When blogger sensation, Emily Schuman released her first book, Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining Your Style, Reinventing Your Space, and Entertaining with Ease, we could barely keep in it in stock in The Shop. And it was easy to see why.
For those who are not familiar, the L.A. based blogger turned entrepreneur began her editorial career with Conde Nast, Domino, and Teen Vogue. In March of 2008, Emily launched her own lifestyle blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere. What began as simply a way to document the things she loves, has manifested into a lifestyle empire, which now includes two best-selling coffee table books and a clothing line.
Emily’s blog revolves around fashion, food, beauty, and decor. But we’re certain her on-going success is largely due her openness and intimacy with her audience. Her experiences are real and relatable. Cupcakes and Cashmere remains as sweet and charming as the name suggests and in her second book, Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home, Emily exceeded our expectations. She really hones in on her flare for interior design and gives wonderfully personal recommendations for reinventing a space, and making a house a home.
Emily breaks her book down into two main sections: 1. Interiors and Decorating (where she covers entryway, living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bath, and home office), and 2. Entertaining (featuring categories such as casual nights in, dinner parties, day parties, and outdoor parties). She also includes a helpful list of references for where she purchased the items in her home.
In “Interiors and Decorating”, she offers insightful tips and tricks on buying furniture, sprucing up with simple details, setting a table, and putting together the perfect guest bed and bath rooms. The best part is, after each chapter, she designed a chart for Renting vs. Owning, where she explains what you should invest in buying when you rent an apartment or house, versus when you own a home. Emily gives great recommendations that can work for any space, and of course, a few items that she personally loves.
The “Entertaining” section provides brilliant and simple ideas on how to create the perfect environment for hosting any type of party or event. For her more specific party ideas (like her Crawfish Boil), she has everything in categories, such as Invite, Menu, Drink, Decor, Attire, Activity, Playlist and more. She’s made her ideas easy to recreate, and even add your own twist. If you’ve ever had difficulty with hosting, Schuman gives you everything you need to pull off an evening of success.