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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.

What to Wear: Blogger Brunch

June 9, 2024

I’m in-between travel weekends, which means I’ll be spending a good amount of time doing blog-related things for the next few days.

Fortunately, one of those blog-related things includes brunching in the West Village with Julie Vos, Persifor and a few of my favorite girls.

What to Wear: Southampton

June 1, 2024

Hello from The Hamptons! This weekend is all about summer sophistication… With no shortage of vibrant colors, of course!

As mentioned in yesterday’s style post, I’m going for a decidedly laid-back vibe this weekend. As such, I’ll be keeping my bold prints to a minimum, but I’m totally powerless over this Zara blazer. Otherwise, I’ll be getting un-dolled up in a few carefully tailored separates for the next few nights out in picturesque Southampton. Follow along on Instagram for updates from the beach!

I originally published this post on Glam.com, so click on over to check it out (and to these outfit details).

Have a nice weekend!

What to Wear: Headed West

May 25, 2024

Hooray for the unofficial start to summer! What’s on your agenda this three-day weekend? I’m hopping on a plane and heading to Texas for a family reunion of sorts.

*Wear: Uniqlo tank, Haute Hippe silk trousers, Zara cowboy boots, Celine sunnies, Club Monaco sun hat, Marc by Marc Jacobs watch | Pack: Tory Burch Robinson weekender, Frends headphones, Mulberry passport holder

It’s supposed to be hot-and-humid in Houston, so I’m looking forward to getting a bit of sun on my skin. (Remember how pale I am?)

On the plane, I’m ooobviously donning a pair of grown up track pants — aka silk trousers, my latest and greatest glorified sweatpant discovery.

Have a great one!

New to New York, Chapter 2

May 24, 2024

It’s been awhile since I’ve provided you an update on New York City, but there’s a good reason for that. Time seems to never cease or slow here, but that’s the way I like it! How have you been keeping busy?

I’m starting to feel settled and have finally started decorating my little east-side studio. If you missed my apartment tour post, be sure to check it out!
The World Trade Center spire was lofted into place this month — it tops out at 1,776 feet tall. (Below, on the left)

Brooklyn is really fun. Warehouse parties especially.
Don’t bank on grabbing a cab when it’s raining. Guess what? Not happening.
The East River running path (above) has some of the most amazing views of the city.
You need an actual key to get into Gramercy Park – the pretty area that I’ve been shooting most of my photos in recently. Like, the actual park — the grassy field. It’s iron gated and you have to be among the privileged (read: rich) few to get in.
New York bagels are unbelievably salty and delicious. I used to laugh at my old co-worker, Haley, who would carry-on a baker’s dozen bagels on return flights to Chicago from work trips. I get it, Haley. I get it!
The best places to get coffee are those you’ve never heard of – like OST Cafe in East Village or La Colombe in SoHo. On the walk to work, I usually stop at the same street vendor every day - $2 extra-large iced coffees! New York’ers, Anywhere else you’d recommend?
New York squirrels are aggressive and have great taste in handbags. Back-story on that is here.

I am addicted to SoulCycle. I have a weekly Outlook reminder set for scheduling classes every Monday at 11:59 EST. Classes fill up within seconds — literally! Survival of the fittest and fastest Internet connection.
Jessica and I are on a mission to over-indulge at every Mexican restaurant Manhattan has to offer. So far, my favorite is La Palapa!
Tory Burch and I share an office building. True story, read more on it here.
I’ve never seen Clueless. This is irrelevant, but I just thought I’d let you guys know.
Additionally, I’ve never been to Shake Shack, but I walk by and marvel at its New York’ism all the time (below, right). I’m going to make Alyssa supervise my first visit.

For more miscellaneous New York moments on the fly, you can follow along on Twitter and Instagram. (Or you can see my first NYC round-up here!)

In the meantime, I’m headed to Texas to visit my sister! I’m looking forward to skipping town for a long weekend. They say you never really appreciate New York until you leave — I’ll keep you posted on that. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

The Endless Flavor Factor: Good Taste, Great Style

May 23, 2024

Do you remember the color challenge I participated in last fall? Well, I’m back for another round; this time with the endless flavor possibilities of Crystal Light.

I’ve been a Crystal Light drinker for as long as I can remember (and specifically, it’s when I discovered vodka-water-Crystal Light’s in college), so I couldn’t resist when the brand asked me to partake in today’s style challenge.

To ring in the upcoming season of warm weather and bright colors, I’m sourcing outfit inspo from my three favorite sugar-free flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry, and Pomtini.

Which of these three Crystal Light Palettes embodies your style aesthetic this season? I think I’m a Strawberry Lemonade on Thursdays, a Saturday Night PomTini and Blue Raspberry for Sunday Fundays. (If you’re interested in any of the pieces above, comment below and I’ll help you locate them.)

In addition, I’ve created a series of my own Crystal Light-inspired outfits, which I’ll be sharing on Instagramthroughout today. I’d love for you to follow along and tell me which your faves are!

Lastly, Crystal Light and Glam are inviting you to get in on the fun and selecting one winner each week to receive a gift back full of fun summer essentials. To enter, head to Glam’s Facebook page and enter your e-mail. Then, just post a picture to Instagram using the hashtag #FeelTheFlavor. (I can’t partake, but feel free to use my photo for inspiration!)

Crystal Light Liquid. 0 calories. Endless flavor possibilities For every shade of you. www.CrystalLightLiquid.com
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Crystal Light via Glam Media. As always, the opinions expressed here are mine, not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crystal Light

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