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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.

Distressed Denim: My Perfect Pair of Boyfriend Jeans

January 15, 2024

For awhile now, I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of distressed denim. I’m not sure when the hunt for boyfriend jeans became a “thing” for me, but I’ve been carrying a mental checklist of my ideal combination of wash, fit and fray for quite some time.

Okay, let’s back up for a sec. There are a few things I’d like to accomplish in today’s post. Namely…

Formally introduce you (Alexander Wang) Rockie. Though you Instagram’ers have already met him - twice.
Discuss the re-birth of boyfriend jeans as a wardrobe staple.
Whine how purposefully wearing a vintage white tee over a black bra will garner you lots of questions from co-workers.

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As mentioned, boyfriend jeans aren’t typically my go-to wardrobe staple.

I’m not sure what’s caused the recent change of heart… Perhaps it’s the fact that Rachel Bilson has always looked so effortlessly stylish (and comfortable) in them. Either way, there’s something that screams off-duty model that’s transfixed me into a woman obsessed over finding ways to make the low-slung style work on my petite frame.

After awhile, I finally found Joe’s Jeans Vintage Reserve. These skinny boyfriend jeans have a just the right amount of heavy distressing, which makes them easy to style for work or for weekends. Instant classic in my closet.

Personally, I think vintage-style skinnies look best with a plain white tee and minimal accessories. It’s an outfit that works when it’s kept low maintenance and informal (hence my well-worn, semi-sheer shirt aesthetic), but I decided to go for a slightly chic’er vibe, smartening up my Joe’s with a sapphire crystal bracelet, matching Pour La Victoire wedges and an Alexander Wang Rockie duffel.

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*Wearing: Zara tee | sapphire crystal bracelet and gold chain-link bracelet c/o t+j designs (discount code below) |
Vintage Reserve Joe’s boyfriend jeans | Pour La Victoire Mai wedges |Alexander Wang Rockie duffel

Lastly, I’ve been a long-time fan of t+j Designs, founded by two fashion-minded sisters (and friends of mine), Tiffany and Jen. I was first introduced via the Today Show when I saw an ad for (and I purchased) Love necklace. Most pieces are well less than $100 — including the sapphire blue crystal bracelet and gold textured chain-link bracelet I’m wearing.

The ladies have been nice enough to offer a discount to corals + cognacs readers, so take note:

Receive an instant $10 coupon when you opt-in for e-mails
(or) Get 15% off your total with the code HALLIE15

Click on over to shop t+j’s affordable jewelry finds. Comment below and let me know your favorites!

Stay Glossy During… Your Favorite Concert

December 3, 2023

Some nights, your go-to beige eye-shadow and pretty pink blush just won’t cut it, and this is one of those nights. Whether you’re rocking out in a run-down bar or front row at the most anticipated show of the year, your style’s got to mirror your plans and hit a high note, amiright?

For tonight’s look, I paired simple slate denim and a sheer, billowy blouse. I like when my clothing sways with me to a beat. This type of dressed-down glam is perfect for an indoor concert, but really, as long as you’re comfortable, confident, and wearing a look that’s uniquely you, you can’t go wrong when getting dressed up to rock out.

Keep your style on-trend by choosing so-this-season shades in oxblood, cobalt and the like. I always reach for a no-fuss cross-body bag and shoes that won’t hurt my feet (I’m a veteran wedge walker) in order to optimize my (self-described) killer dance moves.

… And vocals.

When it comes to concerts, less is always more in my book. That’s where your make-up comes in! I stick to smooth, long-lasting eye color in purple or plum color varieties to make my hazel eyes pop. A slight cat-eye and just-bitten red lip aren’t overblown, but add a little oomph.

*Wearing: Topshop blouse, headband c/o Nicole Miller, Joe’s Jeans pants, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

…And as these guys say, I’m headed for bright lights, big ciii-taay, Chicagoooo! // Click on over to Rimmel’s Facebook page to see my other looks and to vote for your favorites:

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.

In-vest-ing

November 15, 2023

Yesterday, a co-worker of mine asked just how many fur vests I have…

Initially, I was confused. Can you ever have too many? Especially in the Midwest, where winter weather (seemingly) claims the majority of our calendars, it’s hard to know when to say when…

But, to answer the question, I have two. I style each of them very differently, though (under jackets, over a blouse, with a maxi skirt), which may be why I give off the impression that I own a closet full of fur vests… A girl can dream.

I thrifted this DVF blouse the second-to-last time I was in New York. Among other things, one of my favorite things about Manhattan is the volume, variety and accessibility of vintage and consignment designer pieces.

BB Dakota fur vest / thrifted DVF blouse / Foley + Corinna bag (from the Gilt City Warehouse Sale)
Joe’s Jeans / Tory Burch sunglasses / Francesca’s ring / Essie Smokin’ Hot

*More ways to shop this look:

I’m jet-setting again today, what are your plans for the weekend?

Photos: Michelle

Currently Coveting: Shark Week-inspired Style

August 20, 2023

Yes, that’s right. I’ll let the title of this post do the talking.

*Shop the trend (Top row, left-to-right): 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel, NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow - Burn it Blue, Ray-Ban Updated Wayfarers, Ax paris fish print playsuit, BUBA Ariana Bracelet, Lush sea salt scrub // Middle: Modcloth Ocean Wave Wedge, Sequin bangles, GIVENCHY Pink Gold Shark’s Tooth Pendant Necklace, NARS Nail Polish - Storm Bird, Bottega Veneta strappy sandals, Trina Turk Ocean Tonal Pendant Necklace, Jessica Matrasko Jewelry Trendee Shark Tooth Necklace, GIVENCHY Black Charlinette Shark Tooth Heels, // Bottom: Thakoon Addition Ikat print cotton skirt, Shark Tooth Ring Set, Givenchy Shark-Lock Wedge Boot, Shourouk E. Vegas sequin and crystal earrings, Rumbatime Delancey Storm Watch, Carvela Kurt Geiger Storm, Joe’s Jeans Black Storm Skinny Jean

Four Ways to Wear It: The Chambray Shirt

January 27, 2024

If you’re quick to say “nay,” to denim button-downs, you’re either (1) a male or (2) unsure of where this pieces fits with your wardrobe. Am I right?

Last week, I raised my chambray stock by investing in this top from Old Navy (a steal at less than $30). I’ve been craving easy pieces this winter, and this classic style is a trendy, season-less shirt that’s sure to be in constant closet rotation.

Whether it’s worn knotted over a floating skirt for an uptown appeal, or unbuttoned with an element of hipster flare, the elegantly utilitarian item in question manages to walk a fine line between looking too masculine or too girly… Perfection!

Read on for tips + tricks to incorporate this key piece in your wardrobe:

Shop the Look: Old Navy chambray button-down

Classically Color-Blocked: Joe’s Jeans, stella & dot indira necklace, Opening Ceremony boots (sold out in blue, similar here)
Over a Maxi: By Malene Birger maxi, French Connection rope link necklace, Betsey Johnson blue suede booties
Weekend Layers: T by Alexander Wang sweater, Topshop leggings, House of Harlow leather triangle necklace, Guess boots
Haute Hippie: Topshop leggings, Steve Madden Tblanket moccasins, Dorothy Perkins scarf, Vera Wang ‘Gaia’ sunglasses