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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.
For today’s post, I’m taking a break from my Fashion Week coverage (there’s a two more to come — I saved the best for last!) to team up with Diet Dr Pepper on what makes my style unique.
Well, I’m back in Chicago “stranded” home for the remainder of the week due to a few feet of snow and a couple of cancelled flights. I have a few days away from the office upon my return (whenever that may be), which I’m thankful for — it could be worse! How’s your end-of-holiday season rounding out?
Awhile back, reader Erica submitted an Instagram request asking about the simplier side of my style. That’s exactly what’s in store for my closet for the remainder of my mini-Christmas vacation. I’ll be keeping it simple, streamlined and sweet — jeans, a cozy tee and an easy pair of wedges/cute flats. And, well, probably a jacket.
*Wearing: Zara top, J Brand jeans, Vera Wang wedges (similar), Tory Burch sunnies, fold-over clutch c/o C. Wonder via Glam, Michal Kors watch
A quick update: I’ll be doing some site maintenance and general housekeeping around here, so it’ll be pretty quiet the rest of this week. Lots of big, fun, pretty things are in store for corals + cognacs…
Don’t worry; in the meantime, there’s always Twitter and Instagram. Happy New Year, if I don’t “talk” to you before then! Thanks again for reading and for your continuous support. It means the world to me.
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!
I flew home last night and was met with six inches of snow. While the flight itself was a bit turbulent (white knuckle style), I couldn’t be happier to finally feel as though I’m getting in the holiday spirit.
You may have noticed, but I’ve spent a lot of time at Macy’s in the past few weeks. Not that I can complain, because I love wandering through the store during the holidays. It’s like a sensory overload of twinkling lights, Christmas trees and candy canes… And, of course, shoes, bags, jackets and style. Who can blame me?
Did you know the Macy’s on State in Chicago was the first-ever store to feature holiday-themed windows?
I’ve seen a lot of compelling gift guides this season (and done a quick one on statement necklaces, myself); however, it’s not every day I get to create a list my own. For my second-to-last #GlamSavvyShopper post (I’ll be posting another video episode tomorrow), I thought I’d use the latest looks I styled at Macy’s as inspiration. That said, here’s a few favorites on my list this season.
Embellishments: Stock up on these stand-out wardrobe pieces.
Shop embellished details: INC sparkle flats, Steve Madden Tarney booties, Rachel Roy studded blazer, Truth or Dare by Madonna studded pumps
Leather: The quickest way to lend your outfit a sleek-and-stylish vibe.
Shop leather: Guess motorcycle jacket, Coach mini-crossbody, Two by Vince Camuto leggings, INC blazer
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From exciting events to the latest trends, amazing contests to everyday values, Macy’s has been making magic for over 150 years! Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Macy’s via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Macy’s.
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.
