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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.

Summer Brew Style

June 30, 2024

In anticipation of the Fourth of July, I’m wearing what I like to call my Summer Brew Style today.

You know, your go-to ensemble that’s equal parts casual, comfortable and appropriately patriotic. An outfit that’s perfect for mid-afternoon patio lounging with an ice-cold lemon-flavored beer… Because, well, sometimes good things happen to those who don’t wait (’til happy hour).

I’m such a bitch for talking about this on a Monday, aren’t I?

Continue reading →

My Marlena | Win an MZW Bag of Your Choice!

June 25, 2024

So, what do you guys think: Is 28-years-old too old for music festivals?

Don’t answer that, actually — let’s discuss.

Also: TWO of you have the chance to win an MZ Wallace bag of your choice today, so keep on reading… Continue reading →

All-American

June 1, 2024

Ever since Zooey Deschanel debuted her capsule collection of dresses with Tommy Hilfiger, it was love at first sight.

…Especially with this “Modical” (mod + nautical) inverted shift dress. Which took me a good month or so to find online.

Continue reading →

The Hunger Games | Kyoto, Japan

January 7, 2024

สวัสดี (hello) from Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, where I’ve been living on a boat for the past five days (more on that to come).

Apologies that I haven’t spent more time providing frequent travel updates beyond Instagram. The thing is, every single day on this journey seems to generate so many stories to tell — and I want to be sure I’m thorough in repeating them back to you!

Continue reading →