Photo via APOT
By Emily Sims
You can put anything on a piece of toast — jam, butter or cream cheese, depending on what you’re craving. It’s simple enough to eat every day and plain enough to pair with endless possibilities. This is the idea behind the style and fashion blog A Piece of Toast, written by Sally and Molly Miller.
In November of 2010, the sisters from Kansas City stepped into the world of blogging not knowing what to expect. Now, three years later, A Piece of Toast is a well-known style blog with a following of super-devoted readers. In addition to their talent for styling, the girls’ charm, which shines through both in their writing and in person, has played a key role in their success.
“They have a very authentic and true voice, which is evident in each of their posts,” says Mallory Harrison, owner of Haven Boutique and faithful A Piece of Toast reader. “They were so sweet and genuine in person that it made me enjoy reading their blog more afterward.”
Getting started
The sisters were inspired to start a blog after their friend and fellow Kansas City native, blogger Fallon Elizabeth of A Lovely Being, suggested that their taste would be popular with readers.
A Piece of Toast covers both fashion and beauty on a regular basis. Molly, who earned a BFA in interior design from Miami University of Ohio, also puts her expertise to use in a home interiors section.
In addition to spending three to five hours each weekday — and more time on the weekends — on their blog, the Millers, who both reside in Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood, work full-time. Sally teaches kindergarten and Molly is social media editor for Fossil.
Although running A Piece of Toast is a big time commitment, their work is paying off. The sisters traveled with other popular Dallas bloggers to take part in New York Fashion Week this fall.
“Being able to travel with two of our best blogger friends in Dallas and spending time with so many other blogger friends around the country was so fun,” says Molly about her favorite Fashion Week memory. “It’s such a good time to see everyone!”
Of the shows they attended, they both agreed their favorite was Mara Hoffman, a designer known for her eclectic prints.
“The colors and prints were out of this world and it was such an energetic show,” says Molly. “The long caftans were the most memorable, especially the ones with rainbow embroidery.”
Focus on Style, not Trends
Despite their interest in the NYFW shows, A Piece of Toast is more style- than trend-driven.
“Our blog is about style, not necessarily fashion or trends, so while we might end up wearing looks inspired or seen on the runway, they will have our own spin and probably hit more on wearability than trendiness,” says Molly.
It is the sisters’ focus on what’s wearable rather than current trends that inspires readers’ devotion. For SMU student Caroline Morehead, however, it’s the sisters’ relatability that makes A Piece of Toast her blog of choice.
“You can just tell that these sisters are real people when you read A Piece of Toast,” says Morehead, who is an avid A Piece of Toast reader. “They give visitors helpful information on sales and discount codes and it never seems like they are trying to promote things or sell things on their blog.”
And it’s true: The sisters aren’t trying to sell anything. For them, their blog is a place to highlight examples of their taste and style pulled from their day-to-day lives.
“We just post what interests us,” says Molly. “Our editorial calendar is pretty flexible and while there are certain posts we know are happening at certain times, the rest is just of-the-moment things we have seen or love, usually both.”
Young women relate to the Millers because they are typical 20-somethings trying to balance their lives with their jobs. And the sisters inspire these women because they both manage to look fabulous while doing it.
“The blog is clever, fabulous and focused on a simple lifestyle, all in good taste,” says Morehead. “Every time I read it, it’s always polished, beautiful and filled with fabulous discoveries and an infinite amount of inspiration.”
All Part of the Job
Like all jobs, fashion blogging has its perks. For Sally and Molly, the friends they’ve made and the companies and brands they’ve worked with remain their favorite part. However, there is always a flip-side.
“It’s like school and every day you have homework due,” says Molly about the responsibility that comes with writing a popular blog. Another tough part of the job: the sometimes critical, even hurtful comments.
As the influence of blogging in the fashion community grows, so do the number of aspiring fashion bloggers. As their third anniversary approaches, the sisters have acquired enough wisdom to share with those just getting started:
“Be you, don’t do anyone else. Have patience. Success does not come overnight. And do it because you love it and have a unique point of view to share, not because you want to make money and quit your day job.”
