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.

Margarita Moments

May 2, 2024

I don’t know if you’re aware, but I have a side-job of advocating for proper margarita-making (and consuming).

Continue reading →

Behind the Scenes: Bloggers’ Night In

July 18, 2024

A few weeks back, I ventured to Atlantic Beach with Devon, Mel, Natalie and Ali to film a fun video segment for Sauza Tequila (on behalf of Glam.com). I’ll share the video with you as soon as it’s ready, but here’s a few behind-the scenes sneaks in the meantime:

The location we set up shop at is gorgeous. When we arrived bright-and-early — venti’s in-hand — we were greeted by a number of people already busy talking into their phones, shucking corn, setting up expensive-looking equipment and arranging pretty floral centerpieces. Kinda felt like I walked on to a direct replica of one of my Pinterest boards.

I practically had to be dragged upstairs and away from the aroma of fresh grilled meats and veggies. The ladies and I spent much of the morning in hair and make-up — it takes an army, you guys.

If you’re curious, the people you see in these photos include our director, his assistants, the camera, sound and mic crews; the Glam team; hair and make-up warriors; prop and food stylists. Like I said, it takes an army. Most of the food you see wasn’t for us to eat (torture!), but we were able to dabble in the beverage department.

It was a looong day of shooting (around 15 hours, to be exact), which may have ended in my doing THIS. Regardless, it was another one of those “pinch me” days, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to spend it sipping on Sauza with these great girls.

When in Rome, you know? Check back soon for video content!