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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.
I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve (err, chest) today, you guys…
Some days, it’s all about a mantra. Just gotta fake it ’til you make it — or until you’re on that second cup of coffee.
//
It’s hard to believe that this Friday is the first of May, but I’m eager to embrace temperament weather (and open-toed shoes!) on a more consistent basis.
Springtime, to me, is all about festival season. In college (Ohio University), that equated to street fests and keg stands — and not much has changed.
No, I’m kidding. I have grown up a bit (in that I refuse to drink Natty Light — I can still proudly do a keg stand.)
As you may have noticed, I’ve been working with the style squad at Zappos for nearly a year and a half. The last time I went out to visit their headquarters in downtown Las Vegas, we had the pleasure of spending the weekend engaging in some serious shenanigans at the Life is Beautiful music festival.
The team challenged me this month in styling a spring-worthy ensemble with a particular dose of festival-inspired flair, and I think I raised some eyebrows when I went the opposite side of the boho spectrum.
You know me, though…
This probably won’t surprise you, but my festival-inspired style skews more on the sporty side.
Whether it’s music- or food-oriented, there’s a lot to love about a weekend devoted to jumping, dancing and singing. (Which essentially, is what we do at SoulCycle — I’m just sayin’.)
But, like, forget the flower crowns. Let’s be honest: A playful, cotton tee is so much more comfortable than a lace crop — or even more so, a romper. How do you guys do it? Doesn’t anyone else have a small bladder? FORGET IT!
My laid-back looks is really easy to style with Zappos as a one-stop shop: A comfortable pair of jean shorts (these are from Joe’s spotless collection that actually repels stains), a cute tee and a good pair of sunglasses.
I love the pair I’m wearing from — surprisingly — Lilly Pulitzer. They’re cute but not too expensive, so you don’t shame yourself if and when lose them. Been there, done that — am I right?
Top it off with a graphic tee and you’re good to go. Aside from the simple fact that they are awesome, this style staple is current, fun, practical — and a total conversation starter. (Among other women, mostly but I digress.)
Of course, in the festival realm (and life in general), one’s accessory game is key: You don’t have time to worry about juggling your phone and your drink(s), so a hands-free bag is essential. I love, love, love my TUMI backpack, which was a gift from my mom last Christmas. (I use it as my everyday gym bag, too — here’s another cute-and-colorful option.)
I’ve seen these t-shirts before, I love it!! I could totally use this manta some days and there is nothing like channeling my inner Beyonce to get going!
I love this casul look. Now that it’s warm in the Bay Area right now, I need to bust out some sandals and a graphic tee for sure! Yay for festival season!
Have always been apprehensive about white jeans, can’t believe these repel stains! Do they really work? Might need to get myself a pair of those. Also am loving those sandals. I’m not so into the music festival scene but I’d definitely sport this outfit elsewhere this summer!
I LOVE those sandals and that shirt is a fab reminder to be f-ing awesome every day! I, personally, love this casual look, especially because it looks so effortless but like you actually put in effort to get dressed. Does that even make sense?!
I absolutely love that you pursued your dream to become a SoulCycle instructor! I would be lying if I said I didn’t admire the courage that it took. I’ve thought about auditioning two times, but have never been brave enough. I just started this blog as a “I’m almost 30″ to-do. Maybe SoulCycle instructor is next! I’m in CT but if I’m ever in the city I’m coming to try your class !!
This is definitely more of my style than a flower crown and crocheted top! I’d need a lighter colored top. It’s too hot here.
Ah, good point. It comes in white, too!
I’m thinking I need those flats…and that top. Hell, I probably need a fresh pair of white shorts, too! I haven’t had a Natty Light in a hot minute
Love those sandals!
Oh I will be at Gov Ball as well! I think I am more of a just throw on a dress type of festival person but this is such a cute and comfy outfit.
-alex
skyscrapers & palm trees
Cute Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
I’ve seen these t-shirts before, I love it!! I could totally use this manta some days and there is nothing like channeling my inner Beyonce to get going!
Love the sandals! I love seeing casual, everyday outfits on your blog
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
Such cute sandals! I love all of the laces happening right now.
Always, Anita
Cute look!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Love graphic tops with unique sayings.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
I love that graphic tee! I’m still trying to brave white pants, but those white shorts are a great edition!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
They’re from Joe’s Jeans spotless collection… Meaning they repel dirt/grass/stains/etc. Perfect for festival season!
Those sandals are amazing but the tshirt is the best!
Love your outfit!
Giulia
http://www.leggitea.it
http://www.leggiteablog.wordpress.com
Love this shirt! I have a picture hanging that says “You have as many hours in a day as Beyonce”, because well girl knows what shes doing!
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
I love this casul look. Now that it’s warm in the Bay Area right now, I need to bust out some sandals and a graphic tee for sure!
Yay for festival season!
Another great look, per usual! Love those little sandals!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
Have always been apprehensive about white jeans, can’t believe these repel stains! Do they really work? Might need to get myself a pair of those. Also am loving those sandals. I’m not so into the music festival scene but I’d definitely sport this outfit elsewhere this summer!
I am loving those sandals.
I LOVE those sandals and that shirt is a fab reminder to be f-ing awesome every day! I, personally, love this casual look, especially because it looks so effortless but like you actually put in effort to get dressed. Does that even make sense?!
-Madison (postgradpanicattack.wordpress.com)
I absolutely love that you pursued your dream to become a SoulCycle instructor! I would be lying if I said I didn’t admire the courage that it took. I’ve thought about auditioning two times, but have never been brave enough. I just started this blog as a “I’m almost 30″ to-do. Maybe SoulCycle instructor is next!
I’m in CT but if I’m ever in the city I’m coming to try your class !!
I’m 29, for what it’s worth… : )
Please do! Would love to have you in class. Thanks so much for your sweet note!