The Fine Print

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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.

September 2, 2023

Birds of a Feather

I love experimenting with styling tricks and new outfit combinations, but lately I’ve been consistent in my love for a little feminine flair.

These days, getting dressed often goes to one side of the spectrum or the other — it’s either girly and glam or all the way athleisure.

Floating maxi silhouettes, silky tank tops and colorful midi skirts all have been gracing my wardrobe on a weekly basis this summer. A recent favorite, though, has been this stylishly feather-lined set — from (gasp!) nicole by Nicole Miller, a collection available at…

… JCPenney!

Yep.

JCPenney, guys. Can you believe it?

As a born-and-raised Midwestern gal, I grew up shopping at JCP — typically every Tuesday after school, when my mom would make our Grandma come along so we could apply that senior citizen discount. But whether it was for back-to-school supplies or embellished boot-cut jeans (yikes), JCP was the Wilson family go-to.

At any rate, Nicole Miller has actually had her collaboration (“nicole by Nicole Miller”) with JCPenney for a decade now.

To celebrate the brand’s 10-year partnership, they graciously invited me to style my favorite look from the limited edition collection - so I balanced the super-girly, feathered set with a sleek black clutch and an edgy pair of pumps.

(The shoes, by the way, also come in red, black, blue and cheetah. They are so comfortable!)

I love Nicole Miller’s runway-inspired style (her printed shift and ruche linen dress have been two former Fashion Week favorites). As a bargain shopper, though, I love the compelling price points of this line’s luxe-looking style even moreso. (FYI, both of the feathered pieces I’m wearing are on sale!)

So good, right? You can check out more of the collection here — it’s available online now and in stores later this week.

Report back, please. Let me know what your favorites are!

*IN THIS POST:

Clothing

Feather top and matching skirt: c/o Nicole Miller for JCPenney
Lace-up pumps: Topshop (also comes in red, black, blue and cheetah)
Black clutch: Unknown (similar Tory Burch version)
Gold cuff: Nordstrom (love this version)

Beauty

Hair styling: Living Proof’s No Frizz collection (introductory kit here)
Lipstick: NARS velvet matte lip pencil in ‘Dragon Girl’
Eyebrows: Benefit Instant Brow pencil

///

Iron & Honey Photography

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16 comments

Nicole Walker on September 2, 2023 at 6:59 am

What a chic look! And who knew you could pick up a sweet set like this at JCPenney?! Love the feather detailing on the shell and skirt and so cute paired it with those fun printed pumps. (Definitely picking up a pair!) Thanks for sharing Hallie

xoxo Nicole

http://www.brazenbrunette.com

Reply
Megan Elliott (@LushtoBlush) on September 2, 2023 at 7:34 am

This is such a chic look! I love it! I don’t think I’ve ever thought to incorporate feathers, but I definitely am now.

xo Megan, Lush to Blush

Reply
andiperullo on September 2, 2023 at 8:42 am

Super chic!

Reply
Allison | VelvetCrate on September 2, 2023 at 8:51 am

Are you coming back for NYFW? Looks like this would be the perfect dress.. especially with those lace up heels!

http://www.velvetcrate.com

Reply
Emily @ Delta Chic on September 2, 2023 at 9:32 am

WOW. So impressed with her collection for JCP! It is all so chic looking!

Loving this look and your hair is looking fab, lady!

emily
http://www.deltachic.com

Reply
Sonya on September 2, 2023 at 10:31 am

Cute dress and you look very pretty in that lip color. The highlights really suit you as well. Eventually I will try out your SoulCycle class because I’ve been following you for awhile and you seem fun, but alas, I just came back from Europe and the funds are low.

Reply
- corals + cognacs on September 2, 2023 at 10:48 am
  
  Thanks, girl. These are the highlights from the L’Oreal kit I used last week! https://coralsandcognacs.com/2015/08/loreal-paris-glam-lights-boxed-highlights-how-to-review.html
  
  Reply
Lacey on September 2, 2023 at 10:56 am

Just love this look so much! I can’t believe this is from JC Penny! wow! You look great Hallie, thanks for sharing!

xo Lacey
http://www.myboringcloset.com

Reply
Larisa on September 2, 2023 at 12:55 pm

Ok so I also grew up on JCP and am so excited it’s making a little bit of a come back. You look amazing, as always, can you please do a before/after post on how seriously bad ass and amazing you look? I DIE. You are glowing from happiness.. maybe getting out of NYC is the trick?! lol

xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com

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Lauren on September 2, 2023 at 1:17 pm

I hadn’t shopped at JCP for years, and went in last year and bought my favorite black cross body that I’ve been wearing ever since! Guess they’ve still got it Love this look on you… especially those heels!

Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com

Reply
Taylor- Lights Camera Catwalk on September 2, 2023 at 1:32 pm

The fact that this outfit is from JCP just proves my point that you CAN be a bargain and smart shopper and look good while doing so! I absolutely adore this chic black look!

Xx Taylor
http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com

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Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on September 2, 2023 at 1:32 pm

Gorgeous! I love that outfit with those shoes!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

Reply
Alexa on September 2, 2023 at 3:27 pm

I am really loving this collaboration!

http://thedarlingstandard.blogspot.com/

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Lisa on September 2, 2023 at 4:34 pm

You look amazing! XO

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melissa on September 2, 2023 at 5:35 pm

Love this Hallie! So cute and those shoes are amazing!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com

Reply
Jenna at Boston Chic Party on September 2, 2023 at 8:51 pm

The shoes are gorgeous! I never in a million years would have thought this outfit was from JC Penney!

Reply

The Fine Print

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