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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.
I’ve talked a bit about my fitness journey (in this post), and today is a tiny update of sorts.
I’m just gonna get right to it:
Earlier this week while I was taking a power yoga class, I got into headstand pose for the first time… Ever.
This is a big deal for me, as I’ve never been able to do a headstand — let alone a handstand. In fact, I’ll be honest — my cartwheel game was seriously lacking as a kid.
I also suffered a head injury when I was in grade school (I fell from the gym bleachers and landed on my neck during a school basketball game). With the combination of these factors, I suppose I’ve always had a subconscious fear of placing any and all of my weight on the top of my head. And, you know — your body just knows to you stand with your feet. Not your hands.
I’ve been practicing yoga for a few years, but with a more consistent, strength-oriented and “serious” focus over the last six months.
It’s therapy, really. It’s taught me a lot of mindfulness (patience), as my progress has been slow — but steady.
I mentioned this to you (again, in this post), but weight does not fall off my person very easily. (Says the girl who crushed half of a tub of hummus at 11 p.m. the night prior… Haha.)
That being said, I’ve been blown away by the impact it’s had on my mind and body — in addition to regular SoulCycle classes, of course.
Despite all of this, I’ve always wanted to successfully achieve the headstand pose.
Sure, it’s good for you — it reverses aging, increases blood flow to the brain, affects every system in the body and creates mental clarity. But, I mean, it just looks cool and strong as hell, right? My priorities are in order, I know.
Slowly and consistently, I worked, trained and practiced. And as I have learned — with this posture and life in general — patience is key.
How it happened was rather strange.
I was half-listening to the instructor talk about removing the thought that “this is supposed to be really hard,” wherein your mind and body will just naturally take over and work as a team. “That makes sense,” I remember thinking somewhat absent-mindedly.
It’s pretty much relevant in all aspects of life, isn’t it?
So earlier this week, it happened.
My head was planted firmly on my yoga mat, sweaty palms flanked a few inches from my shoulders. Slowly, I inhaled.
As if it on autopilot, my left leg just seemed to float on up. Quite literally. Then, my right followed.
It wasn’t magic by any means, but a combination of consistent focus, practice and determination. Something that my old self would have never thought to be possible.
(And okay, I know — I can hear you guys like “Cool story, Hallie,” so I’ll wrap it up with the point of today’s post:)
Nothing drives me crazier than people who set genuine health, wellness and physical fitness goals for themselves — but they put them off until afterthe New Year.
Like, what? Why? That’s like prolonging the desire to be thinner, stronger, happier and healthier (or whatever it is you’re resolving to achieve).
If my sartorial gripe isn’t enough to get your ass off the couch, some cute new workout clothes should do the trick. Even better if they’re ones that send your message loud and proud — like the gear I’m wearing today.
You probably aren’t surprised to know that my wardrobe is already laden with enough SoulCycle gear to warrant a second closet, but I have a few other favorites as of late, too.
Spiritual Gangster is one my newest activewear obsessions (I discovered them via Carbon38), and Old Navy’s compression tights are just too good (and affordable) not to stock up on. This pair comes in a variety of colors/quotes, though I wish they’d make a pair that reads “DO EPIC SHIT.”
Back to the point of today’s post: Headstand.
I know that corals has read a bit like an inspirational Pinterest board as of late — but sometimes, we could all use the reminder:
You can achieve anything that you align your mind (and actions) to.
You look great, Hallie! I’m so happy for you. I took a power yoga class the other week. I got into the headstand pose, and then proceeded to fall over. Hopefully I’ll be as awesome as you one day!
GET IT GIRL!! That’s such an accomplishment! Thank you thank you thank you for that little spiel on starting NOW. It’s okay to reevaluate and refocus as we move into the New Year, but why wait until then? I started on the road to a happy body and mind in October 2011 - a totally random time, but there was no sense in waiting.
p/s Old Navy compression pants are hands down my favorite.
GET IT!! When you find the DO EPIC SHIT pants, I definitely want in on a pair (shall we design ’em?!) Such fun to continue to hear about your fitness journey and grateful you inspire me. I am kicking my ass into high gear for physical fitness this week so I can R&R next week and then hit the new year running.
LOVE this post for so many reasons!
1. I remember my first headstand - worked on that shit for a YEAR and still couldn’t do it. Once while practicing it after class, I remember telling someone that walked by, “I’ve been trying so long and I just can’t do it.” And the person said, “Well you’ll never be able to do it if you tell yourself you can’t do it.” “Aha” moment right there. Changed my attitude, and suddenly - I’m up in a headstand. “You can do anything you put your mind to” has been my motto ever since. So empowering!
2. Been obsessed with Spritual Gangster (I mean, that brand name…) for a couple years now. Got the Namaste hat and cropped tee recently!
Great work Hallie!! You are awesome! So great to see you from Summer 2007 to now! You are such an inspiration to us all. Thanks for keeping us in check.
I stumbled on your blog and I am so happy I did. I have always been active and in good shape. I had foot surgery in February and unfortunately my foot is giving me a lot of trouble. It has affected my workouts, my weight and my mind. I have done Yoga sporadically but have been thinking about practicing Yoga more regularly. Your post made me feel like this is the path I should take. Thanks!
So proud/happy/excited for you! I have never been able to do a cartwheel.. or a handstand.. or a headstand. Basically anything upside down lol. That’s amazing! http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
That is awesome about your headstand! I have a fear of putting all of my weight on my head, so I do headless handstand (on my forearms) and handstand a lot. It is such an amazing feeling to accomplish a pose you have been really working on! I must check out Spiritual Gangster. I am always looking for awesome workout clothes!
That’s so awesome! Congratulations! I’m a yogi myself, and it has done wonders for my body and mind. Happy for you!
Eat Pray Wear Love
Couldn’t agree more, Leah. Thanks, girl!
You look great, Hallie! I’m so happy for you. I took a power yoga class the other week. I got into the headstand pose, and then proceeded to fall over. Hopefully I’ll be as awesome as you one day!
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
I remember when that happened at SJS!
Like it was yesterday! The good ‘ol days… Hope to see you over the holidays, Nat!
HALLIE! YOU ARE THE BEST. CAN WE BE FRIENDS ALREADY PLEASE?
GET IT GIRL!! That’s such an accomplishment! Thank you thank you thank you for that little spiel on starting NOW. It’s okay to reevaluate and refocus as we move into the New Year, but why wait until then? I started on the road to a happy body and mind in October 2011 - a totally random time, but there was no sense in waiting.
p/s Old Navy compression pants are hands down my favorite.
Such a great post! Congrats!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
You go!
GET IT!! When you find the DO EPIC SHIT pants, I definitely want in on a pair (shall we design ’em?!) Such fun to continue to hear about your fitness journey and grateful you inspire me. I am kicking my ass into high gear for physical fitness this week so I can R&R next week and then hit the new year running.
Congrats on achieving your goals!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Reading this post while sitting on my couch in a Spiritual Gangster sweatshirt. Point taken Universe/Hals. Signing up for a yoga class. Namaste xxo
This is so awesome! You look great.
Yay for you! <3
Congrats! Loved this inspirational post!
xx, Alyssa
http://www.kneehighsandpumpkinspice.com/
LOVE this post for so many reasons!
1. I remember my first headstand - worked on that shit for a YEAR and still couldn’t do it. Once while practicing it after class, I remember telling someone that walked by, “I’ve been trying so long and I just can’t do it.” And the person said, “Well you’ll never be able to do it if you tell yourself you can’t do it.” “Aha” moment right there. Changed my attitude, and suddenly - I’m up in a headstand. “You can do anything you put your mind to” has been my motto ever since. So empowering!
2. Been obsessed with Spritual Gangster (I mean, that brand name…) for a couple years now. Got the Namaste hat and cropped tee recently!
Great work Hallie!! You are awesome! So great to see you from Summer 2007 to now! You are such an inspiration to us all. Thanks for keeping us in check.
You look amazing! Good for you!
I stumbled on your blog and I am so happy I did. I have always been active and in good shape. I had foot surgery in February and unfortunately my foot is giving me a lot of trouble. It has affected my workouts, my weight and my mind. I have done Yoga sporadically but have been thinking about practicing Yoga more regularly. Your post made me feel like this is the path I should take. Thanks!
So proud/happy/excited for you! I have never been able to do a cartwheel.. or a handstand.. or a headstand. Basically anything upside down lol. That’s amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
That is awesome about your headstand! I have a fear of putting all of my weight on my head, so I do headless handstand (on my forearms) and handstand a lot. It is such an amazing feeling to accomplish a pose you have been really working on! I must check out Spiritual Gangster. I am always looking for awesome workout clothes!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Aw I love this post! Go Hallie!!
Love all of these fun kick ass motivational phrases on your workout clothes.
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Wondering about the sizing of the vest. The sizing chart seems like it runs big if a petite small is equivalent to a jcrew large excursion vest.
Yes, the sizing runs a bit large! I a small in Lands’ End, which is what I usually wear in J.Crew, too.
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LOVE this. My goal is to get my legs into headstand STRAIGHT and with control! And also forearm stand…yikes! Love the pictures.
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