​Local fashion, music, eats, and culture take centerstage at Oakland Style (ooh la la).

Oakland Style is an aesthetic expression of all the things that make the city unique.

“Last year’s inaugural series was extremely popular, and we can’t wait to see people enjoy the 2024 events," says Peter Gamez, President & CEO of Visit Oakland, which spearheads the event. "There’s so much to do in Oakland, and Oakland Style provides the perfect opportunity…to enjoy the town’s welcoming, diverse, creative culture."

There’s something for everyone on the docket, from serious fashion lovers and sneakerheads to foodies. Check out Oakland Style’s website for the full schedule and to purchase tickets. A few of the events we’ll be getting dressed for:

• Music + Mixology. Eleven top mixologists from hot restaurants and bars around Oaktown compete to create the official 2024 Oakland-Style cocktail to benefit Community Kitchens; 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Wednesday October 9. // Rotunda Building (300), Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, $95 ticket.
• Fashion Forward. A celebration of six emerging local fashion designers: Senay Alkebu-Lan, Maya Coleman, Celia Peters, Samantha Saavedra, Ajai Wilborn and Kendra Spooner. A fashion show, designer convos, and DJ music will be had; 7pm to 9pm, Thursday, October 10. // Moxy Oakland Downtown, 2225 Telegraph Ave. The event is free but registration is required.
• High Tea + High Fashion. An elegant afternoon with contemporary tea service, fun cocktails, and an informal fashion show from Oakland stylemaker Sherri McMullen and jewelry designer Dorian Webb, who will have a pop-up shop on site; 2pm to 4pm, Friday, October 11. // Claremont Club & Spa, 41 Tunnel Road (Berkeley),$110 per person.
• The Art of Sneakers. A three-day exhibit showcasing sneaker culture’s impact on fashion and society, including customizing workshops, artist talks, and more. See work and installations from 16 top artists including Oakland native and Nike designer Adarius Bell, and footwear designs from California College of the Arts students; Noon to 6pm,Friday, October 11 to Sunday October 13. // SoleSpace Lab, 302 12th St., daytime events are free, evening events require tickets.
• A Taste of Style. Food and fashion make the perfect combo as chefs from eight of Oakland’s Michelin-recommended restaurants prepare beautiful dishes inspired by famous artists. The event includes a cocktail reception, four-course dinner and wine pairings, and a fashion show to benefit Oakland Art Murmur and Oakland Museum of California (OMCA); 6pm to 9pm, Saturday, October 12. // Bloc15, 252 2nd St.; $225 per person.

Meow! Catbird lands on Fillmore Street—shoppers flock to all the pretty bling.

Pacific Heights welcomes a delicious slice of Brooklyn to its retail landscape. Catbird, the cult-fave jewelry brand known for its teensy, demi-fine jewelry, celebrated its first Northern Cali store with lots of treats. Sure, the Russ & Daughters black-and-white cookies served during an event-filled opening weekend were a hit, but it’s the trio of exclusive San Francisco charms that had mouths watering. Mind you, deciding between the trolley car, sourdough toast (with a pat of butter), and a Karl nameplate is no easy task. As with 95 percent of the brand’s jewelry, the adorable troika is crafted of recycled 14k gold.

The shop itself has a modern Alice in Wonderland-like feel, with pops of yellow, gingham lampshades, antique chandeliers, and a bold, black-and-white-tile floor. The only rabbit hole one’s likely to go down, though, is being overwhelmed by the options; hundreds of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, charms, and rings beckon from the glass displays that line the space. Permanent jewelry—getting zapped in CB lingo—wedding bands and engagement rings, and non-sparkly goodies (lip balms, notebooks, and candles) are also part of the allure. Happy hunting.

P.S. Happy 20th birthday, Catbird.

// 2124 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), catbird.com

​New scent alert: Vintner’s Daughter wants you to smell as good as your skin looks.

At 10 years old, Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum is a certifiable cult classic. Less talked about than the skin-radiating benefits: its intoxicating scent. Now, thanks to the SF brand’s new perfume oil, Understory Vol. 2, there’s an actual fragrance to enjoy. Lush and layered, the complex, unisex scent is hand blended of whole plant ingredients with notes of violet, jasmine, and moss. Founder April Gargiulo likens Understory Vol. 2 to an energizing woodland bouquet, one that pays homage to Northern Cali’s redwoods.

Only a limited number (500 total) of the 10ml roll-on were made. Both the keepsake bottle and beautiful book-like packaging feature illustrations by MarSha Yi Robinson.

// The fragrance ($245) is available exclusively online at Vintner’s Daughter, vintnersdaughter.com

​Think pink (bling) with Gorjana’s limited-time collection for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October means one thing for jewelry brand Gorjana: time to partner with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s Pink Collection—available in stores and online—includes two heart pendants and two bracelets starring pink sapphires, rose quartz, and Rhodochrosite beads. Fifty percent of the sales of each piece ($55 to $250) go directly to the BCRF, a nonprofit committed to achieving prevention and finding a cure for breast cancer. Time to do good shopping.

// Shop in store at 2056 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights) or Village at Corte Madera, 1618 Redwood Hwy, gorjana.com