Real Style: Emily Schuman, L.A.
By Jenna Fain • Jun 19th, 2009 • Category: Style
Frequenters of the blogosphere are most likely familiar with Emily Schuman, the cheerful beauty whose girlish style charms thousands of readers. Her blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere, is one of the original “California cool” style blogs. We dig how she makes high-fashion trends more attainable by incorporating bargain finds into her ensembles. And let’s not lie: Emily gives the girls of The Hills a run for their money!
Emily’s outfits always have a certain coquettish quality to them. A rosette, a blushing shade of pink, a flouncy skirt; her pieces directly represent her upbeat personality and breezy ways of life. Whether she’s walking down the boardwalk or at a roofdeck party, Emily’s inner beauty is quite evident through her vibrant outer aesthetic.
How would you describe your style?
Girly prep meets bohemian chic. I like to pair feminine dresses and skirts with edgier accessories to keep things from looking too saccharine. Whenever possible, I incorporate flea market finds with current pieces since it creates a unique look that’s not exactly definable.
Gig, besides being a style blogger extraordinaire?
I transitioned from working on the print side at Teen Vogue to the online world of advertising with a focus on entertainment.
Your aesthetic is so California cool. How does living in the Sunshine State affect how you approach your wardrobe and style?
I think it’s really important to pay attention to the environment in which you live to draw inspiration. Since I live in a state that’s sunny nearly every day of the year, I like to incorporate a lot of color into my wardrobe and make sure my hair never looks too “done.” I don’t take myself too seriously when putting together outfits and I think that itself is part of the California casual vibe.
What are some of your favorite LA haunts?
The Hotel Café for amazing acoustic shows, Fairfax flea market, Runyon Canyon, margaritas at El Coyote, Il Campanile for their impressive wine list and decadent desserts, and 3rd St. for great people watching.
What’s spinning on your iPod?
I’m all about folky singer/songwriters, and Ryan Adams always provides the perfect backdrop whether I’m having a dinner party or cleaning my apartment.
So at that dinner party…which five people, dead or alive, would you invite?
John Lennon, Barack Obama, David Sedaris, Meryl Streep, and Randy Pausch.
What are the most beloved items in your closet?
A snakeskin clutch, a pair of caramel-colored boots and an antique globe, all of which I bought for obscenely low prices at various flea markets.
What items are on your summer wishlist?
A chunky gold watch, a geometric printed tunic, some white skinny jeans, Marni wedges, high-waisted shorts, and a nice tan.
Which fashion era do you most identify with or admire?
Late 60s. I love the look of naturally wavy hair, flowy dresses, and long, gold chains. I envy a time that had no restrictions or rules when it came to dressing.
Are there any current trends that you are just not willing to embrace?
Tie dye, excessive fringe, and Doc Martens.
They say a girl is a “bag hag” or a “shoe gal.” Are you either of those?
By looking at my shoe closet, you’d probably coin me as a shoe gal. I’m all about wooden platforms right now and I’ve built up a pretty nice collection.
Is there a certain style philosophy that you try to follow?
I try to really pay attention to the pieces that work for my body and make me feel the most confident. Sometimes it’s tough…take Alexander Wang’s amazingly loose and thin tank tops. I love them, but I know they’re not meant for my body, so I’ve avoided the temptation and go for things that work for me (like fitted v-necks and tulip skirts).
How have you evolved since starting Cupcakes & Cashmere?
My blog has been a great forum for me to evolve my own style. I’m much more receptive to what other people are wearing around me and think it’s great how bloggers are able to influence each other in so many ways.
For more on Emily’s style, check out her blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Jenna Fain is
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Emily is as sweet as she is gorgeous. Thanks for featuring her!
June 19th, 2009 at 5:42 am
sal, agreed! great interview with emily…she’s one of my favorite style bloggers because she makes it look real and attainable. happy friday!
June 19th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I think she’s so refreshing, and she looks really nice!!!
I’d like to be a friend of her!
June 19th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Love, love, love this interview! A day doesn’t pass for me without at least one visit to Cupcakes and Cashmere! In fact, I’m headed there right now!
June 19th, 2009 at 8:59 am
great features! emily’s style is inspiring for sure.
June 19th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Emily is a breath of fresh air. Kudos for featuring such a talented beauty.
June 19th, 2009 at 10:14 am
nicely done! I love Emily’s blog.
June 19th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Emily is great! I love checking out her blog everyday- she is always inspiring! Thanks for doing a feature on her.
June 20th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I always want to shop in my closet and put looks together after visiting her blog- love it!
June 20th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Emily, I love your Father’s Day picture with your dad….you have always been a wonderful girl….and I always
loved to take you out for breakfast …..and now you are a beautiful young lady….I love seeing your pictures
when Carolyn shows me everything on the PC……your style is very nice…..well, I heard you have a new cat
and i know that your mom is excited about it…..more later…..
June 21st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Wow very stylish and nice blog
Very interesting choice of 5 people to bring to dinner lol
June 21st, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I love her blog! She’s got such a cool sense of style and shares awesome finds.
June 21st, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Great interview! Adore Emily’s style& love visiting her blog.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
I just visited her blog and her style is simply amazing, its so effortless
great pick as always!
lacysmess.blogspot.com
June 29th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I like her blog and her style, so simple, fresh and so far from the usual too fashionable outfits!
February 26th, 2010 at 3:50 am