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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.

Tackle the Trend: Winter Whites

January 12, 2024

You know you can wear white after Labor Day, but how do you feel about incorporating the color into your winter wardrobe?

wearing cream and white, wearing white after labor day
I love the look of bright whites in the winter. Some mornings, I’d toss on this blouse-on-denim ensemble and call it a day — the look is clean and classic; however, today I felt inspired to add a cream-colored lace shirt to the mix. It totally transformed an otherwise basic outfit, don’t you think? wearing white and cream, eggshell

grey jeggings, gray jeggings, blowfish boots, express jeans, urban outfitters

Tackle the trend: If you’re unsure how to style a white-and-cream color combo this winter, start with black, charcoal or navy pants. Add your various shades of eggshell, and finally, finish the look with a pair of ankle booties that lend a pop of muted color. Bold, girly, and totally unexpected!

Wearing: Express denim leggings (similar), Blythe bootie c/o Blowfish, gifted blouse from a girlfriend, Urban Outfitters lace top (similar), thrifted ring

I’m off to Houston, Texas, to visit my sister this weekend. Where should we shop?

Shoe Shopping: Buckled Booties

December 18, 2023

Concealed platforms, side-zipper placklets and brass-buckled straps ensure these fashion-forward booties will remain a comfortable classic in your closet. I’m obsessed!

[let’s shop!]: J.Crew, Alexander McQueen, ASOS, Cole Haan, Tory Burch (want these!),

Rachel Comey, Bebe, Jeffrey Campbell, Blowfish (have these! styled here), Forever 21

What I’m Wearing: Boots with the Fur

November 8, 2023

Today’s post has Flo Rida’s chart-topper ‘Low’ stuck in my head (ugh!), but the boot(ie)s I’m wearing are less “apple bottom jeans” and more “affordable faux-furific.”

I love that these richly-hued boots are simultaneously timeless and modern, and that they lend an unexpected edge to this tribal-print patterned frock.

Wearing: Blazer / Dress, Shop Sosie / Shoes c/o Blowfish

One thing I love about the brand of shoes I’m wearing, Blowfish, is that I’ve never had to go through that painful “new shoe” break-in period with them, and these cute booties were no exception. (And yes, this is my true personal opinion!)

This particularly cozy pair will take you through fall and into winter - just turn down upper flap to reveal its cozy interior. I’m planning to rock these time-and-time again with tights and with my skinnies nestled neatly inside.

Tell me: Would you wear faux-fur on your feet? We’ve seen it on scarves, hats and handbags, so it’s only naturally that the trend has crept down to our shoes.

Shop: (top) Chinese Laundry, Miz Mooz, Blowfish,
(bottom) Elizabeth & James, N.Y.L.A., Guess

Chiffon Frocks and Fall Footwear

October 14, 2023

If you didn’t already know, I am ~~slightly~~ obsessed with fall footwear.

These faux-leather Blowfish booties are an easy way to transition a breezy chiffon frock into fall. Although you can pair them with almost anything (think dresses and skirts, leggings or ultra-fitted skinny jeans), I opted to add some edge to an otherwise girlish get-up with these stacked wedges.

Summertime sunshine-and-70’s weather is bleeding into October here in Chicago; gotta let our gams go bare while we can!

Wearing: Booties c/o Blowfish / Similar Chiffon Dress (it’s 50% off!) / F21 Cardigan / Similar J.Crew Belt

If you still need a reason to add this chic and affordable shoe to your shopping cart, Blowfish is donating a
portion of every online order to the Beautiful Day Foundation, a
non-profit organization dedicated to helping women with breast cancer.

If the booties are sold out on Blowfish’s website, you can still buy them on Zappos.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend! -H

Summer-to-Fall Fashion: The Cotton Frock

September 26, 2023

You may not realize it, but there are ways to transition into a fall-friendly wardrobe using pieces you already have and love. This week, we’ll cover off on five of those, including cotton dresses, maxi skirts, color-blocking, short-shorts and white denim.

My goal for this weekly outfit series is to show you that you don’t need to break the bank to weatherize your wardrobe. Though certain items don’t translate to fall-friendly (like barely-there tanks and flip flops), there are several ways to give life to your summer favorites, especially through layers!

This simple sundress has been my MVP multiple times a week so far this fall (that’s Most Versatile Piece).

Army-colored jackets and neutral-toned accessories are an easy way to make your frocks look more refined and appropriate for chillier temps. Toss on closed-toed boots or oxfords to give your ensemble an edge once it’s time to put away the summer sandals.

My favorite, no-fail trend for fall is probably yours, too: booties!

I’ve been wearing these comfy Blowfish wedges all over Chicago this season.

Shop the look! Boots: c/o Blowfish / Dress: H&M ($12 in-store; lusting after this similar style, Lush) / Jacket: Thrifted (similar, Madewell) / Belt: Thrifted (similar, Rogers Whitely) / Sunglasses: Chanel

PS: Gossip Girl returns to TV tonight! I can’t wait to see what Season 5 has in store for our favorite Upper East Siders. All eyes on Blair Waldorf! xoxo

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