A Real Class Act

We live in a world of Real Housewives, Beyonce, Gaga, Nicki Minaj and the Jersey Shore girls. Yes, I admit I have indulged and checked out each one for pure entertainment.

But will these ladies truly last?

I would like to share my daily inspiration and beauty motivator that stands the test of time then, now and forever:

Born:
Helen Folasade Adu
1959 Nigeria - raised in London

Simply known as Sade

I have been a fan since 1984 - the first time I heard Smooth Operator. I didn't know what that song was about at the time but I was truly mesmerized by her smooth, slightly raspy voice, jazzy sound and her beautiful red lips.



She wasn't Madonna or Cyndi Lauper - she was sleek, exotic, fashionable and seductive. I wanted to be her. Plus she had dark hair and features - something attainable for a 9 yr. old girl at the time that was used to seeing blond haired singers and actresses most of the time.

I would like to share my top 5 favorite Sade videos. This is also how I learned about the director Sophie Mullens. Ms. Mullens directed most of Sade's videos and I find them stylish - like I'm watching a fashion editorial come to life.

This was a very hard choice because I love them all. In fact, 15 yrs ago I owned a collection of her videos on VHS - yes, I am OLD. I would play this video while I cleaned the house, was in a bad mood or I just wanted to watch some of my favorite videos, this would do the trick.

Watching these videos/hearing these songs also cures my "CASE OF THE MONDAYS!"

Again, this was just a difficult choice because I love pretty much every video she's ever done - I just wanted to feature a progression of her looks. She is classic in every sense of the word.

When Am I Going to Make a Living:



Sweetest Taboo:

Nothing Can Come Between Us:

King of Sorrow:

(this song is so depressing and beautiful at the same time)

Babyfather:

(only Sade can make Jello making look so appealing)

Two other mentionable shout-outs:

The song that made me a fan - Smooth Operator, Live '93

and the song that always makes me think of my boo:

I'm always on the verge of tears when I hear this song.

That's what I love about Sade - she's so personal. When she sings you feel like she's singing just to you - she feels exactly what you feel and vice versa. That is also how she performs. I have been lucky enough to see her perform live twice in 1993 and 2001 - she doesn't perform very much. Shoot, she's only recorded 6 albums in her 27 yr. career. When she performs it is such an intimate experience - it could be at an ampitheater but she makes it feel like a small jazz club in an alley in the most metropolitan city.

I will always love and admire her, despite her DUI wrap sheets. She'll always be in my heart, feel my pain and describe exactly the way I feel about my husband when I just don't know what to say.

She's also one of the Sexiest women in the world! She's the top of my "girl-crush" list followed by Christy Turlington and then Penelope Cruz.

Yes there was a time I rocked a slick back ponytail (to show off my big forehead), gold hoops and bold red lips. It is one of my favorite looks - personally.



(Personally one of the best backing bands - they helped create her sound)



 Seriously, I would love to look like this now at 36. Well hopefully, I'll be half way there when I'm 51.

I am planning to see her live in Oakland, CA this August w/John Legend. It should be an awesome show - I probably should stop obsessing over new lipsticks for a few months so I can get the Baller seats in the front!