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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.

September 21, 2023

Pink Pleats

Although it’s the first official day of fall (… wasn’t it just Memorial Day, though?), we’re hanging on to high-60’s and low-70’s here in Chi-town.

My cool-weather wardrobe tends to be a carefully concocted array of dark blouses, black skinny jeans and cream-colored sweaters, so I’m embracing a full spectrum of color while I still can.

(Though something tells me I’ll find a way to work this skirt into a handful of my winter outfits — I love it!)

Whether or not I realize it, I’m very much a mood dresser.

In fact, I’ve read that color can affect your mood with very real effects — positive ones — even if it’s just through a bombastic boost in confidence.

Now, don’t get me wrong — I love an all-black-err’thang ensemble, but sometimes you’ve just got to pull on a pink taffeta skirt and smile your way through the day.

Mine is by a wonderful New York City-based womenswear designer called Tome, but here’s a similar, super-cute option if you’re shopping on a budget.

While I’m (still) not quite ready for autumn’s imminent arrival, this sleeveless turtleneck has proven to be a very effective piece in transitioning seasons — you’ll be seeing lots of it in the week(s) to come. I’m thinking about getting this cream-colored version, too.

Last weekend of summer — was it a good one?

*In this post:

Clothing

Pleated skirt: TOME pink taffeta skirt (on sale; similar, less expensive style here)
Sleeveless turtleneck: Michael Kors (LOVE this version, more styles here)
Lace-up pumps: Steve Madden (here in flats, also comes in nude)
Black clutch: Unknown (similar Tory Burch version)

Beauty

Hair styling: Living Proof’s No Frizz collection (get the introductory kit here)
Blush: NARS ‘The Multiple’ in Riviera (blended with NARS Kabuki brush)
Mascara: bareMinerals ‘Lash Domination’ volumizing mascara
Red lipstick: NARS velvet matte lip pencil in ‘Dragon Girl’
Primer: Smashbox Photo-ready foundation primer
Tinted moisturizer: Jouer (with SPF20)
Eyebrows: Benefit Instant Brow pencil

*CLICK TO SHOP: Sleeveless turtlenecks | THIS POST (BELOW):

*SHOP THE TREND: Pink pleated skirts
BUY AT: Nordstrom, Shopbop, below:

HALLIE’S PICKS: Cupcakes & Cashmere, $115; BCBGMAXAZRIA, $338

///

Iron & Honey Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

21 comments

Sarah on September 21, 2023 at 6:17 am

Where is this picture taken?! If it’s in Chicago, I need to know where! Beautiful!

Reply
- Melody on September 21, 2023 at 4:14 pm
  
  It’s at the New City development at Halsted/North/Clybourn 🙂
  
  Reply
VelvetCrate on September 21, 2023 at 6:52 am

We love this post! The ensemble plus the backdrop is utter perfection.

http://www.velvetcrate.com

Reply
andiperullo on September 21, 2023 at 8:33 am

Love love love it! And the photography was spectacular!

Reply
Cathleen on September 21, 2023 at 8:44 am

Love this look and that background is so fun.
I’m ready for some cool weather. Chicago sounds like it’s nice right now.

Reply
audreyadair on September 21, 2023 at 8:57 am

Such a pretty skirt! Love the pleated detail and the way you styled it. x

Audrey Adair | http://www.happilyaudrey.com

Reply
Lauren on September 21, 2023 at 11:23 am

You look SO pretty in these photos!! I absolutely love this outfit because it’s the perfect combination of summer and fall. I’m obsessed with that sleeveless turtleneck and those gorgeous heels!

Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com

Reply
Molly Galler on September 21, 2023 at 11:52 am

I’m totally a mood dresser! I always wear bright colors when it rains to lift my spirits. Love this cotton candy pink skirt and the funky wall behind you. Somewhere in Chi-town?

Reply
Ally on September 21, 2023 at 12:39 pm

The pleated skirt with THAT wall are just stunning!

Xo Ally

http://www.allysoninwonderland.com

Reply
Taylor- Lights Camera Catwalk on September 21, 2023 at 12:49 pm

I love this pink pleated skirt and those heels! Such a fun combo!

Xx Taylor
http://www.lightscameracatwalk.com

Reply
melissa on September 21, 2023 at 8:05 pm

Love that backdrop and your skirt!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com

Reply
Larisa on September 21, 2023 at 9:50 pm

Love this flowy, feminine look on you! The top and accessories pull it together perfectly.

Completely agree with you about the way your clothing and color choices can affect your mood. A pop of pink is my go-to for an instant mood boost, even if it’s just a little touch with my shoes, bag or makeup. Great post!

xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com

Reply
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on September 21, 2023 at 10:03 pm

Cute pink skirt!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

Reply
Laura Kathleen on September 21, 2023 at 11:28 pm

I got a skirt like this on clearance from Urban Outfitters years ago, I think you’ve just inspired me to dig it up from the back of my closet! Also, love love those heels, quick sizing question, do you know if the flats version run true to size? I’m between sizes so I’m hesitant to scoop a pair up without trying them on!

- Laura

lauraaimevous.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on September 22, 2023 at 12:34 am
  
  The heels run true-to-size, so I imagine the flats do too. Though I have found with lace-up shoes you can always go a half-size up if you’re usually in-between… You can always just tie them a bit tighter!
  
  Reply
Channing on September 22, 2023 at 10:38 am

Gorgeous background and skirt! Chicago looks good on you, lady!

Reply
Miya @ Design Indulgences on September 23, 2023 at 1:32 pm

I was in your city for my bday this Sunday overnight. Our hotel (monaco) was on the river and we took a night boat cruise. It was nice until we got on Lake Michigan. Lol you all have the same weather as we do here in Milwaukee. They even forecast 80s for the beginning of next week. Since our summer got off to a late start, I will take it!

Reply
glitterandgrey on September 23, 2023 at 3:07 pm

That skirt is literally a dream!

Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

Reply
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