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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.
Has your weather been as unpredictable this spring as ours has here in New York?
Seriously. And I’m more than mentally prepared to ban my faux fur vests to the back of my closet!
On days in which I don a heavier jacket, pit stains become an inevitable outfit accessory. (Sorry, was that too much?) But when I walk out the door sans layers, I’m practically frostbitten by the time I get to work. Are you an I’d rather-be-cold or rather-be-hot type of person?
I digress. It’s leggings, light-knit sweaters and a cross-body carry-all for gloomy (slightly rainy) Mondays until that Mother Nature gets her act together.
… And this faux-leather cap, too. Good thing Jessica doesn’t mind that I raid her accessories collection on the reg!
Hello, hello! Today, I’m over at Glam.com talking about what to wear with tortoise-shell sunglasses.
As you’ll read, my first (and only) pair of Pradas are to blame for my evolving obsession of the tortoise-shell trend; however, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their wearable versatility. (Buyers remorse, begone!)
I usually keep my look laid-back with neutrals when I don my tortoise-shell sunnies; but if I’m feeling lackluster, I’ll mix things up by layering textures or adding a pop of color.
Currently, I’m coveting pairs by River Island, Karen Walker and Jeepers Peepers (pictured above, respectively). For extra style inspiration, check out my article on Glam, where I’m using these three brands as the foundation for a few cute styling options this spring.
Okay, okay. I know I’ve been talking a lot about shopping lately, but I’m going to do it again — this time, under the guise of investing.
Classic black sandals are a must for hot summer nights. (And, I don’t want to jinx it, but it seems as though that’s right around the corner!) They’re versatile, chic, and they go with everything in your closet, making them the footwear equivalent to the Little Black Dress.
I hate to play favorites, but I’ve been wearing my latest Zara pair non-stop (and so have Jessica and Ashley).
It can be challenging find an affordable pair of chic summer shoes that won’t leave you limping after an hour, but fret not. From chunky platforms and angular cuts to classic silhouettes, I’ve got your guide to the 20 best pairs of (black) warm-weathersandals, right here:
*Shopthese strappy sandals:
1. ASOS Honey Pie heeled sandals, $70 | 2. Guess Oderan, $99 | 3. ASOS Henleyheeled sandals, $67 | 4. ASOS Hazard heeled sandals, $75 | 5. Zara ankle-strap sandals, $50 (*Hallie’s pick) | 6. Giuseppe Zanotti black lace sandals, $650 | 7. Zara strappy high-heeled sandals, $89 (*Hallie’s pick) | 8. ALDO Alvara, $80 (on sale) | 9. Charlotte Olympia Isadora sandals, $803 | 10. Guess by Marciano Lena sandals, $188 (*Hallie’s pick) | 11. Manolo Blahnik Fersen sandals, $765 | 12. Reed Krakoff sling-back sandals $670 | 13. B Brian Atwood cut-out suede flats, $375| 14. Zara sandals with ankle buckle, $79| 15. Zara close-toed sandals $80 | 16.Givenchy platform sandals, $675 | 17. Mango leather and suede sandals, $130 | 18.Steve Madden DYNEMITE sandals, $125 | 19. H&M imitation leather sandals, $40 | 20. Zara cork-wedge sandal, $99
Thankfully, I spent a lot of time at Macy’s over the last month, so I know the floor spread like the back of my hand. As soon as I saw this Kensie coat, I knew it was the one. (Yes — the one; I refer to my material goods as I do men.)
In true Macy’s fashion, my Kensie coat was an additional 25% off an already marked down price, so $48 later I was headed home without a hint of buyer’s remorse. Love when that happens, don’t you? Hoarding cute winter coats is always justifiable if you live in Chicago… Or that’s what I keep telling myself.
On a related note, meet my semi-new alice + olivia shoes. I scored them on sale (50% off!) at Nordstrom on my last trip to LA, but haven’t had a chance to wear them given the weather. It didn’t help that I was shopping with *the* shoe aficionado, Ashley. My favorite friends are the ones who won’t let you leave a store without a kick-ass pair of kicks. My parents don’t quite concur.
For today’s look, I paired them with my go-to boyfriend jeans. I’m addicted to the snooze button and I seriously can’t kick my vintage-tee-and-jeans lifestyle. It’s just too simple, chic and easy to take from day-to-night. I hope you’re not quite sick of it.
*Wearing: vintage Zara t-shirt, Kensie coat, faux-crocodile clutch c/or ASOS via rewardStyle, Joe’s jeans, alice + olivia shoes (sold out, sorry!)
Happy long weekend! See you Monday for The Carrie Diaries. And don’t forget — t+j Designs is offering corals + cognacs readers a 15% discount with code HALLIE15.
It the most wonderful tiiime of the year! No, not Christmas. It’s (faux) Fashion Week!
Talk about saving the best for last. For our final Rimmel London fashion challenge, my stylish co-horts and I were tasked with styling a fashion-forward look from lip-to-toe look. To me, that means streamlined, clean and on-trend. I learned on my last trip to Fashion Week that less is more, an easy-to-carry bag that fits your electronics is essential, and you’ll usually be in a hurry.
Grab Starbucks and dress accordingly.
The only downside of such an anticipated event? Packing is a pain in the ass.
Regardless of what I’m prepping for — be it Fashion Week or an extended family vaca — I focus on breathing more “life” into my pieces than just one wear. Essentials include: a tailored pair of dark jeans (easy to wear multiple times without notice) and silk blouse from Equipment or Old Navy.
On the other hand, I also like to keep my outfit options interesting with a “wild card,” like these camo print pants. They can easily be paired with that Equipment blouse – or the ever-essential vintage tee, like I’ve styled for today’s look. These pieces exude a casual, put-together vibe, which is one you can wear anywhere.
During my last jaunt at Fashion Week, these comfortable Zara pumps enabled me to run from Lincoln Center all the way downtown to Milk Studios in Chelsea in between shows. (And I always took the subway!) In addition to your walk-anywhere pumps, be sure to pack flats. I’m speaking from experience, and some point, your feet will hurt.
As for your make-up, I like to keep mine clean and basic. Sunglasses are another Fashion Week essential, so I maintained my focus on creating a pretty, glossy lip with Rimmel’s Treasure Hunt, Fuchsia Fever and Stay my Rose. I love how Stay Glossy makes it possible morphs the shade — just by layering.
I finished my look with the essentials — Rimmel’s BB cream, charcoal liner and two coats of volumizing mascara — which will ensure my look stays put from day ’til night.
Voila! Now, off to practice my street style pose. In the meantime, If you haven’t yet seen my video recap from Fashion Week, check it out here.
*Wearing: Old Navy tee, Zara camo pants, ASOS bag c/o rewardStyle, Zara pumps, Tory Burch sunnies
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Click over to Rimmel’s Facebook page to see my other looks. There’s only one week left to vote!
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Contest Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. You must have Internet access, a valid email address, Facebook account, Twitter Account, Instagram account and Pinterest account to participate. Contest ends 11:59 am ET on 1/4/13. Only open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. who received a non-transferable invitation directly from Glam Media and Coty US LLC to participate in this Contest. Void where prohibited. See complete Official Rules for full details including eligibility restrictions, method of winner determination and prize limitations. This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. In participating in this Contest, you are providing your information to Coty US LLC and not to Facebook.
The London Look isn’t just one look. It’s an attitude that embraces originality and isn’t afraid to experiment with whatever look you desire. With the range of 24 shades, Stay Glossy Lipgloss from Rimmel London gives you the freedom to mix and match endless colour combinations for any occasion. Free yourself from the beauty norms and learn more about the endless possibilities of London Looks at Facebook.com/RimmelLondonUS.
Disclosure: I have been compensated by Coty US LLC (Rimmel London US) for making these statements regarding its products.
