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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.
Today isn’t one of those Fashion Week posts that you may have been wondering about, but I’ll have an update for you tomorrow.
I think I say this every year, but each season seems to sneak up quicker than the last.
In an ideal world, I’d have ample time to play around on Pinterest, source some style inspiration and plan my outfits well in advance — but we all know life (and mother Nature) doesn’t work that way. Mine doesn’t, at least.
In fact, I’m prone to coffee stains, always running late and often unable to make up my mind.
That said, if you’ve been a corals + cognacs reader for a while, you know that my Fashion Week is more or less a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants extravaganza. Crazy town! My schedule and my outfits are executed in similar manners — and by that, I mean they come together like a last-minute touchdown.
As a result, this whole idea of planning ahead is more about consolidated creativity — being inspired by mini-moments in your day-to-day.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of such in this city — from the creative expression of the city’s best street art to the hundreds of people you encounter on your daily commute; inspiration abounds on a daily basis in New York. Especially during Fashion Week (crazy bare-legged bloggers running a-muck and all).
I recently went through a huge apartment cleanse — consolidating the majority of my closet — so finding and sticking to a signature style has become a lot easier over time. (If you haven’t done this in the past six months, let me tell you — it’s a very refreshing habit to get into. )
Fashion Week or not, I reach for my most-loved pieces that I know I feel comfortable, confident and cozy in. Neutral, pale color palettes feel fresh for me this winter, and I’ve recently embraced footwear that’s equal parts functional and fashionable. Imagine that, huh? (Though you know I love a cab-to-curb heel.)
More often than not, I’m dressed for day-to-night, since you never know when the mood will strike. This is why a bag that fits anything and everything is essential, too.
I approach the week as a marathon — not a sprint; it can get challenging to continuously dress to impress.
Like you, I imagine, I look to YouTube a lot for my inspiration — for style, beauty, hair… The list goes on.
Glam.com recently interviewed two of Fashion Week’s popular designers on how they stay inspired — as well as the genius behind their collections this season. The interview with Michelle Smith (of Milly) really struck a chord with me. At one point, she sasy: “It took me awhile to discover my style … but I knew the second I found it.” Yes!
Blouse: Vince (love this version)
Graphic sweater: Opening Ceremony
Fur sweater: BCBGMAXAZRIA (sold out)
Chunky knit turtleneck: Zara (similar here and here)
Striped midi skirt: Express
Necklace: COS (it’s back in stock!)
*Note: This post was sponsored by smartwater through their partnership with Mode Media. While I was compensated to write a post about smartwater, all opinions are my own.
This looks all so fabulous, wow! And regarding bloggers running around bare legged or in peep toes or whatever: Being a blogger myself I try to wear what fits into the season and not something you would wear in summer, to me it’s just not real so I love the fact that you’re going for comfortable and cozy. Keep it up! Kirsten xx
Great post. I love the soft pink blouse accompanied by the powder blue link necklace. Just gorgeous. As well, the black and white skirt is stunning. You’ve presented a wonderful selection. Maybe it’s the Smart Water…. lol.
I love the textures you’re using! They add so much visual interest to an outfit, just like patterns or color blocking. It’s also nice to know that you’re a real person and dress for comfort too.
Gorgeous tops and the skirt is so cute!:)
http://sunstreetbymonica.blogspot.com
This looks all so fabulous, wow! And regarding bloggers running around bare legged or in peep toes or whatever: Being a blogger myself I try to wear what fits into the season and not something you would wear in summer, to me it’s just not real so I love the fact that you’re going for comfortable and cozy. Keep it up! Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
That necklace ROCKS.
Beautiful pieces. Can’t wait to read your fashion week play by play posts!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
It’s just too cold to not have loads of layers for NYFW this go around…let’s hope when I come up for September it’s not nearly as miserable!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Yes! I don’t blame you for skipping this week (I have skipped most of it, too). Miss you CA!
This post-and these photos-are so cute, Hallie! I can’t wait to see your pics and read your recaps
xoxo
Kelly | Kelly in the City
I am reading this post on my phone and literally rushed to the site to buy that necklace. Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Good call, lady. It was sold out last time I blogged about it! It’s the BEST conversation piece — ever. Enjoy xx
Gorgeous! Love the black and white with a pop of peach/blush.
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
REALLY love the Opening Ceremony sweater and the Zara turtleneck!! I also had to click on that necklace!
Lauren
http://www.oliverstwistblog.com
Love the sweater + striped shirt combo. This weather is truly only suited for sweats + beanies!
I’ll need tights for that ensemble! Layers on layers on layers…
Maybe even tights and matchy matchy otk socks!
Love the peaches and black/white! So fun!
xo Jessica
http://www.mystylevita.com
My palette of the moment! Who knew clean neutrals could feel so fresh?
Cute pieces! Love the blush ones especially! Hope you are staying warm and enjoying NYFW!
xx,
Kayla
Eat Play Dress
I love the midi skirt and the necklace! But with the frigid temps here on the Northeast, I agree 100% It’s all about layers right now. Happy Monday
Great post. I love the soft pink blouse accompanied by the powder blue link necklace. Just gorgeous. As well, the black and white skirt is stunning. You’ve presented a wonderful selection. Maybe it’s the Smart Water…. lol.
http://www.stylegonerogue.com (new post)
I love the textures you’re using! They add so much visual interest to an outfit, just like patterns or color blocking. It’s also nice to know that you’re a real person and dress for comfort too.
Your fashion week posts are seriously the most amazing thing! I love them. Stay warm and have fun!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
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I love your fashion statements