Sara T. (aka Sara Thurston)

City: Los Angeles, CA
Profession:  DJ, Artist + New Media Developer for Non Profits
Claim to Fame:  DJ, Owner/Buyer of sarateashop.com & founder of the No BS Dance Party: Danceotron
Website:  www.saratea.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/sarateaisht
Twitter: www.twitter.com/saratea

Who or what has most influenced your style, and why?

The first two images that pop into my head are '90s Betsey Johnson and John Waters.  I think of my youth and the little trickle down effect of culture & clothing I was exposed to.  The curiousity of New York club culture during that time as well...reading Paper Mag and trying to collect in my mind culture & lifestyles outside of my surroundings.  The campy & the over the top with classic '50s and '60s lines and influence.  I love color...I'm not ashamed of it.
 

What trends and designers do you love right now?

For personal style I love Dianna Opsund Bay aka Ann Hagen ( www.annhagen.com) her Spring/Summer collection '08 focused on layers & the way fabric hangs which is totally what I'm into right now...with monotones grey/white/black & occasional color.  I love pieces that can be worn multiple ways and complete an outfit...especially since moving to Los Angeles I've wanted to settle into my skin more and love soft fabric & well worn shirts/coverings.  I also love Peggy Noland who works with one of my favorite performers Cody Critchloe from Ssion. She creates all sorts of over the top performance wear & you can see her stuff in Ssions videos  www.peggynoland.com

What was your style like in High School?

My clothing was a desperate quest of digging to find original pieces in the land of malls (NJ).  I ended up making my own jewelry pieces (drilling holes into candy attaching to chains, polymer clay, etc.) and wearing/selling them in a local store.  I wore my chunky boots to death and all throughout high school I always had a suit jacket with tshirts underneath & accessories.  In essence I kind of rely on the same things now to spruce up an outfit:  a flattering jacket, original jewelry and a kicking pair of boots.  I LOVE BOOTS.
 

What's your favorite bargain item in your closet?

The $25.00 1980s era Issey Miyake suit that looks like [something] the mom in Beetlejuice would wear.
 

What beauty products are in your bag right now?

Smashbox O-Glow Cheek Color, MAC Naturalize Skin Finish in Light, Buxom Lash Mascara & Sugar lip treatment by Fresh
 

Above, artwork by Sara T: "Super City Focus"
 

You're on a trip and the airline lost your luggage. What 3 items do you rush out to buy right away?

1. Toothbrush
2. Toothpaste
3. A new top to go out in that night!
    

Have you changed your personal style along with your success?

Definitely.  I think as I've evolved I now tend towards more classic pieces instead of throwaway trends.  Moreso I think makeup/extra self care was something that was only in my periphery and as I started to perform out more (and after working @ a makeup counter) I began to appreciate the performance/personal aspect of makeup.
 

What's the most surprising thing you've learned in your profession so far?

That the most successful people are rather lonely, isolated & alone.
 

What are 3 things most people don't know about you?

1. I've lived in ten different states:  Arizona, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, New Mexico, Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado & California.
    
2. I used to be a professional puppeteer.
    
3. I saw Master of Disguise twice in the theater and LOVED IT...in case you don't remember this is a Dana Carvey movie
    

Any words of wisdom for those trying to break into your profession?

Take time to get to know your equipment as a DJ/musician/performer but don't let the technical limitations stop you from sharing what you do.  There's a lot of people who will be more than happy to tell you what to do and even sound like they know but few do.  The people who are legit don't tend to be so pushy & loud.  You don't have to live by the imaginary rules people tell you to live by.  There's a lot of empty advice & I found it best to listen to what everyone says and then follow your own instinct.  It couldn't be much more of a greeting card entry but:  Follow your heart & never give up.

Above, artwork by Sara T: "Tear Dear Don't Dry"

Learn more about Sara T. and her artwork at www.saratea.com