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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.
How are the holiday cookie hangovers coming along? Coffee, my friends — all of the coffee.
I’m so freakin’ excited for today’s post… Partially because I’ve been dying for an excuse to style this shirt.
But first: Honesty hour.
Admittedly, I’ve never been the biggest New Year’s Eve advocate.
In theory, it should be a great holiday — one that entails a fresh haircut (and color), a sparkle-infused mani and an outfit chose at least a week in advance.
Despite the hype, it tends to be one of those overrated weekends in which most of your time is spent waiting in line — be it for coat check, the bar or the bathroom (unless you’re at a table, and those days, my friends, are behind this reformed party girl). I’m sure you can relate, no?
In reality, New Year’s Eve is pretty much like every experience I’ve ever had at a nail salon.
Meaning, I never allow my nails ample time to dry — because, as we rationalize, that extra 60 seconds won’t really make a difference. Will it? Isn’t “almost dry” and “actually dry” pretty much the same thing? (No.)
So, you leave the salon a mere minute prematurely and ultimately chip or smudge at least one of your gorgeously painted nail. In other words, a lot of prep work, a shitload of money and ultimately, a slightly disappointing experience.
… New Year’s Eve, amiright?
This year, however, is a welcome departure from those tired traditions.
Jess and I are bound for the Golden State — where we’re having a football-filled weekend at the Rose Bowl with FTD, the spectacle’s official floral sponsor (and an affiliate of the tournament for more than 60 years).
If you’re not familiar with the Rose Bowl — or Rose Parade — it’s a celebration of flower-covered floats that’s more than a century old. Think flowers, football, parades, parking lot parties — and most importantly, men in uniform(s).
YAAAS! Err, YAY!
Upon arrival in (hopefully) sunny California, our first order of business is getting a behind-the-scenes look at the float-building process.
Accordingly, FTD puts in more than 1,120 hours of labor to decorate their vehicles in the Rose Parade (six of ’em total). Each is decorated with nearly 20 different types of flowers and — get this — more than 300 pounds worth of flowers!
Though we’re eager to treat a few days in the sunshine as as a mini-vacation (Bloggers’ Day Off, baby!), we’ll be live tweeting and Instagram’ing — as well as sharing updates on FTD’s blog.
This past year is proof that life moves (very) quickly, which can cause our happiest occasions to get lost in the shuffle of stress and self-concern — and I’m looking forward to reinstating New Year’s as a momentous annual milestone.
So exciting! I always find NYE a bit underwhelming for all the prep involved. What I enjoy most is the calmness between midnight and 2am, once the heels and perfectly styled outfit have been replaced by slippers and leggings. I always, always cry and spend the next hour or so chatting with friends and family about the year ahead. Question now is, who will you be cheering for at the Rose Bowl?
So exciting! We went to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game last year to cheer on MSU So much fun! And so cool seeing all of the fantastic floats!! Hope you have the best time!
Re: New Years, I totally agree that it’s not as fun as it seems to celebrate in NYC. We started hosting a party at our place a few years ago, and it’s much more fun than braving the bar scene. I saw the Rose Bowl floats being assembled one year with my parents & it was amazing! It’s so fascinating how they use all of the flowers and seeds. It also smells fantastic! Have a great time in Cali with Jess!
You gals are going to have the best time - can’t wait to follow along and see all the floral goodness On the NYE note: For the past few years, we’ve been celebrating at home or at a close friend’s with our tight knit group of people and there is NO WHERE else I’d rather be. We still like to dress up, but gone are the days of fighting the crowds for an over-priced drink that will more than likely get spilled after some drunk dude bumps you a little too hard.
This is so exciting! Looking forward to following along. I totally agree with you about NYE though. This year I’ll be spending it with my best friends at one of our houses - champs is already purchased;) Have a great time!
That’s so awesome about going to the Rose Bowl! I’ve heard amazing things, and it will be awesome to see those gorgeous floats in person! You’re so lucky you’re escaping this cold. Hope you get a good tan, girl, and have a good New Year!
I sure hope this NYE is one for the books!! I can’t wait to see all the fun you two ladies have!! I always can’t wait to read the hilarious stories that I am sure you will have when you return.
I could not agree more about New Year’s Eve - I would much rather be at a house party or at home in my pjs with champagne and the ball dropping on tv, than at a crowded club getting champs spilled on my new dress.
Congrats on the exciting venture with Jessica - I am sure you both will have a great time! It is a special way to ring in the New Year - make it a good one!
~ Christina
http://www.mabellechristina.blogspot.com
I am so totally with you about NYE. Way too much hype. I’d rather stay home in my pjs. Sounds like you are going to have SO much fun this year! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
It’s mine - it says “I’m the after party!” and it’s from Chandon (the champagne). I’m not sure if you can find it in-stores, but try Googling/checking their website for a party package! x
So jealous! I’ve always wanted to see the floats being assembled. Take lots of Instagrams.
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
So exciting! I always find NYE a bit underwhelming for all the prep involved. What I enjoy most is the calmness between midnight and 2am, once the heels and perfectly styled outfit have been replaced by slippers and leggings. I always, always cry and spend the next hour or so chatting with friends and family about the year ahead. Question now is, who will you be cheering for at the Rose Bowl?
So exciting! We went to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game last year to cheer on MSU
So much fun! And so cool seeing all of the fantastic floats!! Hope you have the best time!
Re: New Years, I totally agree that it’s not as fun as it seems to celebrate in NYC. We started hosting a party at our place a few years ago, and it’s much more fun than braving the bar scene. I saw the Rose Bowl floats being assembled one year with my parents & it was amazing! It’s so fascinating how they use all of the flowers and seeds. It also smells fantastic! Have a great time in Cali with Jess!
xo
Sam
You gals are going to have the best time - can’t wait to follow along and see all the floral goodness
On the NYE note: For the past few years, we’ve been celebrating at home or at a close friend’s with our tight knit group of people and there is NO WHERE else I’d rather be. We still like to dress up, but gone are the days of fighting the crowds for an over-priced drink that will more than likely get spilled after some drunk dude bumps you a little too hard.
This is so exciting! Looking forward to following along. I totally agree with you about NYE though. This year I’ll be spending it with my best friends at one of our houses - champs is already purchased;) Have a great time!
Pink Champagne Problems
You ladies are adorable as always. Have so much fun in Pasadena!!!!!
Have a great time! Pasadena is such a fun place to spend New Year’s!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
such a cute post! have fun and happy new year! xx
Have fun in Cali & at the Rose Bowl Parade! In love with those booties..so cute.
Happy New Year!
xx, Alyssa
http://www.kneehighsandpumpkinspice.com/
That’s so awesome about going to the Rose Bowl! I’ve heard amazing things, and it will be awesome to see those gorgeous floats in person! You’re so lucky you’re escaping this cold. Hope you get a good tan, girl, and have a good New Year!
You girl are so cute! I love this post. Have a great time!!! Happy New Year! xxo
I sure hope this NYE is one for the books!! I can’t wait to see all the fun you two ladies have!! I always can’t wait to read the hilarious stories that I am sure you will have when you return.
Xo
Brittany
I could not agree more about New Year’s Eve - I would much rather be at a house party or at home in my pjs with champagne and the ball dropping on tv, than at a crowded club getting champs spilled on my new dress.
Congrats on the exciting venture with Jessica - I am sure you both will have a great time! It is a special way to ring in the New Year - make it a good one!
~ Christina
http://www.mabellechristina.blogspot.com
I am so totally with you about NYE. Way too much hype. I’d rather stay home in my pjs. Sounds like you are going to have SO much fun this year! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
I couldn’t agree more with your nail salon comparison! Have fun you two!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Happy New Year chicas! Spending New Years in the warm California sun sounds pretty freakin’ awesome! Have a great time! LOOOOOVE our tees by the way!
Jealous! Have fun
Not sure if it’s Jess’ arm or Hallie’s with the gold tattoo? Is it temporary? What does it say? And where can I get one? Love it!
It’s mine - it says “I’m the after party!” and it’s from Chandon (the champagne). I’m not sure if you can find it in-stores, but try Googling/checking their website for a party package! x
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That sounds like so much fun. Your pictures are so great!
Congrats! This seems like such a great opportunity and definitely a fun way to spend the holiday! - J
Have a fabulous time! I’ll be ringing in the new year in the Dominican Republic! Can’t wait to see photos!
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Have fun girl - I love this post - probably my favorite of the year and you look amazing!
very cute ladies
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