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You, my readers, and overall editorial integrity are the two most important aspects of corals + cognacs. Know that I will always retain 100% control over the content on corals + cognacs, all opinions are that of my own, and that I will always disclose to you the items for which I have been paid and/or gifted.

Lastly, please note that the sentiments expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact me. Thanks again for reading corals + cognacs!

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.

Two-Tone Color Block

February 24, 2024

Some days, an excuse to get dolled up for a night out is just what the doctor ordered.

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Out All Day

February 4, 2024

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?

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Perfect Hair Day

January 28, 2024

Having worked in advertising for much of my post-graduate life (pre-SoulCycle), I like to think I’m somewhat immune to the consumer marketing ploys of beauty brands….

But when there’s a product on the market that promises Your Best Hair Day, you give it a go. Am I right?

Back-story:

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My Simplified Beauty Regime

November 2, 2023

Last month, I talked a bit about the ways in which my life has changed since I made a gigantic career (/lifestyle) switch from my corporate job to the fitness industry — from beauty routines to sleep habits and can’t-live-without laundry detergent.

While the rest of that is recapped in this post – today, it’s all about beauty.

I’ve gotten a few reader requests to discuss my day-to-day make-up and skincare routines on a more in-depth level, so here’s a few of my favorite products and routines that have revolutionized (simplified!) my regime since I’ve started working in fitness.

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My Personal Pore Reform

October 19, 2023

A few weeks ago, I saw an esthetician for the first time in, well, a very long time… My poor skin has been long-overdue for some TLC.

It takes awhile to find your go-to’s when you relocate, though; you know?

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