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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.
August is the month that starts getting me excited for fall. Football teams take the field for training, September issues hit newsstands, and my hair finally doesn’t look like a hot, sticky mess after a 20-minute walk to work. (Knock on wood!)
Most excitingly, Fashion Week planning is poised to embark. This is reason alone for why it’s crucial that I invest in a functional wardrobe of pieces that are simple and can be styled a number of ways. That, and you know I’m about that snooze button.
Here’s what’s inspiring me for the month:
… No fuss frills for the month of August, ladies. No fuss frills. That’s what we’ll call it.
As you know, New York was hit with a shitload lot of snow last week. That Nemo couldn’t keep us away from Lincoln Center, though. There were shows to be seen! Here’s a few snaps from my first day in the tents:
I grew up in the Midwest, so I practically double-majored in mastering snowy- and rainy-day chic styles. I have umbrellas stashed everywhere — in my desk, at home, in my gym locker, and in my suitcase. In other words, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean sartorial sacrifices must be made, ladies.
My closet is chock-full of faux fur-lined hats, wind-resistant parkas and cute, waterproof boots. When I was in LA last weekend, it rained (drizzled) off-and-on for three days straight. Given the aforementioned upbringing, I’m not deterred by the threat of potential precipitation, but the city. shut. down. I laughed when my girlfriend Ashley told me she doesn’t even own an umbrella. Are each of you West Coasters in the same boat?
I walk to-and-from work (and just about everywhere else around town) and when it rains, I hate the feeling of kicking up water onto my legs. For that reason – temperature permitting – I’ll usually toss on shorts and a pair of cozy knee-high socks on my way out the door. I splurged on these Tory Burch rainboots two years ago, and they’ve been one of my best wardrobe investments to-date. Jelly flats and mini willies are a great alternative to bulkier styles, too – they’re great for keeping your feet dry but also staying stylish.
*Wearing: BCBG Bronnen jacket, Tory Burch rainboots, Zara sweater, American Apparel leggings, umbrella c/o Nicole Miller
When it rains, all hell breaks lose on my hair and face. Thankfully, Rimmel recently released their new BB Cream, which I now swear by. I mix a bit with my moisturizer, and after layering on Stay Glossy’s Yours Forever, My Eternity and Seduce Me, and adding two coats of mascara, I’m no longer publicly indecent and afraid to puddle hop my way to work.
Click on over to Rimmel’s Facebook page to vote for your favorite looks — and don’t forget to check out my Rimmel-inspired outfits for date night and a pop-rock concert.
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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.
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:
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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.
