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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.
In the spirit of continuing my love for the billowing and breezy (detox going strong!), today’s ensemble is one of the most comfortable, versatile floor-sweeping frocks I own… And it’s affordable, too!
You can likely relate, but I find that maxi dresses are a perfect way to get creative and extend your summer wardrobe. (This is my favorite outfit from last fall!)
They’re easy to add layers over or under — making them the perfect transitional piece for days that remain to be warmed by the lingering summer sun. Even better if they’re in a color palette that’s perfect for fall, like this one (which is on sale).
Somehow, another Fashion Week is upon us — and much debate, I’ve decided to stay put this year.
In all honesty, I’d rather return to New York when I can make a trip of it. Things get spontaneous, chaotic and crazy during Fashion Week — which is fun, but you’re always working, running to-and-from and burning the midnight oil. It’s exhausting, frankly, and most bloggers only cover it by generating awareness and stories through their social channels (which can still be very effective).
It’s fun, sure, but I want to be able to spend free time with my former city and the friends that still reside in — over, say, brunches that turn into late nights and the like. Not stressing about social media, hashtags, photographers and all that. You know? (Don’t get me wrong — the insanity of Fashion Week is still fun if that’s the experience you’re wanting!)
My Fashion Week recaps sure were a blast, though… Who knows, maybe I’ll head back to the beast in February?
//
In the interim, there’s a lot to keep me busy here in Chicago.
This weekend I’m planning to check out Oyster Fest and the annual Windy City Wine Fest — as well as indulge the triumphant return college football. (Another near-future detox is already in the making, it seems… Ha!)
Beyond that, I’m teaching a few extra SoulCycle classes this weekend (including a Rihanna & Drake theme ride on Saturday). I’ll also be spending some time quality time online, working on-site at the Cafe Bustelo pop-up over the weekend. A little extra computer time won’t hurt, given my end-of-the-summer offline lifestyle — and doing so outdoors (with an iced coffee in-hand) is the perfect two birds, one stone situation.
In case you’d like to stop by, too, here’s the event details (or you can learn more about the #BusteloExperience here):
Loving the dress. I’m not sure what the hype is on fashion week, and it seems bloggers mentioned going but never actually blogged about anything of substance.
If I’m ever in Chicago, I’m going to join one of your classes. They always sound so much fun.
What I would give to be in that SoulCycle class 🙂 I’m committing to a working weekend, too, after spending the past few weeks mostly offline (with family and friends). It’s high time I get back to the grind. I hope you have a great Wednesday, Hallie!
This outfit is great, and I can totally see it with a jacket and booties when it gets cooler! I have never been to fashion week…seems hard lol but looks fun too! I feel like I would need a gallon of Red Bull to keep up. Maybe one of these days!
I love how simply you styled this look. Sometimes maxi dresses get “over-accessorized” and just it feels like so much going on because the dress is already making a statement. But this look is PERFECT! So easy, classy and simple. Love it!
You look like a million dollars in an Old Navy dress, love it!
Loving the dress. I’m not sure what the hype is on fashion week, and it seems bloggers mentioned going but never actually blogged about anything of substance.
If I’m ever in Chicago, I’m going to join one of your classes. They always sound so much fun.
What I would give to be in that SoulCycle class 🙂 I’m committing to a working weekend, too, after spending the past few weeks mostly offline (with family and friends). It’s high time I get back to the grind. I hope you have a great Wednesday, Hallie!
I’ve still NEVER been to NYFW and a small part of me is kind of happy about it. I may do February though where it’ll be a little less crazy
xo Jessica
http://www.mystylevita.com
Love that dress!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I love that dress, and your hair!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Fashion Week seems so hectic, so I bet you’re excited to just relax! I love that olive green dress, and those shoes are still my absolute favorite!!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
This outfit is great, and I can totally see it with a jacket and booties when it gets cooler! I have never been to fashion week…seems hard lol but looks fun too! I feel like I would need a gallon of Red Bull to keep up. Maybe one of these days!
xo Lacey
http://www.myboringcloset.com
Loving this look! Olive is so pretty on you and the ON dress is beautiful!
emily
http://www.deltachic.com
I love the dress on you; it looks so comfortable and effortless! Just a head’s up, the Old Navy link for the dress takes you to a Nordstrom dress!
While I’ll definitely miss your posts, I’m completely with you on the NYFW front. Would much rather spend my time in NYC with family and friends!
Hope to bump into you at the Oyster Fest!
xoxo!
Kelly | Kelly in the City
I love this olive maxi! It’d be so cute with sweaters or vests layered over.
And I’m still itching to have that first NYFW experience!!
Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com/
I love how simply you styled this look. Sometimes maxi dresses get “over-accessorized” and just it feels like so much going on because the dress is already making a statement. But this look is PERFECT! So easy, classy and simple. Love it!
Jessica
http://www.wedressalright.com
Very cool! I’m in Houston or I’d join you in Chicago for the popup! Sounds fun!
Vera of An Affair of Character