The Fine Print

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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.

An Eyelet Affair

May 27, 2024

In spite of my better judgement, I’ve been embracing a palette of bright whites this season.

Don’t get me wrong, I love wearing white — it’s the perfect seasonal palette cleanse - but I’m clumsy. Really clumsy, as dictated by Murphy’s Law.

There are trade-offs to this, of course. On the one hand, wearing white is the perfect wardrobe canvas, which makes getting dressed much easier. On the other, it requires me to severely restrict my diet (to the likes of water, white wine and hummus… Which I’m actually fine with).

Continue reading →

Bloggers (and Brands) who Brunch

June 12, 2024

Yesterday, I joked about how scattered and event-heavy my schedule has become the past few weeks, but not in a bad way. I like being forced out of my little New York apartment!

Last Saturday, I ventured to the West Village for brunch at Palma over mimosas, complex carbohydrates and the latest collections from Julie Vos and Persifor - two new-to-me designers that you’ll start seeing more of in my outfit rotations. Julie has an eye for beautiful jewelry with semi-precious stones, and Alex (of Persifor) creates casual, designer-looking resort-wear. One of these bags may have just gotten picked up by a huge women’s clothing retailer, too!

In addition to catching up with a few girls I haven’t seen since Fashion Week, I had the chance to (finally) meet Mackenzie, Courtney and Karly for the first time. Here’s a few photos from our brunch:

The morning’s company, of course, was great. I’d elaborate on what I ate, but the honest answer is just “two of everything.” … And then some: Spinach and egg frittata, fruit-topped french toast, flaky croissants and a delicious caprese salad. YOLO?

Special thanks to Kat, Julie and Alex for hosting. I loved meeting you just as much as I loved leaving 10 pounds happier and heavier!