The Fine Print

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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.

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.

High-Contrast

September 9, 2023

New York Fashion Week or not, wearing head-to-toe black-or-white has become my wardrobe MO.

Continue reading →

Five Ways to Wear: A Pop of Leopard Print

April 5, 2024

The most common problem that even the most style-savvy among us encounter when it comes to wearing leopard is wearing too much of it. So, as an additional dose of outfit inspiration from my most recent outfit post, here’s my take on five more ways to wear leopard print. Which one’s your favorite?

*These prints make for a perfect toned-town look; add boots and a
chunky sweater into the mix for a no-fail weekend ensemble.

Shop the look: Current/Elliot shorts, Marc by Marc Jacobs sweatshirt, Steve Madden boots, Cesca vintage bag

*Select one animal print piece as your foundation, then style it with
neutral-tone sandals and tuck it into denim cutoffs. Hello, summer uniform!

Shop the look: Equipment chiffon blouse, Zadig & Voltair shorts, Sam Edelman wedges, Modcloth bag, Oasis watch

*Yes, you can wear leopard pants, because they act as a neutral. Thus,
they’ll look great with any solid colored top you might have!

Shop the look: Alexander Wang top, Current/Elliot jeans, Yoki Donya wedges, St. John necklace, Tory Burch clutch

*Less is more. Plain and simple.

Shop the look: Rag & Bone tee, Blank Denim skinnies, Kate Spade necklace, Marc Jacobs bag, Madewell flats

*Even if you’re donning them as accents, try not to wear your leopard pieces with
other animal prints; your look can become a bit too costume-esque.

Shop the look: Warehouse scarf, Rag & Bone tee, H&M jeans, Modcloth booties, Asos bag