Local love: November ushers in holiday season with style

November 2011,  the festive season gets off to a big start with a series of events and parties that put a stylish-spin on the holidays. When it's a celebration of California fashion, or the chance to raise a glass of bubbly with one of the bay areas successful style entrepreneurs there's plenty to keep you busy 'til Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 3

Students get your work seen!

 Last day for student designers to submit an application for the SFSU Fall runway show. San Francisco State University's Fashion Network Alliance is accepting applications for their Fall Runway show until 5PM on Thursday. Participating designers must be currently enrolled at SFSU.  Download an application online here.  

Wednesday, November 9th

Just across 19th avenue from SFSU, City College of San Francisco's Fashion Department Presents: 1 California, a fashion trip down Highway 1 celebrating the eclectic style and spirit of the California featuring looks from local boutiques. 7pm reception, 7:30 runway show. California Historical Society, 678 Mission street in San Francisco. 

Starting Saturday, October 10th continuing through December

 Inspired by Project Runway? Dying to be a designer yourself?  Oakland's Better Living through Sewing kicks off a new series of classes for the ANYA in all of us. From intro to the machine, to the ins and outs of commercial patterns, copying and altering patterns for yourself this one stop sewing shop will get you stitching before the new year. Class rates and times vary, check out the official website for more information.

Friday, November 18th

Cary Lane 3rd Anniversary Party

It seems like just yesterday that musician turned fashion entrepreneur Cary La Scala opened his designer-duds at a discount boutique Cary Lane in Noe Valley, but in fact it's been three years! And in that time La Scala has taken his shop from out-of-way outpost to mainstay on the local shopping scene.  And we're sure glad he's made it, how else would we score big deals on emerging labels, and designer pieces without having to comb through the nightmare that is the Barney's sale? Come celebrate La Scala's success with the entire Cary Lane crew on Friday November 18th with drinks, music, and of course even more discounts on your favorite must-have labels. 8-11pm; 560 Laguna at Hayes. Check out the event's Facebook page for more details; and remember, The SW photographers will be at the event, so put together your best look and you may be featured in an upcoming photo editorial!