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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.

Highlights of Summer

September 2, 2023

Flown by though it has, this has been one fantastic summer.

Continue reading →

Mood Board | May 2013

May 7, 2024

Happy May! Although, wasn’t it just Thanksgiving? Feels like it on my end.

Truth be told, we East Coast’ers have been chomping at the bit for a consistently daily dose of spring. (More on Mother Nature’s unpredictable manner here.) I’m ready to don my delicate tanks, white jeans and floating maxi dresses.

As a result, this month’s mood board entails a lot of transitional separates — pieces you can purchase to take you from spring to summer (and soon enough, summer to fall). Among my inspirations are structured separates, monochromatic pairings and a touch of tough-girl. These low-maintenance looks have lept off the screen in the form of a few recent personal style posts, too.

Top row: J.Crew straw hat | Jennifer Zeuner heart ring set | Michael Kors Selma Saffiano satchel | Tibi silk camisole
Upper middle: Kate Young for Target blazer | J. Crew windowpane pants | Madewell chevron necklace | Cargo eye shadow palettes | Coach Terri heels
Lower middle: Lot78 Hello printed t-shirt | Zoe Karssen Live Fast jersey sweatshirt | MICHAEL Michael Kors neon jetset perforated clutch | Vogue’s April 2013 US cover | J.Crew neon stone necklace
Bottom row: Alice + Olivia skinny cargo pants | Madewell sidewalk skimmers | Tibi striped shorts | Zara sandals | H&M scarf | Essie nail polish | MAC mineralize spring 2013 rich lipstick collection

If you haven’t, be sure to check out April’s mood board, too.