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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.

Mood Board, Vol. 10 | May 2014

May 8, 2024

With (seemingly) nothing but neon and mixed prints among my ensembles the past few months, varying shades of bright white and baby blue have been a welcome palette cleanser as of late.

Here’s what’s on my radar this month:

Continue reading →

Mood Board | October 2013

October 4, 2023

A bit of a unique intro today, but justifiably so:

Have you listened to Kanye West’s new album, by chance? I don’t love him as a person, but his music is another story. And I honestly think he was writing about that pre-fall, post-Fashion Week period when he wrote the song Blood on the Leaves:

“I just need to clear my mind now
It‘s been racin’ since the summertime
… And all I want is what I can’t buy now
Cause I ain’t got the money on me right now”

Me too, Yeezus… Me too. Here’s what’s inspiring/taunting me for the month of October:

Continue reading →

Gossip Girl Fashion Copycat: Season 5, Episode 16

February 20, 2024

Serena is sporting Jimmy Choo Enford Glitter Pull-On Boots and a Fendi Chameleon Duffle Satchel
Get her look for less with a blue scarf, YA Los Angeles Out All Night trench, Audrey Brooke Dolce cross-body bag and Gastone Lucioli black boots

Get Blair’s look: Old navy trench, Portolano leather bow-detail gloves, Vince Camuto Graph Tropic Teal pumps (right), Topshop GILMORE2 metallic cap-toe pumps (left), Mango scarf

Blair is wearing a Milly Suzie plaid skirt (it’s on sale!)
Get her look with a Blu Pepper lavender top and Suno layered mini skirt

Get Charlie’s look: Alice + Olivia all-over-sequin sweater, Guiseppe Zanotti cork wedge sandal, boyfriend jeans, H&M earrings and a red lip (like this Rimmel London Kate Lipstick)