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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.
Do you ever read something over and over and then all of a sudden it resonates with you in a completely different way?
I do this a fair amount, randomly — skim my favorite books twice, re-read magazines, scroll my Pinterest board for inspiration on a Monday morning, and so on.
Randomly, though, I came across a notion that I’ve most certainly read before, but for some reason it’s sitting differently this week…
“It will arrive as soon as you’re ready.”
Simple concept, right? You’ve heard it in some way, shape or form, for sure. But does it strike a different chord with you, too?
I’ve felt somewhat scattered lately… And if you’re nodding or feeling the same, know that it’s totally normal given the recent shift of the seasons, which physically disrupts your body’s rhythm and tends to shift you into a different one.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just something to be aware of (and okay with).
Here’s an example, and I’ll be honest: My apartment is a fucking mess. There’s just no other way to put it.
I still have to furnish half of it (you may notice in my Snapchats that I don’t have much furniture), so there’s that, but I have actually realized lately that this particular aspect may be holding me back in other areas of my life without my even realizing it. You know?
On the bright side, I suppose, only having a semi-furnished home forces me to get out of my own four corners and into the city.
It’s fresh, simple and lets off a bit of that laid-back beach vibe (perfect in that I live a few blocks from Chicago’s lakefront). This sweater in particular is the perfect piece — it’s great to wear no matter the weather.
Anyway… As you sip your morning coffee (afternoon tea, whatever), consider this:
Instead of having such a laser-focus idea on the next big-ticket life item you think you want (whether it’s work-related, relationship-focused, etc), hone in on the things you need to cross off your list or do for you in order to get there. If something you want hasn’t come to you yet, it’s probably because you’re not quite ready — physically, mentally or emotionally. Perhaps a hybrid of the three. Don’t stress, just make the mental adjustment and your reality will follow.
Kinda deep for a Wednesday morning, but f-k it. You can relate, can’t you?
Now, off to shop for a living room coffee table… Who knew this was such a tedious process?
Hair styling: Living Proof’s No Frizz collection (get the introductory kit here) Foundation: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in ‘Desert’ Lipstick: NARS satin lip pencil in ‘Rikugien‘
Nail polish: Shellac ‘Cream Puff’ (the best white!)
Mascara: bareMinerals
Yesss! This is amazing and just what I needed to hear! I came across this quote yesterday “Much of the stress people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.” -David Allen
All the praise hand emojis! So I’m trying to focus on what’s currently on the list and take it one step at a time. Hopefully those little steps, like you said, add up to the bigger goals and life changes 🙂
It’s a tough pill to swallow, accepting you’re not ready - physically, emotionally, mentally - for something, and that you have top put the work in or the small steps needed to get there, in order to achievement it… but so so true!
I love how you integrate different stories and thoughts into your fashion blog posts-it sets you apart from all of the other ones I read and I love it!
Gosh. My house is a mess too. This time last year I was making an offer on it, and it’s still such a work in progress. It totally weighs on other aspects of my life, but it’s just one of those things. It’ll happen in time.
Girl, great insight. I have been SO all over the place, questioning just about everything in my current life. Great reminder to keep it all in perspective. Glad I stopped by…thanks!
I totally agree, Hallie! Especially quotes and such- at different points (and challenges) in your life, different famous sayings/quotes hold such different meaning and significance. I know lately in my life there have been so many changes, I’ve been forced to adapt perspective as things go. “One day at a time” really has been the theme lately.
Love this outfit by the way, so perfect for summer casual!
And I’m with you on the home thing. An unfinished home REALLY affects you. 🙁 I dream of the day when it’s all put together and clean and tidy. But we’ll get there! For now, so nice that we can get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Long live Chicago summers!
Yesss! This is amazing and just what I needed to hear! I came across this quote yesterday “Much of the stress people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.” -David Allen
All the praise hand emojis! So I’m trying to focus on what’s currently on the list and take it one step at a time. Hopefully those little steps, like you said, add up to the bigger goals and life changes 🙂
Happy Wednesday!
-Melissa
I love, love, love that quote. Thank you for sharing!!
Yes, yes, yes. You just put my struggle into all the right words-thank you. Happy Wednesday!
It’s a tough pill to swallow, accepting you’re not ready - physically, emotionally, mentally - for something, and that you have top put the work in or the small steps needed to get there, in order to achievement it… but so so true!
Loving this look, and especially the sentiment of this post! Have a great day ahead, lady!
You too, Jenn. Lunch date soon!
I love how you integrate different stories and thoughts into your fashion blog posts-it sets you apart from all of the other ones I read and I love it!
Thanks, Maggie! x
Copy. Paste.
Precisely the words my laser focus needed!
Glad you could relate. Have a great rest of your week!
For being scattered AF, you’re looking lovely lady! #legsfordays in those shoes! Plus… I love this way of thinking! Totally adopting it
So, so true! It’s funny how seeing something in a different light flips your perspective. Also love the outfit!
xx Hannah
http://thenaturalizednewyorker.com
Gosh. My house is a mess too. This time last year I was making an offer on it, and it’s still such a work in progress. It totally weighs on other aspects of my life, but it’s just one of those things. It’ll happen in time.
I love this look and twist on an open shoulder! You look great as always! What type of bra are you wearing if you don’t mind me asking?!
Happy Wednesday!
~Arwa
http://www.arwalulu.com/
All the feels Hallie. But can we talk about your legs for days for a moment?! I’ve got to get myself to Soul Cycle STAT.
Girl, great insight. I have been SO all over the place, questioning just about everything in my current life. Great reminder to keep it all in perspective. Glad I stopped by…thanks!
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com
LOVING this shoot. Everything about it - the location (Gold Coast Viagra triangle, no? LOL) hair, vibe. Gorgeous ma.
Also really liking this quote. Feels like I need it - thank you!
xoxo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
100% been feeling like this. you hit the nail right in the head. great food for thought for finish off the week strong.
I totally agree, Hallie! Especially quotes and such- at different points (and challenges) in your life, different famous sayings/quotes hold such different meaning and significance. I know lately in my life there have been so many changes, I’ve been forced to adapt perspective as things go. “One day at a time” really has been the theme lately.
Love this outfit by the way, so perfect for summer casual!
Pingback: Wonderful Weekend
Hallie I LOVE these photos! You are gorgeous!!
And I’m with you on the home thing. An unfinished home REALLY affects you. 🙁 I dream of the day when it’s all put together and clean and tidy. But we’ll get there! For now, so nice that we can get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Long live Chicago summers!
<3
Kelly | Kelly in the City
I love that you shared this! Such a great post.
http://stylewaxpoetic.com/