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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.

Boat- and Beach-Ready in jcpenney

June 12, 2024

I know, I know; the title of today’s post may have you cocking your cute little head a bit (you so just did it), but hear me out — or just peep these $10 color-block sandals to see for yourself. (…Right?)

You may have noticed through recent advertising, but jcpenney got herself a major makeover this year. While the brand isn’t a brick-and-mortar I’ve shopped frequently the past few years, I’m all about looking chic on the cheap. So, when jcp asked me to do a little summer shopping and share my favorite finds with you, I was more than happy to oblige.

platform sandals

In browsing, I was particularly taken by their pool- and beach-gear, like the $12 swim separates and $24 jelly wedges I’m rocking.

As a part of their re-branding strategy, jcpenney has eliminated the need for us to carry coupons and dig for discount codes. Simply put, nothing but fair-and-square pricing schemes — and some amazingly cute summer steals.

jcp swim suit, chicago boating, chicago boat scene, chicago lake michigan photos, chicago lake photos, chicago skyline photos, belmont harbor, chicago belmont harbor

coral bathing suit, polka dot bathing suit, bow tie wedges, bowtie wedge sandals

*Head-to-toe: Swim suit + bow-tie wedges c/o jcpenney, American Apparel skirt, Ann Taylor bracelet, Ray Ban shades

Here’s a few other #jcpfinds I found while browsing the brand’s website that will easily take you from your beach towel to a bar stool. These Nicole by Nicole Miller shorts are kind of, oh, everything.

*Shop the look: Nicole by Nicole Miller shorts, $20 / St. John’s Bay espadrille wedges, $24 / MNG by Mango necklace, $25 / Gold-tone ring, $8 / Olsenboye canvas backpack, $8