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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.
So I know you know that it’s happening, but do you know what Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is all about? And why it’s actually worth shopping?
Today we’ll go through a quick low-down — then, I’ll share my best-ever Nordstrom buys from the past year that you’ve seen often around the blog (most of which are on sale).
So, the always-anticipated Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is when the retail giant previews their new, name-brand collections for fall and winter, offering most pieces at insane price points for a period two weeks (40-60% off, usually).
So in other words, we have the perfect excuse to give our wardrobes a summer update and to stock up for the fall season for the next week. (Fair warning: This is the only time prices will be this low; they go back up to their original listings on Aug. 2).
Wedding guest dresses: It is, indeed, the summer of weddings. (Or is that every summer?)
Whether it’s a beach or a ballroom, Nordstrom’s options for wedding guest dresses are seemingly endless. My wear-to-a-wedding ensemble is all about balance. A feminine-feeling dress in a classic, not-too-tight silhouette (as I will always end up tasting every damn layer of that sheet cake).
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Athletic essentials: Sneakers, man. All day. My happy feet rejoiced as a few of my favorite classic brands (like adidas, Nike and New Balance) began to re-emerge in the fashion spotlight last spring.
These items will be the MVPs (Most Versatile Pieces) of your closet that you can (and will) wear time-and-time again.
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My season-less essentials: If you’ve been a corals + cognacs reader for awhile, you’re familiar with my distressed denim addiction. Two of my year-round essentials? Boyfriend jeans and a cute, classic tote.
That reversible handbag isn’t on sale, but, I mean, it’s $48 — it may as well be! Seriously, my best-ever purchase, I think. (I bought one for my mom and sisters, too; they can vouch!)
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A chic backpack: Whenever I have a jam-packed day ahead of me, I throw on a backpack to make my commute a little bit easier. Here’s a similar style of my favorite Rebecca Minkoff rendition; it’s on sale for more than $100 off (and comes in two colors).
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Make-up: Before you’re down browsing, head to the beauty section. Although Nordstrom doesn’t mark down beauty products, it does put together exclusive sets and sizes of some pretty good stuff — like my favorite facewash, a Clarisonic, these travel MAC make-up brushes, and the Living Proof hair set I’m obsessed with.
Nordstrom’s beauty section in general is a great way to save money on beauty products you’d buy — or been dying to try, like this Chanel travel palette and the cult-classic La Mer skincare line.
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Lastly, just a few tips/reminders:
Focus on the good stuff. You know, the pieces that are already on your shopping wish list! This is your time to splurge on one, or a few, high end or big ticket items, and you’d hate to have to pay full price later. (For me, it’s these rag & bone ankle booties!)
If your size is sold out, call the 1-800 number or chat with a sales specialist — the staff is extremely helpful and chances are they’ll track down your size eventually.
Love these finds! I grew up a Nordies girl, the Nordstrom sale has always been a big deal in our family haha. Lots of great pieces to stock up on.
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com/
I love that floral dress on you! And those Nikes!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com