Get to Know: Hallie Wilson from Corals + Cognacs

{All pictures from Corals + Cognacs}

It's been a while since I've done a Get to Know post (check out my last two here and here), but I'm back with one of my favorite bloggers! Hallie Wilson from Corals + Cognacs is a blogger from New York City with an amazing sense of humor. Her blog is not only filled with perfect outfits, but also funny stories and and inspirational posts. One of my favorites was her Love Letter to New York City from a couple months ago! In a digital world where it seems we all try to make ourselves seem a little more perfect (guilty) Hallie keeps it real. Definitely check out her Outfit Outtakes because they are so funny and something that all bloggers know to be true. 

When a reached out to Hallie I had about a million questions on my mind about her blog, her job in social media, and all that amazing travel she gets to do! Luckily, Hallie was sweet enough to answer the ones that I sent her. 

You seem to have more than a few amazing statement pieces in your wardrobe. How do you decide which pieces are the right ones to splurge on?
Why, thank you! I tend to save on basics (and go to Zara, H&M, and Joe Fresh) and splurge on pieces that are timeless or unique. If I can think of three ways to wear it or I feel that it will add an "exclamation point"to the other items in my wardrobe, I go for it (In moderation, of course). Here's a few of my favorites from the past year. 

Now that you've lived in New York for some time, what are a few of your favorite restaurants? 
Wow, tough one! I like Nobu and Blue Ribbon for sushi. 

What are your favorite parts of all the travel you do? Any favorite places you've visited? 
Earlier this year I spend four weeks in Asia. I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hong Kong, but I loved exploring the islands of Thailand. Ten of us rented a catamaran and lived on it for a week. 

For someone interested in working in digital marketing and social media what advice do you have? 
Stay up on your current events and never stop learning. I browse AdWeek, the Times, and Social Media Today on a daily basis to stay informed and inspired. Oh, and send hand-written thank you cards -- they speak volumes given the digital age we live in. 

Don't you just love Hallie? You should definitely check out her blog, Corals + Cognacs, if you haven't already. I know I'll be following Hallie's life and career!

Get to Know: Hallie Wilson from Corals + Cognacs

Thursday, May 29, 2014

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Outfit: Back in Black

{Glamorous top via Nordstrom, Forever 21 Skirt, Urban Outfitters sunglasses, BP sandals, Timex watch}

I may have left New York, but I can promise the all black outfits aren't going away anytime soon. After picking up this top at Nordstrom (I know I caved) I couldn't resist pairing it with a little leather. My mom saw what I was wearing and thought I was crazy for wearing leather (or 'pleather') in the summertime. Luckily, this flowy skirt is light enough to wear even as the temperatures are rising in the North East, which means you'll see me in this skirt all summer long. 

These pictures were also taken before my trip to the beach yesterday, which means there is no sign of the not so pretty sun burns I got. Moral of the story, apply extra sun screen to your knees and the side of your body facing the sun (I know I should know this by now). I'll definitely be wearing pants for the next couple days to hide the burns. 

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

Outfit: Back in Black

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

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Happy Memorial Day!

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Happy Memorial Day everyone! I'll be enjoying the holiday soaking up the sun with friends at the beach! I'm ready to finally get my toes in the sand and feel the ocean breeze. You can follow along with my Memorial Day on my instagram. You know I'll be snapping some pictures at the beach!

I also want to take a moment to say thank you to all those who have fought for the freedoms we have, especially those who have died. As easy as it is to just think of MDW at the start of summer it is also an important holiday to remember those who protect us. 

Hope you all have a fun holiday!

Happy Memorial Day!

Monday, May 26, 2014

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Happy Friday + NSale Picks

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Happy Friday everyone! I couldn't be happier that Memorial Day weekend has arrived. This unofficial start to the summer season means popsicles, exploring with friends, and trips to the Cape. I'll be celebrating the long weekend with some family time and hopefully a trip to the beach!

I've been trying SO hard not to shop and you all should seriously be proud of me, but with the start of the NSale I might break. There are such good deals on pieces I've wanted for so long. You can shop some of my favorites from the sale below!

A few things I'm loving this week...

Every once in a while a splurge it worth it, but asking yourself these 10 questions before buying anything will prevent a lot of buyers remorse. '

I'm trying to get in the habit of running this summer and this plan from Women's Health is helping me start. I'd love any tips from runners out there!

Gracey's summer swimwear picks this week were perfection. My favorite (affordable!) suit was this palm print bikini!

My brunch wish list has grown with these places to 'Brunch Like A Boss' in New York from Refinery 29

As someone who is relatively short I'm always unsure about maxi dresses, but these suggestions from The Glitter Guide make me want to go out and bye a new dress!

My #NSale Picks:

Hope you all have a great long weekend!

Happy Friday + NSale Picks

Friday, May 23, 2014

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Outfit: In The Fields

{Zara dress (similar options), BDG shirt, Timex Watch, Ralph Lauren rope sandals}

I'm in full on summer mode now that I'm home from school and have a little time off before starting work again. Lounging outside reading and throwing on easy sundresses are two of my favorite parts of summer and this dress is an old classic. I'm also still really into this whole tying your shirt as a belt thing (my thirteen year old self would have been appalled), especially since when the sun starts going down my linen boyfriend shirt is the perfect layer!

Outfit: In The Fields

Thursday, May 22, 2014

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Outfit: Golden Hour

{unknown top, Gap sweater (similar), American Eagle jeans (similar), Rainbow flip flops}

Well it is officially summer for me and as you read this I am probably headed back to Massachusetts. Going home is definitely bittersweet, but knowing I'll be back visiting friends in the city soon is getting me through. 

Last night one of my friends and I went out to my favorite spot, the Hudson River Park, to watch the sunset for my last night in the city. While it was definitely not the most beautiful NYC sunset I've seen it was all around a beautiful first night of summer. My dad actually took home pretty much all of my stuff a couple of days ago, so this easy look has been on repeat. Now that I've got a little color back in my skin I'm finally starting to break out some of my summer brights!

Outfit: Golden Hour

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

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My First Year At NYU

As of 9am this morning I will be finished with my first year at NYU! I remember the first time I walked down a NYC street by myself as I went to pick up my NYU ID last September. There was definitely a skip in my step and a huge smile on my face as I walked down Lafayette, and honestly not much has changed. I can’t help but smile when I walk down Broadway to class every morning (ok, except when it was 10 degrees outside). What has changed, though, is that eight months ago New York was just a dream and now it feels like my home. 

I wish I could go through all the memories I have from this year because I don’t every want to forget them. The new friends I made when school started are now the people I can’t live without. The traditions we’ve created this year (hello weekly bagel trips) and the amount of times I’ve laughed harder than I ever thought could made every day special. Sitting in the dining hall for hours talking and arguing about everything under the sun is something I can only do with these people and it’s going to be a long summer (and fall) without them.

While I don’t think I’ve learned even close to everything college has to teach me, this year has definitely changed me. NYU has taught me to be proud of who I am. I go to a school where people are unique and have amazing dreams of their own, but they are always there to support your dreams. With Project Outreach at the beginning of 1st semester and joining NYU’s Admissions Ambassadors 2nd semester I’ve been lucky enough to be apart of two communities with truly incredible people. These people (and others), some of whom are my best friends while others I’ve barely gotten to know, have taught me it is ok to just do what you love and be yourself. . 

I’m sure there will be a few more posts about my first year at NYU in the coming months, especially since I’ll probably be wishing I to be in New York almost every day, but as the year is ending I want to say thank you to the incredible friends I’ve made this year. My experience would have been nothing without them and their support. I’m already counting down the days until I’ll be back at NYU in New York in January.

My First Year At NYU

Monday, May 19, 2014

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Happy Friday + LINKS

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I would say happy Friday, but I'm seriously just counting down until Monday afternoon and the end of finals. It is my last weekend in the city, though, and I'll be taking a little time out from packing and studying to have some fun. 

Summer is so close and I'm counting down the hours until I can really relax and sit and read out in the sun for hours. 

A few things I'm loving this week...

This beach bag packing list for the beach is going to become very useful very soon!

Nordstrom Rack is finally online and it is definitely going to hurt my no shopping goals. Especially since this Splendid dress is only $65

I'm obsessed with this dress from J.Crew Factory, but this even cheaper option from Forever 21 is seriously just as cute!

These tips for how to treat your denim will make denim last so much longer which is something we all want after investing in a nice pair. 

Rompers are perfect for summer exploring and these options from Who What Wear are some of my favorites. 

Hope you all have a fun weekend!

Happy Friday + LINKS

Friday, May 16, 2014

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NYC Eats: The Meatball Shop

{2nd Picture Taken by Alice @av95}

I've been a little off the grid recently, and while some of the reason is my studying for finals, it's mostly because I've been trying to soak up every last moment I have in the city with my friends. 

Last night some of my roommates and I went to a spot I've been dying to go to for months, The Meatball Shop in the West Village. It was seriously one of the cutest places I've been for dinner (I'm more of a brunch kind of girl). The menu is a mix of meatball sandwiches, 'naked' meatballs, and incredible sides (aka delicious risotto). Picking your type of meatball and sauce by using a marker to check off the boxes and the decor is only part of the fun, because the food is definitely the best part. 

If you're in the city anytime soon and find yourself in the West Village this is my new number one spot! If you're looking for other restaurant suggestions check out this post and this post. 

NYC Eats: The Meatball Shop

Thursday, May 15, 2014

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Outfit: Seaside

{J.Crew chambray top, Mango top (similar), Gap skirt, Ralph Lauren sandals, Urban Outfitters sunglasses}

This weekend I left the city for an afternoon with family in Connecticut. While studying was what I probably should have been doing it really helped me to spend a day relaxing by the ocean (despite all the thunderstorms). It felt like summer so I pulled out some of my favorite summer pieces. My chambray shirt from J.Crew has been worn to death, but it is still my favorite thing to throw on as a light layer when you don't really need a jacket. Also, I got this Gap skirt recently (for 30% off! I always wait for Gap to have sales before buying anything) and I love it. It is perfectly versatile and I actually bought it a size down so that it would be as flowy as in the pictures. Oh, and it has pockets, which makes it the best skirt!

Hope you all had a great weekend and a happy Mothers Day! I can't wait to get home so I can actually celebrate with my mom.

Outfit: Seaside

Monday, May 12, 2014

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Styled: Weekend Wear

{J.Crew sweater, J.Crew shorts, Nordstrom scarf, Asos bag, Topshop sunglasses}

I'm headed out of the city today for a little early Mothers Day celebration with family and this is all I want to be wearing. The weather will finally be reflecting what May temperatures should be with a high near 80 degrees. A light weight sweater paired with a comfortable pair of shorts and sandals is the perfect way to dress for a casual barbecue. Adding a fun patterned scarf is a fun way to add a little pattern and color to an otherwise simple look. 

Hope you all have a great weekend and Mothers Day!

Styled: Weekend Wear

Saturday, May 10, 2014

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Styled: Crop Top & Maxi Skirt

{Picture via Glamour}

{Outfit 1: Topshop top, Topshop skirt, Lulus shoes}

{Outfit 2: Topshop top, Dorothy Perkins skirt, Steve Madden shoes}

There were so many dresses I loved Monday night at the Met Gala, but Emma Stone definitely struck me the most. In a sea of dresses (a sea of beautiful dresses no doubt), Emma Stone's crop top and maxi skirt felt like a breath of fresh air. The simplicity of the look was the complete opposite of most of the nights dresses and I seriously loved it.

While I won't be heading to a fancy gala anytime soon, I do have a few dressier events throughout the summer. Instead of just going straight to a dress, I've now been looking for fun crop-top and maxi skirt combos. Stone's bright color blocking is striking, but I love the idea of adding a pattern or keeping to softer colors for a different effect. 

What do you all think of the crop-top and maxi-skirt combination?

Styled: Crop Top & Maxi Skirt

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

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Outfit: Sunday Morning

 {Forever 21 tee (in navy), American Eagle Jeans (similar), Sam Edelman espadrilles, Urban Outfitters bag}

Remember when I told you all about my favorite striped tee getting stained? Well, thank god for stain removers because after two times through the wash my tee is perfect again. Simple tees like this one have been my go-to recently with such a busy schedule. After I picked up these {perfect} leather espadrilles last weekend I've realized they are the best finish to a casual weekend outfit and have been wearing them non stop. A striped tee, white jeans, and flat espadrilles were the perfect combination for a Sunday morning walking around the East Village to pick up bagels and take in the sunshine.

Hope you all have a great start to the week! I can't believe I only have two more weeks in the city before summer starts.

Outfit: Sunday Morning

Monday, May 5, 2014

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Happy Friday!

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Happy Friday everyone! As much as I'm ready for this weekend, the end of the week also means I'm one week closer to finals and the end of school. I would love a two or three week vacation right now to go home see my family and friends and recuperate, but a whole summer away from the city is pretty daunting at the moment. 

So of course, even with finals coming up soon I'm trying to make the most of my last couple weeks at school. Tomorrow my friends and I are going to NYC's Holi Hai festival and to NYU's Relay for Life. Luckily, Sunday will be a little bit calmer and along with lots of studying I'll be going to the Union Sq Green Market, one of my favorite parts of spring and fall in the city!

And now a few things I'm loving this week...

All nine seasons of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix. It's unhealthy how much I've watched in such a short period of time after my sister got me addicted last week. Don't worry I'm not on season nine yet. 

WWW's how to on editing your closet down to the best pieces. I need this desperately right now!

In my attempt to get organized for study abroad this website has been incredibly helpful. Also, great for long vacations. 

Pictures of people's feet that you actually want to see. My favorite is slide 38. 

This photoshoot Molly (from A Piece of Toast) had with her adorable puppy. I can't wait to go home and see mine!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Happy Friday!

Friday, May 2, 2014

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Shop: A Cohesive Wardrobe

{J.Crew Factory dress, Mango blazer, Sam Edelman espadrilles}

{J.Crew skirt, Asos sandals, Mango Sweater}

{J.Crew bag, Mango top, J.Crew sweater}

After finding out last week that I will only be able to pack two large suitcases and a carry on for my semester abroad this fall I had a bit of a panic attack. I know I'm crazy for worrying about packing for a trip that is four months away, but that's what happens when you are really attached to your clothes. 

I also have a pretty in cohesive wardrobe, meaning a lot of different neutrals and colors that don't really go together. The amount of pieces I have that only work in two or three specific outfits is kind of ridiculous, and those aren't the kinds of things I can bring with me to Madrid. So my focus for the next few months is to ensure that everything I buy can be worn in about a million different ways. One of the easiest ways to do this is to stick to a good color palette of neutrals. While black and navy can work together picking one dark neutral and then adding whites, creams, and cognac (which goes with everything). I'll definitely be expanding the black section of my wardrobe with lots of fun stripes and pretty cuts. 

Also, happy May! I'm officially in summer mode, even though the weather is not really cooperating. Crossing my fingers that the April showers are officially over. Seriously, bring on the sun!

Shop: A Cohesive Wardrobe

Thursday, May 1, 2014

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