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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.

Printed Pants

December 15, 2023

Basic blue jeans are a girl’s essential, but printed pants are a new classic at this point. From florals to metallics and animal print patterns, these fun takes on denim are incredibly of-the-moment and — surprisingly — totally wearable.

I love these INC printed pants. They lend a young, fresh flair to an otherwise grown-up ensemble of a black blazer and pointed-toe pumps. This pattern can be loud, but by pairing them with basic black pieces and only one color (that blouse!), the look stays understated.

If bold patterns aren’t your thing, start with subtler details, like little polka dots and pinstripes. Above all else, just remember two simple rules:

Consider the cut. Printed pants with flared bottoms can look a little dated. I find the most flattering way to wear printed pants is with a skinny cut leg.
Wear a top that’s the same color as any of the hues in your pants, and you’ll look fresh and put together.

*Wearing: DKNY tuxedo blazer,, INC printed pants, Joie blouse, Rachel Roy pumps c/o Macy’s via Glam, Kate Spade bag (purchased at Macy’s awhile back)

Voila! What do you think? For more ways to wear printed denim, check out this post on how to wear metallic pants for outfit inspo.

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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.

Currently Coveting: Polka Dotted Prints

July 29, 2024

*Shop the trend (top row, left to right): SheInside polka dot dress, Stella McCartney Summer Runway Collection sunglasses, Brahmin Marilyn Polka Dot Back Pack, Topshop Pastel Flock Spot Bralet, Comme des Garçons Polka dot-embossed leather wallet, SheInside polka dot tunic, Marni wallet, Paul Smith Waterbleed Ink Polka Print Top, Rebecca Minkoff Perf Weave Lyric Satchel // Bottom (left to right): Apricot Polka Pussy Bow Blouse, Kate Spade ‘Lisa’ ink blue pumps, J. Crew cashmere polka dot blouse, Tory Burch buddy scarf, Kate Spade ‘Lynn’ evening pump, Rebecca Minkoff ‘Flirty’ studded bag, Alaïa Lace-up calf hair platform boots

Currently Coveting: Anchors Aweigh

July 1, 2024

anchor sweater, anchor fashion, anchors

*Top row, from left: Sperry Top-Sider Palm Beach wedges, Darlaston Anchor Necklace, GOSSE DE PARIS ‘Tidal Wave’ sweater, YSL anchor leather keychain, Mia Malia canvas shoes, YSL cut-out suit, Cream anchor print vanity purse
*Middle, from left: Petite-Bateau short sleeve shirt, OBEY anchor ikat bandeau, J.Crew Maritime striped cotton-jersey dress, J.Crew Dizzy Anchors dress, Kate Spade New York Anchors Away Necklace, ZOE AND MORGAN Hope and Anchor Necklace, J.Crew Sequin anchor tank
*Bottom, from left: Ally neon Anchor Tee, M.Cohen Multi-Wrap With Brass Anchor on Wax Cord, Betsey Johnson Earrings, MIA Renegade wedges, Paul’S Boutique Anchor Sasha Satchel, Topshop romper

Ten Sales to Shop Now for Fourth of July

June 29, 2024

A-mer-i-caaa! It’s almost the Fourth of July, and you know what that means: beach-going, fireworks-watching, and — hell yes — some amazing sales to shop. To help you start feeling festive in the days ahead, I’ve rounded up some of the best online sales to get you through the weekend, to the holiday and beyond. Credit cards, ready?

Up to 50% off select items at ASOS. This Euro retailer’s summer sale is always one of my favorites. Prepare to set your productivity aside and get shopping. No code needed. (Ends 7/4 at midnight)

20% to 30% off at Tory Burch. Now’s the time to scoop up those flats, that bag or the sunnies you’ve been eyeing all summer. Click to shop and use code SUMMERTIME at checkout. (Ends 7/4 at midnight)

tory burch fourth of july sale, fourth of july sales

Extra 40% off sale items at Banana Republic. Think work-chic dresses, sleek shoes and summery tops. Click here to shop and enter code BRSTARS at checkout (ends 7/4 at midnight).

Extra 25% off sale items at Kate Spade. Uh, yeah. Handbags, dresses, shoes and accessories up for grabs, gals. I’ll race you there! No code needed. (Ends 7/8 at midnight)

25% to 65% off at Bloomingdales.com. A huge array of goods for women, men, children and home is anywhere from 25% to 65% off, and some items are an extra 15% when you use code SUNNY15 at checkout. (Ends 7/4 at midnight)

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Okay, catch your breath. Ready? And repeat: Here’s five more Fourth of July sales worth browsing:

Express: $15 off every $90 with code 1516
Gap: Up to 40% off select styles
MIA Shoes: 10% your order with code HALLIE (I can’t stop wearing these.)
Old Navy: 15% off any order; 20% off $100 with code ONSAVEBIG (ends 7/1)
Piperlime: Up to 60% off for their twice-yearly sale. Plus 15% off your first online purchase (with e-mail sign-up)

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

be bright pink, bright pink chicago, be bright pink chicago

rebecca minkoff flats, neon rebecca minkoff shoes, neon rebecca minkoff mac, rebecca minkoff mini mac, rebecca minkoff mini m.a.c.

chicago social event, cs chicago social, dna 2050, dna2050 900 shops, 900 shops, 900 shops chicago

chicago outfit blogger, chicago street style

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

flirty cupcakes, molly's cupcakes, flirty girl

rebecca minkoff bag, rebecca minkoff clutch

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

*Happy Friday!