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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.

Style Finds: 15 Kate Middleton-inspired Mid-Wedges

May 20, 2024

Earlier this week, a colleague and I debated on whether or not Kate Middleton is a style icon. While I don’t find that she’s a reflect of my own personal taste, I’d argue that Kate’s low-profile style makes her an ideal icon for our recession-weary budgets.What do you think? Do you like her realistic chic look?

Anywho, on Sundays here at corals + cognacs, you know it’s all about shoes…. And when she’s not wearing riding boots, you can often find Kate rocking her L.K. Bennett’s — most frequently, in these limited edition wedges (only recently on sale in the US).

That got me to thinking: What other options do taller ladies and non-enthusiasts of the strappy stiletto have for styling their soles this summer? Here’s a round-up of my favorites, in addition to those (not so) newly infamous L.K. Bennetts:

mid wedge, tory burch wedges, l.k. bennett wedges, kate middleton l.k. bennett, dolce vita wedges, rebecca minkoff wedges, sam edelman wedges

*Let’s shop: 1. Sam Edelman Sophie mid-heel / 2. Nine West Packurbags wedges / 3. Kelsi Dagger Bunnie mid-wedges / 4. ALDO Salen wedges / 5. Topshop Napoli sporty sandals / 6. Madewell The Metallic Turnabout shoes / 7. Zara pleated mid-wedge / 8. Tory Burch Natalya stacked wedge / 9. Hive & Honey Desha wedges / 10. L.K. Bennett wedges / 11. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Alta / 12. Debenhams Tubular mini wedges / 13. Rebecca Minkoff Nella wedges / 14. Tory Burch Bridee contrast espadrilles (have ’em; so comfy!) / 15. K.G. by Kurt Geiger wedges

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 22

April 30, 2024

I love a good, old fashion Chuck-and-Blair scheme — and tonight, that’s exactly what’s in store for us on the Upper East Side.

gossip girl season 5 fashion, gossip girl fashion season 5, topshop blazer, topshop blouse, kurt geiger shoes, gossip girl 5.22, raiders of the lost ark fashion, blair waldorf fashion, serena van der woodsen fashion, gossip girl blair fashion, gossip girl lola fashion, gossip girl blair style, gossip girl chuck bass, lingerie fashion,

*Get the look: Topshop top, Style by Marina shorts, Tophshop blazer, Kurt Geiger shoes, Modcloth earrings

gossip girl season 5 fashion, gossip girl fashion season 5, herve leger dress, herve leger bandage dress, payless shoes, nude pumps, louis vuitton f/w 20112, gossip girl 5.22, raiders of the lost ark fashion, blair waldorf fashion, serena van der woodsen fashion, gossip girl blair fashion, gossip girl lola fashion, gossip girl blair style

*Blair’s look: Herve Leger bandage dress, Louis Vuitton bag, Sergio Rossi slingbacks
*For less: Alloy dress (not pictured but similar to dress above), Payless shoes, Audrey Brooke bag

*Recognize this look? Season 5 Repeat Offender
*Blair’s look: Dries Van Noten Fall 2011 coat, Oscar de la Renta bag, Brian Atwood pumps
*For less: Warehouse jacket, Kelsi Dagger pumps, Rebecca Minkoff bag, James Jeans, OC Shades sunnies ($12!)

lola gossip girl fashion, topshop sporty toe cap pumps, j crew cardigan, leopard print sweater, leopard cardigan

*Lola’s look for less: Crumpet cardigan, Topshop tank, Topshop pumps, Rich & Skinny jeans

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 19

April 9, 2024

Monday already, huh? Hope you had a nice Easter (or Passover) weekend. We’re back to the Upper East Side tonight!

It seems as though S (and now, GG?) has her sights set on transforming a reluctant Lola into the next “It Girl” of Manhattan. But, I wonder: Is she really ready to relinquish the spotlight?

PS: I hear that tonight’s the night that Sir Chuck and Queen B finally reunite investigate Bass’s past… I’m ready for that story line to kick into full gear. Get thee back to Brooklyn, Dan.

*Blair’s look: Dries Van Noten Fall 2011 coat, Oscar de la Renta bag, Brian Atwood pumps
*For less: Warehouse jacket, Kelsi Dagger pumps, Rebecca Minkoff bag, James Jeans, OC Shades sunnies ($12!)

*Serena’s look for less: GoJane necklace (similar), Oasis top, Topshop jeans

*Lola’s look for less: American Vintage top, Jou Jou blazer, James Jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs case

Perf-orated Pumps and Such

April 1, 2024

I’m not sure if it’s their surprising detail or functional wearability, but perforated shoes are a huge up-and-comer on the shoe front right now. I plan to wear ’em stag this summer and with socks and tights until the temps warm.

*Let’s shop: 1. Burberry Brogue Espadrilles, $395 / 2. Forever 21 Slingback Heels, $27 / 3. Vintage Hush Puppies, $140 / 4. Tory Burch Regan High Heel Pumps, $345 / 5. Proenza Schouler Lizard-effect Leather Pumps, $312 (on sale) / 6. Betsey Johnson Bellaaa flats, $99 / 7. FENDI sandals, $860 / 8. Miu Miu Peep-toe Pumps, $357 (on sale) / 9. Bally Oasis Perforated Leather Brogues, $850 / 10. Pour La Victoire Vedar Platform Cutout Pump, $154 (on sale) / 11. Urban OG Lorane pumps, $27 / 12. Kelsi Dagger Haidee flats $99

Four Ways to Wear It: Pink + Purple

March 7, 2024

Yesterday, I stepped out in this bold, color-blocked ensemble of hot pink and pretty lilac. Although these hues aren’t easy to pair together, you’ll be able to pull ’em off like a pro with a bit of inspiration. Et voila:

Shop the look: Weekday blouse, Paige Premium Denim skinnies,
Ann Taylor Neon Lights necklace, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC clutch, Miss Selfridge pumps

Shop the look: J Brand 811 skinnies, Weekday knit sweater, Lydia blouse,
Ann Taylor Neon Lights necklace, Kelsi Dagger Karmine pumps

Shop the look: Chunky Topshop tee, H&M skirt, Loeffler Randall Nadia lace-up booties,
Proenza Schouler small zip wallet, McQueen skull ring (and bracelet!)

Shop the look: A.P.C striped marino sweater, Equipment blouse, ASOS pale pink skinnies,
Ann Taylor Neon Lights necklace, Vince Camuto Korsi pumps

What do you think, would you wear pink and purple?
And, in case you haven’t yet, click here to enter for a chance to win that pretty neon necklace!