Is 'When Life Gives You Lululemons' A Sequel To 'The Devil Wears Prada'?

I've read both books and can confirm 'When Life Gives You Lululemons' is a spiritual sequel rather than a direct continuation. Lauren Weisberger brought back Emily Charlton from 'The Devil Wears Prada', now as a main character instead of Miranda Priestly's assistant. The story shifts to suburban drama with Emily as an image consultant helping a politician's wife navigate a scandal. While Miranda gets mentioned, the focus is entirely different - it's more about reinvention than fashion industry cutthroat politics. The tone feels lighter, focusing on wealthy suburbia's absurdities rather than New York's corporate ladder. Fans of Emily's character will enjoy seeing her evolution from secondary to lead role, but don't expect another workplace exposé.

Having analyzed Lauren Weisberger's bibliography extensively, the connection between these novels fascinates me. 'When Life Gives You Lululemons' isn't a traditional sequel but exists in the same universe, expanding Emily Charlton's storyline a decade after 'The Devil Wears Prada'. The book cleverly shifts genres while maintaining continuity - where Prada was a coming-of-age workplace drama, Lululemons morphs into a satirical take on suburban privilege.

The character development shows Weisberger's growth as a writer. Emily retains her sharp edges but gains depth dealing with aging out of fashion industry relevance. New characters like Miriam and Karolina provide fresh dynamics, their scandals highlighting how Emily applies her Runway magazine survival skills to Greenwich's social warfare. Miranda's absence becomes a narrative strength, letting Emily's mentorship abilities shine.

What makes this work as a follow-up is the thematic throughline about power structures. Both books dissect different facets of female power - first in corporate hierarchies, then in social circles. The fashion references remain but serve different purposes; where Prada used them as status symbols, Lululemons treats designer labels as suburban armor. It's a smart evolution that rewards longtime readers while standing firmly on its own merits.

As someone who devoured both books back-to-back, the relationship between them is more like cousin than sibling. 'When Life Gives You Lululemons' takes Emily's character and drops her into what feels like a completely different TV show - imagine transferring a 'Suits' character into 'Desperate Housewives'. The fashion elements become background decor rather than central conflict.

The real joy comes from seeing Emily's skills repurposed. Her ability to read people and spin situations, honed under Miranda's tyranny, now gets used to manipulate suburban social climbers. The book's strongest moments contrast Emily's past with present - like when she casually name-drops Runway magazine to intimidate country club moms. Miranda's ghost lingers through Emily's work ethic and perfectionism, proving some lessons stick forever.

While not required reading, 'The Devil Wears Prada' provides richer context for Emily's transformation. Little details hit harder if you remember her original insecurities. The sequel's greatest strength is showing how surviving Miranda created this unshakable, resourceful woman who now dominates every room she enters, whether it's a Vogue photoshoot or a Connecticut bake sale.