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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.
People are constantly asking me, it seems, “what do you miss most about New York?”
My answer has been surprisingly neutral thus far — the energy, my friends, bagels and Juice Generation.
It’s true, though.
Admittedly, I actually haven’t found much that I’ve really missed about New York just yet… That is, until I looked in the mirror and saw my strands were lookin’ a little mousy brown. I’m waaay overdue for a hair appointment and unfortunately, I’m a few hundred miles away from my go-to girl (Carlina at Rita Hazan on Fifth, if you’re wondering).
A great hairstyle goes a long way — after all, it’s the one style that you wear consistently, day-in and day-out.
One of the annoying things about moving is that it displaces you from your routines, relationships and the like. And I realize that’s a loaded statement, so let’s keep it to being just about hair colorists for today.
So, as I embark on my search for The Perfect Hair Colorist (Midwest edition), I headed off to Target (not that I really needed an excuse, there), to find an easy, affordable and semi-permanent at-home hair solution.
As you can probably relate, out-of-the-box hair highlights can be tricky to pull off at home. I’ve always been hesitant to use them because they’re intimidating and difficult to apply. I’ve accidentally (and temporarily, thankfully) dyed my forehead brown more times that I’d care to admit… Anyone else have a horror story they’d care to share?
At any rate, an hour later, I ended u going home empty-handed, as I was just overwhelmed by too many options. Le sigh.
Fast-forward to last week:
I’d seen L’Oreal Paris’s Glam Lights along the shelves of various drug stores before, and I’ve been working with the brand a bit this month (as you may have read last week), so it felt rather serendipitous when they reached out to see if I’d like to test out their new Glam Lights.
No time like the present, I suppose.
I’m not normally a big fan of home highlights, but this one seems pretty foolproof.
The instructions are straight-forward, it comes with a toothbrush-like applicator and the effects appear subtle-yet-significant.
But instead of just posting a before-and-after photo, I’m going to physically demo it for you to show you how easy it is to use.
… Or rather, how easy it seems to be to use. Famous last words? We’ll find out.
Find me on snapchat (by searching ‘coralsncognacs’), where I’m going to be demonstrating it live early this afternoon. Ahhhhhhh! We’ll see how it goes, huh?
(Guys, I feel like we’re in Chem class and it’s lab day!)
On another note, the outfit:
It’s been hot as hell in Chicago over the last week (holy humidity), so relaxed-fit, boyfriend styles are essential — and skin-tight certainly isn’t an option.
These are two pieces I bought during a recent Old Navy haul — the white blouse goes with everything, obviously, and the jean shorts are the perfect length.
I hope your highlighting goes well! I would be so nervous!! And I love those shorts - I’ve been looking for some that aren’t too short, and those are the perfect length!
So excited to see the results on snapchat! such a fun twist on the normal tutorial post, haha! I’m also loving your shoes, girl!
Sarah - Classy Tassels
You never realize how hard it is starting over in a different city…with just finding your new go-to places and routines. I highly, highly recommend Josh Shores for a colorist and Evan Roberts a stylist at Maxine Salon (http://www.maxinesalon.com) in River North. Both are amazingly talented and great listeners to what you need/want for your hair.
Girl, I know. It’s all these little things you don’t think about that add up and take so much time out of your day. I’ll be glad once they’re all settled (and hopefully I won’t move states again for a few years, lol). x
Cute, Cute! Love the laid back look! Best haircut in Chicago (at a reasonable price): Alissa at Salon Buzz River North and best color: Nadia at Salon Buzz River North- just sayin’!
Hairdressers - so hard to find a good one. They’re seriously like gold. I gotta say though, I hadn’t noticed your highlights were growing out. I’m not sure I’d have the nerve to DIY a dye job - off to watch the snaps now! xx
Ok, the idea of coloring my hair at home gives me more anxiety than anything I can think of, but ballin on a budget I might need to try this. And I need that white shirt.
I love how you always pull together such approachable styles. These wardrobe basics are ideal for transitioning from summer to fall. The block heels in a pale pink give the modern accent to the whole look.
Love this casual look! Fun to watch your highlight tutorial on Snapchat. I haven’t attempted at-home hair coloring for a decade and a half, but you made it look easy.
I love these jean shorts, and it’s such a good idea to shoot your hair experiment “live” on snapchat! Almost like your own personal show. Can’t wait to see how it goes..I might have to pick up a box as well 🙂
After 5 years in DC, I finally found an awesome hair stylist… a lot of trial and error! So, I had a bunch of at home hair highlights. I used these at one point and really liked it!
I hope your highlighting goes well! I would be so nervous!! And I love those shorts - I’ve been looking for some that aren’t too short, and those are the perfect length!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
This particular pair is almost sold out online, but you can find ’em in stores — or the black pair is cute too!
Ok lady, I’m LOVING this look. Simple and chic - the perfect casually polished summer look!
Can’t wait to see your tutorial!
xoxo
A
http://www.successonstilettos.wordpress.com
NERVOUS! Snap you soon. x
Can’t wait to see the outcome!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
If you need a colorist recommendation, Lauren at B.Rose Salon on Southport and Roscoe is great!
Thank you!
I’ll see how yours goes then may give it a try! Love the outfit and the pictures.
So excited to see the results on snapchat! such a fun twist on the normal tutorial post, haha! I’m also loving your shoes, girl!
Sarah - Classy Tassels
You never realize how hard it is starting over in a different city…with just finding your new go-to places and routines. I highly, highly recommend Josh Shores for a colorist and Evan Roberts a stylist at Maxine Salon (http://www.maxinesalon.com) in River North. Both are amazingly talented and great listeners to what you need/want for your hair.
OMG I’m waiting for you next update and I hope it comes out good AKA so I can save myself $200 a bayalage. Fingers crossed for ya girl!
So far so good, right? I’ll have photos to share soon!
Wait until you need to find all new doctors in a new city! Its kind of like a whole new adventure. Can’t wait to see the new hair!
http://www.Legal-Steals.com
Girl, I know. It’s all these little things you don’t think about that add up and take so much time out of your day. I’ll be glad once they’re all settled (and hopefully I won’t move states again for a few years, lol). x
Cute, Cute! Love the laid back look! Best haircut in Chicago (at a reasonable price): Alissa at Salon Buzz River North and best color: Nadia at Salon Buzz River North- just sayin’!
I only recommend them because I cannot DIY my hay! I’m sure you’re far more talented :o)!
Lol, we’re in the same boat… Though the Glam Lights color-kit has been surprisingly simple! Thanks for the reco, lady!
very cute!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Ella at Luxe on Belmont just west of Damen.
Thanks, Tonya!
Love the shorts!
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Hairdressers - so hard to find a good one. They’re seriously like gold. I gotta say though, I hadn’t noticed your highlights were growing out. I’m not sure I’d have the nerve to DIY a dye job - off to watch the snaps now! xx
Girl for Granted
Well, that’s good to know! Thanks lady. x
Ok, the idea of coloring my hair at home gives me more anxiety than anything I can think of, but ballin on a budget I might need to try this. And I need that white shirt.
xoxo,
Erin
I love how you always pull together such approachable styles. These wardrobe basics are ideal for transitioning from summer to fall. The block heels in a pale pink give the modern accent to the whole look.
xx, leslie
http://www.onebrassfox.com
Thanks, Leslie! Hoping warmer weather sticks around for awhile longer, but agree these will transition gorgeously from summer to fall : )
I love those shorts on you!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Love this casual look! Fun to watch your highlight tutorial on Snapchat. I haven’t attempted at-home hair coloring for a decade and a half, but you made it look easy.
http://www.velvetcrate.com
I love these jean shorts, and it’s such a good idea to shoot your hair experiment “live” on snapchat! Almost like your own personal show. Can’t wait to see how it goes..I might have to pick up a box as well 🙂
I love your nude heels! A simple white tee and jeans is most definitely my FAVORITE outfit to wear- and you do it so fabulously!
XO Corbin Tate
Classy South Blog
Love these shorts! I have them too.
After 5 years in DC, I finally found an awesome hair stylist… a lot of trial and error! So, I had a bunch of at home hair highlights. I used these at one point and really liked it!
emily
http://www.deltachic.com
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