corals + cognacs works with third-party affiliates and advertising companies to serve advertisers. These companies may use aggregated information (not including your name, address, email or telephone) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.
In addition, sometimes I'll share affiliate links of retailers that I personally support via Twitter or Facebook. If you click through an affiliate link when buying an item, I will be partially compensated for your purchase. You're under no obligation to click through via one of the links when shopping online, but, if you do, you'll be supporting my blog as well.
You, my readers, and overall editorial integrity are the two most important aspects of corals + cognacs. Know that I will always retain 100% control over the content on corals + cognacs, all opinions are that of my own, and that I will always disclose to you the items for which I have been paid and/or gifted.
Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!
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.
It’s back on the grind after a weekend for the record books…
Last night, I was walking home from a friend’s and I got to thinking: Do you ever pay attention to the natural flows of your life?
I think we can all relate to this, but one thing I’m constantly striving for in all areas is balance — whether it’s with work, blog, working out or just in general. And while I haven’t quite mastered the art of remaining balanced 100% of the time, I’m constantly working at it.
Or better yet, I’ve just learned to let go and embrace it.
We’ve talked a bit about this, but I’ve been really enjoying more of an offline life this summer. On the one hand, it really teaches you to be present — but it has resulted in a bit of writer’s block. And by writer’s block, I mean (crazy fun) late nights and (rather awful) subsequent hangovers.
Awhile back, a friend and fellow blogger — Hilary Rushford — taught me the notion of creating seasons for our lives. For example: Some seasons, you may be really into in your work, your blog or another hobby. You stay in, channel your focus and work, work, work.
In another, your priorities shift to people and places — being social, saying yes, going out more, and so on. (Clearly, I’m currently in the latter — which I’ve noticed tends to coincide with warm weathered months.)
This mindset has really helped alleviate work-related guilt and any stress toward feeling overwhelmed by the expectations I project onto myself — like putting up a blog post five times per week, or answering every. single. e-mail.
You’re nodding, yes? Do you think the notion of seasons is relevant to your lifestyle?
I mean, after all: It’s all too often that we put aside our own personal needs to prioritize our jobs and careers, isn’t it? While work is certainly a big — and important — part of our lives, it shouldn’t be all of it.
For now, I’m in a season of living. A season of not digitally enslaving myself. Of carving out time to make good memories — not (always) good choices…
But don’t worry — as August comes to an end and summer starts to wind down, I’m getting back into the habit to posting more frequently and robustly.
While I have certainly missed sharing stories on the blog and connecting with you guys on a regular basis (though we do that daily on Instagram and Snapchat — @coralsncognacs), I know in my happy heart that I’ve been focusing my time in the right place.
… After all, living your life will only inspire your work.
Love your post, and I’ve been missing your blog. I understand that sometimes it’s good to be a little free and more relaxed. I’ve been working hard on a project for 3 months, and as it closes, I’ll be glad to relax some. Other interests are coming up as well. Hopefully they will all pay off soon. I think interests, priorities, and focus changes, and that is a good thing and doesn’t have to be permanent.
I agree — and the idea that seasons are non-permanent really help to further alleviate any guilt we project onto ourselves. Thank you for your sweet words, Cathleen! Appreciate you reading (always) and taking the time to share. xx
Very true! Feeling guilty isn’t worth it. I hope you’re enjoying your summer and while I look forward to the posts you do share, I respect you stepping back from the online world a bit. There is a time for everything!
Sometimes taking time away to just be present is just what you need to renew balance! One of the best by-products: a renewed sense of creativity! Have a great week.
Gorgeous photos but I especially appreciate how much you’ve been talking about being offline lately. I also try to carve out time (especially on weekends when the Hubs isn’t working) to be present and wholly in my experiences. It changes your perspective and makes me feel happier and balanced and yet I’ve also experienced some writer’s block because of it. Now I’m struggling to put my newfound revelations to words — so glad to know I’m not the only one Hallie!
As per the usual, you spoke right to me! I have been feeling guilty for not blogging as much as I should and being more present for things this summer! I know once it cools down and I am inside more, I will be more focused!
One post idea I had that I’d love to see from you is a round up off your favorite workout clothes. You’ve got the CUTEST outfits for soul cycle and I’m always in search of great workout clothes
I can definitely relate to this – I’ve been feeling so guilty for not publishing posts as much and not working harder, etc etc etc. But I’m having a really good time enjoying the summer weather and spending time with friends, so I know that what I’m doing right now is exactly what I should be doing. I know that as soon as the weather cools down, I’ll stick my butt in a coffee shop for hours at a time and get back to the grind.
“A season of not digitally enslaving myself” … uhm, yes. Love this notion and the idea of seasons in your life. I miss your blog too, but keeping up with you on snapchat is fun! I feel like a stalker sometimes lol but it’s a great way to help your readers feel a part of your offline life.
OK, Can we just talk about how long I’ve been obsessing over this necklace? I think since your Paris trip? I didn’t almost trip onto my keyboard when I found that I can get it shipped to the US, nope totally dignified.
I can completely relate- I’ve been feeling some of that guilt this summer too about not posting as often on my blog- but having lots of fun this summer as helped me ignore it ;)!
Love your words and your necklace!
Love your post, and I’ve been missing your blog. I understand that sometimes it’s good to be a little free and more relaxed. I’ve been working hard on a project for 3 months, and as it closes, I’ll be glad to relax some. Other interests are coming up as well. Hopefully they will all pay off soon. I think interests, priorities, and focus changes, and that is a good thing and doesn’t have to be permanent.
I agree — and the idea that seasons are non-permanent really help to further alleviate any guilt we project onto ourselves. Thank you for your sweet words, Cathleen! Appreciate you reading (always) and taking the time to share. xx
Very true! Feeling guilty isn’t worth it. I hope you’re enjoying your summer and while I look forward to the posts you do share, I respect you stepping back from the online world a bit. There is a time for everything!
Amen, sister. Thanks for your understanding. Looking forward to lots of storytelling this fall (and beyond). x
Sometimes taking time away to just be present is just what you need to renew balance! One of the best by-products: a renewed sense of creativity! Have a great week.
http://www.velvetcrate.com
I like the way you think, Allison!
This is a breath of fresh air. Thank you SO much for sharing. I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying – and living – your summer! xo
Great post! Glad you enjoyed your summer!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Gorgeous photos but I especially appreciate how much you’ve been talking about being offline lately. I also try to carve out time (especially on weekends when the Hubs isn’t working) to be present and wholly in my experiences. It changes your perspective and makes me feel happier and balanced and yet I’ve also experienced some writer’s block because of it. Now I’m struggling to put my newfound revelations to words — so glad to know I’m not the only one Hallie!
Sed Bona
Definitely enjoy life offline! Love the soft color palette in your look!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
As per the usual, you spoke right to me! I have been feeling guilty for not blogging as much as I should and being more present for things this summer! I know once it cools down and I am inside more, I will be more focused!
Thanks for being so positive, Hallie!
Emily
http://www.deltachic.com
Loved your post and love you blog 🙂
One post idea I had that I’d love to see from you is a round up off your favorite workout clothes. You’ve got the CUTEST outfits for soul cycle and I’m always in search of great workout clothes
Love it! I’ll work on that in the next few weeks. Thanks for the suggestion, Rachel!
I totally second this!
I can definitely relate to this – I’ve been feeling so guilty for not publishing posts as much and not working harder, etc etc etc. But I’m having a really good time enjoying the summer weather and spending time with friends, so I know that what I’m doing right now is exactly what I should be doing. I know that as soon as the weather cools down, I’ll stick my butt in a coffee shop for hours at a time and get back to the grind.
Way to say exactly what I’ve been thinking!
You look gorgeous! I love that necklace!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
In love with that necklace Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Such a great post! I couldn’t agree more. I need to embrace and accept this more! I love it.
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
“A season of not digitally enslaving myself” … uhm, yes. Love this notion and the idea of seasons in your life. I miss your blog too, but keeping up with you on snapchat is fun! I feel like a stalker sometimes lol but it’s a great way to help your readers feel a part of your offline life.
xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com
OK, Can we just talk about how long I’ve been obsessing over this necklace? I think since your Paris trip? I didn’t almost trip onto my keyboard when I found that I can get it shipped to the US, nope totally dignified.
xoxo,
Erin
I can completely relate- I’ve been feeling some of that guilt this summer too about not posting as often on my blog- but having lots of fun this summer as helped me ignore it ;)!
Pingback: Sleek-and-chic for date night | @halliekwilson
Pingback: White wide-leg denim | @halliekwilson
Pingback: Heart Happy: Vol 16 | Pearls & Twirls
Pingback: 10 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut