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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.
Guys, I am pretty much bursting at the seams with excitement over today’s post.
Jess launched a clothing line — a CLOTHING LINE! Like, her name is on the tag. And it’s finally available for purchase!
I’ll give her the honor of delivering the back-story (she does a great job of breaking down the details in her post from this week), but I can tell you from a BFF standpoint, she’s been up to her eyeballs in phone calls, e-mails, meetings and travel for this project over the past few months… And finally, it’s here!
///
The best part about the Bows & Sequins collection is that the pieces look like they’re straight out of Jess’s designer-clad closet… (Truthfully. I physically stood in her living room and held up a handful of garments side-by-side and couldn’t tell the difference.)
Okay, now let’s talk about a few of my favorite pieces:
While it’s hard to play favorites, I instantly fell in love with this gold-colored faux-leather jacket.
It also comes in black, but I loved the luxe look of the gold-dusted color. Lots of zippers, too! (I’m wearing a size small — the jacket runs on the larger side.)
Secondly, this faux fur vest. (And really, weren’t you saying to yourself this-time last year that you need a faux-fur vest?)
This style is gorgeous — and, again, looks like it’s straight out of Jess’s closet. I love that it’s longer-in-length, so it’ll wear really well with pants and dresses. Plus, it has pockets! This, too, runs large — I’m wearing a small and as you can see, it still has a bit of an “oversized” look.
I’m wearing the vest with the Bows & Sequins scoop-neck, striped top (which comes in two color — and like the vest, it’s a bit loose/baggy, so size down).
I like my tees and tanks to have more of a boyfriend-style fit, so this size is perfect for me — but I suggest you size down twice if you want something that’s more fitted/tight.
JRS: Congrats, my friend. Hard work (and great style) pays off! I’m really f’ing proud of you… But mainly, I’m excited for you to return home from your TV debut so that we can derail our diets and binge on wine and carbs. Hustle up!
Congrats to Jess! This is so exciting for her! And I love the way you both styled things. It shows that the collection is versatile so anyone can pull it off!
I’ve been waiting for this! I told Jess how freakin’ cool it was that she has a clothing line - definitely have my eye on that leopard topper and fur vest! Also, LOVE that you two have different styles yet these pieces easily mesh well with them both!
It’s so refreshing to seeing women building other women up! Lately, I feel like I’ve seen a lot females tearing each other down, when we really should encouraging each other!
I love the Bows & Sequins line and seeing y’alls love and support for eachother on the blog.
I love how supportive of Jess that you are!! It’s awesome to see women built up other women! You are an awesome friend and I’m loving all of her line!! Can’t wait to shop it!
What an awesome accomplishment, it must be so exciting seeing your best friend succeed and getting to help her share in that success! You guys are one of my favorite blogging bestie duos!
I LOVE that faux fur vest!
In a world that can be mercilessly competitive, it is so nice to see friends who are so wonderfully supportive of each other! Kudos to both of you <3
P.S. Details on the bracelet you're wearing in the close-up picture of the jacket??
Thanks, Anna. : )
It’s a Jawbone Up3 band (fitness tracker) in gold, just recently released! I’ll be doing a post on it soon.
The vest is fab!
http://www.velvetcrate.com
Congrats to Jess! This is so exciting for her! And I love the way you both styled things. It shows that the collection is versatile so anyone can pull it off!
Courtney | The Everyday Elegance
Seriously, so awesome!! Love how you styled these pieces!
Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com
I’ve been waiting for this! I told Jess how freakin’ cool it was that she has a clothing line - definitely have my eye on that leopard topper and fur vest! Also, LOVE that you two have different styles yet these pieces easily mesh well with them both!
Pink Champagne Problems
That gold jacket is so cute! Congratulations to Jess- these pieces are gorgeous!
xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com
What a fun gold jacket!
Xo Ally
http://www.allysoninwonderland.com
Just ordered the faux fur vest - you’re completely 100% right.. I have been wanting a classic faux fur vest just like this for 2+ years!
http://www.successandstilettos.wordpress.com
Yes, girl! You’ll love this piece. Looking forward to seeing how you style it!
It’s so refreshing to seeing women building other women up! Lately, I feel like I’ve seen a lot females tearing each other down, when we really should encouraging each other!
I love the Bows & Sequins line and seeing y’alls love and support for eachother on the blog.
Now…to buy that striped shirt and vest!
: )
Would you mind sharing who makes your bracelet? Thanks!
Hey there! It’s a Jawbone Up3 band (fitness tracker) in gold, just recently released! I’ll be doing a post on it soon.
you two are bff goals!
These pieces are all so cute! Congratulations to Jess!
- Dani | http://www.styledvariety.com
I love how supportive of Jess that you are!! It’s awesome to see women built up other women! You are an awesome friend and I’m loving all of her line!! Can’t wait to shop it!
This is amazing news! My favorite item from Jess’ line is the Woven Plaid Above-the-Knee Bow Detailed Fully Lined Skirt.
Happy Thursday Hallie
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/10/14/101415
What an awesome accomplishment, it must be so exciting seeing your best friend succeed and getting to help her share in that success! You guys are one of my favorite blogging bestie duos!
Laura
http://www.lauraaimevous.com
I love how you styled her pieces - that collection looks fab and perfect for Fall! Your white pants are amazing!
/Arwa
http://www.arwalulu.com/
I love the faux fur vest!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I kinda want everything in Jess’s collection! Loving the white jeans Hallie!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
I love the bracelet/bangle that you paired with the first outfit, could you let me know where it’s from?
xx
Christa
noveltytheblog.com
Hey girl! It’s a Jawbone Up3 band (fitness tracker) in gold, just recently released! I’ll be doing a post on it very soon!
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