Welcome back to Inspire Me! This latest installment combines my love of music with my complete devotion to style. Don’t worry, this post is not about how I just knew fashion was my calling the moment I heard Madonna’s “Vogue,” RuPaul’s “Work It,” or as much as I love him(&song) David Bowie’s “Fashion.” O, HighEnders, Mimi is far clever-er than that. This music meets moda piece is geared toward my fellow MTV babies, so its all about the music video! Remember the days when MTV was about…well, music? Yea, it’s a distant memory of the 90s for me, too. Well, this InspireMe post is a throwback to the days when artists, not hideo drunken 20-somethings dominated the Music Tube.

Janet Jackson “Love Will Never Do Without You”

I remember being in the third grade and thinking this was the most romantic song I’d ever heard. It didn’t make me want just a play boyfriend to hopscotch and jumprope with. O no, I was a sophisticated grade-schooler- I wanted a real relationship, something that made me totally understand Janet’s passion and romantic bliss. And the video? Well, I was totally mesmerized by the classic black&white, her FIIIIINE co-stars, and most important the retro, yet fresh feel of JJ’s look. In a black tank, a Goody headband and what would now be considered “mom” jeans, Janet is at her sexiest. And for Ms. Jackson (because we’re nasty ;)) that’s saying a whole lot.

Beyonce “Deja Vu”

Lemme just give you a lil clip from summer 2006- Deja Vu comes on the radio “Hmmm…whatever, Bey. I’ve heard better. Is ‘Promiscuous Girl’ on yet?” Deja Vu video comes on MTV- “GOTdamn, lil mama. I was joking…You know that I can’t get over youuuuu!” I instantly fell for Bey’s perfectly wild mane and Louisiana-induced glow, but her clothes had me captivated. In frilly minis, floral frocks and sophisticated accessories, she evokes the impeccable Southern-lady style of one of my fave films Eve’s Bayou. But the nod is subtle and totally modern.  And the mix of styles, colors, fabrics and genres pays homage to the wonderful hodgepodge of Creole culture. Lesson- can’t nobody shake it in couture as chicly as Bey.

Nirvana- “In Bloom”

When I was in elementary school, we weren’t “Hit(tin) Me Baby..One More Time” or looking for “The Sign” via Ace of Base. O, no, we were grade school rockers- blasting Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots and the Kings of Grunge- well, Nirvana, of course! They were full of youth angst and gritty like the bottom of a Doc Marten.  But the video for “In Bloom” shows the cheekier and chicer side to the band. Though dressed in 50s-style garb, they are bringing “damn the man” lyrics to middle American on this Johnny Carson-like show. Come on, ya know you love seeing the handsome Kurt Cobain in something sleeker than oversized plaid and dirty denim.

No Doubt- “It’s My Life”

I go totally ga-ga for Gwen, so imagine my sartorial psychosis when I first saw the “It’s My Life” video. Gwen is absolutely ravishing in Jean Harlow-esque elegance. Those marcel waves, her signature red lip, and that impeccable wardrobe. I live for the luxe silks and satins, fab furs and retro lingerie. And the “Chicago” storyline and beautiful set design just add to Gwen’s glory.

En Vogue- “Free Your Mind”

This brash and sassy video is a celebration of the 90s that somehow fits perfectly in the new millennium. Over the knee boots? Tres Fall ’09! Leotard as outfit? Lady Gaga circa NOW! Body-con…everything? Well, you get the point! But what I find most inspirational about this gorgeous girl group is how they manage to simultaneously be super-sexy sans the slutty. (Pussycat Dolls, ya listening?) They’re rippin’ the runway, not sexy-crawlin’ and hair-tossin’ down the thing. If this is what “Freein’ Your Mind” looks like, sign Mimi up!

There are gobs more stylish videos- Who doesn’t want to be a Harajuku Girl extra in Weezy’s “Stronger?” Jay-Z’s “Excuse Me Miss”? Hello diamonds and fur! And of course nearly everything by Madame Madge is 80s, 90s and 2000s perfection. But these are the ones that “Make Her Say…” (speakin’ of Kid Cudi) oo la la- molto video-chic!

All right, HighEnders, what are your inspirational picks? GiMimi GiMimi!