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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.

Mood Board, Vol. 3 | July 2013

July 3, 2024

In my Pinterest-curated fairy tale, July is all about green grass, gingham picnic blankets, firework-watching and summer brew.

In New York, I’m learning, it’s actually about unbearable humidity, inevitable pit stains, dropping way too much money for a (worth it) weekend in the Hamptons, and, well, summer brew. As a result, I’m working a variety of simple shapes and no-fuss frills into my wardrobe this month.

It’s all about Aloe Vera and a laid-back aesthetic for the next few weeks. Cheers!

*Shop my July inspirations | Top: J. Crew summer hat, 3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses, H&M pineapple tank, J. Crew striped t-shirt, Jennifer Zeuner eye necklace | Middle: J.Crew baseball tee, C. Wonder stud earrings, Zara sandals, C. Wonder monogramed enamel bracelet, 3.1 Phillip Lim satchel, Target denim vest, Miu Miu bow-embellished bathing suit, Bottom: CURRENT/ELLIOT denim shorts, BCBGMAXAZRIA mosaic cuff, J.Crew Everly pumps, Proenza Schouler PS1 in light banana, J.Crew floral top

Desk Refresh

March 12, 2024

It’s been a full week (and some change) since I moved to New York. I’ve settled in quickly at my new agency, and one of my favorite parts in the process has been re-establishing my work-place essentials.

Are you in need of a quick desk refresh? Here’s what I’m buying for mine. And, okay, there’s a few new wardrobe staples peppered in the mix, too.

… What? I need those.

Currently Coveting: Hawaiian-inspired Style

July 15, 2024

There was a resurgence of Hawaiian style on the runway last year, and it’s looking like designers aren’t quite ready to retire the motifs. Hate it or love it?

I’ve been particularly taken by H&M’s 10th Anniversary collection this season. There’s something about the ease of Hawaiian lifestyle — especially when it entails a veritable luau of palm prints, hibiscus blooms and tiki imagery. Alas, the inspiration for today’s post…

*Shop the trend (top row, from left): Topshop Tropical Garden Playsuit, Equipment blouse, Juicy Couture ‘Creatures of Paradise’ necklace, AX Paris blazer, Tropical Punch Escada perfume, Paige Novick “Tropical Brights” Cobalt Enamel Sliced Cuff Bracelet, Miss Selfridge maxi dress (+ similar) // Middle: Topshop Hawaii chiffon sandals, Free People floral denim shorts, Essie Action, Essie Navigate Her, Lacoste sunglasses, Nine West Letitgo sandals (on sale) // Bottom(‘ish): Mango Tahiti top, Betsey Johnson Orbital Luau ring, Oasis Tropical Cherry Crop Jeans, Dorothy Perkins cream tropical skirt, Juicy Couture tropical fish ring, Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel, BaubleBar Soludos Hawaii Beach necklace, River Island Erika Tropical Print Cut Out Platform Wedges, Betsey Johnson “Hawaii Luau” Toggle Bracelet, Zimmermann Hawaiian-print bandeau bikini, DVF+Current/Elliot printed skinny jeans

Four Ways to Wear: Cropped Pants

June 6, 2024

After yesterday’s post, you probably aren’t surprised to know that I’ve been living in these Chelsea Cropped pants for the past two weeks, are you? Seriously — and as a petite gal, I’ve been conditioned to think cropped pants, maxi dresses and the like were out of my league. SOL at 5’4″ for life.

Au contraire, as I’ve learned in time. With the right styling, anyone can wear this trend — regardless of height, weight, shape and beyond. Here’s a dose of inspiration to get your creative outfit creation juices flowing:

neon pants, how to wear yellow pants, yellow pants outfit inspiration, neon pants outfit inspiration, neon denim, yellow denim

floral cropped pants, d&g floral pants, dolce & gabanna pants, dolce & gabanna denim
ann taylor chelsea crop pants

printed dress pants, printed jeans, cropped print pants

So, where do you weigh in on these styles? Call them Pedal Pushers if you must, but the truth is: Cropped pants are timeless, ageless, and are easily dressed up or dressed down. For that reason, I’m digging the natural progression of the not-quite-at-your-mid-calf pants trend — especially since it’s nine-to-five-friendly. I mean, really, what better way to show off a killer pair of shoes?

*Shop these looks:

Neon: Miss Iny denim shirt, Bqueen bandeau top, Nelli cropped chinos, Ann Taylor Harper gladiator sandals and striped tote, Oasis Wrap Bracelet
Floral: Topshop peplum top, floral D& G pants, Steve Madden Xcess wedges, Proenza Schouler PS1 neon pochette (similar Rebecca Minkoff style), Ann Taylor Sunburst necklace
Essential: Ann Taylor cowl neck, Chelsea Crop pants, perforated tote, sandals, Neon Lights necklace and bracelet
Printed: J.Crew polka-dot stretch-cotton Capris, rag & bone tank, House of Harlow ring, Fossil Watch, Aamaya by Priyanka Gold Swarovski necklace, J.Crew Brompton purse, Topshop sandals

Perf-orated Pumps and Such

April 1, 2024

I’m not sure if it’s their surprising detail or functional wearability, but perforated shoes are a huge up-and-comer on the shoe front right now. I plan to wear ’em stag this summer and with socks and tights until the temps warm.

*Let’s shop: 1. Burberry Brogue Espadrilles, $395 / 2. Forever 21 Slingback Heels, $27 / 3. Vintage Hush Puppies, $140 / 4. Tory Burch Regan High Heel Pumps, $345 / 5. Proenza Schouler Lizard-effect Leather Pumps, $312 (on sale) / 6. Betsey Johnson Bellaaa flats, $99 / 7. FENDI sandals, $860 / 8. Miu Miu Peep-toe Pumps, $357 (on sale) / 9. Bally Oasis Perforated Leather Brogues, $850 / 10. Pour La Victoire Vedar Platform Cutout Pump, $154 (on sale) / 11. Urban OG Lorane pumps, $27 / 12. Kelsi Dagger Haidee flats $99