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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.

My Offline Life: October Photo Review

November 2, 2023

Today’s post is a day late (sorry!), but I was too eager to introduce our latest giveaway yesterday. Here, a look at my offline life in October through the lens of my cell phone: Hallowed holiday spirit, lingering sunshine and indian summer style.

Sunshine on the lake

with bare legs

or chiffon and sandals.

A new humble abode…

with hallowed holiday decorum

… but a lack of kitchen appliances. Stove-top toast!

Post-it memories in remembrance of an innovator.

Romping around in Nine West python pumps

new Chanel shades

and Essie Decadent Diva.

Sample sales

and restaurant openings

call for lots of caffeine.

November, you’ve got a lot to live up to. How was your month? x

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

Chicago: Pride-ified

June 28, 2024

Each June, cities across the globe are transformed by leather, feathers, sequins and tank tops for annual gay pride celebrations. Unfamiliar? Here’s three things that will get you up-to-speed, a la TresSugar:

1. It began in New York City and is now celebrated all over the world.

2. It became more mainstream in the 80’s (didn’t everything?)

3. Bill Clinton made it official.

Here in Chicago, we celebrated in style… Obvi.

My modeling muses (in order from top).
On Michelle: Dress, F21 / Necklace, Target / Hair feather, Sephora / Sunglasses, RayBan // On me: Dress, F21 / Necklace, street vendor / Bag, Aldo // On Kara: Top, hat, accessories, F21 // On Brittany: Hat, earrings, F21 // On Nick: Shorts(!), American Apparel // On Joey: Top, shorts, shoes, Zara // On Laura: Ring, H&M / Nails, Minx / Bracelets, Gap and H&M // On Adam: Top, H&M / Shoes, shorts, Urban Outfitters // On David: Top, H&M / Shorts, belt, Zara // Shoes, TOMS

Taste of Randolph Street Style

June 22, 2024

Taste of Randolph Street takes place in Chicago’s eclectic West Loop neighborhood, home to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. My weekend was spent taking in all of it’s glory: street food, global artisan vendors and live music!

On me (top): Tank, H&M / Skirt, Bobeau / Bag, Kate Spade / Bracelet, street vendor / Headband, target / Watch, Michael Kors // On Jackie (second from top): Earring, hand-made / Top, vintage // On Brittany (third from top): Necklace, J.Crew / Bag, Louis Vuitton // On Amy (second from bottom): Dress, belt, Forever 21

Check out Metromix’s Festival Guide for a preview of festival photos to come! xx