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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 was mindlessly waiting in a coffee shop over the weekend when I looked up (from my phone, I confess) and saw a quote scribbled neatly on a chalkboard that really struck a chord with me…
… “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
Too true, right?
I mean, if you’re anything like me — at least once every week you have a day where you feel like you got nothing done, despite being “super swamped.”
Yesterday was one of those days. I didn’t start writing today’s post until 11:58 p.m. — despite having to wake up early this morning to catch a flight, and, of course, not being packed. (Fuck, that reminds me; my clothes are still downstairs in the washer!)
Perhaps this is partially because I was karaoking my way through the grocery store not too long ag0, which you know if you follow me on snapchat (@coralsncognacs). I digress…
//
Believe it or not, starting a blog post is really hard for me.
How am I supposed to tell you in the most creative and engaging manner possible that I’ve worn this dress, like, 26 times in the last six weeks? (Seriously, though, I’d say it’s around that amount. You agree?)
Though this time-around, instead of stressing, I just started writing.
A topic that’s been on my mind a lot lately has been the notion simplicity; and how, maybe even ironically, it’s one of the hardest things for me to grasp — especially when I feel my energy being pulled in a million different directions.
Whether it’s a weekend-free agenda or a no frills dress and perfect pair of pumps that you can put on and wear anywhere (and that you do), or even just a simple, few sentence blog post — there’s a lot of beauty in simplicity.
I think too often we focus on hacking away at our massive to-do lists, but what if instead of chasing down on the noble art of getting EVERYTHING done, we clear our plate by leaving things undone? It’s like, you eliminate the clutter and noise — the internal and external non-essentials — so you can focus on what really matters.
It’s a very freeing thing to know that you can finish something by simply choosing to be done with it.
So, that said… I’m keeping it short and sweet today (kind of) as I’m en route to Chicago for a few days. I haven’t been back in, man — I don’t even know how long. A full year, I think? So excited!
I’m teaching at SoulCycle on Tuesday night (at the Old town location), so come ride with me if you’re local. It’s at 8:30 p.m. sharp, and this one is a can’t miss, you guys… Reserve your bike at noon CST today.
Back to you later this week from the Windy City. Have a great (and freakin’ amazingly simple) Monday, my friends.
I feel like you’ve been so spot on with your posts lately, it’s like you’re reading my brain on how I’m feeling haha! Maybe if we make our to do lists smaller each day we’ll have more time to focus on just being. Great advice! Have fun in Chicago!
Trying to figure out the words to say how GORGEOUS this dress is, but I think you already know. So cute, especially with those pumps! Side note: wish I lived in New York so I could make it out to one of your classes!
Sometimes I can write 4-5 blog posts in a day, and feel super creative and accomplished when I do so. Other times, I stare at my screen for hours, rewriting the same sentence or two over and over again. Have fun in Chicago, and hopefully things destress a bit for you soon!
Giiirl, you have no idea how much I needed to read this post today. That quote is so true, and so is your notion that simplicity is a really, really good thing. Isn’t That Charming. & Wandeleur
That dress is adorable! And i’m totally with you on simplifying life. There are times when I feel like I’ll never get everything I need to done. It’s all about prioritizing and being OK with letting some things go. xx
Have a great trip, Hallie!
I feel like you’ve been so spot on with your posts lately, it’s like you’re reading my brain on how I’m feeling haha! Maybe if we make our to do lists smaller each day we’ll have more time to focus on just being. Great advice! Have fun in Chicago!
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
Enjoy Chicago! I’m a sucker for drop waist dresses, and this blush color looks incredible on you!
That dress always looks so cozy and ultra-feminine! Have a blast in your old stomping grounds!!
Allie
http://www.allienotsally.blogspot.com
Trying to figure out the words to say how GORGEOUS this dress is, but I think you already know. So cute, especially with those pumps! Side note: wish I lived in New York so I could make it out to one of your classes!
xx Sally @ http://loveandsparkles.com/
Sometimes I can write 4-5 blog posts in a day, and feel super creative and accomplished when I do so. Other times, I stare at my screen for hours, rewriting the same sentence or two over and over again. Have fun in Chicago, and hopefully things destress a bit for you soon!
Katherine || The Green Bows
I love that shoes! They are so amazing!
Giulia
http://www.leggitea.it
http://www.leggiteablog.wordpress.com
Giiirl, you have no idea how much I needed to read this post today. That quote is so true, and so is your notion that simplicity is a really, really good thing.
Isn’t That Charming. & Wandeleur
Simple is always better! I know that drop waist has been a point of contention, but I love it on you! x
Girl for Granted
That dress is adorable! And i’m totally with you on simplifying life. There are times when I feel like I’ll never get everything I need to done. It’s all about prioritizing and being OK with letting some things go. xx
Audrey | http://www.keygypsy.com
That dress is so amazing! I would wear it everyday…if that was acceptable!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Cute Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Looking beautiful girlfriend! Have fun back home!
xx, Leah / Eat Pray Wear Love
Love the drop waist. It gives it a fun ruffle look. Pretty color, too
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
Hope this dress will go half off someday soon! Let us know if it does!
XO Ally
http://www.allysoninwonderland.com
I love this drop waist dress. So cute on you!!
PS. Love your snaps! You’re hysterical!xx
http://thedarlingstandard.blogspot.com/
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