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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.

January 20, 2024

One Year Anniversary

Life’s milestones sure do sneak up on us, don’t they?

Seems impossible for me to believe, but today marks the one-year anniversary of the day that I left the corporate world and began SoulCycle Instructor training.

It’s one of those things that feels like yesterdays and a million years ago all at once, you know?

A lot can change in a year.

Fast-forward to today: Exactly 365 days later, where I’ve since completed SoulCycle training, relocated away from New York and embraced a new role in Chicago as a Nike Ambassador.

One major pinch-me moment after another… And to think, it all started by embracing an after-work hobby (and ultimately by leaving my job in digital media).

I’m curious: How is everyone doing on their intentions and resolutions for 2016? Still going strong or losing a bit of steam?

If you’re anything like me, “life” tends to catch up to you right around week three in the New Year. It’s freezing cold, inboxes are exploding and despite your meticulously thought-out to-do list, some days just don’t seem to flow.

But, hey: It’s all part of the process — working toward your goals (or even trying to figure them out) isn’t always straight line or a linear path.

It happens to all of us, but on those days that you feel blue, unmotivated or just plain indifferent, remember that the days you’re living right now are (likely) the ones that you used to pray/wish/hope for way back when…

And with that mindset, what are you going to dream up next?

Don’t wait for the perfect moment… Take the moment and make it perfect. (Or, you know: Just JUMP!)

*IN THIS POST:

Clothing

Tech fleece jacket: Nike (on sale in lots of colors, runs true-to-size)
Sneakers: Nike Flyknit Lunar running shoes (more styles here)
Black tights: Nike thermal dry-fit leggings
Rose gold headphones: Frends ‘Layla’

Beauty

Hair styling: Living Proof’s No Frizz collection (introductory kit here)
Eyeliner: MAC liquidlast eyeliner (the best — it doesn’t budge)
Foundation: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue (in Natural)
Eyebrows: Benefit Instant Brow pencil
Lip tint: Fresh cosmetics lip tint in ‘Berry’

*Click to shop: Nike sneakers for women |
Tech fleece jackets | this post, below:

///

Iron & Honey Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

26 comments

Taylor- Lights Camera Catwalk on January 20, 2024 at 7:49 am

Congratulations! That’s so amazing and everyone can really tell how much you love it!

Xx Taylor
http://lightscameracatwalk.com

Reply
Laura (bright and beautiful) on January 20, 2024 at 8:44 am

What an amazing milestone to celebrate! It’s incredibly inspiring to see others follow their heart and passion. Congrats, lady!

xo, Laura
http://brightandbeautifulblog.com

Reply
Baubles to Bubbles on January 20, 2024 at 8:55 am

Congratulations, Hallie! I remember reading your post about your new adventure last year, and can’t believe how time has flown by. Keep up the good work!!

Reply
luluarwa on January 20, 2024 at 9:18 am

Congrats on your one year! Can’t wait to see all the great things you do with Nike! Happy Wednesday

~Arwa
http://www.arwalulu.com/

Reply
Jess Zimlich on January 20, 2024 at 9:29 am

SoulCycle looks good on you, Hallie! Your skin is radiant. Thanks for the extra boost of motivation and inspiration this morning

Reply
dana mannarino on January 20, 2024 at 9:34 am

Congrats on your 1 year! Can’t believe it’s been that long already. PS: These pics are badass.

Pink Champagne Problems

Reply
Kristin on January 20, 2024 at 9:35 am

Love this post so much! And I love seeing how happy and excited for life you are, Hallie. Thank you for inspiring the best in all of us. Congratulations on creating such a wonderful life for yourself, girlie! And for going after your dreams!

Kristin
http://www.cupcakesandthecosmos.com

Reply
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner on January 20, 2024 at 11:35 am

Congrats Hallie! Looking forward to taking your Kygo class this weekend and then going to the show!

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 20, 2024 at 12:11 pm
  
  I am SO excited for that one. We’re gonna have a packed room, too — see you Saturday!
  
  Reply
Caroline St Francis on January 20, 2024 at 1:10 pm

Congrats Hallie! Your journey has been amazing to follow and you’ve honestly been such an inspiration to me this year. Can’t wait to see what you do next!

Caroline
http://www.whenwear.com

Reply
Krista Williams on January 20, 2024 at 1:37 pm

Congrats, Hallie! It has been INCREDIBLE watching your journey from afar (meeting you first in the WV studio! AH!) Now you’re killing the game just living the dream! I love it. Keep it up!

Also this is one of my FAVORITE shoots - it’s so rad!

xoxo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 20, 2024 at 2:36 pm
  
  Aw, WVLG! My former home… Thanks for the sweet note, Krista. Hope all is well on your end! xo
  
  Reply
katie on January 20, 2024 at 1:40 pm

You go girl! Come teach a class in DC sometime! xx

Reply
Justine on January 20, 2024 at 1:45 pm

Congrats, Hallie! You’re such an inspiration with blogging, fitness & overall such a great motivator! Good luck with everything in 2016 - can’t wait to see what’s in store for you!

Reply
Merritt Beck on January 20, 2024 at 2:26 pm

Congrats on your one year! Totally looking forward to this new year and for the exciting things to come!!

xx
Merritt
The Style Scribe

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 20, 2024 at 2:39 pm
  
  Thanks, Merritt! Can’t wait to catch up in-person in a few months!!!!
  
  Reply
Briana on January 20, 2024 at 3:01 pm

You’re so inspirational it makes me sick!! But congratulations on one year! It’s been amazing to see you go through the journey and every piece of advice you give sticks with me so thank you and good luck on everything else coming your way!

Reply
Lauren on January 20, 2024 at 3:07 pm

Congratulations, Hallie! I think it’s so awesome that you followed your dream, and it’s been so fun following along on your journey! I keep telling myself that one day I’m going to try SoleCycle! BTW, those photos are awesome!

Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com

Reply
Moira on January 20, 2024 at 5:27 pm

Congrats Hallie! It’s so awesome that you followed your dreams, and the “road less traveled.” That’s something that I’m taking on this year. I’m going back to school to get a second Bachelor’s degree (in Nutrition) in September, something I NEVER thought I’d do in a million years. It’s something that’s really come to the forefront of my mind in the 365 days too. It’s so cool to see someone completely rocking at something they love, so thank you for being an inspiration!

Moira

P.S. Life is TOTALLY getting in the way of resolutions. :/ working a 9-5 and taking chemistry is a b*tch.

Reply
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on January 20, 2024 at 9:02 pm

What an awesome year! Are you still teaching Soul Cycle?

Reply
- corals + cognacs on January 21, 2024 at 2:49 pm
  
  Sure am : )
  
  Reply
Alissa on January 21, 2024 at 6:05 pm

Congrats! It’s been so inspiring to see you grow these past few years!

The Adored Life

Reply
Joyce on January 21, 2024 at 11:39 pm

Congrats on one year!! Time sure does fly Stay warm in Chi-town! Also, let me know if SoulCycle is opening a Madison location!

Reply
Jean on January 23, 2024 at 4:42 pm

Congrats on such a rewarding and inspiring milestone! That is fantastic all around!!

xx Jean

Reply
Katherine on January 25, 2024 at 11:02 pm

Congratulations Hallie! You did it and made it through year one! YAY! You are so inspirational and I love your blog. AND I LOVE these photos! You are rocking it! Here’s to the start of a great year two ahead for you in Chicago!

Reply
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Hi, nice to meet you.

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