That Time I Dressed Like Cookie from @EmpireFox (or 5 Reasons I Love #Empire)

Glamazons, *Spoiler Alert* Have you ever watched a TV show and recognized yourself? Yes, I’m talking about Empire’s Cookie and no, I’m not a former drug dealer who spent 17 years in prison before returning home to make my son a superstar. But I do understand Cookie’s (Taraji P. Henson) delicate balance of tough street edge and tenderness. She’s NOT to be messed with. And guys, when I saw her strut into the conference room and strong-arm Empire CEO Luscious Lyon (Terrence Howard), I thought: I want to be her! After 17 years in jail, Cookie comes back to claim her part of the record label that ex-husband Luscious created using her drug money. Unbeknownst to Cookie, Luscious is battling a life-threatening illness and needs to groom one of their three sons to take over the business. Luscious is partial to his youngest son, Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) and even his eldest son, Andre (Trai Byers), who currently serves as the CFO. But Cookie is determined to make a star out of their middle child, Jamal (Jussie Smollett), who Luscious rejects because he’s gay. My money’s on Cookie. One look at her leopard Red Valentino dress and Christian Louboutin bag, and my girl Christina from LoveBrownSugar and I immediately started planning an “Empire” costume party to get the chance to dress up like her (check out Christina‘s look inspired by Cookie HERE). Then I realized, I already dress like Cookie. Enter my animal print Altuzarra for Target dress and ASOS faux fur coat. Add hoop earrings, red lipstick and a crass mouth (“For a Queen, you sure keep a messy place”) and my costume is set! Cookie’s flashy sense of style is only one highlight of the new drama, which airs Wednesdays at 9/8C on Fox.

Here are 5 reasons Empire is my new fave show:

1. Taraji and Terrence’s chemistry

The first time I saw a commercial for Empire, I swore it was “Hustle & Flow Part Two.” The storyline is markedly different but Terrence and Taraji‘s brilliant chemistry is the same. In one scene, they’re simply sitting on the couch having a conversation and you feel the urge to watch them go back-and-forth all episode long. Their familiarity with each other as actors is used to great effect here; you believe that Cookie and Luscious have a long romantic history because they’re so comfortable with one other. And since Cookie has a dark side and she’s the queen of sassy comebacks, she’s the only one that can go toe-to-toe with Luscious and possibly take him down.

2. The Casting

In fact, the casting is phenomenal throughout and we’re seeing the rise of incredibly talented actors who make their characters come to life. Jamal (Jussie Smollett) is sympathetic, albeit naive, as the supremely-talented son rejected by his father for being gay. Hakeem (Bryshere Gray) is predictably obnoxious as the stereotypical celebrity kid and superficial rapper, but his relationship with his brother endears him to the viewers. And Andre (Trai Byers) is sinister and calculating as the CFO of Empire who’ll stop at nothing to take over the company.

3. The Plot

There are moments when “Empire” could come off as cheesy thanks to cultural markers that feel outdated (who wears dookie gold chains anymore?). But the plot atones for missteps by delivering a high dose of drama. We learned last episode that Cookie is talking to the Feds, Luscious‘ sickness (and his son’s) hovers over each episode like a dark cloud, and we’re anxious to see if Luscious will ever pay for murdering his childhood friend in cold blood. On top of that, the biggest source of tension in the plot —the battle between the brothers — is TV gold. They’re each worthy opponents and we’re all invested in seeing which brother ends up on top. I’m rooting for Jamal, as I believe director Lee Daniels intended. 

4. The Music

Music is the sixth member of the family in “Empire.” It saved Luscious, it threatens to destroy Hakeem, and it’s the medium through which Jamal finds his voice. Written and produced by Timbaland, the soundtrack has lush, bass-heavy beats but the lyrics are sometimes hit or miss. Empire’s music is at its best when it’s used to set the mood for a scene, like when Cookie plays a few dramatic, soul-stirring notes on Luscious‘ piano while voicing her demands.

5. Guest Appearances

Directed by celebrity favorite Lee Daniels, we’re sure to see a lot of buzz-worthy guest appearances this season. As we reported in September, Naomi Campbell makes a cameo as Hakeem‘s older love interest, and Cuba Gooding Jr., Jennifer Hudson and even Foxy Brown make appearances. Can’t wait to see which roles they play! – We’re in store for SUCH a great season, Glamazons. I have to admit I gagged when Fox sent me an advance copy of the first episode along with a Gramaphone and a note sent from the desk of Lee Daniels to me. Like, what?! Since I was traveling, I didn’t receive those goodies until after I watched the show but I would have given it a good review regardless. Yes, some things could improve but it’s the first season so you have to give the series room to grow. So far, I love the acting, the premise and the plot. I count down the days until Wednesday each week! Speaking of Wednesday, I can’t wait to throw the ultimate Empire costume party. If you’re going to one, or just want to dress like Cookie because she’s amazing, here are some finds inspired by her: –

– P.S. This Balmain gown may be my favorite look of hers. P.P.S. do you guys want me to do recaps of her looks every episode? Because I totally can, LOL. Let me know in the comments! And one more thing, here’s me getting my life inspired by Cookie. Love her! Kisses, Glamazon Jessica