corals + cognacs works with third-party affiliates and advertising companies to serve advertisers. These companies may use aggregated information (not including your name, address, email or telephone) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.
In addition, sometimes I'll share affiliate links of retailers that I personally support via Twitter or Facebook. If you click through an affiliate link when buying an item, I will be partially compensated for your purchase. You're under no obligation to click through via one of the links when shopping online, but, if you do, you'll be supporting my blog as well.
You, my readers, and overall editorial integrity are the two most important aspects of corals + cognacs. Know that I will always retain 100% control over the content on corals + cognacs, all opinions are that of my own, and that I will always disclose to you the items for which I have been paid and/or gifted.
Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!
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.
If I can get a little sentimental for a sec, my heart is exploding after all of the love and positive energy around yesterday’s post.
So much so that it’s 1:47 a.m. and I still haven’t finished this one. (If you must know, there’s a towel wrapped around my head, I’ve polished off half a bottle of red and I’ve just about nailed Beyonce’s 7/11 dance.)
Jobs, man. How incredibly comforting (an ironic choice of words) to discover that we’re all in the same/a similar boat. Let’s make #2015isOurBitch a thing, okay?
Okay. I have a story to share!
There’s a certain pressure that comes after writing a meatier, more personal post — and given yesterday’s length and longevity, I’m going to avoid that entirely and keep today’s update short-and-sweet.
You’ve probably had enough of my rambling for a day or two, no? You want to see my YONCE dance moves instead?
… Anyway.
So the other day, a friend mentioned to me that a co-worker asked her whether or not “corals + cognacs *actually* dresses like she does on her blog.”
“No,” she responded.
What!
Well, shit. I mean, I do — but not everyday. Especially now that I’m often working out of my apartment. (Details here, if you missed ’em.) And on those days (… most days), I’m actually wearing the same few pieces.
I was reading an article the other day about how “smart, flourishing entrepreneurs” wear the same thing all the time. (I’m not saying I fall into this category, it was just the theme of the story.) I mean, have you ever seen a photo of Mark Zuckerberg not wearing a black t-shirt and zip-up?
Here’s the cliff notes version of the article: Basically, there’s this group of super-successful people who purposefully wear the same thing day-in and day-out. Supposedly, they do this protect themselves from decision fatigue. Huh.
Now, I don’t wear the same thing every day (except for my workout shoes), but I have gotten very good at culling down my closet to a variety of repeat offenders.
I picked up a few pieces of Old Navy knitwear (and, of course, my favorite skinny jeans) about a month ago, and they’ve all been huge winter wardrobe proponents ever since. You’ve been in-store recently, right? Old Navy is killing it.
You can’t beat the price, for one, or the fact that you can layer all of them on top of one another. (And FYI, the jeans are finally back in stock in every size!)
///
I donated/consigned nearly 40% of my wardrobe over the weekend (including 25 pairs of shoes!), in an attempt to clean up my small space and further simplify my life a bit. I might regret getting rid of some of those cute boots, but I digress. (Who am I kidding? Wait ’til sale season rolls around, ha. GAME ON.)
And before I forget, if you’re wanting to clean out your closet, too, check out this post.
Major kudos to you, girl! I’m SO impressed with your accomplishments- you definitely have something to celebrate in 2015. You.
I’m totally on board with the pared down wardrobe. I’ve been doing it now for almost 6 months. I’ve cut it down to about 33 pieces (not including accessories/outerwear/shoes) and it’s made a world of a difference. A clearer space gives me a clearer mind, and I’m just more thoughtful about each and every item I choose to add to my collection. Do I miss the physical act of shopping?! Hell. To. The. Yes. But… (there is always a but!) the shopping I do now is just so much more satisfying- better quality, better choices, etc.
Well I think we all wear those wardrobe basics and go-to outfits. I am trying to wear more of my clothes and jewelry, but I still go back to those favorite, comfortable pieces.
You look great. Anytime you are cleaning out your closer, I’ll take anything off your hands haha.
Love your post from yesterday! #2015isOurBitch
I keep a few wardrobe faves in constant rotation, as well. It just makes life easier! (And makes for a happy marriage to not have my husband waiting for me as I try to decide what to wear!) P.S. LOVE your booties!
If you posted your 7/11 dance…….I wouldn’t be able to handle myself. HA! But I’m loving a more casual look on you, Hallie!
PS: Twice has been a lifesaver. Allows me to get rid of old clothes, gives me some extra cash AND an excuse for some new, more wearable pieces! Thanks for introducing me to the service!
Okay can I just say if you were gunna donate your wardrobe you should have let me know! loljk. I feel the same about how I look on my blog vs real life… which is a main reason I’ve stopped with the personal style posts. It’s hard to pull together outfits when you don’t actually dress like that every single day! Refreshing to know I’m not the only one lol.
This post really resonated with me. Recently, I have been thinking about pairing down my wardrobe and simplifying!
I used to own only a couple pairs of jeans, a few pairs of pants and a dozen or so tops. I found that getting dressed was such a breeze.
Fast forward to the world of blogs….while I don’t blog, I do have several blogs that I follow and let’s just say, blogs have contributed to my full blown clothing obsession! (40+ pairs of jeans, another 50+ bottoms, and literally hundreds of tops, blouses and sweaters….all with coordinating accessories.).
You would think with all of these choices that getting dressed would be a breeze, but it quite frankly I find myself super stressed out just deciding what to wear!
Where is this article you speak of? I think I’m due for a closet clean-out, as well as implementing my own corporate “uniform” of sorts. I just don’t have the time to lament over what the hell I’m going to wear that day, so if I can pare down my wardrobe to a few versatile, professional pieces - it’d be a much better use of my time! Such a simple concept, but it’s genius.
Also, my blanket scarf has been on repeat. It’s below zero here in Minnesota and I am freezing cold.
I am in the same boat as you where I have a few pieces that have been repeated maybe to many times this winter. Being in Michigan during the winter means cuteness factor goes out the window and you just try to fit as many tights as possible under your favorite pair of jeans. I love that you aren’t afraid to say that you repeat because so many women would hate to admit that they do that but realistically how can someone wear something new every day? That’s crazy!
first off, i loved yesterday’s post. can’t wait to see what your next move is…dancing and otherwise 😉
second, thanks for the heads up about twice. just went and read your post and i’m definitely going to check it out. i’ve been using poshmark, which i love, but can be time consuming to list/photograph everything and a local shop (which means hauling everything there and they may not take it all), so twice sounds awesome!
I read the same article! Andy follows that mindset: khakis and a grey james perse top almost every day. It’s kind of refreshing but the pressure to switch it up all the time for blog purposes definitely gets to me. Love this post and the last one btw. Quoted you in my post today xoxo miss your face - Ashley
I totally agree with decision fatigue and tell everyone I know about it too! Definitely post up stuff you’re selling b/c your shoe closet is my nirvana.
Major kudos to you, girl! I’m SO impressed with your accomplishments- you definitely have something to celebrate in 2015. You.
I’m totally on board with the pared down wardrobe. I’ve been doing it now for almost 6 months. I’ve cut it down to about 33 pieces (not including accessories/outerwear/shoes) and it’s made a world of a difference. A clearer space gives me a clearer mind, and I’m just more thoughtful about each and every item I choose to add to my collection. Do I miss the physical act of shopping?! Hell. To. The. Yes. But… (there is always a but!) the shopping I do now is just so much more satisfying- better quality, better choices, etc.
Best of luck in all you do.
XO, Stella
http://www.theheartsdlite.com
You inspire me! Thanks for sharing your story. 33 is a good number to strive for… ; )
Well I think we all wear those wardrobe basics and go-to outfits. I am trying to wear more of my clothes and jewelry, but I still go back to those favorite, comfortable pieces.
You look great. Anytime you are cleaning out your closer, I’ll take anything off your hands haha.
Love your post from yesterday! #2015isOurBitch
Lol, good to know - next time I’ll think about doing a blog/instagram sale of sorts. Thanks for the idea! And yes, LOVE IT! #trending
I like that!
Another great blanket scarf look! LOVE your hair!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Dying to see the final 7/11 dance since I only got a short sneak peak at Christmas! <3 xo
I keep a few wardrobe faves in constant rotation, as well. It just makes life easier! (And makes for a happy marriage to not have my husband waiting for me as I try to decide what to wear!) P.S. LOVE your booties!
Eat Pray Wear Love
Wise words, my friend… Haha. These booties are my favorite - they’re so easy to walk in!
Loving this simple look! Also just read your post from yesterday and loved it! Congrats to your new venture!
xo Jessica
http://www.mystylevita.com
If you posted your 7/11 dance…….I wouldn’t be able to handle myself. HA! But I’m loving a more casual look on you, Hallie!
PS: Twice has been a lifesaver. Allows me to get rid of old clothes, gives me some extra cash AND an excuse for some new, more wearable pieces! Thanks for introducing me to the service!
You’re welcome! I have shipped 3-4 boxes to them since. Such a brilliant concept. I’m glad to hear you had a good experience too!
Okay can I just say if you were gunna donate your wardrobe you should have let me know! loljk. I feel the same about how I look on my blog vs real life… which is a main reason I’ve stopped with the personal style posts. It’s hard to pull together outfits when you don’t actually dress like that every single day! Refreshing to know I’m not the only one lol.
This post really resonated with me. Recently, I have been thinking about pairing down my wardrobe and simplifying!
I used to own only a couple pairs of jeans, a few pairs of pants and a dozen or so tops. I found that getting dressed was such a breeze.
Fast forward to the world of blogs….while I don’t blog, I do have several blogs that I follow and let’s just say, blogs have contributed to my full blown clothing obsession! (40+ pairs of jeans, another 50+ bottoms, and literally hundreds of tops, blouses and sweaters….all with coordinating accessories.).
You would think with all of these choices that getting dressed would be a breeze, but it quite frankly I find myself super stressed out just deciding what to wear!
Where is this article you speak of? I think I’m due for a closet clean-out, as well as implementing my own corporate “uniform” of sorts. I just don’t have the time to lament over what the hell I’m going to wear that day, so if I can pare down my wardrobe to a few versatile, professional pieces - it’d be a much better use of my time! Such a simple concept, but it’s genius.
Also, my blanket scarf has been on repeat. It’s below zero here in Minnesota and I am freezing cold.
It’s linked above, Brianne! I just edited the post to include a link to this one, too: https://coralsandcognacs.com/2014/10/purging-consigning-your-closet.html
It’s a review of a consignment website I’ve been using to sell gently used items of clothing. Let me know if you have any questions. x
I am in the same boat as you where I have a few pieces that have been repeated maybe to many times this winter. Being in Michigan during the winter means cuteness factor goes out the window and you just try to fit as many tights as possible under your favorite pair of jeans. I love that you aren’t afraid to say that you repeat because so many women would hate to admit that they do that but realistically how can someone wear something new every day? That’s crazy!
first off, i loved yesterday’s post. can’t wait to see what your next move is…dancing and otherwise 😉
second, thanks for the heads up about twice. just went and read your post and i’m definitely going to check it out. i’ve been using poshmark, which i love, but can be time consuming to list/photograph everything and a local shop (which means hauling everything there and they may not take it all), so twice sounds awesome!
LOVE that scarf and all things old navy!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
I read the same article! Andy follows that mindset: khakis and a grey james perse top almost every day. It’s kind of refreshing but the pressure to switch it up all the time for blog purposes definitely gets to me. Love this post and the last one btw. Quoted you in my post today
xoxo miss your face - Ashley
Love that blanket scarf! Way cute!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I totally agree with decision fatigue and tell everyone I know about it too! Definitely post up stuff you’re selling b/c your shoe closet is my nirvana.
Pingback: Kate Spade Saturday #LuckySeven | @coralsncognacs