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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.
One of the funniest things about this Internet biz is how style bloggers (myself included) will stand in next-to-nothing when it’s 20 degrees outside to shoot their outfit photos….
Talk about an occupational hazard…
Like, what? Reality check! That faux leather mini skirt is great and all, but let’s be real: It’s mid-November, what weall need is an awesome, affordable, quilted coat that keeps us warm AF.
(Or perhaps that’s just us over here in the Midwest?)
To date, I’ve had the same black winter coat forrrr — nearly four years, I believe. (Not the one I’m wearing, we’ll get to that.)
… I know.
But I never saw the need for a new one until my friends and colleagues recently — and quickly — convinced me otherwise. Whenever I bend the wrong way or make a sudden movement, the bottom of the coat’s zipper would unhinge and speed north toward my nose, leaving the lower half of my body subject to some brutal Windy City weather. So not cute.
[Insert fat joke.]
///
So, a few weeks ago (right around the same time I fell in love with this boots-and-vest combo), I started my search for the perfect “socially appropriate” winter jacket. Something I could wear to work during the day, that would also work seamlessly into happy hours and late nights.
Priorities included: A slightly longer-in-length, tailored, quilted coat — black or navy in color with plenty of pockets. So something that’s warm that doesn’t scream “Hey! It’s Winter!”
My search went on for awhile, but I finally settled on this coat — North Face’s Ruka parka — and it’s definitely the best I’ve found in the winter outerwear department for less than $200. (And to clarify, yes I did purchase this — it wasn’t gifted!)
It comes in two colors, has a slim-looking fit and four sets of pockets. I was nervous that the snap-flap pockets (on the front) would make me look wider than I am, but surprisingly, they don’t.
There’s also these little interior loops that you can weave your headphones through so they don’t get caught on your clothes/they’re not exposed on the outside. (How the hell do people think of these things?)
It’s also made of PrimaLoft insulation (a fancy term for warmth that also blocks out wet conditions), and the tall collar keep the wind out.
What really sold me, though, is the fact that it’s machine washable…. My LIFE needs to be machine washable, ha!
I have a different daytime jacket that I wear when I’m walking to the gym or the SoulCycle studio, so I wanted something that didn’t have a hood/wouldn’t look or feel too bulky.
If I was buying a jacket for everyday wear in the winter, this is the one I would have gone with. It’s still machine-washable and I love the nipped-in look the side-ruching lends.
As for the rest of my going out ensemble, over-the-knee boots that are good for day or night, and these definitely fit the bill. We’ve talked about them before, but they’re walkable and under $150, so you really can’t beat ‘em. Quick tip, though: Order your regular shoe size, don’t size up to your boot size. Steve Madden has most sizes in all three colors in-stock!
Girl, same! I didn’t know they made boots (non-snow boots) either. Same for me RE college. I wore a black one out every weekend — it endured sooo much. Haha!
Your blog is always one of my favorites to read and this is exactly the reason why! Cute but warm coats are almost all I care about from now until March! Thanks for sharing this one, it sounds amazing!
xo, Caitlin http://thesolcompass.com
Probably don’t need one of those in Cali, but you’re making me want one anyway. That lip color though.. perfection.
xo MacKensie / http://www.onetonothin.com
I just recently purchased a coat from L.L.Bean, but I can’t believe I haven’t had to wear it yet. It’s the middle of November, after all. Love the slim fit of this jacket.
This post came at the perfect time! I’ve had my North Face down coat for five years now (!), and I have been considering getting one that is longer because the hits-just-above-the-hip thing isn’t the best when the wind is blowing (and, you know, all of my sweaters peek out from below the coat!). Thank you for the suggestions!
I had no idea NorthFace had other styles than the comfy fleeces from my college days (that I still love)!
Girl, same! I didn’t know they made boots (non-snow boots) either. Same for me RE college. I wore a black one out every weekend — it endured sooo much. Haha!
That quilted jacket is a stunner! Looks so warm and cozy!
Vicky // The Golden Bun
Your blog is always one of my favorites to read and this is exactly the reason why! Cute but warm coats are almost all I care about from now until March! Thanks for sharing this one, it sounds amazing!
xo, Caitlin
http://thesolcompass.com
Thanks, girlfriend. Hope you had a great week/end!
Such a good find!
A warm jacket is VERY important in Chicago!! And love these photos, Halle!
Kelly | Kelly in the City
Unfortunately… : ) See you soon, Kelly!
So chic!
Absolutely love this coat!!
Ahh, I love you hair! Those boots look so amaze, too.
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
Probably don’t need one of those in Cali, but you’re making me want one anyway. That lip color though.. perfection.
xo MacKensie / http://www.onetonothin.com
NARS satin lip pencils are perfection. I highly recommend! This one is “Palais Royale” and it is the most perfect fall hue. x
I just recently purchased a coat from L.L.Bean, but I can’t believe I haven’t had to wear it yet. It’s the middle of November, after all. Love the slim fit of this jacket.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
This post came at the perfect time! I’ve had my North Face down coat for five years now (!), and I have been considering getting one that is longer because the hits-just-above-the-hip thing isn’t the best when the wind is blowing (and, you know, all of my sweaters peek out from below the coat!). Thank you for the suggestions!
You’re welcome! Sounds like we both had the same come-to-Jesus-moment in the coat department. : ) Stay warm!
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So true about the occupational hazard
I do love your jacket outfit though - those overknees are great!
Christina ♥ https://caliope.name
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