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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.

Straight Off the Plane in Paris

March 8, 2024

Bonjour, mes amis. I’m back in Chicago and eager to share a few updates and stories from the City of Light!

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Cozy Moto Coat

February 29, 2024

First of the month, you guys… When did that happen?

Ah, spring.

You’re so close I can taste it… Yet the 30-degree forecast — and goosebumps making their way up my legs — say differently… Le sigh.

Can we get a little consistency, here?

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Fashion Week Style Palette

February 16, 2024

Somehow, it’s Fashion Week again.

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The Golden Tote: Stylist in a Bag

November 20, 2023

Earlier today, I had one of those mornings when I killed at least 20 minutes staring at my closet thinking: “This is one of those days when I just wish I had a personal stylist.”

Someone to make the decisions for you, you know?

If you’re nodding, today’s post is for you. (And, really, if you like shopping at all, you’ll want to read this.)

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Want, Need This Cozy Cable-knit Sweater

October 7, 2023

I’ve got two posts for you today, but this one is kind of like the fashion equivalent of those break-in-case-of-emergency boxes.

Okay, so: You know how when you’re shopping, you see something you want but can’t afford, and you fixate on it for-ever? Like, you get reverse buyer’s remorse for not purchasing it?

That’s how I was with this Topshop dress all summer long — but I’ve since moved on and I’ve got my sights set on this incredibly perfect cable-knit sweater.

OMG! It was, truly, love at first sight six months ago, but you and I both know we’re not gonna go dropping that kind of cash on a freakin’ sweater… Even though such a classic, comfortable heritage staple would be a worthy closet investment…

Can you tell I tried real hard to justify splurging on it back then? (First, rent. Then, shoes. THEN sweaters.)

Thankfully, I just noticed that it’s on sale this week (a whopping 60% OFF!), so you better believe I’m gonna buy and cozy up in it for the foreseeable future.

I love a trendy take on the traditional fisherman’s sweater, but if you’re nervous about rocking such an open-weave knit, just throw a flesh-toned tank underneath. Easy! And whether you’re adding it to your arsenal of East Coast essentials or your style profile is more West Coast-worthy, you can make this work. Here’s how I’d style it:

*Scroll over the image above to shop/click on each item

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*Get the look with this cable-knit sweater…

*WEST COAST: rag & bone jean shorts, Gap leather satchel, Tory Burch Reva flats // *EAST COAST: Paige ultra skinny distressed denim, Vince peep-toe booties, Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, rag & bone felt fedora

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