most people are like “Bring things that go together to be layered, and a lot of black, and don’t forget your chargers.” And that’s it. This was so in depth and detailed! I always make sure to save magazines that I subscribe to for a few weeks leading up to a trip so I don’t have to buy them in the airport (but let’s be real…). Cozy socks (especially if it’s possible that the floors of wherever I stay could be questionable in their cleanliness) and lotion are also musts.
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
Thank you, Ella! I’m glad you think so. Me too on the magazine front - waaay too expensive to purchase at the airport.
This post is so amazing!! Great attention to detail. I will refer to this on my next travel adventure 🙂 Great blog! Check mine out if you have time!
XO,
Amanda
affordablebyamanda.blogspot.com
Thanks for this! I leave for Chicago in a few days and have been stressing about what to take. I’m a genius packer when it comes to car trips, but for flights I still get a little frazzled. 🙂
Omg this is like the greatest post ever.. totally bookmarking. And I definitely fall into that last minute category.. eek!
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
I’m loving this checklist! I’m always scrambling around in a panic when I have to pack… just Pinned for future reference!
Kisses,
Sarah
http://everydaystarlet.com/
Great post! I also pack a pair of socks to slip on when I go through security if I’m wearing shoes without socks. Bare feet on the airport floor is nasty!
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I usually pack last minute but I can do that because I’ve written out a list days prior. I rarely forget anything. One thing I have to have is my magazines for the plane ride. I love to fly but don’t particularily want to sleep on my flight (I like to be alert at all times, just in case) so reading material keeps me company. Even If I’m flying with someone, I am not the person that’s gonna chat the duration of the flight. Let me read. Part of the heaviness of my carryon is the mags. Also my extra battery for my phone. It’s godsend considering when you’re at a place like Manhattan or Chicago and know you’re not going to be in the hotel room or anywhere to charge, it’ll allow you the chance of having a charged phone all day. I sometimes prefer to take pix with my phone vs lugging my camera around so an extra phone battery comes in handy.
Oh, girl. I so wouldn’t mind being wedged into a middle seat next to you - we’d be airplane BFFs.
Your reading = my music’ing. That’s half the reason I have over-the-ear, canceling headphones. They’re my obvious “Nope, not open to chatting. I’m jammin’!” Glad to know I’m not alone on this 😉
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This is so great, Hallie! And very timely - I am flying to London tomorrow! I absolutely must have a pair of compression socks when I travel. Without them, I get sexy swollen cankles on international flights 😉 I also like to let my mag subscriptions pile up for a few weeks beforehand so I’ll have fresh content, and I have a secret stash of leftover Halloween candy to get me through the flight.
I like to bring my latest read or magazine with me, especially on short flights when getting out electronics seems like more trouble than they are worth! This is an excellent list 🙂
I was comparing your list of items with what I brought in my travel bag to Mexico last week and it’s true, brilliant minds think alike! 😉 No matter where I am traveling to/from or how early/late I get to the airport, I must stop and get a bottle of water before I board the plane. It might be part of my OCD travel ways.
We must be related or something…
Such an awesome rount up! Just got back from Chicago last weekend and wish I would have had this list. Love the print out, too. Will definitely be pinning it for later! xo
This is the perfect checklist! I will definitely share this post with my jet-setter friends & family. Happy Thursday, Hallie 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/
Umm loving your leather pants look…wearing that to the airport to turn some heads while waiting to go through security? 😉
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Ah, yes - they’re actually called “scuba leggings” from Express. Very stretchy and so comfy! Original post is here - https://coralsandcognacs.com/2013/11/what-to-wear-on-a-long-flight.html
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try being you and married to an early planner. that’s me. please tell me you’ve seen/heard Kyle Kinane’s bit on pancakes on an airplane. here’s part I but make sure you click around to find part II > http://www.cc.com/video-clips/w3l1u3/stand-up-kyle-kinane-bag-of-pancakes-pt-1
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