Holiday shopping kicks off this weekend

image courtesy of Oaklandish

Whether your buying style is "black", "plaid" or you're a big believer in the Church of Stop Shopping, there's no denying that this weekend sees the kick off of the great American shopping season. Undoubtedly every retailer has some sort of sale this weekend, (and most of them have already sent you e-mails about it!) but, we'd like to highlight a few special events happening around the bay that definitely deserve your attention. 

First up, our favorite indies:

Downtown Oakland "Plaid Friday"

Serious about supporting local businesses? Then there is no better place to be than Downtown Oakland for "Plaid Friday." A neighborhood-wide cross business event, Plaid Friday features major sales and offers at a wide variety of boutiques (such as SW favorites McMullen and Oaklandish),  restaurants and even bars. For a full rundown of events, plus info on the free shuttle running from Bart check out the official Plaid Friday Facebook Page.

Ambiance Thanksgiving Weekend Sales

A mini-chain retailer with 4 locations based right here in the Bay Area, Ambiance has become famous as a go-to Frock shop for local shoppers. This weekend the boutique will feature major mark downs on Fall Pieces, bigger than ever $50 and under racks, and a $150 dollar gift certificate giveaway. (Print your entry here and fill out before you head to the store.)

Cary Lane Black Friday Blowout

A local-boy on a fashion mission, Cary Lane owner Cary La Scala never fails to deliver designer pieces and affordable prices at his Hayes Valley shop. (And we're talking in-season new items, not that outdated ripped-up and well worn stuff you frequently see at other discounters!) But for black Friday, this boy is really blowing the doors off with 30% off the entire store and buy one get one free shoe deals!

Side note: The entire SW team would like to wish Cary Lane owner Cary LaScala Congratulations on his new location! The second Cary Lane location is set to open at 16th Street and Valencia in early December! Congrats Cary, you are a local entrepreneur on the move!

Holiday Book sale at Carte Blanche Gallery

Great gifting! 30% off gorgeous photograph books at Carte Blanche Gallery in the Mission. 

h.Naoto Black Friday Day Sale

It's no secret that our dark hearts beat a little faster for the unusual offerings available at h.Naoto's Flagship San Francisco ( and first ever in the US) store. So, when they announce a limited time, first come first served event we are over the moon.  Big mark downs store wide Friday 11/23- Sunday 11/25 only,  online and in-store. 

Also notable, at major retailers:

A little bird told us that mega-retailer, and recent Maison Martin Margiela Capsule creators, H&M will be rolling out a wave of over-the-top deals for Friday.  Holiday dresses starting at $5, Pants for men starting at $10, and tons of great kids stuff falling into the $5-$10 range. Doors open at midnight, scratch-off tickets valued up to $300 will be given to the first 100 people in line. 

Urban cowboy was a MAJOR trend on the Fall 2012 New York runways, and there's no better place to pick up pieces to create your own version of the trend than All Saints Spitalfields. This Friday get 20% off select clothing and shoes when you shop the Union Square location.

 supermodel Charlotte Free walks the runway for Mara Hoffman Fall 2012

Happening online:

Local knitwear designer Scott McFarland is offering 15% off all SIM knits online. 

Boston based label (and major up and comer)  Emerson is offering 50% off entire purchase when you enter the code GIVINGTHANKS at checkout

Bohemian beauty, and fashionista fave, Mara Hoffman is offering 50% off all Fall Ready to Wear pieces and an additional 15% off already marked down sale items

Outerwear geniuses ( seriously best coats ever!)  Nicholas K is offering 25% OFF orders over $250 with the PROMO Code: TURKEY from November 22 through November 26th.

White-hot handbag group Gryson (parent to Olivia Harris and iiibeca ) is offering 25% off everything online at all three web stores. 

Creators of "subconscious essentials" Cardigan New York are offering up to 80% off online merchandise. 

Got another great holiday sale we should have listed? Let us know in the comments and we'll update our list later in the weekend!