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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.
Christmas is right around the corner — quite literally… Four days away!
Every year, it never fails — there always seems to be a few people on your list that are just downright difficult to shop for. (Mom? Your co-worker? That secret santa gift?) And the final few days of the holiday season, you might yourself scrambling to complete all your holiday shopping. (Guilty as charged, here!)
I’m in the same boat, so let’s buckle down and get to it. Here’s five of my best shopping tips that’ll help you purchase the perfect last-minute gift for just about anyone left on your list:
Go with a one-stop-shop store.
I’ve been getting everything from workout gear to kitchen appliances on Zappos for years now. Sites like this and Nordstrom are your best because they are, quite simply, a one-stop shop for all types of holiday gifts. Plus, their shipping and return policies are bomb. (Read: Reliable!)
Nordstrom’s site is organized by everything from stocking stuffers to great gifts under $50 and high-value beauty sets that are tempting to buy for yourself, making your shopping experience more of a breeze. Plus, their shipping is free and guaranteed by Christmas Eve. Total life-saver.
Here’s a few Christmas gifts I picked up from Nordstrom this year:
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Personally, I love to gift my favorite handbag (pictured below). Last year, I got it for my mom and sisters — and this year, they’re getting it for everyone on their list.
This is one of my favorite last-minute holiday gifts — it’s like the gift that keeps on giving (for up to 12 months)! After you order a subscription for the recipient, pick up a copy at your grocery store and slip a cute card inside. I’d recommend doing this through Amazon — they usually have really good deals, like $5 subscriptions or buy-one, get-one.
3. Surprise them with a home improvement service, like Havenly.
Buying someone something they’ve never purchase for themselves is really gratifying, no?
Havenly is an online service that makes interior decor simple, convenient, affordable and — best of all, personal. I’ve actually been working with them for the last four months to furnish my living room (which you’ve seen a few sneak peeks of in last week’s entertaining-themed posts). More on that to come in the New Year, but here’s a preview of the mock-up they put-together for my living room (below). Recognize that rug, couch and coffee table from this post?
Gifting a Havenly credit or service is a great idea for anyone who could benefit from the eye of a professional designer. It’s like Pinterest, but productive. A board that comes to life. That makes sense, right?
I started working with Havenly when I moved from New York to Chicago last summer, and the furniture situation/transition was ten times more seamless than I’d anticipated (as I donated/sold all my furniture in New York). At any rate, everyone has a room that needs a designer’s touch, and Havenly matches people with interior decorators based on their personal style. There’s two pricing options, so you can pick the budget that’s right for you/the option that’s a good fit for your recipient. You can also add a merchandise credit for them to use to buy furniture when they’re done with the consultation.
If you’ve got questions about Havenly, comment below or tweet me a note!
4. Hit the grocery store.
Seriously. If you’re desperate, a (nice) bottle of champagne and a Starbucks gift card can go a long way. Grab a cute card and reference your own holiday essentials to make it seem more personal: Caffeine and bubbly! Or you could make a cute care package, too — just add nail polish, sweets and a magazine or book.
5. Bake something!
One of my SoulCycle riders made me homemade granola this year, and I think it was one of the best (+ best tasting) gifts I’ve ever received. So thoughtful, no? (And let me tell you: Gone in 60 seconds.) You don’t need much: Grab a mason jar (or a bag and some colorful thread). Then, stock up on these ingredients and whip-up your last minute gifts in the kitchen. Easy!
So many great tips Hallie! I definitely have a few people still on my list, I love the idea of making something homemade and definitely checking out that street level tote. Thanks for sharing
Great ideas, another good last minute idea is a subscription to Spotify Premium or Pandora One and then getting them a CD or a nice card a slipping a note about the subscription into the card.
Happy Holidays and enjoy Christmas with your family!
So many great tips Hallie! I definitely have a few people still on my list, I love the idea of making something homemade and definitely checking out that street level tote. Thanks for sharing
xoxo Nicole
http://www.brazenbrunette.com
Great ideas, another good last minute idea is a subscription to Spotify Premium or Pandora One and then getting them a CD or a nice card a slipping a note about the subscription into the card.
Happy Holidays and enjoy Christmas with your family!
Laura | Laura Aime Vous
LOVE the music idea. Great one and thank you for sharing! Happy holidays, Laura. x
A Wawa, Starbucks, or Barnes & Noble gift card is always clutch.
Happy Holidays Hallie
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud
Coordinate necklaces are seriously one of the best gifts! I got married in May and gifted them to my bridesmaids + hostesses =)
I’ve been making my maple spiced pecans and giving them to people all over the place. They’re so simple and so delicious!