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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.
Oh, man. This is one of those weeks where you don’t eve know what day it is… Know what I mean?
I actually intended to post this yesterday, but when I sat down on my couch around 9 p.m. on Sunday to fine-tune the details, I must have fallen asleep. Like, knocked the f-k out.
I actually didn’t wake up ’til 9 a.m. the next day with — yep — all of my lights still on. Two SoulCycle classes and a red-eye flight will do that to a girl…
But on the notion of travel, that’s what we’ll chat about today: Airport style.
“Airport style” used to feel like a total oxymoron to me.
It’s partially due to every airline’s barrage of baggage fees, but I’ve gotten to be a very smart packer (/traveler)… Remember when I only brought a carry-on for four weeks in Asia?
I was in Scottsdale for Christmas with my family, and my mom can vouch — I only brought a few of my favorite pieces for the trip. (Also, don’t be too jealous. It was 36 degrees in Arizona…)
Perhaps it comes with experience (/learning the hard way), but I’ve learned how to pick items that’ll pack well: Typically, they’re neutrally colored, don’t wrinkle easily and can be paired with everything else you pack in your suitcase.
For me, it’s been these: Awhite tee, black jeans or leggings ,and a good pair of boots. It’s all about being able to wear ’em more than once — and in more ways than one.
In the winter time, too, I like to have a cute cape in-tow. Sleeping on an airplane ain’t easy, and this doubles as a blanket for those early morning flights.
(If you’re anything like me, you’re not touching those paper-thin airplane blankets… Grossssssss.)
Switching gears to just north of the ankles:
These over-the-knee boots were the perfect travel companion for my holiday trip home.
I’ve wanted Stuart Weitzman’s 5050’s for awhile now, but I could never justify how expensive they were.
I’ve needed a really, really good pair of black boots in my closet for a few years now, so I finally bit the bullet. I knew they’d be an investment and I was worried that I wouldn’t get the sizing right, so I made the purchase on Zappos because of their easy shipping and return policy. It’s like you can buy them without the worry that you won’t be able to return them. (And in full disclosure, Zappos did give me a gift card, but I wasn’t compensated to write this/I paid for most of the purchase.)
All of his boots run a bit snug, but that’s how they’re supposed to fit — I bought my true 7.5 shoe size (not my boot size, which is usually an 8).
At any rate, who else has been traveling this week? Hopefully you’re steering clear of Chicago/the Midwest, ’cause it’s been nasty here. Get home safely, my friends!
I have been doing the whole cape thing (or a big scarf) for the airport even when it isn’t winter because they air condition the plane like crazy! Love the 50/50 boots - I have been thinking about biting the bullet and buying a pair as well but the price always scares me away.
You look gorgeous in these photos, Hallie! I totally have the post-holiday “what day is it” syndrome going on over here. The non-stop hustle and bustle of the last week threw me for a loop!
Glad you had the chance to be with family over the holidays. Loving this bright, vibrant cape. So cute! And I know what you mean…is it Tuesday or Thursday or what day is it? Haha. Have a great week, Hallie!
These over the knee boots might be not the best choice for going through airport security
True that, girl. Learned this the hard way! But at least it’s an excuse to wear thick, fuzzy socks. : )
I have been doing the whole cape thing (or a big scarf) for the airport even when it isn’t winter because they air condition the plane like crazy! Love the 50/50 boots - I have been thinking about biting the bullet and buying a pair as well but the price always scares me away.
You look gorgeous in these photos, Hallie! I totally have the post-holiday “what day is it” syndrome going on over here. The non-stop hustle and bustle of the last week threw me for a loop!
Stay warm up there
This is the perfect travel look!!!
Kisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
Love this look - it’s a nice break from our fancy-shmancy holiday looks! PS: So jealous you got the boots, love ’em on you!
Pink Champagne Problems
Well that looks like a lovely, chic, and cozy airport ensemble!
Looking great!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Glad you had the chance to be with family over the holidays. Loving this bright, vibrant cape. So cute! And I know what you mean…is it Tuesday or Thursday or what day is it? Haha. Have a great week, Hallie!
Kristin
http://www.cupcakesandthecosmos.com
I’m all about packing neutral, versatile items too. That cape is perfect!
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
You’re so adorable. I love this look!
xo, Syd
http://www.anchoredinthesouth.com