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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.

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: Short Shorts

September 30, 2023

Just because autumn is approaching doesn’t mean you have to put away the cotton shorts, rompers and cut-offs you’ve been rocking all summer. Tossing on a pair of shorts is just as easy as slipping into a skirt; and to make this trend work for fall, it’s all about layering and a good pair of tights.

For a wearable, textured look that adds interest to your ensemble, grab a chunky knit. A sweater instantly turns a summertime staple (like these shorts) into a comfortable, classic look for fall. If you’re going for a more sophisticated look, reach for a tailored blazer instead.

Finally, don’t forget the easiest way to keep your gams from catching a chill: opaque black tights, every girl’s seasonal essential.

What other ways are you going wear this trend to show style naysayers that shorts are a do, regardless of the season?

Let’s go shopping! Sweater / Shorts / Wooden Necklace / Similar Wedges

Thanks for checking out this week’s outfit series! Will you be rocking any of these trends this season? Which summer-to-fall look is your favorite? Happy Friday!
The Cotton Frock / Color-Blocking / White Jeans / The Maxi Dress

Peter Som’s Pretty Florals

September 13, 2023

(Thanks for stopping by today! Don’t forget to enter our giveaway!)

This year, designer Peter Som’s spring 2012 RTW (ready-to-wear) collection was a kaleidoscope of bold colors, playful patterns and graphic prints.

The line, fit for a contemporary woman, suggests “what might happen if Kate Middleton, Michelle Obama and Rachel Bilson” were fused into one polished, fun-loving lady with an edge. How can you not love these looks?

{photos}

While a designer definitely runs the risk of a floral collection being too girly, Som successfully infused a touch of ’60s inspiration with a modern twist to make his collection cooler without eliminating any of the femininity. Here’s how to bring Peter Som’s pretty florals off the runway to wear them your way:

Runway the Real Way: Peter Som S/S 2012 by coralsandcognacs featuring wedge shoes

Summer top
$30 - modcloth.com

Ankle length skirt
romwe.com

Forever21 wedge shoes
$27 - forever21.com

In the Mood for Monochromatic / Casual Friday

September 2, 2023

There’s no stone-set style rule that says you have to bucket every single piece of your outfit into this trend. So if all else fails, do it with denim!

Gold and emerald accessories lend a touch of elegance to an otherwise laid-back ensemble. Perfect for casual Friday!

See? It’s really that simple. It’s a bit tame compared to the other ways we’ve rocked this trend this week, but if you’re more of a test-the-waters type of gal (or guy), this is an easy way to do it.

So, what’s your favorite look from this week? Check back next Tuesday for a monochromatic fashion challenge recap. Happy holiday weekend! -H

Don’t forget to e-mail me your photos! Have you incorporated one of my weekly fashion themes into your wardrobe regime? Snap some pics and e-mail them to hallie@coralsandcognacs.com with a blurb about you, your look and a link to your blog (if you have one)!

Back to Basics: Nothing but Neutrals / Thursday

August 18, 2023

I love the simplicity of navy and white. Today’s outfit actually includes my three favorite trends this season: neutral tones, sheer overlays and striped knits!

Wearing: Dress, French Connection (via RueLaLa) / Top, Zara / Belt, Forever21 / Shoes, Michael Kors

It’s easy to transition your wardrobe into fall with a multi-piece ensemble like this. Try layering a mauveulously-colored tunic over a classic navy-and-white summer staple for a touch of unexpected sophistication.

Ground the outfit with soft camel-colored pumps (since they match the belt) to keep a put-together outfit looking stylish and refined, rather than tackily striped and over-the-top.

I think today’s ensemble may be my favorite thus far for the week; what do you think? Click to see looks from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday here. Ahhh, almost Friday! -H

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