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Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!

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 13, 2024

No Jacket Required

Insert bullshit opening blog paragraph about the weather being amazing.

(…But no, seriously. The weather has been really amazing. Hasn’t it?)

Next to leather weather, the most wonderful time of the entire year can be defined in one simple sentence: “No jacket required.” (We’ll talk about Christmas when we no longer have sunshine at 7 p.m. to look forward to.)

Although now that we’re no longer in hibernation mode, there’s an extra dose of chaos-meets-crazy floating around this city.

I imagine it’s just New York in general (remember my post on Sounds & the City?) — or because I’m always plugged in/listening to music; but either way, I’ve really come to relish easing into my days — slowly, quietly, and of course, with coffee.

… And speaking of coffee — I’m gonna need all of it today.

Like, I’m gonna be taking coffee to the face like it’s the fountain of f-king youth, guys.

Reason being, I’m teaching — well, taught; past tense, by the time you’re reading this — a SoulCycle class at 5:45 a.m. in Short Hills (New Jersey), that is.

Monday, man. Crushin’ life!

… Naptime soon.

But first, more coffee.

*In this post:

Drape-front blazer: via Shoptiques (sold out, love this version)
Drawstring maxi dress: Charlie Jade (more styles here)
Striped blouse: via Shoptiques
Nude pumps: Zara (similar linked below)

*Click to shop: Charlie Jade dresses
spring jackets | this post (below):

///

Photography by Shoptiques

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

29 comments

Pru Yeo on April 13, 2024 at 4:54 am

Love the colors of the maxi skirt, they are so vibrant and gorgeous! You look great!

Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

Reply
ppfgirl on April 13, 2024 at 6:57 am

Ooh I’m loving this combination - you look so beautiful!!

http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

Reply
Beverly on April 13, 2024 at 8:54 am

I love how you show versatility in one clothing item. That maxi dress worn as a skirt. Love it!

http://heelsandspreadsheets.blogspot.com/

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caseysharbaugh on April 13, 2024 at 9:01 am

Oy 5;45 AM in NJ! I have a hard enough time making my 6 AM classes even when they’re in my neighborhood-nap sounds well deserved

http://www.comfortablycasey.com

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- corals + cognacs on April 13, 2024 at 11:43 am
  
  Already done (and on my third cup of coffee today… Not as bad as I was expecting — yet)!
  
  Reply
LoveCompassionateLee on April 13, 2024 at 9:24 am

Really, the weather has been amazing! Continue to crush today

Happy Monday!
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/4/13/41315

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Erin on April 13, 2024 at 10:19 am

Absolutely love this look. You can pull anything off!

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skyscrapers and palm trees on April 13, 2024 at 10:22 am

ohhh such an interesting mix of prints! I need to embrace this right now!

-alex
skyscrapers & palm trees

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allison on April 13, 2024 at 10:28 am

you look so pretty in these pictures! xx

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Angela on April 13, 2024 at 11:00 am

Yay congrats! That’s my soul cycle here in Jersey. I think I just got an email saying you’re teaching tomorrow at 5:30 and 7 pm?

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- corals + cognacs on April 13, 2024 at 11:43 am
  
  That’s Halle M, not me. Her class is great, tho - her music is the best! Hopefully I’ll be back out in SH in a week or two/we can ride together soon! xxxx
  
  Reply
  - Angela on April 14, 2024 at 7:26 am
    
    I’d love that! I’ll be keeping a look out on the schedule. Would love to talk becoming a spin teacher sometime!
    
    Reply
Elana on April 13, 2024 at 11:25 am

I love your shirt! I may need to buy it today.

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Maddy on April 13, 2024 at 11:57 am

Hilarious! “like it’s the fountain of f*cking youth” — LIKE. +1. All of the things!

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Liz @ Shopping My Closet on April 13, 2024 at 12:14 pm

Love the bright colors on your maxi!

Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

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Rebecca {at} PreppyPanache on April 13, 2024 at 12:27 pm

LOVE this maxi

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Gretchen | Gretchruns on April 13, 2024 at 3:18 pm

eek that’s a rough schedule! I go to the gym at 6AM twice a week, but it’s just a 10 minute walk down the street for me. Next time I want to complain about that I’ll just think of you waking up at the crack of dawn to TEACH!

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Jen - Comfortably Chic on April 13, 2024 at 3:29 pm

I saw your snapchat this morning and instantly felt SO lazy! Get it girl!

xo, Jen

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- corals + cognacs on April 13, 2024 at 4:30 pm
  
  But you also probably felt a lot prettier… Lolll
  
  Reply
NOELANI M. on April 14, 2024 at 7:59 am

If only coffee was the actual fountain of youth. I’d be like 3. Hope you had a great Monday after your class!
Lattes and Lavender

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Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl on April 14, 2024 at 8:27 am

LOVING that maxi dress! And I love the idea of rocking a tee on top…such a great idea for spring!

xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com

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Jamie Hatcher on April 14, 2024 at 10:18 am

I love pairings stripes and patterns! Such a cute idea to layer the top over the maxi dress.

Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com

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Adri on April 14, 2024 at 1:28 pm

I commend you to be able to get up to teach that early! That printed skirt is so fun!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com

Reply
shirarosen88 on April 14, 2024 at 11:19 pm

5:45 in Jersey???? YOU ARE BRAVE GIRL. Or maybe crazy??? 😉 In any event, I love your fun look- stripes with colorful print are always a good idea!

http://asequinloveaffair.com

Reply
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Molly Galler on April 17, 2024 at 3:24 pm

Wait wait wait. This skirt is a maxi dress? Love the bright print.

Reply
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The Fine Print

Hi, nice to meet you.

*In this post:

*Click to shop: Charlie Jade dresses spring jackets | this post (below):

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*Click to shop: Charlie Jade dresses
spring jackets | this post (below):