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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.

Chunky Knits

January 28, 2024

Next to that first sip of coffee, there’s nothing better than slipping on a really great, cozy sweater in the morning. Am I right?

Continue reading →

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

October 28, 2023

Calling all fellow procrastinators, this post is for you.

If you’re anything like me, the very thought of pulling together a Halloween costume is enough to scare you. And as a result, you wait until the last possible second to decide on your hallowed holiday ensemble. Am I right?

So, that begs the question:
Dafuq are you going to wear?

No? Nothing? Me neither.

So, here’s a few quick-and-easy finds from some of my favorite online retailers (Topshop, ASOS and NasyGal) that’ll take the guesswork — and virtually all effort — out of concocting your costume.

Step 1: Add to cart. / Step 2: Incorporate variety from your everyday wardrobe. / Step 3: Top it off with a little creativity (and a bold red lip for good measure). Voila, my friends. You’re ready for the hallowed holiday!

Click to shop these quick-and-easy Halloween ideas:

If you want to keep browsing, I’d again suggest Topshop, ASOS and NasyGal. All of these retailers have options ranging from quirky to traditional — and they offer expedited shipping. This emoji-nal backpack? Happening.

Nordstrom has a few unexpected gems, too, like this awesome number.

Any other suggestions to share? Leave ’em in the comments below.

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Lastly, you might remember this fun Halloween video I did last year. If you’ve got two minutes, here’s five (more) ideas — and all of these pieces are things that are likely in your closet.