EMPIRE’s Taraji P. Henson has a new ’do, but don’t expect to see her alter ego, Cookie, sporting it. “I have this beautiful curl pattern, but for so many years of straightening it, the ends stayed straight and my curl pattern died; I just wanted my curl pattern back,” explains Henson of the change. “I never had it natural all the way without straightening it. Ever! I wanted to try it, so I chopped it all off. Yes, this is Taraji. Cookie can’t have everything. I gave her all my bob wigs, that’s about it. I think a lot of the big chop also had to do with the fact that I didn’t have an identity difference. In my life and in my movies, I wear a lot of wigs and then in my life, it became, ‘Well, what kind of wig am I going to wear today as Taraji?’ It was like the lines started getting blurred. It’s not deep, though. I didn’t go to my shrink about it [laughs].” As for the color, she smiles, “Because why not? Why not try a color? I just wanted a change, it was summertime, so why not just bump it up?” Henson adds that she’s happy with the change, noting, “Now, I rush to my trailer to take the [Cookie] wig off! I really do!” August 2017
Photo credit: INSTAR IMAGES
My Look: Judi Evans (Adrienne/Bonnie, DAYS)
What’s the last great purchase you made? “I have to wear hosiery at my other job [at Rose Hills Memorial Park], so I really love Donna Karan thigh-high hosiery. I buy them 20 at a time. If you treat them right and wash them right, they last for years. I also like Victoria’s Secret’s thigh-highs.”
What trend are you incorporating into your wardrobe? “I’m not a fashion person, so I don’t keep up. I’ve actually been cleaning out my garage, and I’ve come across a lot of cool jackets and outfits from the ’80s and ’90s. So shoulder pads and sequins are coming back for me [laughs].”
What item is currently on your must-have list? “I can never have enough business suits. I particularly like to wear [Ralph] Lauren dresses and match them up with jackets. I love Lauren dresses because they’re comfortable and sexy but don’t show too much. It’s my favorite type of dress. Sometimes I can find them at Ross Dress For Less for $10. They’re usually $100 to $200 at Macy’s but once in a while, Ross will get them and I’ll come in and scoop them all up if they’re $10.”
How do you pamper yourself? “I think being around my horse is a pamper for me. The stable isn’t far from work, so I can go there at lunch. I consider that my pampering time.”
What’s your go-to drugstore buy? “Tide Stain Remover and Kleenex portable tissues. I wear a lot of light-colored clothing and the Tide Stain Remover can really come in handy.”
Whose style inspires you? “Meryl Streep. I love to see what she’s wearing. She dresses so nicely for her body.”
What’s your favorite thing in your closet? “My sneakers and cowboy boots. I usually wear Asics Gel Cross-trainers. It’s a great shoe for my feet. It provides good support but is cushiony. Right now I have a black with hot pink pair.”
Q Abby [Melissa Ordway] was wearing a sky blue sleeveless blouse with an interesting, colorful print. What was on that blouse and where can I find it? Thank you!
Jamie P., via email
A Those are flamingos in flight on the Pietra Bird Print Tasseled Top by Cooper & Ella. It can be found on Bloomingdales.com.
Q Mariah [Camryn Grimes] was wearing a very dramatic necklace when she and Tessa were at the police station. Who makes it? Thanks!
Sandra J., via email
A That wasn’t a separate necklace that the character wore; it was a turquoise embellishment of the coral top. It’s called the Mayfair Tee by Free People.