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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.
Despite the fact that all my furniture has arrived, I think it will take me awhile to actually realize that I no longer live in New York.
Do you know what I mean?
Like, it feels like a vacation or something. (But then I look at my inbox and realize very quickly that this is not, in fact, a time for R&R…)
Now, let me clarify: When I say “all my furniture,” I’m referring to three items: A desk (which looks similar to this), office chair and my bed. That’s it… So from a working and sleeping standpoint, I’m set.
That’s really all you need, though. Right?
The rest of my things (kitchen items and clothes, mainly) are still in boxes, so I’ll be living in a state of pseudo-organized chaos until I have pieces to store them in. I’ve been checking out a handful of cute storage options on One Kings Lane, West Elm and the like, but there’s just too many options to choose from. Where the hell do you begin?
I really like this white dresser console, but I’m at somewhat of a stand-still until I figure out how I want to decorate my apartment. I’m really feeling West Elm’s whole “modern neutral” vibe, though… You like? Might have to be #basic and go with the catalogue life.
Anywho, the transition back into life in the Windy City has been a breeze (ahem) so far.
I’ve started to miss bits and pieces of New York — like the convenience of juice bars and the endless array of dinner option on Seamless. I’m sure more will emerge over time, but for now, I’m really happy re-acclimating to Chicago.
A huge part of that sentiment is our new SoulCycle studio, where I spend a lot of my time — whether it’s teaching classes, taking classes, or just generally loitering and chatting with people who drop in. (To those of you who have come taken a class already in the last week, you rock! Can’t wait for round two.)
Beyond that, the upgraded living amenities are something a girl get used to.
Living in New York, you actually forget that things like garbage disposals exist. (THEY DO EXIST AND THEY ARE GOD’S GIFT!) Having an in-unit washer/dryer is a game-changer, too; especially for someone who brings home a few sets of sweaty workout clothes every day.
From a wardrobe perspective, there’s a few items I’ve had on rotation the past few weeks:
Moving is THE WORST… but the level of organization and clean you get rewarded with once you finally settle in is definitely THE BEST. Enjoy your new digs!
Stella // The Heart’s Delight http://www.theheartsdlite.com
It’s definitely understandable to miss a place that’s been your home for the past few years, but time cures all! And by the way, I love that headboard in West Elm’s neutral section!
We’re not going to talk about my level of jealousy for a garbage disposal and an in-unit W/D. I tell you - leave NYC, get spoiled! Glad to hear your transition back has been “a breeze!” Don’t be a stranger to NYC and I’m sure we’ll PR chat soon!
I’ve lived in without a garbage disposal in my KC apartment for 3+ years now and sometimes I contemplate moving simply so I can have that luxury again! p/s I’ll be seeing you next Friday….on the bike :)`
Welcome back to Chicago!!! LUHV that fucking tee shirt! Would love to meet you if you’re ever in the mood for donuts or pizza or champagne or coffee or wine! xx
1. I got majorly scolded when I lived in DC and was 22 for drunkenly throwing an avocado pit down my garbage disposal. Oops. Wish I had one now that I can sort of handle it as a sort of adult.
2. LOVE that white WE furniture. I have the older, dark versions of that but white would look so awesome in my apartment without looking COMPLETELY beachy.
Yay! Welcome back to Chitown!! And so fun meeting you at SS on July 4th… I was the creeper who told you my dad also went to Ohio U (#bobkittens) after you took a post-class pic of my friend and I! Can’t wait to take one of your classes!
HAHA to your comment on garbage disposals. And dishwashers! For me, those are the two most life altering features of an apartment / home. Enjoy getting re-aquainted with those bad boys!
I am loving this cute look. Good luck with the new move.
So far, so good… Thanks, Natasha!
I am loving the mid-rise jean trend as well (can we call this a trend? - I hope not!). Love your decor plans, can’t wait to see the finished product!
Love a good pair of mid-rise jeans! 1000x better than low!
http://www.comfortablycasey.com
You and me both! Express actually has some of my favorite styles — I’m keen to try the boyfriend fit next!
Those red heels are GORGEOUS! Love! I’m glad things are going well in Chicago so far!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
You lived without a garbage disposal?! I can’t even imagine! Glad the Windy City is treating you well!
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
For SO long… Like, five years maybe. It might be my favorite feature in the apartment!!!!
Glad you’re transitioning well! Best of luck in Chicago! Digging those heels..so cute.
xx,
Alyssa
http://www.kneehighsandpumpkinspice.com/
Moving is THE WORST… but the level of organization and clean you get rewarded with once you finally settle in is definitely THE BEST. Enjoy your new digs!
Stella // The Heart’s Delight
http://www.theheartsdlite.com
Amen, sister. At this point it seems like a never-ending process, but having a weekend (with my mom in town) will help, for sure. Thank you!
It’s definitely understandable to miss a place that’s been your home for the past few years, but time cures all! And by the way, I love that headboard in West Elm’s neutral section!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
We’re not going to talk about my level of jealousy for a garbage disposal and an in-unit W/D. I tell you - leave NYC, get spoiled! Glad to hear your transition back has been “a breeze!” Don’t be a stranger to NYC and I’m sure we’ll PR chat soon!
I’ve lived in without a garbage disposal in my KC apartment for 3+ years now and sometimes I contemplate moving simply so I can have that luxury again! p/s I’ll be seeing you next Friday….on the bike :)`
THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER! Can’t wait. Looking forward to seeing you!
(PS: It might be worth the move…)
Ok: 1. So happy you’re adjusting well to Chicago! New York definitely misses your presence though!
2. Giiiiiiiiiiiiiirl you’re shorter than me, how in the world do you look like a 5’10 model with legs for days? 😉
3. That shirt has been my favorite ever since you first featured it a long time ago.
That’s all - Happy Wednesday, lady!
Pink Champagne Problems
I miss seeing you too, gal! How’s Soul?
And yes, I’m actually 5’4″ (5’5″ on a good day). Haha!
Garbage disposal? Yikes! The one thing NYC apartments and cabins in the woods have in common, I suppose. Love those kicks.
Love the midrise!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Love everything about this look.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
Welcome back to Chicago!!! LUHV that fucking tee shirt! Would love to meet you if you’re ever in the mood for donuts or pizza or champagne or coffee or wine! xx
Thank you, Caitlin! I love all of those things…. : ) See you around town, gal!
1. I got majorly scolded when I lived in DC and was 22 for drunkenly throwing an avocado pit down my garbage disposal. Oops. Wish I had one now that I can sort of handle it as a sort of adult.
2. LOVE that white WE furniture. I have the older, dark versions of that but white would look so awesome in my apartment without looking COMPLETELY beachy.
OMG, girl. Hahaha.
Can’t wait for your Chi-town visit this fall!
Yes! I also can’t wait to cheer you on to victory. And eat carbs.
OMG, I absolutely loooooove this look with those heels! The sneaks are cute too, but the heels just make the whole thing pop.
Yay! Welcome back to Chitown!! And so fun meeting you at SS on July 4th… I was the creeper who told you my dad also went to Ohio U (#bobkittens) after you took a post-class pic of my friend and I! Can’t wait to take one of your classes!
Always love meeting a Bobcat alum (even if just by relation to your dad, ha)! It was great to meet you, too. Looking forward to seeing you soon Liz!
love the outfit! thses are killer heels!…movingggg….ohhh….so much to do
I think you are in denial!
kiss
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
HAHA to your comment on garbage disposals. And dishwashers! For me, those are the two most life altering features of an apartment / home. Enjoy getting re-aquainted with those bad boys!
Erin @ The Busy Girl’s Shopping Companion
YAAAASSSSS! Graphic tee and denim forever! Love this look! #flawless
-Jessica
http://www.wedressalright.com