The Fine Print

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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.

What’s In Her Bag?

March 5, 2024

Do you ever wonder what fashion industry insiders carry in those massive designer handbags?

I’ve got five examples in today’s post.

Continue reading →

Fashion Week Recap, Day 3: 20ish Hours

February 24, 2024

Much of Day Three was consumed by a video I filmed for Glam Media, so for today’s recap, I’m going to give you an outtakes version to let you in on what exactly it takes to film a two-minute video.

After we get past the first few hours of the day, that is…

All right, where did we leave off?

Ah, yes. SamRo had just told Jess & I she liked our… Jewelry. For whatever reason, that was IT in life for us, so we rode that high (figuratively speaking) downtown to the Lower East Side, where we danced and sipped on vodka sodas until, well, read on….

Continue reading →

Getting Festive: DIY Holiday Stockings

December 6, 2023

A few weeks ago, I spent an afternoon in the Glam studios, DIY’ing holiday stockings with a few of my favorite New York girls.

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DIY Halloween Ideas [Video]

October 23, 2023

Hard to believe that Halloween is this weekend, isn’t it? If you’re like me, you save your Halloween costume deciding (let alone crafting) until the very. last. minute.

So, that begs the question: What the hell are you going to wear?

If you’ve got two minutes, I’ve got five ideas. The best part? These pieces are probably already in your closet… And kitchen.

Continue reading →

Versatile Threads

December 23, 2023

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! If you’ve been traveling this week, I hope you’ve done so safely. As predicted, my flights thus far were delayed; but no complaints. Could be worse, right?

Our second video from last month’s Macy’s shoot in New York is finished and ready to rock, ladies! To view, mouse over the video + turn the volume up.

For this series, I’m rocking a long-sleeve, snakeskin dress from INC at Macy’s. In the video, I show you how to take it from day-to-night. Which look do you like better?

Here’s a few photos from behind-the-scenes and on the set. I had such an amazing time in New York with these ladies (+ gent). Miss you already, Ashley, Channing, Tammy, Bianca and Robert!

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