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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.

February 26, 2024

Athletic Aesthetic

Well, it’s 12:53 a.m. and I’m just sitting down to write this blog post, which is just how it’s been going for me lately…

Don’t feel bad for me, though — this time, it’s my fault. That third tequila cocktail was totally my (bad) decision.

Anyway, let’s get on with it:

Like it or not, my new “work” schedule has turned me into a total morning person — which has really impacted my late-night escapades.

Not to say it’s stunted them (girl, please), but more like I need to be mindful of drinking ample amounts of H2O the morning after. You know what I’m saying? Oh, and B vitamins — all of the B vitamins.

… Well, an almost morning person. I’m talking, like, an exercise at 6 a.m. morning person, guys — this training is no joke.

50 shades of grey — underneath my eyes!

Ahem.

In the same vein of waking up after too much te-kill-ya, it can be tough to appear anything other than pulled together if you’re donning workout gear.

The mot du jour of my wardrobe has clearly been athleisure as of late, which — I know — should come as no surprise. (Side-note, how’s this for a #TBT? Whoa!)

While I’ve been known to integrate athletic apparel into my routine periodically, sporty staples have been front-and-center in my closet for quite some time. Since last Fashion Week, in fact — the trend was seen everywhere from Wang’s sneaker-inspired shoes to DKNY’s metallic bomber jackets.

So let’s be honest: Whether or not you’re planning to work out, these colorful duds (and the Dunks alone) are sure to make gym-goers jealous.

Am I working out today? I dunno, maybe.

… Or maybe I just wanted to wear fleece-lined tights that packed a seriously colorful punch. Either way, I’ll just be over here, listening to my jams on my walk to Ess-a-Bagel.

One thick, seedy, salted bagel with chive cream cheese, please. (GET THE DOOR!)

Oh, Thursday. That freelance life is a real thing of beauty.

… Fine. Truth serum:

Don’t worry, I’m heading to WERQ after I sober (and carb) up a bit. It’s our last formal day of training!

With that, out of the cold and into the studio I go…

*In this post:

Down vest: Patagonia (it’s so warm!)
Funnel sweatshirt: Nike
Hypewarm tights: Nike (sold out, similar here)
Sneakers: Nike (more colors available)
Namaste beanie: Spiritual Gangster (via Carbon38)

*Click to shop: Nike clothing | Nike sneakers | Patagonia apparel

///

Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

25 comments

Annie Reeves on February 26, 2024 at 8:08 am

I need Soulcycle in my life ASAP - you look amazing!! Good luck with today’s recovery xo

Reply
Amanda on February 26, 2024 at 8:23 am

I so wish I could rock these Nikes! Super hesitant though, don’t think I can pull off the sporty yet stylish look, haha.

Reply
- corals + cognacs on February 26, 2024 at 8:40 am
  
  Try ’em with white jeans and a cute sweater. You totally can! x
  
  Reply
Leah on February 26, 2024 at 8:42 am

Love those tights! You are adorable! Can Soul Cycle come to Colorado Springs, already? Def want to catch one of your classes next time I’m in the area!

Eat Pray Wear Love

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Jess Zimlich on February 26, 2024 at 8:51 am

I took an underground cycling class last night here in Kansas City and I nearly fell off my bike. I’ve never, ever sweat so much in a class in my entire life and I’ve taken A LOT of classes. Props to you for making it after several tequilas! You look bangin’! 😉

Reply
- corals + cognacs on February 26, 2024 at 11:16 am
  
  Underground?! I’m into it!
  
  Reply
Jen on February 26, 2024 at 9:19 am

This outfit is amazing. I’m totally guilty of wearing workout clothes all weekend long. Do I plan on working out…maybe? Adding that vest to my must-have list now.

PS SOOO excited for your. I wish I lived in NYC to take your class! Come to Chi for a visit at the new studio that’s opening in April 😉

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

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Lauren on February 26, 2024 at 10:07 am

Hals! You are looking great - so strong!! I’m a big fan of the “athleisure” aesthetic on the weekend so I feel ya. Congratulations on finishing your training I am sure all of the beatz x spin cries were worth it!

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Kylie on February 26, 2024 at 10:35 am

Major congrats on finishing your training today! Also, I’m now pretty much obsessed with those Nikes.

xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com

Reply
Anita Dukart on February 26, 2024 at 12:48 pm

Any excuse to wear yoga pants is an excuse I can get behind.

Love your blog! I just started reading a few weeks ago and I’m hooked!

Always, Anita

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Alyson at Crushing On Clothes on February 26, 2024 at 12:50 pm

Girl. You looking f*cking fantastic! So motivated by you - I need to get my butt to the gym! Keep killin’ it in the gym (and life!)

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Rebecca {at} PreppyPanache on February 26, 2024 at 1:39 pm

Ok so I have to ask, when you’re training, are you teaching classes or are you taking classes and being taught how to teach while doing it?

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Meagan on February 26, 2024 at 1:43 pm

Ah! Can’t wait to hear more about your Soul Cycle adventures! Soul hasn’t made its way to San Antonio yet, but I love a good indoor cycling class. Best sweat session ever!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

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melissa on February 26, 2024 at 4:12 pm

Love those kicks Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com

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Amy on February 26, 2024 at 6:44 pm

I’m so jealous you can legitimately wear active wear everyday… somehow I don’t think my boss would be particularly pleased if I turned up in my tights and nikes on Monday??

Girl for Granted

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Danielle on February 26, 2024 at 10:21 pm

Now that is quite a #TBT transition! Even your smile is brighter 😉
Also, mad props for the whole outfit. The day I can pull that off is a day I’ll be toasting to you, my dear.

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Nikki on February 26, 2024 at 11:17 pm

Ohhh I love those pants!! Cute workout clothes are my current obsession. I really wish I was a morning workout person. I try, but I can’t seem to get my butt out of the bed.
Congrats on your last day of training!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

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LoveCompassionateLee on February 27, 2024 at 12:53 am

Hallie, you look great! If every morning I could wake up to an onion bagel with chive cream cheese (and a 16 oz cup of hazelnut coffee from WaWa), I would be more of a morning person myself. Time to order a pair of purple hyperwarm embossed tights…Happy Friday!

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Joyce Novacek on February 27, 2024 at 1:26 am

And on the eighth day, God created Nike dunks. I’m obsessed with mine.

Looking great! And congrats on all the early-morning workouts. That’s making me flashback to my early morning basketball in college and that was ROUGH. I don’t think 26 year-old me could do what 22 year-old me did, so I’m impressed!!

Joyce

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dana on February 27, 2024 at 2:45 pm

Alright, don’t take this the wrong way, but what the heck have you done between 2013 and now with your hair? I mean, I almost would ask if you’ve got extensions in there, it looks that good. PLEASE tell me your secret!!! I know you posted about a hair & nails supplement recently, but is that it? Ps - congrats on the new gig. I’ll be looking to sign up for your classes in the near future for sure!

xx Dana

http://www.thecasualclassic.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on February 28, 2024 at 6:14 pm
  
  You are welcome to ask me anything! No extensions, here. Honestly, I think it has to do with my diet and the fact that I wash/heat style it less. That’s a good idea for a blog post, though; interested? x
  
  Reply
  - dana on March 3, 2024 at 5:05 pm
    
    Definitely interested - I’ll be waiting patiently! xx
    
    Reply
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