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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.

Leather Weather

December 11, 2023

Leather is having a major moment in my closet. And I don’t mean in a Matrix kind of way.

Luckily for me, the trend is pretty prevalent this season. There’s something super sleek and edgy about donning it for a daytime look, and the key to wearing it well is knowing how to keep your look balanced.

… I have a slightly different definition of “balanced” than most when it comes to style. Layers, layers, layers.

If you’re more on the subtle side, ease your way in by starting with a leather clutch or cross-body bag, like this slate grey Marc Jacobs one (yes, Macy’s sells MbyMJ, among a few other favorites).

You can get away with pairing this item with anything in your closet, but I opted to spice things up with a DKNY leather-trim blazer, a cropped knit and metallic denim from the affordable INC line. Why not?

Macy’s has a huge selection of jackets this season (and always, come to think of it). I loved just about every classic black blazer I came across, but the edged-up tuxedo styling and a faux-leather lapel of this particular DKNY piece did me in. I plan to pair it with my favorite LBD for a fun night out, and my those-are-tough-to-style floral jeans for weekends to come.

At the end of the day, if you’re still unsold how to easy it is to incorporate leather into your wardrobe, it’s as simple as investing in a good pair of everyday, wear-anywhere boots.

I wore this Enzo Angiolini pair straight out of the studio from last week’s video shoot and to the airport – they’re that comfortable!

*Head to toe: DKNY tuxedo blazer, INC cowl neck sweater, BCBGBMAXAZRIA blouse, INC metallic-coated jeans, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Rachel Roy for Macy’s shoes c/o Macy’s via Glam

Photos: Katy, Jessica

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.

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.

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 6, Episode 4

October 29, 2023

It’s Monday! Another night on the Upper East Side…

Before we get into our weekly dose of Gossip Girl Fashion, I thought I’d take a sec to let all of you on the actual Upper East Side (and the surrounding areas of New York, Jersey and D.C.) that I’m thinking of you. I hope you’re amply stocked up on magazines, wine and nail polish. And, you know, water and soup and whatnot. But seriously, stay safe!

gossip girl fashion *Blair’s look: Helene Birman floral scarf, Army green Choices jacket, DKNY leggings, ASOS knee-high boots

*Serena’s look: Parker dress (on sale), BaubleBar necklace, Nine West boots (on sale)

sage gossip girl, sage style on gossip girl *Sage’s look: AX floral dress, Catarzi for ASOS hat, Dolce Vita Bale leather booties, Amrita Singh bracelet, Marc Jacobs chain-link bracelet

*Lily’s look: By Malene Birger zig zag dress, Vince Camuto shoulder bag (in another color here), J. Crew wedges, BaubleBar earrings

Lemon Lime & Combat Ready

October 17, 2023

Anything army green seems to be the key player in my wardrobe this fall, particularly when it comes in a military-style cut with lots of pockets.

I recruited this little number to my fashion army a few months back and I’ve been wearing it non-stop ever since. It’s been my go-to transitional piece for an off-duty, perfectly pulled-together look — especially with those items I’m not yet ready to stow at the back of my closet, like these yellow jeans.

military-style jacket, cute military jacket, military coat

Personally, I wear military-inspired style in a more casual way to channel an everyday street-style vibe, but tailored army greens are also a great option as evening-appropriate outerwear. This jacket was my go-to during Fashion Week.

If you’re not into excessive layering and neon-tinted denim, just pair yours with black, pastel or neutral bottoms for a smart-but-stylish dressing strategy. You really can’t go wrong with this trend!

*Wearing: BCBG Bronnen jacket, Old Navy Rockstar jeans, Zara knit, Delia Langan rings, necklaces c/o Ann Taylor & Baker’s, Marc Jacobs bag (80% off via Poshmark), Ray-Ban sunnies, Mai wedges c/o Pour La Victoire

Four Ways to Wear: (Not so) Basic Beige

August 1, 2024

As we discussed this week, it’s all about texture if you’re mixing basic shades of beige. That said, here’s a few ideas to inspire your next ensemble. (And, okay, I threw a blush tone or two in there. As well as a dip-dye. How’s a girl to resist?)

*Shop the looks (top to bottom):

Zoe Karssen Oh La La sweatshirt, River Island Cream Crochet Lace Shorts, Marc by Marc Jacobs Enamel Disc Stud Earrings, Emilia Frame Satchel
Acne Wonder Ten Tee, Nude Bodycon Skirt, Lola James Luck Necklace, J. Crew Bubble Earrings, Astley Clarke Color Symphony Pink Chalcedony Ring, KORS Michael Kors Vail Patent Wedge
Weekday Cry Singlet Top, Roberta Chiarella Gold Teal Caramel Layered Necklace, Topshop Dip Dye Maxi Skirt, Marni Patent Leather Satchel, Topshop SULTRY High Platform Courts
H&M blouse, J BRAND Tie dye denim shorts, Topshop Flat Half Disc Earrings, River Island Skinny Heart Rings, NEIL BARRETT Ankle boots