If you are into prime time television, you have probably been drawn into the all new and record-breaking show, Empire, on FOX. The leading lady of the show, Cookie Lyon, is the fiercest mama-jama of them all. Played by Taraji P. Henson, she’s a “started from the bottom, stayed there a while, but made a come up” type of gal. She goes for gold with everything that she does. Cookie took the fall for the illegal activity that she and her husband, Lucious, committed in order to start their record label, Empire Entertainment. After being imprisoned for 17 long years – missing all of her sons grow up, while her husband divorced her and went on to live a “good life” – she is back in full force. Now, I don’t have any Gucci, $10,000 furs, or outfits from Timbaland’s wife to get that ferocious Cookie Lyon style, but I can thrift my butt off and accessorize, and you would never even know. But you do. I found this dress, a BCBG Max Azria that retails at $160, for $4 at Thrift City (because it had tears at the seam, nothing a little needle and thread couldn’t quickly mend). It gives me the Cookie vibe, so let me break down the Cookie Lyon style for you:
Big & Bold
Whether it is a leopard print dress or a purple fur coat, stylist Rita McGhee selects one theme and rides it all the way out, in a good way. If Cookie is wearing leopard, she’s wearing leopard, dangit! Leopard mini dress with long sleeves, leopard hat, leopard purse. If she’s rocking all white (‘cuz she’s feeling Godly – Dej Loaf), she has the matching shoes. Go big & bold or go home.
The color blocking and large stripes are big and bold!
Fitted & Simple
Cookie wears an all white fitted dress and cut out booties here. So simple, yet bangin’!
The pattern is simple and straight to the point. The fit (this is a BCBG size XXS) is close to the body, and the above the knee cut with long sleeve resembles several of the outfits Cookie has worn on Empire.
Accessorized
From the large hoop earrings (a style she’s had since before she was imprisoned) to a powerful red lip (I have rarely seen her without red lipstick), Cookie’s accessories are never overdone, and always right to the point. Her hat game is something serious!
A simple black hat and an oversized studded Neiman Marcus clutch take the cake. The red lips and burnt orange Mineral Fusion nail polish add a pop. The H&M midi rings are like the garnish on your favorite dish. The peep toe shoes are from target, and they seal the deal.
Do you watch Empire? Who is your favorite character? Who is a fictional character whose style most resembles yours? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo dolls & dudes 🙂
You look so fab! I love the look!
-Natasha
http://www.lovelyyoublog.com
Thank you, Natasha! 🙂
very good post!! Love it!!
Thank you, Kirra!! 😀
I love a quality sweater dress and yours is perfect. The cut and fit is on point.
It is so soft! I was so lucky that a few tips in the right places caused it to be only $4. It didn’t even take me 15 minutes to fix it! Thank you 🙂
Oh my goodness, you look FIERCE!! I love how you are owning that look 🙂 I haven’t seen the show but the clips I have seen look intense. Hope you have a great Wednesday!!
Thank you, Nancy! (Inserts fierce fancy hand emoji girl) haha, Wednesday was great, I hope you have a great weekend ahead of you! 🙂
Love this dress. I haven’t seen empire but I’m about to figure out how to do it – any show that’s character wears all leopard is sure to be amaaaaaazing.
Yes girl, find it haha (I remember the American TV struggle over there), it’s a good ole frame filled soap opera/musical type of show! Thank you 🙂
I don’t watch much television so I haven’t seen Empire but I love the looks, especially the booties. I adore shoes! Commenting on behalf of SITS Girls, from Neely’s Facebook link.
Thank you, Laurie! Those booties have turned out to be a pair of my favorites 🙂
My husband and I have gotten ADDICTED to Empire! I’ve remarked a couple of times of Cookie’s style–it’s so bold and fun! Love the dress and hat you’ve got here–I’m a sucker for a great hat! 🙂
That is so awesome y’all are following the show together! She is definitely bold in all aspects haha. Thank you! 🙂
Gotta say I like YOUR style better. 😉
Aw shucks!!! Thank you, Heather!! 🙂