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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.

Recap: A Workweek’s Worth of Color-Blocking

August 9, 2024

If you’ve been following my outfit posts the past week, it will come as no surprise to you that I am downright obsessed with color-blocking this season.

It’s not just me, though! The S/S 2011 runways exploded with vibrant shades and styles that were both spirited and avant-garde. From ladylike frocks at Parabal Gurung to neon separates at Jil Sander, designers were all about mixing bright, bold colors in minimalist silhouettes.

Color-blocking is a timeless trend that will carry over into fall (thankfully!), and this season’s take-away was go bold and bright or go home.

Photo. Clockwise from top left: Spring 2011 looks from Sportmax, Jil Sander, Gucci, and Prabal Gurung.

Although this is a fairly easy look to pull together, there are a few tricks to help you master the trend tastefully. Before we bid our brights from the spring season adieu and our wardrobes drift into darker palettes, here’s a recap of my five favorite tips:

1. Stay simple. Start with a foundation of bright basics in classic silhouettes. Then, feel free to throw on neutral-toned accessories to bring the look together (think basic gold jewelry or a camel-colored jacket and matching pumps). Stick to a few key pieces and avoid printed patterns.

2. The brighter the better! The key to color-blocking is establishing two or three rich-hued colors together. Avoid looking like a walking color wheel by keeping your outfit to a maximum of three shades.

3. Mix, remix, match and don’t match. The whole point of this trend is to play with different lengths and shapes to see what works for you. There’s no need to go shopping, just look at your closet from a different perspective. You can color-block with any length or shape, but if you’re going to try this trend from 9-to-5, look for tailored, fitted pieces to keep your look office-appropriate.

4. Normal rules need not apply. Similar hues work really well together (like red and orange; blue and green), but be careful not to clash your colors too much. When in doubt, reference the color-wheel. Contrasting colors (those opposite one another), can look chic together, too!

5. Confidence is key! Saved the best for last: Remember, this trend is in-your-face fashion. It’s loud, it’s bright, it stands out. You’re going to be noticed, so smile and rock it!

Thanks for following along in my color-block series. Do you have any tricks or tips to share on this trend? Comment below or e-mail me!

Guess what? I have another five-day ensemble planned for next week. I can’t reveal the trend just yet, so stay tuned! xx

A Workweek’s Worth of: Color-Blocking / Thursday

August 4, 2024

Day 4 / Thursday: For a more unexpected way to brighten up your summer style, reach for contrasting colors in relaxed fabrics. This chic combo will allow you to achieve a fashion-forward look without compromising your comfort.

Wearing: Dress, Forever 21 / Cardigan, Kimichi Blue (via Urban Outfitters) / Belt, J.Crew /

Shoes, Nine West (yes, I have them in two colors, remember these? Oops!) / Bag, Kate Spade

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Have you checked out this week’s looks from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?

Would you wear this color combination together? I always love to hear your thoughts and feedback! -H

A Workweek’s Worth of: Color-Blocking / Tuesday

August 2, 2024

Day 2 / Tuesday: If color-blocking an entire outfit doesn’t particularly appeal to your personal taste, try a more subtle version of the trend using just your accessories. This will lend a strong style statement to your look without going overboard.

Mix and match bright hues in complementary jewel tones to keep your work wardrobe exciting. I aimed to do so with these cherry-red shoes, matching belt and basic lilac shift-dress.

Wearing: Dress, Forever 21 / Belt, Thrifted / Shoes, Franco Sarto / Headphones, Urban Ears

How cool are these headphones? Stylishly appropriate and downright necessary for a Chicago girl who commutes daily via public transportation. I’m also wearing a new blush, Cha Cha Tint a la Benefit Cosmetics, and I’m in LOVE! You can notice it best in the third photo from the top. I’ll be posting a full product review next week.

Don’t forget to check out Monday’s look, which color-blocking ensemble do you like better so far? … Until tomorrow! -H

Pop Concert Couture

July 26, 2024

Off a concert? No idea what to wear? A few weeks ago, I attended a show for two popular pop artists (you may have heard of them). When the stars took the stage in high-fashion sparkle, fans hit the high notes wearing some fashionably loud concert couture.

Opening Act Nicki Minaj takes the runway - I mean, stage - in an embellished, neutral-toned bodysuit.

Neon bandeau tops - check. Blue nail polish - check.

Outfits are entirely American Apparel, with the exception of shoes (Havaianas, left; Steve Madden, right).

Good Finds: Every piece of this outfit is thrifted. And how ’bout that tattoo?

Such a fearless palette of purple.

Show-stopping headliner Spears is hiding a denim-and-rhinestone ensemble under that classic white trench.

DIY duds: a do!

New friends sharing a tattoo: Celebrating Civil Unions in Chicago and NYC.

Wondering why you don’t see my duds in this mix? I couldn’t compete with all of this fashion flair. My perfect gig-going outfit is a delicate balance of practicality and personal style. Arriving straight from my 9-to-5, I opted to play plain-jane-photographer in a comfortable cotton T-shirt, dark denim and basic gold accessories for the night.

If you’re still looking for advice on what to wear to a pop concert, I received two words of feedback most frequently from these festive concertgoers: American Apparel. Are you a graceful stiletto dancer? Likely not, so stick to flats or wedges. If you’re going to be moshing, don’t wear a mini. Most importantly, prepare! Here my three concert must-haves:

1. Chapstick/lipgloss
2. Extra hair ties and bobby pins
3. A no-fuss cross-body handbag

What do you think of these controversial “couture” sets? Have you ever had a concert wardrobe fail? Tell me what must-have items you always have with you at a concert!

Quick Tip: Pile on the Bangles

July 21, 2024

Bangles are one of my favorite simple style statements. I love to wear this trend by embracing volume, stacking and mis-matching. When in doubt, add another bracelet!

Inject a layer of color into your outfit for a boho chic look, or add a touch of sophistication by opting for simpler styles. There are many ways to wear this trend. It’s fun to experiment while discovering what works best with your personality!

Be cautious of The Bangle from 9-to-5, because an armful of jingling jewelry can be slightly distracting to the non-fashion obsessed among us. (What do they know?)

If I had sufficient funds, I’d be living out a loyalty for enamel Hermes adornments. Alas, in the meantime, I’m hoarding wrist-wear from more affordable fashion houses, like H&M, Asos, Francesca’s and Nordstrom (try the BP section).

I’m also currently coveting the Friendship Bracelet, reinvented by Dana of the Possessionista. These stackable accessories are made with vintage vinyl records and trade beads, how cool is that? They’ve sold out (for now), but keep checking The Possessionista for you chance to scoop one up if and when they become available again on Dana’s site ($30-$35).

Photo Credit, Jena of ChiCityFashion

Wearing: Dress, F21 / Shoes, Nine West / Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs (half-off at Nordstrom Rack) / Watch, Michael Kors / Coral-colored bangles, Amrita Singh (a la RueLaLa) / Gold and teal bangles, H&M

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