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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.
Thank the lawd we have an early spring on the horizon…
My new (increased) SoulCycle schedule went into effect this week, and beyond drastically changing my sleep schedule (I’ll touch on that next week), I find myself spending significantly more time away from my apartment.
This is good in a lot of ways, of course, but don’t you hate having to carry around a huge handbag (or two) everyday?
Here’s an idea of what my day is like:
Teaching-wise, I’ll do so in the morning (between 6 and 8:30 a.m.) and then again in the early evening (between 4 and 8 p.m.). Where I live in Chicago, it doesn’t make much sense for me to commute all the way home, so during that in-between period, I’ve been having a love affair with various coffee shops (and certain male baristas) around the city.
On days like that — days like today — trying to look cute without toting around an entire vanity presents a bit of a challenge.
In the wardrobe department, though, its been a breeze — thanks to the rise of that athleisure trend. (Anyone else find themselves wearing sneakers more and heels a little less?)
Hands down, Nike’s Hypewarm tights are your best bet for winter — they’re fleece-lined and as a result, heaven-sent.
A lot of you have asked me about what pants I wear to and from the studio (or to run/for outdoor workouts), and these are them. Serious game-changer, guys. (And as an FYI, Zappos is often where I shop for my workout gear — super-fast, free shipping is a no-brainer.)
Now, beauty-wise, I absolutely love bareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue foundation. It’s water-soluble, so it won’t sink into your pores if you sweat when it’s on your face — also perfect for a little post-class pick-me-up (after washing one’s face, of course).
NARS velvet gloss pencils are my favorite for winter — they double as a lip liner and are really moisturizing. I’m wearing “Happy Days” in today’s look.
MAC’s Liquidlast eyeliner stays all day (literally, all day — even after a kick-ass workout). I use Laura Mercier’s translucent powder to set my T-zone, swipe on some waterproof mascara (I use a drugstore brand — L’Oreal Voluminous) and I’m out the door… Err, studio. Of course, a little dry shampoo goes a long way, too.
///
What are your go-to’s when you’re out all day? And while we’re at it, any tips or tricks for keeping your energy levels up (without drinking coffee every hour on the hour)? Share the wealth, my friends!
*IN THIS POST:
Clothing (via Zappos)
Yellow beanie: Neff
Grey shirt: The North Face
Multicolor vest: Trina Turk via Zappos (it’s reversible!)
Black leggings: Nike Pro Hypewarm tights
Sneakers: Nike Air Max ‘Thea’ (comes in four colors, go up a half size)
*Click to shop:
Beauty
Hair styling: Living Proof’s No Frizz collection (get the introductory kit here) Foundation: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue (in ‘Natural’) Lipstick: NARS velvet gloss lip pencil in “Happy Days”
Eyeliner: Mac Liquidlast eyeliner
Mascara: bareMinerals volumizing mascara
I love that you gave us an idea of what your day is like! I think it’s so fun to see what other people’s schedules are like and what a day in the life is like! The Adored Life
These colors are so fun I need to invest in some vests like these because leaving class last night in the bitter cold with only a pullover over my sweaty tank wasn’t my best idea! (and wearing my nicer coats after I’ve been dripping sweat for an hour isn’t a good bet either) I like to dress in layers because I overheat really easily and the less I can wear when I workout the better, but it’s hard in the winter time!
Girl your pics are 🙏🏼 ! Love love the color composition and vibe! Plus those kicks!
I love tarte bb cream for everyday - it’s a bit tanner than I am normally so I go without bronzer. Not sure if it’s normal for me to wear the color latte by whatever.
Have a good week!
Xx
Krista
http://Www.hundredblog.com
I feel ya girl! I teach before heading to my 9-5ish and sometimes am away from my apartment from 5:45am-7pm. Long days I know you can relate to! I wasn’t sure about it at first, but bulletproof coffee gives me so much energy. It gives me a clear head and keeps me full for hours. It takes some getting used to (butter in coffee, eek) but I swear it gives me that extra umph to get me through the day!
The athleisure trend is the best thing that could’ve happened! I seriously wear tennis shoes and leggings every single day to class. Also, I love that vest and those tennis shoes… mine are black and white, but now I’m thinking of investing in that grey color!!
I’m a bit obsessed with how colorful and functional this workout look is! Love the yellow beanie paired with the rainbow vest. So enjoy hearing these little tidbits about your daily routine!
Thankfully I teach and train not too far from where I live, so I’m able to head back home in the middle of the day. Right now my schedule is great: super early training or teaching, back home for blogging in the middle of the day, then some training and teaching in the evening. It works out really well!
Love this look! Honestly so thankful for the influx of athleisure wear! Pilates instructor has become one of my many hats and I am way too busy to change. Cute AF gear that can transition into downtime? Yes. Please.
I love that you gave us an idea of what your day is like! I think it’s so fun to see what other people’s schedules are like and what a day in the life is like!
The Adored Life
These colors are so fun
I need to invest in some vests like these because leaving class last night in the bitter cold with only a pullover over my sweaty tank wasn’t my best idea! (and wearing my nicer coats after I’ve been dripping sweat for an hour isn’t a good bet either) I like to dress in layers because I overheat really easily and the less I can wear when I workout the better, but it’s hard in the winter time!
Girl your pics are 🙏🏼 ! Love love the color composition and vibe! Plus those kicks!
I love tarte bb cream for everyday - it’s a bit tanner than I am normally so I go without bronzer. Not sure if it’s normal for me to wear the color latte by whatever.
Have a good week!
Xx
Krista
http://Www.hundredblog.com
Interesting! I’m gonna have to check that out. I love their blushes - thanks!
That vest is so cute!
I feel ya girl! I teach before heading to my 9-5ish and sometimes am away from my apartment from 5:45am-7pm. Long days I know you can relate to! I wasn’t sure about it at first, but bulletproof coffee gives me so much energy. It gives me a clear head and keeps me full for hours. It takes some getting used to (butter in coffee, eek) but I swear it gives me that extra umph to get me through the day!
I’ve heard a lot about this but haven’t tried it yet… Good to know! Agree it might take some getting used to. : ) Thanks so much for sharing.
The athleisure trend is the best thing that could’ve happened! I seriously wear tennis shoes and leggings every single day to class. Also, I love that vest and those tennis shoes… mine are black and white, but now I’m thinking of investing in that grey color!!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
I’m a bit obsessed with how colorful and functional this workout look is! Love the yellow beanie paired with the rainbow vest. So enjoy hearing these little tidbits about your daily routine!
Happy Thursday, Hallie!
Kristin
http://www.cupcakesandthecosmos.com
Cute workout gear! Love how colorful that vest is.
xx
Merritt
The Style Scribe
Thankfully I teach and train not too far from where I live, so I’m able to head back home in the middle of the day. Right now my schedule is great: super early training or teaching, back home for blogging in the middle of the day, then some training and teaching in the evening. It works out really well!
I love that vest!
Love this look! Honestly so thankful for the influx of athleisure wear! Pilates instructor has become one of my many hats and I am way too busy to change. Cute AF gear that can transition into downtime? Yes. Please.
I’m always curious what full-time bloggers do with their days! Aside from teaching, what do your daily blogger-related activities look like?
http://sale.lekieshaallenbedding.com
Great photos. Lovely and inspiring designs.
http://tomsoutletonline.bedcapdealers.com
These are so fantastic. Wonderful look!