The Fine Print

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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.

May 6, 2024

Active Essentials

One of the biggest challenges that I have in balancing two seemingly separate lives as blogger and a SoulCycle Instructor is finding clothing that can overlap for each occasion.

Or in an instance you can better relate to: Maybe you’re planning to hit up happy hour but you don’t want to skip your workout. (Speaking of which, how was your Cinco? Ole!)

how-to-wear-workout-clothes-in-real-life

Whether it’s a tequila hangover, an early morning rooster class, or just a generally long day ahead, I’m reaching for comfortable pants and cute sandals. (And in fact, my days often entail all three, which you know if you follow @coralsncognacs on snapchat.)

I hate the feeling of carrying around a damn department store in my bag (I’ve already got enough shit in there), so they’ve got to be functional enough for fitness-related things, and cute enough for social-related things.

In all honesty, I’ve been wearing this exact ensemble more than I care to admit — like, already twice this week. And every single time, people stop me to ask where my pants are from. (People also say things like, “didn’t you wear that on Monday?” but I digress. That’s not important.)

Any guesses?

No?

Okay, I’ll tell you..

They’re Old Navy!

I know. Old Navy. (And, of course, the entire store/site is up to 40% off right now.) I’ve already sung my praises over the brand’s activewear collection, but I’m here to reiterate my obsession and showcase that it is possible to wear your workout gear around the clock. And with the athleisure trend on the rise, why wouldn’t you?

*In this post:

Grey shirt: Old Navy (I also like the vintage-style tanks)
Pants: c/o Old Navy (they also come in black)
Lace-up sandals: Dirty Laundry via Zappos
Leather tote: Cuyana

*Click to shop: Old Navy activewear
cute sandals for women | this post (below):

///

Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

23 comments

Joyce on May 6, 2024 at 10:01 am

Athleisure is the best trend since pretending yoga pants are dress pants (was that actually a trend or just me?)

Love the look!

Reply
Erin on May 6, 2024 at 10:19 am

Did I just order these pants in every color I could find? You bet I did!

xoxo,
Erin
Bmoreindependent.blogspot.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 6, 2024 at 10:46 am
  
  Girl, same. I just bought the black pair — but how could we not?
  
  Reply
Gretchen | Gretchruns on May 6, 2024 at 10:22 am

I have these same pants in black and I can back you up in your review of them! They’re SO comfortable and look alot more expensive than they are. Love Old Navy!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 6, 2024 at 10:46 am
  
  I just bought them in black, too! Twinsies.
  
  Reply
  - Gretchen | Gretchruns on May 7, 2024 at 1:30 pm
    
    I guess I have to get this color then 😉
    
    Reply
Susie @SequinsandStrawberries on May 6, 2024 at 10:43 am

I just went on and bought a bunch of workout clothes, couldn’t hold back from the sale haha!

xx,
Susie

http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com

Reply
kimberley pike (@kimmmayp) on May 6, 2024 at 11:07 am

Love the outfit! I am coming to New York next month for work and taking a Soul Cycle class is def on my to do list! Excited to try it out!

Reply
Lauren on May 6, 2024 at 11:38 am

Love the color of these! They’re perfect for Spring and look so comfortable!

Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com

Reply
Meagan on May 6, 2024 at 11:44 am

Lovin those pants!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com

Reply
Cathleen on May 6, 2024 at 12:03 pm

I love those shoes and pants. You look so good. You are inspiring me to get in shape!

Reply
colleenwelsch on May 6, 2024 at 1:39 pm

I’m so happy that the whole “athleisure” trend is so hot right now. It certainly makes living an active lifestyle a lot easier!

COOCOO FOR COCO

Reply
Annie Reeves on May 6, 2024 at 4:36 pm

I spent an hour in Old Navy today and picked up some awesome things…but I didn’t even walk into the activewear section!!!! Guess I’m headed back…

Reply
Jen - Comfortably Chic on May 6, 2024 at 4:46 pm

Athlesiure is my favorite trend EVER. These clothes are all that I live in on the weekends….and ok I guess Friday’s too

Reply
Melanie on May 6, 2024 at 5:42 pm

Old Navy active wear has been my go to for years. Target also has some AMAZING workout gear that will last forever.

http://www.Legal-Steals.com

Reply
Ellen on May 6, 2024 at 6:35 pm

Love those pants, Hallie! And I know the feeling of carrying your whole life in a bag. I think that’s why I always tend to gravitate towards large totes. Otherwise, I’d be carry four bags to work every day.

Ellen | A Pop of Pink

Reply
Ashley (@healthyhappier) on May 7, 2024 at 5:12 am

Not only did I just buy a pair in black but I also bought a pair for my SIL! Thanks for the find. Now, you may see me sporting them before Sunday’s spin class

Reply
- corals + cognacs on May 7, 2024 at 10:25 am
  
  Can’t WAIT to have you! See you Sunday!
  
  Reply
Pingback: A SoulCycle Instructor's Mascara Review | @halliekwilson
Amy @ Girl for Granted on May 7, 2024 at 7:42 am

Athleisure - only the greatest style of clothing ever invented. What did we even wear before it became acceptable?! Love this look Hallie! x

Reply
Lisa on May 7, 2024 at 8:57 am

I swear by Old Navy active wear!! I absolutely took advantage of their store-wide sale over the weekend… just in time for SOUL CHICAGO

Reply
Leah on May 8, 2024 at 9:17 am

I’m not at all surprised to see that those are Old Navy. They have been killing it for the past year. My favorite striped espadrilles are from there and I get so many compliments. (They were $20!) Love your sweet sandals! You look amazing!

xx, Leah / Eat Pray Wear Love

Reply
Jessica on May 20, 2024 at 9:26 pm

I love how effortless yet completely put together this looks! Would definitely wear this outfit 24/7 if I could!!!

Jess
http://www.wedressalright.com

Reply

The Fine Print

Hi, nice to meet you.

*In this post:

*Click to shop: Old Navy activewear cute sandals for women | this post (below):

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*Click to shop: Old Navy activewear
cute sandals for women | this post (below):