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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.

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.

Textured

June 15, 2024

It’s all about texture in this closet as of late… Perforated bag? Check. Fringe skirt? Check. Are there any warm weather trends are you’re gravitating towards this season?

I wore this to last week’s Birchbox event and have since made a pledge to purchase every single fringe skirt I can get my hands on. Seriously — I could not stop walking around like an ~~asshole~~ flamenco dancer the entire night. And then possibly when I returned the privacy of my apartment…

Anyway, I usually take my own outfit photos, but was lucky to have Jessica along to snap some for me. Click over to Bow & Sequins to see what she wore!

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*Head-to-toe: Zara skirt, Lush top, Ann Taylor bag c/o (it’s on sale!), Vera Wang wedges, necklace c/0 Bakers Shoes

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Happy Friday! Don’t forget to enter this week’s Birchbox giveaway. Ends tomorrow!

Event Recap: Shopping with CS Magazine for Bright Pink

June 8, 2024

Last night, I headed over to DNA2050 at the 900 Shops (a boutique in Chicago) to shop apparel and accessories with CS Magazine on behalf of Bright Pink, a women’s non-profit focused on early detection and prevention of breast and ovarian cancer.

In sum, the event was… delicious: Good company, ‘cucumber tinis, white wine and way too many cupcakes and cake pops (YOLO?). And, to my paycheck’s dismay, Rebecca Minkoff’s entire new ready-to-wear collection.

I ended the night a few LB’s heavier and as the proud owner of a brand spankin’ new Minkoff mini M.A.C bag — complete with rose gold hardware (pictured below). I couldn’t resist, and really — shopping for charity? Come on. #nobrainer

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*Head-to-toe: Target denim, Nine west pumps (similar), Kate Spade bag, Lush top (similar), Bakers necklace (similar)

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… Swooning over so many Minkoff’s! That’s the plum-colored bag I went home with.

*Happy Friday!

Ruffled Red

May 22, 2024

Remember when I said I was becoming easily seduced by high-low hemlines this season? Well, the same has been happening with tiered ruffles.

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Chic, charming, and surprisingly refined, ruffled anythings have quickly become my go-to for day-to-night dressing. Yes, I know this trend isn’t new or groundbreaking, but do you know how many ways you can style it? Be it an elegant occasion, to work and beyond or as casual weekend-wear, these frilly pieces are an ultra-femme closet essential and a super simple way to up the ante on your everyday style.

I bought this dress last season, and while I don’t belive it’s currently available for purchase, here are three styles I love equally as much — from Plastic Island, Armani and Dorothy Perkins. On a scale of 1 to already-in-my-closet, how badly do you and I need that first frock?

*Wearing: H&M dress and jacket (similar coral blazer), Ann Taylor belt, bag c/o Bakers Shoes (it’s on clearance!), Urban Ears headphones, Chanel sunglasses, Essie Tarte Deco polish, similar beige Dolce Vita booties

I Can’t DIY

May 10, 2024

Last week, I roadtripped with Jessica from Bows & Sequins and Lauren from The Girls of Lincoln Park to meet, greet and naturally, DIY with Jenni Radosevich, the brains and beauty behind the blog-turned-book I Spy DIY.

Here’s a few photos, what I wore, and existential proof that I totally suck at arts and crafts:

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Jessica’s silver Sam Edelman shoes are on sale right now!

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floral shoes … and so are my floral wedges from Bakers.

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Fail.

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Jenni was super sweet, down-to-earth and totally non-judgemental over my embarrassing attempt at feather earrings. It’s really refreshing to meet someone who is such a positive driving force behind her own success. Congrats, Jenni!

*Check out I Spy DIY, Bows & Sequins, Style Juncture and Stilettos and Diaper Bags to see more photos from the event.

A Baker’s Dozen: State Street Shoe Finds

April 12, 2024

Admittedly, I’m a Shoe Hoarder. I feel a constant obligation to seek out, collect and display an arguably unacceptable amount of shoes in my closet. You say obsession, I say purpose.

Tomato, tomato.

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*From top, Gilian, Cathi, Romantic

When I think Bakers Shoes, I think trendy options at affordable prices. I used to find that shopping here was hit-or-miss, but when I visited the new store on State Street in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised to find otherwise. In fact, I left wanting to take home at least a Baker’s Dozen worth of pairs… And, subsequently, a cab. (Sorry, it was too easy.)

Like me, you may be surprised to find out that Bakers actually carries brands other than their own private label – like Blowfish, Luichiny, Chinese Laundry and Jessica Simpson. On a scale of 1 to Already Purchased, how major are these H by Halston platform sandals?

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Although I don’t often wear flats, I’m constantly on the hunt for the perfect pair of relaxed-yet-dressy-and-cute-but-comfy sandals to take me from brunch to shopping to happy hour and beyond. Simple, right? What girl isn’t?

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The Roma fits the bill, in my book. I love the criss-cross foot strap, toe loop and adjustable buckle and plan to style ‘em up with shorts, boyfriend jeans and dresses this season.

These are a few of the other styles you can find in-stock:

If you’re looking for sandals, wedges or pumps for the right price — at $60, $40 and, on the occasion that you’re able to score a sale pair in your size, $20 – Bakers is a great place to start.

Better yet, if you’re in Chicago this Saturday, stop by the store for the 2012 Spring Launch Party to say hi, visit with other local style bloggers and shop Paxton, Roma, Autumn, Sari and the rest of the collection. (133 S. State St.)