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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.

April 3, 2024

Link Love, Vol. 43

Well, shit. I’ve sat down to write this week’s “Peaks & Pits,” like, three times now, but I just have too much to share — thanks to you guys. (No, really. You’ll see.)

Here’s what went down:

PEAK(S):

Do you guys remember that award I was nominated for on behalf of Better Homes & Gardens (Best Fashion Blog of 2015)? Well, I won the Editor’s Pick! Thank you — truly — so much. Your support means everything to me!

Next on the agenda: Starstruck moment! I had the chance to hear Arianna Huffington speak in-person this week, which was awesome. I scored a copy of her new book, Thrive, which I’m going to read (and recap here/on Twitter, if you’d like). Here’s my favorite nugget of wisdom that she shared:

“Live your life like everything is rigged in your favor.
Even the ‘bad’ stuff.”

Yep, so true. SO true! You never know what even worse luck your “bad” luck is saving you from, you know?

Last, but not least — and this might be my favorite highlight from the week — catching up with out-of-town bloggers is one of my favorite things. Despite a jam-packed schedule of sightseeing, Alyson from Crushing on Clothes (along with Aileen and Rose) came to one of my SoulCycle classes. And crushed it, obviously. (My schedule is up and updated regularly; you can see it here!) Afterwards, of course, there was carb-loading. Like ya do.

PIT: Taxes.

Sales and such

Wishing for: A fringe bucket bag.
The perfect pair of platform wedges.
The dress that continues to garner a million compliments. I can’t stop wearing it!
If you were to find one thing in my handbag — consistently — it’d be this portable Mophie.
Yep, still obsessing over this pleated chiffon maxi dress. Should I just buy it already?
Just got a new pair of BF jeans — I can honestly say they’re among the most comfortable pants I own.
My spotless white Joe’s Jeans (yes, they’re spill-proof) are back in stock! Just in time for BBQ season.
MZ Wallace just released a limited edition Metro Tote (my fave) — and it’s for a good cause.

Links I Loved

OMG. Apparently, Martha Stewart is a beast at roasting — people.
Because this one’s worth repeating: 29 Things I Learned in my 20’s.
Here’s some great advice from Andrea on finding success on Instagram.
Music lovers: I shared my favorite workout songs on the Nourish blog today!
Love this: The science of why you should spend your money on experiences, not things.
Congrats to my girl Kate on her engagement! This timeline is the reason I’m single. (Kidding, but no really.)
Last night, I came across the blog Live Your Vie, a website devoted health, happiness well-being. Needless to say, an hour later I’m finally hitting “Schedule” on this post.

Trending on c+c this week

My favorite way to mix prints.
How to wear sweatpants in public.
The one-piece swim-suit I can’t wait to wear this summer.
Wearing these colorful, classic New Balance kicks all weekend.

*Outfit originally posted here

Have a happy weekend! You can find me on…
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | snapchat (@coralsncognacs)

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

21 comments

Nicole Walker on April 3, 2024 at 8:19 am

Love all these links and congratulations on the award from B&H! So happy for you, and you deserve it! Your blog is such a joy to read and it is apparent how much hard work and dedication is put into it. Hope you have a great weekend Hallie!

xoxo Nicole

http://www.brazenbrunette.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 12:13 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Nicole! Hope you have a great weekend, too.
  
  Reply
Morgan A. on April 3, 2024 at 9:26 am

Martha Stewart was the best on the roast wasn’t she!! Also loved 29 things! I hadn’t read that before.

http://www.morningappleblog.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 10:40 am
  
  Oh my gosh. I hadn’t watched it until last night… DYING!!!!
  
  Reply
Meghan on April 3, 2024 at 10:27 am

CONGRATS, Hal!! So awesome!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 12:24 pm
  
  Love you, Meg! x
  
  Reply
Elana on April 3, 2024 at 10:30 am

Congratulations, Hallie! Much deserved!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 12:17 pm
  
  Thank you, Elana!
  
  Reply
liv on April 3, 2024 at 10:47 am

Thanks for sharing all your favorite links and pictures of your fabulous outfit.

Liv

http://www.livforstyle.net

Reply
Andrea Howe on April 3, 2024 at 11:13 am

Thank you so much for including my IG link on your round up, I sincerely appreciate it, and am so excited, since I follow you on IG (I think from my personal account), and love your style! Congrats on your award too!

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- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 11:26 am
  
  That was a great post! And thanks so much (right back at you), Andrea. Have a good wknd!
  
  Reply
Gretchen | Gretchruns on April 3, 2024 at 11:39 am

Congratulations on the award! SO well deserved and I’m really happy for you!

Isn’t Arianna a great speaker? I saw her when she came to Penn State a few years ago and was so inspired by her. Afterwards I emailed her and she replied back (or someone else more likely) and invited me to write a post for her site. She’s an amazing woman and is so inspirational! Before hearing her talk, I would never have the guts to email anyone even half as important as her, but she emphasized the need to be courageous and put yourself out there. I still use her lessons to this day! I hope you got a lot out of her speech as well!

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- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 12:13 pm
  
  Amazing. That’s so cool! I actually think she responds to all of her e-mails… Did you ever publish a piece on the site? Send it to me, if so; I’d love to read it!
  
  Reply
Melanie on April 3, 2024 at 1:06 pm

LOVE that dress! Rock it girl 😉

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LoveCompassionateLee on April 3, 2024 at 2:12 pm

Hallie, I love the dress you’re wearing in this post! Congratulations on being selected as Editor’s pick! I enjoyed Andrea Howe’s article on growing a successful IG account. Thanks for sharing!

Good Friday to you
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/

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Aileen on April 3, 2024 at 4:06 pm

Dude, you killed it on the podium last night! My hammies were still feeling it this morning. Congrats on being Editor’s pick and hope to see you on a bike real soon :).

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- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 9:05 pm
  
  You SLAYED your first class! I’m so proud of you (and glad you came). Round two, lady; let’s do it!!!
  
  Reply
Kristine on April 3, 2024 at 4:25 pm

What I wouldn’t give to be riding side-bar at one of your classes… EVERY DAY. Also I about died laughing at Martha’s roast. WHO KNEW? Lastly - I think I’m incapable of shopping if it weren’t for you and Jess. I LOVE my Joe’s white jeans. And I hate you a little for bringing these boyfriend jeans into my life. WHICH I JUST ORDERED. Have the best weekend! xx

Reply
- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 9:06 pm
  
  They practically pay for themselves in dry cleaner bills : )
  
  Reply
RandiMShaffer on April 3, 2024 at 7:29 pm

Spill-proof white pants exist?! Oh god I need them. As a journalist, I’m so incredibly jealous you got to see Arianna Huffington speak! Please please update with thoughts on her book. And congrats on the award!
Randi with an i

Reply
- corals + cognacs on April 3, 2024 at 9:06 pm
  
  Will do - and thanks, Randi! x
  
  Reply