Freedom Star Style

 

I teach to learn. 

My biggest

tug-of-war

with fashion has 

always been meaning...

it's embedded into 

who I am,

giving back, 

supporting my community - 

from urban youth to 

up n' comers, it brings me much joy to 

expose, empower and create with others. 

Gina Valenti, California native and the creative eye (photographer) behind this shoot is in her senior year at Brook's College. Gina decided on New York for her first real-world steps, just 6 days fresh to Brooklyn we had the opportunity to create together. My daily armor mixed with her love for fashion photography.  

Supporting creative  minds like Gina and young minds I work with through Freedom Star Mentorship gives meaning to all my work. And so, I freely style fun floral kicks by Irregular Choice  with satin cocktail dresses in the middle of the day for creation-sake. What can I say, life is good. 

Freedom Star Accessories translucent drop earrings paired with square bangles from a artesian in Old San Juan Puerto Rico. To bring a lil' fantasy to this outfit my Alice in Wonderland inspired ring from Flavour boutique in Brooklyn. 

Freedom Star Style

"Do you" or "I'm doin' me"

is a very New York (perhaps East coast) saying. When talking to friends in the South, Midwest or even West coast the same message is still there, just translated into a longer description. 

Taking time to be selfish, nurturing who you are outside of your career, relationship and even family is (in my opinion) a must. This outift is a total "Doin' me" situation. It was a late night in 2008 creating new looks from old n' new pieces when I styled this look,  except for the amazing Boutique 9 shoes that introduced themselves to me this summer.  

Not sure what took me so long to bust it out (well, the mid-drift thing was not so popular before recently, and I had no island vacations planned as an excuse to show my bare waist) but I'm glad this summer it has made its debut. 

Grey vest from H&M (fall 2008) served as the perfect mid drift top to show off above my belly button -  hiked up pink pleated skirt I found in Good Will Downtown Denver back in 2005. 

Made sure my skirst stayed in place thanks to a silver twisted-chain belt from a boutique tour in L.E.S. and, of course, no outfit of mine is complete without a touch of Freedom...

... Freedom Star Accessories leaf drop earrings to add a little whimsy, 

 paired with a fox ring from Xing accessories in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. 

Hope you find time this week to "Do You."  

Who knows what you will discover, 

or dust off the shelf. 

Until next time dear friends... 

xoxo ~ Freedom Star Sahar

Photography Credit: Gina Valenti

Freedom Star Style

My goodness it is H-O-T, I'm not sure those three simple letters justify the hot spell New Yorkers are trying to survive.

When getting dressed this week my fashion goals were pretty simple, what's the lightest most breathable dress I own, that I can still conduct meetings in, and, last but not least, doesn't show any sweat marks! (ewww, I know, but a reality for any MTA commuter). I opted for this poly/cotton dress by Tramp, maybe not the most breathable fabric, but great cut-out in the back and a loose yet flattering silhouette didn't hold onto the heat like some long-lost-lover.



As much as I love this butterfly fabric, I didn't wake up feeling ultra girlie - easy fix to that & my favorite trend popping up everywhere - spikes n' studs... combined two black leather studded belts for a more dramatic look around my waist, paired with fun purple studded heels from True Love boutique in Denver.





Finished the look with purple feather earrings by Freedom Star and a vintage white-sequin purse (square sequince have a stud feel, help tie it all together....it's the small things, giggle) from ReDress in Cobble Hill.


And that is this week's outfit! Let me
know what you think....

Now off to find a non-toxic beach!

Photography: Rachael Inman.com

Freedom Star Style

Once a dancer, always a dancer. 

Dance is mi primer amor. My first love. 

As soon as I saw this skirt (Twelve by Forever21) it took me back to my days dancing at Colorado Ballet. I've since traded my toe-shoes for something a little sexsier... salsa, tango and the occasional cha-cha. There is just something about sliding on a pair of heels that makes life from sidewalk to dance floor feel a little more sultry.  These 4 inch ROCK & REPUBLIC steel heels are a perfect example,

 Mm mmm mm. 

Added a touch of bold fun with Freedom Star Accessories double sequince  multi-chain necklace paired with a double finger ring from a boutique tour in Fort Greene. Topped it off with an American Apparel leotard (which can quickly double as a sunning suit if you happen to find yourself close to a beach or Central Park). 

That's this weeks Freedom Star Style! 

Until next time....

Freedom Star Style

Lifes' circumstances have me feeling tough around the edges - I need my fashion armor more than ever to pick up my spirits and protect my passions.   What better way to do that than with my gold studded ROCK & REPUBLIC heels. 
 I just feel fierce slipping them on! 

 No matter the mood, as many professionals know, you still have a face to put on and business to conduct.  To keep it professional and carry all my meeting necessities (journal, proposals, even my iPAD fit in here!) I opted for my black leatherBuffalo Exchange box purse.


To help keep a smile on my face I went straight for my Fashion Denver find -- a ring from The Hot Pink Mustache (always a great impromptu photo prop)!




Now that work is all done, it's time to play, kept it cool (literally and figuratively) with harem  pants from Forever 21 and sequince and mesh tube top from Arden B.  Off to meet the girls for a little creation celebration!

Photography credit: Rachael Inman

Freedom Star Style

One of the things about living in New York (for most of us) is that you-are-one with the elements. What do I mean? There is no car, garage, or covered walkway to spare you from the wind, rain or snow. So, what does that mean for someone like me who gets dressed from bottom - up? Cover those toes...and that, was the inspiration for this week's outfit.

It is still spring however (and I would like to show off the tan I'm rockin' from

last weekend), so I kept the colors light in this Alice Moon dress found on a rack in Park Slope. Added a spot of cute with Calvin Klein polka-dot pantyhose, paired with one of my favorite brands Miz Mooz (oh so comfy heels, made for City girls).

No outfit, or day for that matter, is complete without a dose of Freedom - Omid (hope) leaf drop earrings, this pair in a shade of olive, also available in purple. Finished off the look with a tuxedo jacket ($3 find in Jackson Heights! Sorry BAM boutique is closed now) embellished with large silk flower from H&M, and an absolute favorite accessory of mine...

...a wood and leather purse that hangs from a beautiful twisted rope. Roaming an antique store

in Manitou Springs, Colorado with my Mom is where I

found this beauty...favorite part, it has plenty of room inside for phone, lipstick, notepad, keys and fold up slippers. I don't remember the name of the place, but there are only two in town!

Photographer: Rachael Inman.com

A year ago today...

A year ago today Freedom Star Mentorship along with 7 bright minds (14-17 years old), hosted Freedom through Fashion, a benefit concert and fashion show.

For nearly four months, this group of 7 students had to maintain the responsibilities of their specific positions, whether Stylist, Talent Coordinator, Producer, Social Media Manager or Event Planner, each student had areas they were responsible for.

More than half of our group represented the first graduating class of Frances Perkins Academy, with that in mind, Angela, Celeta, Kyle, Javier, Jelani, Christian and Shakeiy'a decided the proceeds of the show would go back to their school! I'm delighted to announce we met our goal and C.A.D. software was obtained for the student body of FPA.

Freedom through Fashion brought together emerging designers and artists including Under Ground System Afro Beat, People In Gear, a special dance session opening with none-other than Benny Ninja from America's Next Top Model!

It is a joy to look back at how much we conquered last year - Freedom Star Mentorship has only begun empowering - I am excited to see what we triumph over in the next decade!

Love - Sahar

Amy from Radiance Hair & MakeUp shares her inspiration

Sexy night vixen. In this look Sahar wears a great ruffled black dress, perfectly accompanied by a black hat and platform shoes. It's fun to get dressed up and add a dash of drama through your accessories--don’t be afraid to do the same with your makeup.

The perfect complement to an elegant black outfit is a red lip. It adds the perfect pop of color (be sure to find one in the right shade for your skin tone). Sahar wears Cover Girl “Flame” that has golden undertones to compliment her olive skin. Another look may be to tone down the lips to a neutral and play up the eyes with a smoky eye in any color. I recommend NARS “Demon Lover.”

~ Amy

www.RadianceNY.com

Freedom Star Style

Love holiday weekends, a time to slow down, catch up with friends,

and always a great excuse to dress to the 9's.

The warm weather inspired my skirt to get shorter-and-shorter as my heels got taller-and-taller. These 5 inch ROCK & REPUBLIC platforms are much more comfortable than they appear...even on the cobble stone streets of the French Quarter a.k.a. 4-wheeling for high heels - that's when they were really put to the test, and I'm happy to share no blisters or broken ankles.

Found this Victoria Bekham influenced dress roaming through the Fashion District - I think on 7th Ave and 37th Street - - but the little shop is no longer there. :(

Now that the basics were taken care of it was time to add a little funk.

Kept it dressy and distinctive with a touch of Freedom Star : dark silver, studded bow-tie necklace *.

I knew I wanted to play up the tuxedo theme from my pantyhose (Calvin Klein) that's when I remembered a little treasure I found for $10 at the Young Designer's Market in SOHO - - well hello TOP HAT.

Oh, my heart is smiling so big. :) Couldn't resist adding my newest bejeweled friend Octopus from True Love boutique in Denver.

And, voila my little black dress is holiday-weekend-appropriate!

* Bow Tie necklace special order only, will not be sold on my website.

Please order via e-mail sahar@freedomstaronline.com

Photographer: Rachael Inman

Radiance NY stops by to talk make up!

Amy Klewitz, friend and long-time supporter of Freedom Star and most importantly the founder of Radiance NY: hair, makeup and dance, stopped by our photo shoot to make sure I had the right look for this outfit. Here is her make up tip for those looking to mix a little warm & cool.

In this look Sahar wears a gorgeous wood linked necklace accompanied by brown and grey tones. This look is great as it combines both warm and cool colors, which gives you more to choose from as of makeup. Despite being dressed for the cool spring weather, this summer you are likely to mix these two colors. Sahar wears a nice warm lip with hints of peach to compliment this look - great for a natural summer glow, I recommend NARS “Warm Rose Brown” matte lip stick with “Wonder” lip gloss to add more peach tones to the mix.

Another place to play up this look is in the cheeks. By running a light eye and neutral lip we can play up the cheeks with warmer colors to bring out those cheekbones. I recommend “Honey Bronzing Powder” by the Body Shop.

Photographer: Rachael Inman

Freedom Star Style

In the eight years I've lived in NYC, this has been the coldest spring yet. I won't complain much longer, this weather is a great opportunity to pull out jackets I haven't worn in years...like this beautiful honey-brown hand stitch leather jacket I found at a street fair in the West Village back in'04.

To keep hope for spring alive I paired the jacket with olive linen pants by Twelve (forever21), and BCBG Girls wood and leather platform heels (they are super light and comfy).

No outfit of mine is complete without a little piece of Freedom, wood link necklace with vintage key from Freedom Star Accessories ...the perfect

finishing touch!

Looks like we might hit 80 this week...fingers crossed! Have a good week everyone!

xo Sahar

Freedom Star Style

I love spring but this rain is really messing with my shoe game. I'm ready to put away the boots and get into my lace & suede Betsy Johnson pumps. They've only been waiting in the closet for 5 weeks!

Thanks to Rachael

Inman.com I don't have

to wait for blue skies to try on my new spring outfit. Love dressing up for fun! (Thanks Rachael!) check out her shoe illustrations here:

http://tinyurl.com/5ubyjzz

It was love-at-first-sight when I found this empire waist lace top at Flavour Boutique on 86th Street in Bayridge Brooklyn. One of my favorite stops for good priced tops and dresses that you can wash and don't fall apart!

Freedom Star Accessories lock & heart key earrings ($12) and bold link bracelet ($18) and vintage clutch purse from Re/Dress NYC 109 Boerum Place, Brooklyn.

Makeup by Amy Klewitz of Radiance NYC, here's a little note from Amy about my look!

Sahar's light pink lace top paired with the soft grays in her hat and jeans inspired me to go for a nice neutral look. By using a soft peach across the lid to bring out the brown in her eyes and a medium line of liquid or cake eyeliner you get the soft but made-up look that complements both aspects of this outfit. I recommend Mac’s “Paint Pots in black or brown. Also by adding a peach cheek you stay on the neutral end but still adding some color highlight to the cheeks and a neutral lip.