Secret Sources: Margaret Sche of The Sche Report
Author:Sarah Virginia WhiteMargaret Sche is a creative consultant, fashion maven and general lady-about-town (she’s based in both LA and Austin) who can rattle off a client list that includes Vanity Fair, Corly, Cavalier Goods and InStyle. As a creative strategist, Sche uncovers the raw artistry of designers, retailers and craftsman in order to better tell their stories (she’s currently spearheading a fair at The Stash Factory in Sealy, TX highlighting Texas craftsmen), but along the way, she shares her unique interactions as the editor of The Sche Report—and unwittingly serves as my go-to tipster when I’m in search of hidden creative talents or styling inspiration. Her short list of all-time favorite muses—Frida Kahlo, Georgia O Keefe and Amelia Earhart—will give you a taste of her style flavor, but read on for our detailed peek inside her Los Angeles secret sources.
High-end Crafts: General Store in Venice has the biggest collection of artisanal goods in the city. From housewares to jewelry and fashion, they have it all and do an amazing job creating the aesthetic in their store. Another favorite is Bazar (also in Venice). Owner Tina Wakino has an amazing take on the Japanese artisanal lifestyle. My heart beats so fast when I am in this store! It’s filled with vintage Japanese indigo, ceramics and crafts. I always say Japan does the American lifestyle better than we do, and this store is an amazing example of that; Bazar, 1108C Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310-314-2101.
Image courtesy of Inheritance Shop
Vintage Finds: My absolute favorite place to shop for vintage things is at the Rose Bowl Flea Market (open the second Sunday of every month). I’ve found amazing vintage pieces here over the years, so whenever I am looking for “stuff,” this is the first place I go. Inheritance Shop on Beverly is an amazing collection of vintage odd and ends and unusual items. The shop feels like a tiny little two-story house that showcases the owner’s collection. I walk in and just stand and stare at all of the shelves of objects and art hanging in every open space. This shop is not for the unfocused or the impatient, it is only for those that enjoy taking in all the little details and seeing each piece as its own object of art. I literally want the entire shop in my house. It’s that good.
Jewelry: I love supporting artists whose work is unique and inspiring. So I was very excited when my friends Tere and Gabriela Artigas opened up their flagship store, Gabriela Artigas, last year on La Cienega. They’re two of the most fun-loving and spirited designers in LA, and their collection of delicate gold jewelry is so vast that there is something for everyone. When visiting my favorite weekend retreat, Topanga Canyon, I always visit Heyoka Hideout for some of my favorite bohemian jewelry artists, including leather accessories from their own line, plus Alex & Lee, Adina Mills, K/ller Collection and Jessica Seaton. They also have some of the best vintage turquoise from my friend The Gypsy Hunter. This little gem of a place is well worth the drive to get there and immediately be transported straight into the 1970’s.
Artwork: Church Boutique is one of my absolute favorite concept stores in LA. It’s known for discovering new local talent, and owner Rodney Burns (formerly of Maxfield) is a big champion of the artists that he showcases in this lifestyle store, which features a constant rotation of art, fashion and jewelry. His store blows my mind—I wander around for hours discovering unusual works by artists like Retna, Ray Hare, and Debbie Korbel. The gallery Double Vision on LA’s west side curates unusual midcentury and folk art. I discovered this store several years ago and love going in there and hearing the stories of how they got each piece in their collection; Double Vision, 630 Idaho Ave, #207, Santa Monica, 310-749-8606
