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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.

January 8, 2024

Cape Town

As my fellow cold weather climate gals can agree, easy-to-style outerwear is a must-have in every closet.

We had our first real taste of winter in New York this week, so naturally I’m in an utter state of denial and I refuse to get out my hefty winter coat.. Or even leave my apartment, if we’re being honest.

Over the past few weeks (when, alas, I must shower, get up and go), there’s been a handful of times that I can’t quite fathom toting my warmest (and thereby, biggest) jacket out and about with me. Or in some cases I’ll want something that’s a bit more polished, so instead, I trade up and wrap myself in a cozy cape.

This may surprise you, but this cute cape has been one of my winter mainstays for nearly three years. It may not be the most practical piece in my closet, but it is certainly versatile. I know it may not look like much, but trust; I’m layered up like that little kid in A Christmas Story underneath it all…

You know I’m all about that layer-friendly fashion. Any seasonal essentials that keep you warm and stylish?

On a separate note, one of my Instagram followers (hi, Ale R!) asked me this week what some of my other winter must-haves were.

Beyond my love for a thick, lined cape, I think the key to a happy winter is having warm feet.

The faux leather material of my over-the-knee boots blocks the wind and keeps (most of) my legs cozy. I like the stacked heel on these; it makes ’em appropriate for daytime and dressier occasions.

A fully functional Sorel boot is an essential, too. I got this pair over Cyber Monday — they’re especially cute when worn with a thick pair of socks over skinny jeans.

Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll want to invest in a hat, pair of gloves, and a scarf in neutral knits, so you can wear them with everything. (Bonus points if it’s a pocket scarf. How cool? Sign me up!)

In addition to the Kate Spade Saturday accessories I’m wearing today (which are on sale), I have a cute set from Gap that I wear on the reg.

Black, of course — that New York uniform.

*My outfit:

Asymmetrical side-zip cape: Calvin Klein (also love this version and this version)
Thigh-high boots: Jeffrey Campbell ‘Basie’ boots (back in stock!)
Gold Dot beanie: Kate Spade Saturday (on sale; also love the pom pom version)
Gold Dot gloves: Kate Spade Saturday (sold out, similar)
(There’s a Gold Dot matching scarf, too!)

*My makeup:

Eyeshadow: Benefit creaseless shadow (in Birthday Suit)
Mascara: Lancôme Définicils high-impact mascara
Eyebrow pencil: Benefit instant brow pencil
Blush: Stila baked cheek powder
Foundation: Benefit ‘Hello Flawless’ foundation
Lipstick: NARS matte lip pencil in ‘Never Say Never’

*Click to shop: Winter capes | Kate Spade Saturday sale
this post (below):

///
Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

24 comments

wockyjabber on January 8, 2024 at 8:06 am

Seriously cute. Love the cape.

Reply
Meagan on January 8, 2024 at 10:27 am

Super cute! You look fabulous!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

Reply
Liz - Shopping My Closet on January 8, 2024 at 10:59 am

Love the matching beanie and gloves!

Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

Reply
Alyssa of Knee-Highs & Pumpkin Spice on January 8, 2024 at 11:02 am

I love everything about this outfit! That cape is amazing.

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

Reply
Elena Michelle on January 8, 2024 at 12:37 pm

Super cute!! I need a cape with sleeves. Mine has slits for your arms to peek out, but you can bet THAT item isn’t getting much wear the last few days.

xoxo, Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 8, 2024 at 4:15 pm
  
  Certainly not. Hope you’re keeping warm! #windburnchic #everythinghurts
  
  Reply
Jenna-Mae Bilmer on January 8, 2024 at 1:37 pm

That cape is what dreams are made of. You look so cute all bundled up! xx

Reply
20somethingsimple on January 8, 2024 at 1:42 pm

I love this!!! I still think you’re brave for not wearing tights! (I’m such a wuss…sometimes an outfit would look so much better without tights!)

xo Kimi

Reply
Lauren on January 8, 2024 at 1:56 pm

Again - love those boots! Wish I could pull them off - #stubbylegs!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 8, 2024 at 4:13 pm
  
  You can! I’m only 5’5″, girl… : )
  
  Reply
Lisa on January 8, 2024 at 1:59 pm

Twinsies! I have that cape 😉

Reply
Alexa on January 8, 2024 at 2:15 pm

Love your boots!

I just wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog. Whenever I read any of your posts I always think what a great “voice” you have. You write so effortlessly. I recently started a blog and I hope that I will be able to develop my own personal “voice” soon.

xx

http://thedarlingstandard.blogspot.com/

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 8, 2024 at 4:13 pm
  
  Thank you, Alexa! Congrats on starting your blog, too. I’m off to check it out now. x
  
  Reply
Cathleen on January 8, 2024 at 2:24 pm

Extreme fabulosity is going on in this outfit.

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Jenna at Boston Chic Party on January 8, 2024 at 9:14 pm

Adore the hat and gloves! Gold and polka dot are two of my fave things

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JEN - COMFORTABLY-CHIC on January 9, 2024 at 9:27 am

With this being my first winter in Chicago… I am quickly learning that the only way to feel somewhat ok about this weather is to have accessories that you actually like AND are warm!

I finally caved in and bought myself some real “snow boots” last night. These uggs aren’t cutting it.

xoxo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com

Reply
Larisa on January 9, 2024 at 10:42 am

Love this! You’re freaking adorable <3

Reply
Taylor- Lights Camera Catwalk on January 9, 2024 at 4:54 pm

I’m obsessed with this whole outfit! Love the cape but most of all that polka dot matching set is adorable!

Xx Taylor
http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com

Reply
Gold Coast Girl on January 9, 2024 at 9:06 pm

Cute cape! Hope you are staying warm in NYC! {it is pretty cold here in Chicago }
~Sam
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

Reply
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rubygirl1 on January 12, 2024 at 11:15 pm

great hat & gloves! really the ensemble is just perfection. i’m alllll about that cape. xoxo linds
my style blog :: Ruby Girl

Reply
Christine on January 14, 2024 at 12:39 am

You look all sorts of gorgeous!

Reply
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