Copious Crush: Amberly, A Slice of Glam

Meet Amberly, the Dallas/Ft. Worth bloginista behind A Slice of Glam. We aspire to Amberly’s goal of adding a little touch of something special to your everyday. Isn’t that just the chicest? 

Introduce Yourself! What’s your name, where do you live, and what do you do? 

My name is Amberly, and I currently live in Fort Worth, Texas which is about 30 miles west of Dallas.  I work full-time in the mortgage industry, and blog part- time. I’ve always loved fashion, magazines, social media, and writing, so a blog was natural for me.   I also needed an outlet for me to share my love of fashion, home décor, diy, recipes, personal style, and other little tidbits of my life here and there. I brainstormed several names and what I wanted my blog to be about and A Slice of Glam was born!

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is classic, with a touch of glam.  I tend to stick with denim, nice blouses, and a little pop of color with shoes or a bag.  I also enjoy mixing in some of my mom’s old jewelry pieces that are timeless pieces and are still on trend today.

Do you have any fashion regrets? Or vice versa, things you’ll never stop wearing?

Oh my!  Probably wearing leggings as pants.  They’re still fine to wear just relaxing at home, or with an oversized sweater.  However, wearing them primarily as pants?  Never again!

Also, Doc Marten’s!  I had a pair of boots AND sandals back in middle school.  Those were THE shoes to have back then, but now I look at them and think, why?!  So huge and clunky.

One item I won’t stop wearing is a great pair of flats.  Whether they are pointy toed or rounded, I LOVE flats.  I literally have to force myself to wear heels every now and then.  Flats are ideal for my full-time job, are great with skinny jeans or pants, and look feminine and cute.  They are also just plain comfortable!

What inspires you?

Life inspires me.  Just the fact that we’re able to wake up each day to work toward our dreams, and make a positive impact is exciting!

Street style fashion also inspires me.  I read a lot of fashion magazines, spend hours on Pinterest, and other style blogs, but I love picking up ideas from other fashionable ladies especially here in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.  People from other places probably think we all wear cowboy hats and boots all the time, but that’s not totally true.  North Texas area women have a style all their own that is classic, relaxed, a bit of glam, and a little trendy. 

Tell me about A Slice of Glam. How did you get started? What are your goals? 

I started A Slice of Glam in July 2011 because I wanted to write and talk about fashion.  I’ve always loved fashion and writing, and I even had somewhat of a blog back in middle school that I would e-mail to my group of friends way back before blogging was the “thing”.  A Slice of Glam has opened up many doors for me. It has also allowed me to connect with others in the blogging community around the country who have similar interests and probably would not have met otherwise.  It really is amazing when I think about it.  My goal with my blog is to inspire others to live an elevated lifestyle with small things to make themselves feel glamorous.  This could be with a bouquet of fresh flowers, a fresh manicure, or a DIY rhinestone vase for their coffee table as I demonstrated on my blog.  I also hope to work in the fashion writing industry one day.

What bloggers do you admire? 

One blogger I admire is Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.  I’ve read her blog pretty much from the beginning, and I love how she has turned her blog into a brand and into a business.  I hope to do that one day.

What are you listening to right now?

Right now I’m listening to Jusitin Timberlake’s new album, The Band Perry, Beyonce, Ellie Goulding, or Alicia Keys.  There are many others as I listen to a variety of genres.

Tell me about your ideal day. What do you do, where do you go, who are you with?

It would begin with coffee and a banana nut muffin at a cute beach side coffee shop.  Spend part of the morning at the beach, and then the other half shopping.  Have a candlelit dinner with my boyfriend, and then some salsa dancing or a jazz club!

Anything I should have asked that I didn’t? Tell me one more thing I should know. 

Blogging has introduced me to graphic design!  I love nerding out over HTML coding, fonts, and graphics.  Ha!

Chloe Flats

Teardrop Bangle

Studded Bracelet

Copious Crush: Le Minimalist

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Do you ever find something you really love, and then find out that one thing about it that makes it that much more amazing? It’s the best feeling, and it’s exactly what we love about Kathryn from Le Minimalist. Her blog is an amazing mix of style, local art and music happenings, and things around her she loves. Even better? She’s writing about Nashville, Tennessee, one of our absolute favorite cities, anywhere. (Go Dores!)

Introduce Yourself! What’s your name, where do you live, and what do you do? 

My name is Kathryn and I’m currently living in East Nashville, Tennessee. I’m a freelance writer, photographer and part time blogger. My blog, Le Minimalist started as a pet project to find a way to share and categorize all of the things I was passionate about. It focuses mostly on Nashville - the lifestyle and local businesses, but I also find plenty of ways incorporate DIY projects, style posts and random musings. 

How would you describe your personal style?

As the name suggests, I’m pretty minimalistic in my wardrobe choices. I tend to lean toward structured things in neutral tones. I love classic colors that extend into different seasons, surpass trends and are easy to just throw on and go. I wear a lot of black. When I’m not wearing black, I’m probably wearing a shade of gray. Much like the book. Which I’ve read, and I’ve got to say - if you’re into that type of thing, I’d just go the extra mile and read Anne Rice’s Sleeping Beauty Trilogy. Fifty Shades… Pffft. Well great, now I have everyone thinking I’m some huge perv. Simplicity, structure, texture and expression are the reasons I find fashion fulfilling. I eat, sleep and breath it. Fashion is my soap box. 

Do you have any fashion regrets? Or vice versa, things you’ll never stop wearing?

Regrets? Never! Okay, maybe. The entirety of my High School experience. I wore hooded sweat shirts, band t-shirts and an excess of black eyeliner. Things I’ll never stop wearing: My Jeffrey Campbell collection, my Alexander Wang Rocco Bag, my old dirty boots - the older and dirtier they get the better they look.

What inspires you?

Nature. The flow of energy. Feelings. All of these things can be translated into an outfit. I love the way sunlight plays off of materials. It really makes my heart happy. 

Tell me about Le Minimalist. How did you get started? What are your goals?

I started Le Minimalist to encourage myself to write more. I wanted an outlet and one that would hold me accountable. Having readers who enjoy your content, encourage you with comments and recognize you when you’re out buying soymilk at the grocery make it all worth while. I enjoy writing, but what is it all worth if there is no one around to read it?

I love the engagement of the fashion community. Especially in Nashville. It’s growing exponentially here. You’d be so surprised how a little city everyone believed was full of washed out country music stars and stetson hats could become such a stylish, versatile place. We have so many talented people here. Musicians, artists, stylists and designers. It’s a mishmash of awesome. My goal was to create something of a professional portfolio to use for jobs and future opportunities. Blogging has opened up so many doors for me professionally and even better still, personally. I’ve made so many great friends from networking! 

What bloggers do you admire? 

I can’t forget two of my favorite Nashville bloggers Under The Guise and Pennyweight - both very talented ladies! 

Some of my all time favorites over the years would have to include A Pair and A Spare just because I LOVE DIY. The Man Repeller (Ed.note: Shop her closet here), plus size vixen Nadia Aboulhosn (She has some killer style) Honestly WTF and my favorite for minimalistic inspiration: Love Aesthetics.

What are you listening to right now?

The new Phoenix album, Bankrupt will be out soon so I have a feeling that will be the only thing I’ll be listening to.  I love Tennis, Ben Howard, Best Coast, Washed Out, Alt-J… the list could go on and on. Forever. 

Tell me about your ideal day. What do you do, where do you go, who are you with?

Paris. Shopping. Sight seeing. Brad Pitt. All day and all night. hah. 

Anything I should have asked that I didn’t? Tell me one more thing I should know. 

I’m a huge sci-fi nerd. Not even kidding. I’m just generally obsessed with space. I swear I’ll write a sci-fi thriller one day. 

What are you loving on Copious right now? Send me links of things you love and tell me why.

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Chili Pepper Chocolate Bar // Two of my favorite things combined into one. Plus - look at this sweet packaging. Yeah. I’m totally one of those people who buy something based on the package it’s in. 

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Bill Murray Iphone Case // Being a huge Bill Murray fan, this snazzy Iphone case totally won me over. I may dress in a minimal fashion, but I’m all about some good accessories. Just looking at this thing makes me giggle. 

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Geo Terrarium // I’m  big fan of geometric shapes and I love plants. I may not be a successful gardener, but terrariums are easy enough for my ‘opposite of a green thumb’  problem. 

Copious Crush: Lexie, One Stylishly Caffeinated Blogger

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We just discovered Lexie of Style, Caffeinated and we’re so glad we did. Her blog is a beautiful mix of airy images and down-to-earth-but-pulled-together looks. 
The only question we forgot to ask Lexie? What her favorite coffee drink is! 
 
Introduce Yourself! What’s your name, where do you live, and what do you do?

Hi, I’m Lexie from Newport Beach, California. I write the fashion blog Style, Caffeinated.  I’ve always had a deep love of clothing and style in general and for as long as I can remember I’ve gushed over trends, looks, and shopping in general with my girlfriends.

The blog was born out of my desire for a personal creative outlet after I had my second child and I began to feel like I was drowning a little in diapers, bottles and baby talk ;)  Truly there is nothing I love more than my family and being a Mother but I also felt the need to nurture my own interests as well.  I really don’t believe that being a Mommy and also having your own fab personal style has to be mutually exclusive ;) Combining my obsession with fashion and my love of writing felt natural and I’ve been enjoying blogging so much ever since.

How would you describe your personal style?

 
My personal style tends to shift dependent on my mood or what Im up to on any given day.  I’d say on a whole I gravitate more towards a classic glam look with a bit of an edge.  My high heel addiction is a little out of control but I also tend to live in converse, high tops and flip flops when Im shuttling my kids around.  Converse will also be a staple in my wardrobe.

 

 

Do you have any fashion regrets? Or vice versa, things you’ll never stop wearing?

 

Fashion regrets.  Hmm none as of late but ask me again in a few years - ha ha.  I always look back on old photos and wonder “what I was thinking!?” but thats just fashion.  Style changes.  I will say that I went through an unfortunate phase of coloring my own hair many, many years ago.  It wasn’t pretty.
 

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by so many things.  I love magazines. I know Pinterest is amazing for collecting inspiration but I will never stop loving flipping through fashion magazines and dog earing or tearing out photos I love.  I’m also inspired by my girlfriends, many of whom are also mothers, who have fantastic taste and juggle life so well.  Street style and people watching is also a great way to spot some amazing looks.

 

What bloggers do you admire?

 Other blogs I admire.  Who doesn’t love Leandra Medine (from Man Repeller) (ed. note: shop Man Repeller’s closet on Copious here)?  Its rare to find a fashion blog you actually want to READ instead of just look at.  Her writing is incredible and witty.  
I love www.sacramentostreet.com - its a beautiful, welcoming blog and also the photo blog www.theyallhateus.com.  Its edgy and I tend to love every photo or quote they post.  Le Fashion (ed. note shop Le Fashion’s closet on Copious) and Sincerely Jules are also among my favs.

 

What are you listening to right now?

 
What am I listening to right now:  Everything ha ha.  I run a lot so I update my ipod frequently to keep it fresh.  My iPod ranges from 80s hits to Bon Jovi, to rap, and to newer favorite bands like The Lumineers.

 

Tell me about your ideal day. What do you do, where do you go, who are you with?

My ideal day would involve sleeping in, something never happens anymore after you have children!  Waking up and sipping coffee while checking out my favorite sites online…and probably buying shoes ;)  Spending the day with the hubby and kids doing something fun - watching my kids laugh and enjoying family time is the best feeling…so rewarding as a parent.  Then an evening out with the mister or meeting up with friends for dinner.  Drinking wine and lots of laughs.  Thats a good day!!

 

What are you loving on Copious right now? 

 
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I’m loving gold as an accent color in home decor.  I’m really into contemporary, stark decor but sometimes I feel like rooms need to be infused with a bit of natural glitz…this would do just that.
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These ghost chairs by Phillippe Starck are great.  They’d work in an office, as accent chairs in a small space or in a dining room/kitchen.  I love how they give off an airy and modern vibe - personally I’d mix them with a weathered light wood dining table or desk.  I think thats a great contrast.
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https://copious.com/listings/jennifer-meyer-18kt-gold-bangle-with-white-diamond-goop-cohis dainty Jennifer Meyer bangle is the perfect wear with everything layering piece.  I think dainty jewels are so sexy in their minimalism.  Flashy jewels are eye catching and dramatic but dainty jewelry adds subtle character and charm to looks. I’d love a few of these teeny treasures dangling from my arm - they’re so pretty :)

Copious Crush: Jackie Giardina, Living After Midnite

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Jackie Giardina from Living After Midnite is a triple-threat expert in fashion, beauty and interior decor. Her blog is a must-visit for tips on taking your look to the next level via the magic of the color wheel, and how-to’s on things like ombre nails (what? insane). 

Introduce Yourself! What’s your name, where do you live, and what do you do?  

Hi! I’m Jackie Giardina from Living After Midnite. I live in Westchester, New York which is about 20 minutes north of NYC. Aside from blogging, I’m an office manager of a commercial construction company (no I’m not kidding!), I am a Regional Mentor for the direct selling fashion & beauty Company, mark., in charge of all the reps in NYC, Northern New Jersey & New York’s Hudson Valley!

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is hard to describe in words. I pretty much wear what I feel like wearing; it changes by the day. One day you’ll catch me wearing flare jeans & platforms then next day I’ll be in a girly dress & sandals. It all depends on the mood I’m in. I am known for over accessorizing though! I’m always wearing way too much jewelry (I can’t help it!), and I have a massive shoe & handbag collection that I love to show off!

Do you have any fashion regrets? Or vice versa, things you’ll never stop wearing? 

In college I fell into the Hollister/Abecrombie trend because that’s what everyone else was wearing. I was never one to wear something because “everyone was doing it” so I look back at photos & I can’t help but wonder what I was thinking?!? I think going through that phase actually made me realize that whole look is SO not me, & it really helped me hone in on what my personal style was.

What inspires you? 

A better question is what doesn’t inspire me? I’m inspired by literally everything I see, whether is someone on TV, in a magazine, walking on the street, or not a person at all! I’ve been really inspired lately by interior decorating. The fabrics, the trends, the colors…decorating a room is similar to dressing yourself.

Tell me about Living After Midnite. Where did the name come from? What do you focus on? Any goals for 2013? 

Living After Midnite is really my creative outlet for everything I’m passionate about in my life. The name “Living After Midnite” is actually a Judas Priest song that just happened to by playing on my step dad’s computer when Imade the decision to start a blog. I mainly focus on life, style & beauty, and anything else that strikes my fancy!

One of my main goals for this blog is to stay true to myself. I think that with so many brands and companies infiltrating the blogosphere its hard to stay true to your vision and the reason you started a blog to begin with. I just want my readers to know that I’m always posting about what I want to post about, not something I was paid to write about. 

Tell me about your ideal day. What do you do, where do you go, who are you with? 

My ideal day would be spent exploring somewhere I’ve never been before. I love finding new & exciting things to do & see.

What are you loving on Copious right now? 

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So into monogrammed everything right now & this bracelet is so different than anything else out there: http://copious.com/listings/gold-swirly-initial-bracelet 

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Lace headbands are perfect for spring! http://copious.com/listings/abigail-lace-headband-project-k

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This bandeau would look so great under a sheer top!

#LuckyFABB Recap! The Business of Blogging

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Last Thursday and Friday were a whirlwind of activity as bloggers and brands descended on Los Angeles for Lucky Magazine’s Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference.
This was a seriously fashionable crowd. Bloggers from around the country gathered to hear from the likes of Kelly Osbourne, Betsey Johnson and Drew Barrymore talk about their style + inspirations. While no trip to LA is complete without a little stargazing, our favorite sessions were on the business of blogging: monetization, growing your traffic and finding your voice. 


Our Top Takeaways from Lucky FABB: 

1) Know Your Stats

Pay attention to your analytics, followers and engagement - brands will definitely ask for this before they agree to a partnership or sponsorship. Even if you’re not particularly data or numbers oriented, you should be interested enough in your blog’s performance to learn more about what your Google analytics mean.
 
2) Find a Niche

One of our favorite jokes from FABB was how it felt like you could interchange so many blog names with each other. (Really, every combination of the words fashion, style, diva, closet, glam, shoes, couture and sparkles have already been taken). If it’s hard for bloggers to differentiate between blog names, imagine how hard it is for brands!

3) Be Smart About Your Partners - and Read the Fine Print

Make sure the brands you partner with represent you as a blogger now, and who you aspire to be in the future. Don’t sign anything without reading the fine print - it’s worth the legal fees!

Tips for the Next Batch of FABBers:

1) BYOW (Bring Your Own Wifi)

 As anyone who’s been to a conference knows, wifi and mobile connectivity can take a beating when you have 200+ people in one room trying to get on the same network. Come juiced with your own wireless - Engadget recommends the MiFi Liberate

2) Reach Out Ahead of Time

It can be intimidating to walk into a room of 200+ put-together, beautiful, smart bloggers. If you don’t know anyone ahead of time, reach out on Twitter or via email a week or two before and make plans to get breakfast or sit with a blogger you admire - it’s a great way to start out with a buddy, and it will put you at ease going into the day! 

It was an exhausting, informative, and super fun two days.
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Did we say fun?
From L to R: Michele Klein from Dress Dish Dwell, Aimee Rancer from The Local Transplant, our own Emma Starks and Ashlei Mosley from Kinks Are The New Pink