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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.

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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.

Ink Splatter

March 4, 2024

When snow is absent from the weather forecast, I feel an obligation to take advantage and bust out a pair of statement pumps.

Continue reading →

Trina Turk x HauteLook

March 1, 2024

Ironically, I’m writing today’s post about my last night in New York during Fashion Week (a mere three weeks ago), as I’m now back in New York, sitting in a Starbucks between apartment-hunting appointments.

I’ll update you more on my living situation/NYC adventures next week, but, side-bar: My feet hurt.

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Is Architectural-Neon-Chic a Thing?

November 23, 2023

During that in-between-season, I’d much rather don a cute military coat than dust off my winter weather gear just yet — even if it means shivering a bit on my walk to work.

If you’re wondering, yes, these shoes are as obnoxiously vibrant in-person as they appear in these photos.

Not surprisingly, they’re my most show-stopping pair of pumps. (Quite literally!) However, you may be surprised to know that it’s mostly men that stop me to exclaim a general “whoa!” and ask me if they’re “hard to walk in.” … Bitch, please.

I bought them for my first-ever trip to Fashion Week and actually wore them with this same jacket. If architectural-neon-chic is a thing, it’s a go-to in this closet.

architectural shoes

*Head to toe: BCBGMAXAZRIA jacket (sold out, similar version), shirt c/o Teeology,
cropped trousers c/o Ann Taylor (similar), United Nude pumps, Marc Jacobs bag via Poshmark

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