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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’ve been dreaming about my spring and summer wardrobe since early January. (Gives you something to look forward to once the holidays are over, you know?) I typically hold off on actually buying new pieces for spring and summer until Shopbop’s annual friends & family sale, though.
On my wish list this season has been a chic-yet-versatile backpack, nude-colored lace-up wedges and these pineapple-print espadrilles — just for fun. And of course, there’s no better time to score designer denim at a discount.
You’ve got two days to hit this sale (it ends Thursday night); so now, the hard part: Where to start? Or what’s worth the investment?
Sales such as this can be a bit overwhelming to browse, so I’d suggest tackling it in one of three ways: Either (1) start with the sale section and go from there (some items are already up to 70% off); (2) shop by designer, like I do/as illustrated below; (3) or choose a themed lookbook, such as festival chic or spring handbags.
Personally, I start by checking out my favorite designers, one of them being Alice + Olivia. I fell in love with this season’s collection after seeing it in Shopbop’s lookbook, and this is a brand where items tend to sell out before they ever go on sale again this season. And of course, who can forget Kate Spade — her playful accessories are always ‘add to cart’ worthy. What do you think of this season’s garden party collection?
Here’s a few more suggestions on what to buy to start the season in style:
We’ve already discussed my new-found love for one-piece bathing suits (in this post), so I’ll let it at that. Do you have one yet? If not, there’s an array of super cute styles linked below.
And of course, there’s no better time to step out in a new pair of open-toe sandals. (FINALLY!) Schutz are my favorite dress-up heels, and I’m always surprised when people have never heard of K. Jacques — the brand is gladiator sandal central and a total summer staple.
Note: In full disclosure, the images above contain affiliate links. What that means is that I make a small commission if you click on them and buy something. If you’re wondering, I use this income to pay for things like website domains, design, development and hosting, etc. And coffee — a shitload of coffee.)
Thanks so much for sharing this helpful post Hallie…the Shopbop sale can definitely be little overwhelming so I loved your tips and picks! And that Alice & Olivia zebra dress is soo cute!!
This time it seems there are restrictions on the designers included, such as Tory Burch and Stuart Weitzman, so be sure to read the fine print… I was so sad…but I did manage to still score some great deals!
Oh, and Schutz’s Cady Lee sandals are a great alternative to Stuart Weitzman’s Nudist - amazingly made (all leather and in Brazil) - and a fraction of the price! BTW - LOVE your picks (and your blog)!
sales are totally my weakness! And shop bop is another… haha bye bye bank account, nice knowin ya! Hello new closet 😉 I cannot WAIT for the Q&A tomorrow! I missed being able to write a question but I’m assuming this will be addressed- wondering the best ways to grow a blog! Please tell me it takes forever because my impatient self sometimes gets the best of me haha
Xo
Candace Lovely Little Rants
I love the way you broke down the Shopbop sale in this post! I always start with sale (usually bags, shoes, denim), then search by designer. I’m a sucker for anything Rebecca Minkoff so I love taking advantage of this sale to get a new handbag. This time around though, I’m stuck on dresses and swimwear. Must make up my mind!
Thanks for the up front and honest disclosure! It’s pretty rare these days! Anyway, I really love Kate Spade’s new handbags (there’s one shaped like a watering can, so cute) but don’t know if they really work for my life. I’m self-employed now, and will be transitioning to an MBA. So, $200-$400 for a bag I can use MAX on the weekends is a bit out of my price range.
Meg of An Affair of Character
I feel the same… If I lived somewhere warm and could wear it year-round, this conversation might be different. Let’s hold out hope they’re still in stock when spring clearance season rolls around!
Loving the pineapple from Tory Burch!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for sharing this helpful post Hallie…the Shopbop sale can definitely be little overwhelming so I loved your tips and picks! And that Alice & Olivia zebra dress is soo cute!!
xoxo Nicole
http://www.brazenbrunette.com
I wouldn’t be mad if you just shipped all of these pieces to my house.
xo, Sarah
http://www.sarahhartley.net
This time it seems there are restrictions on the designers included, such as Tory Burch and Stuart Weitzman, so be sure to read the fine print…
I was so sad…but I did manage to still score some great deals!
BuThanks for the head’s up! I totally missed Tory on there. Bummer!
Oh, and Schutz’s Cady Lee sandals are a great alternative to Stuart Weitzman’s Nudist - amazingly made (all leather and in Brazil) - and a fraction of the price! BTW - LOVE your picks (and your blog)!
Ok - I’ll stop hogging the comments section now.
Hog away, my friend. I LOVE Schutz’s Cady Lee! Good call… And great minds. x
sales are totally my weakness! And shop bop is another… haha bye bye bank account, nice knowin ya! Hello new closet 😉 I cannot WAIT for the Q&A tomorrow! I missed being able to write a question but I’m assuming this will be addressed- wondering the best ways to grow a blog! Please tell me it takes forever because my impatient self sometimes gets the best of me haha
Xo
Candace
Lovely Little Rants
I love the way you broke down the Shopbop sale in this post! I always start with sale (usually bags, shoes, denim), then search by designer. I’m a sucker for anything Rebecca Minkoff so I love taking advantage of this sale to get a new handbag. This time around though, I’m stuck on dresses and swimwear. Must make up my mind!
xo,
Mae
Mae Amor
Thanks for the up front and honest disclosure! It’s pretty rare these days! Anyway, I really love Kate Spade’s new handbags (there’s one shaped like a watering can, so cute) but don’t know if they really work for my life. I’m self-employed now, and will be transitioning to an MBA. So, $200-$400 for a bag I can use MAX on the weekends is a bit out of my price range.
Meg of An Affair of Character
I feel the same… If I lived somewhere warm and could wear it year-round, this conversation might be different. Let’s hold out hope they’re still in stock when spring clearance season rolls around!
Great, another place to spend hours of my time and money. All I have to say, is THANK YOU!