The Fine Print

corals + cognacs works with third-party affiliates and advertising companies to serve advertisers. These companies may use aggregated information (not including your name, address, email or telephone) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.

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.

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.

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.

What I’m Wearing: Fringe Boots

November 4, 2023

If a bohemian vibe strikes you as you’re getting dressed in the morning, don’t question it. Just reach for textured anything. Feathered earrings, suede handbags or layered fringe boots will dress up just about any outfit, whether it’s a white T-shirt and jeans or cozy leggings and an olive-toned blouse:

Much to my (closet’s) delight, fringe has remained a major fashion feature this season. These Minnetonka boots are one of my favorite purchases. They are so comfortable! I bought them last year and they still retail at the same price, so don’t wait for the cognac color to go on sale - snatch ’em up!

What I’m Wearing: Minnetonka Boots / Old Navy Blouse / BCBG clutch (similar)/ H&M jewelry

I’ve been stocking up on this hippie staple - here are some of the pieces I’m coveting right now. A note to my CHICagoans and other cold-weather-climate-prone ladies, though, don’t wear your Minnetonkas’ in the rain! Brrrr… (wear these instead!)

Shop: 1 modcloth bag / 2 juicy couture necklace / 3 pacsun shorts /

4 tylie malibu clutch / 5 brian atwood ankle booties / 6 earrings

7 h&m t-strap sandals (sold out in the US, similar style here)

8 minnetonka boots/ 9 koolaburra boots

Happy FRIDAY! Have a great weekend! x

Trend I’m Trying: The Bowler Hat

October 26, 2023

Structured fedoras and slouchy knits will forever remain a relevant accessory in my closet, but the chapeau shape I’m preoccupied with right now is the bowler!

Ever since I noticed the bowler’s re-emerging presence at Fashion Week this fall, I’ve been coveting the chic look and decided to try it on for size.

Hats off to you, if you’re up for trying this trend! When shopping around for chapeaus, start by browsing the affordable styles of Brixton, Urban Outfitters and H&M.

What I’m Wearing: Python Prints

October 11, 2023

From slinky skirts to trendy footwear and statement separates, this fall season seems to be one of sleek-and-subtly textured, patterned python prints.

Skirt, Romwe / Tank, H&M / Shoes c/o Nine West / Nail color, Essie Smokin’ Hot / Watch, Michael Kors

How do you incorporate this trend into your outfit? If you’re hesitant on ways to wear it, here are my three favorite ssstyle commandmentssss…

Accessorize! A printed clutch is an easy go-to statement piece.
Don’t overdo it. Less is more when styling this trend.
Choose one item in python print. Pumps that pop instantly transform your style. These Nine West shoes are surprisingly easy to walk in because of their thicker heel. Prepare to turn some heads, ladies!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10* / 11

*Okay, this one is $102. But there’s free two-day shipping. Happy shopping!

Don’t forget to check out our $40 jewelry giveaway! -H

How to Celebrate #Plaidurday

October 7, 2023

In case you haven’t heard, today is Plaidurday, the official unofficial inaugural worldwide celebration of plaid.

According to the website, this is what the right angle holiday is all about: From lumberjacks to hipsters, fashionistas to snowboarders, and everyone in between, we share a common thread (ha!). No matter the thread count or the stripe count, we share a bound of perpendicular stripes. You won’t find any argyle here.

Plaid. After saying the word ten times over, you realize what an odd one it is, no? Plaid. Okay, enough chit-chat. Let’s get to celebrating! You can…

Wear plaid, of course!
Compliment a friend (or stranger) wearing plaid.
Share this plaid post with a friend (or stranger).
Shop for plaid pieces (I just purchased #10 - can you believe they’re Target? Tucked into skinnies? Yes, please.)

1 Modcloth Trench / 2 Tory Burch Flats / 3 Pedal to the Plaid Hat / 4 Bass Saddle Shoes
5 Sperry Top-Sider Rain Boot / 6 PacificPlex Shorts (on sale!) / 7 Vivienne Westwood Blazer
8 H&M Tube Scarf (similar) / 9 TOMS / 10 Target Kenlee Boot (Only $30!) 11 Topshop Drop Hem Skirt

Happy weekend!

Older Posts

Newer Posts