Summer-to-Fall Fashion: The Cotton Frock

September 26, 2023

You may not realize it, but there are ways to transition into a fall-friendly wardrobe using pieces you already have and love. This week, we’ll cover off on five of those, including cotton dresses, maxi skirts, color-blocking, short-shorts and white denim.

My goal for this weekly outfit series is to show you that you don’t need to break the bank to weatherize your wardrobe.  Though certain items don’t translate to fall-friendly (like barely-there tanks and flip flops), there are several ways to give life to your summer favorites, especially through layers!

This simple sundress has been my MVP multiple times a week so far this fall (that’s Most Versatile Piece).

Army-colored jackets and neutral-toned accessories are an easy way to make your frocks look more refined and appropriate for chillier temps. Toss on closed-toed boots or oxfords to give your ensemble an edge once it’s time to put away the summer sandals.

My favorite, no-fail trend for fall is probably yours, too: booties! 
I’ve been wearing these comfy Blowfish wedges all over Chicago this season. 

Shop the look! Boots: c/o Blowfish / Dress: H&M ($12 in-store; lusting after this similar style, Lush) / Jacket: Thrifted (similar, Madewell) / Belt: Thrifted (similar, Rogers Whitely) / Sunglasses: Chanel
PS: Gossip Girl returns to TV tonight! I can’t wait to see what Season 5 has in store for our favorite Upper East Siders. All eyes on Blair Waldorf! xoxo

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In the Mood for Monochromatic / Casual Friday

September 2, 2023

There’s no stone-set style rule that says you have to bucket every single piece of your outfit into this trend. So if all else fails, do it with denim!

Gold and emerald accessories lend a touch of elegance to an otherwise laid-back ensemble. Perfect for casual Friday!

See? It’s really that simple. It’s a bit tame compared to the other ways we’ve rocked this trend this week, but if you’re more of a test-the-waters type of gal (or guy), this is an easy way to do it.

So, what’s your favorite look from this week? Check back next Tuesday for a monochromatic fashion challenge recap. Happy holiday weekend! -H

Don’t forget to e-mail me your photos! Have you incorporated one of my weekly fashion themes into your wardrobe regime? Snap some pics and e-mail them to hallie@coralsandcognacs.com with a blurb about you, your look and a link to your blog (if you have one)!

In the Mood for Monochromatic / Thursday: Optimistic Orange

September 1, 2023

Stay away from pairing shades that are too similar. If the colors of your ensemble are too similar to one another (think yellow and gold), it will look like your outfit is accidentally clashing rather than intentionally monochromatic.

Wearing: Dress, Ali Ro via Gilt City Sample Sale / Blouse, J. Patterson Kincaid (from this outfit) / Shoes, Tory Burch

I’ve read that the color orange gives off vibes of creativity and confidence, so I’m attempting to be masterfully monochromatic by wearing colors that really pack a punch today.  Have you ever tried, uh,”mood dressing?” Does it work? … Okay, is it Friday yet?

Don’t forget to check the Monday blues, Tuesday pinks and Wednesday navys. And, of course, thank you for your comments this week! -H

Don’t forget to e-mail your photos! Have you incorporated one of my weekly fashion themes into your wardrobe regime? Snap some pics and e-mail them to hallie(at)coralsandcognacs.com with a blurb about you, your look and a link to your blog (if you have one) for a chance to be featured on c+c!

In the Mood for Monochromatic / Wednesday: Nautical Navy

August 31, 2023

Darker colors work well for monochromatic dressing because they recede, making the wearer (you!) look leaner, and as a result, taller.

Rocking an entirely black-colored ensemble is hardly challenging, though, so push your style boundaries by trying other dark hues. Navy, charcoal and burgundy tones work well, too.

Wearing: Dress, French Connection via RueLaLa / Skirt, American Apparel /
Necklace, Francesca’s Collections / Watch, Michael Kors / Shoes, Nine West 

Recognize that top? It’s a dress from last week’s OOTD feature!

If you’re throwing horizontals into the mix, remember that they will visually widen the areas in which you’re wearing them. In today’s case, that’s actually my upper, since the skirt appears to take up more space visually on my body than the top (er, dress) does. Hm. Another OOTD fashion challenge here?

I’m very into blue hues this week - do you like today’s or Monday’s monochromatic ensemble better?

We’re halfway to Friday! -H

In the Mood for Monochromatic / Tuesday: Rose Petal Pink

August 30, 2023

This trend will be an easy one to ride into the fall season through layering. (You know I love a good layer!) When styling, remember to pay particular attention to textures. To add a bit of visual interest,  pile thin fabrics into the mix, like a twisted tank or lace top.

Wearing: Dress, H&M ($12 available year-round in stores) / Tank, J. Crew / Shoes, Steve Madden / 
Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack (half off!) / Sunglasses, ring: H&M

The key to layering is maintaining minimal lines. You don’t want the clothes you’re wearing to create too many cuts of your body. If the weather is cooling, toss on a blazer or cropped jacket that hits your natural waistline; this will hide the back of this cropped top, lending the illusion that the dress is one piece.

What did you think of Monday’s Hues of Blue?

E-mail Your Photos! Have you incorporated one of my weekly fashion themes into your wardrobe regime? Snap some pics and e-mail them to hallie(at)coralsandcognacs.com with a blurb about you, your look and a link to your blog (if you have one) for a chance to be featured on c+c!

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