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In addition, sometimes I'll share affiliate links of retailers that I personally support via Twitter or Facebook. If you click through an affiliate link when buying an item, I will be partially compensated for your purchase. You're under no obligation to click through via one of the links when shopping online, but, if you do, you'll be supporting my blog as well.

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.

Hi, nice to meet you! Welcome to corals + cognacs, a life and style blog of sorts. I’m Hallie, a twenty-something fashion fiend, shoe hoarder and the Editor/Chief Style Officer behind this blog.

Here, you’ll find outfit inspirations, wardrobe creations and musings on my ever-evolving list of latest obsessions.

I hope you enjoy reading corals + cogancs as much as I enjoy writing it

FAQ // LOCATION: New York, New York • BY WAY OF: The Midwest (Cleveland/Chicago) • HOW WOULD YOU DISCRIBE 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? Silk blouses, diptyque candles and SoulCycle. • GUILTY PLEASURE? Eating trail mix and shoe shopping. Both in excess. • WANNA GRAB A DRINK? Always – Ketel dirty martini, please.

ARE YOU A FULL-TIME BLOGGER? No, I work at an agency doing social media strategy. • WHY DID YOU START YOUR BLOG? Style tends to take a back seat at the office. Since sartorial humor and an expertly crafted color-block can get lost in the boardroom, I decided to create a blog, 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. • 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/1.8 lens. • DON’T YOU FEEL WEIRD TAKING PHOTOS OF YOURSELF IN THE CITY? Absolutely. Everyone looks at me like I’m insane – especially when it’s cold. Wouldn’t you? • DO YOU OFFER ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES? Yep! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk. • HOW ELSE CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH? On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Off-the-Set Style: Blake Lively

December 12, 2023

Even though we must endure five long weeks without Gossip Girl, that doesn’t mean we have to halt our weekly fashion digests, does it? Until our favorite Upper East Siders return to our TV sets on January 16, get your GG fix with me in reviewing our favorite stars’ ensembles — both behind the scenes and off the set.

Let’s start by style-stalking the lovely Serena, i.e. Blake Lively:

Blake is wearing Theoroda and Callum wedges, Victoria Beckham zip jeans and a quilted Chanel bag.

Get her look for less with a wide-brimmed hat from Forever 21, H&M leather trousers and ASOS wedges (they’re on sale!).

Cozy up in these shearling boots from Ugg Australia (bottom), as seen on Blake between takes on the Gossip Girl set. That top pair is from Madewell, I need ‘em!

Leaving a Barnes & Noble in NYC, just another stylish Sunday! … in a leather Burberry coat, Opening Ceremony dress, Louboutin pumps and a D&G bag. Get her look for less with a J. Crew trench, cashmere Burberry scarf, Aldo shoes and a KDNY bag.

Spotted: Blake smiling on the set… in a sequined Gryphon sweater, Mike & Chris jacket and J. Brand coated leggings.

Get her look for less with a Warehouse top, Topshop skinnies, Blowfish boots, a Modcloth moto jacket and a Tory Burch shoulder bag.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Label Lover

November 22, 2023

With nearly four weeks until Christmas, I’m jumping on the gift guide bandwagon to help you get a head start on your shopping for the holiday season. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting awesome options for everyone on your list, so stay tuned and check back often!

The holidays are a perfect time to give (and to receive!) those luxury items you’ve been pining over all year, especially since it ’tis the season that many designers price their gift sets reasonably.
Giving a brand-name gift isn’t just for your label lovers, it’s a fail-proof way to make all your recipients feel A-list!

[shop] Top row: D&G Eau de Parfum / Prada Eau de Parfum / Chanel vintage earrings / Burberry scarf

Bottom row: Dior key rings, Marc Jacobs ‘Blade’ watch, Chanel ‘La Vernis’ nail polish, Marc Jacobs cosmetics case, Tory Burch logo buckle bracelets, Michael Kors ‘Madison’ watch, Chanel ‘Rouge Coco’ lipstick, Tory Burch ballet flats

Happy Shopping! -H