The iconic trench — once designed solely for function — has swept in as a crisp, fresh fashion trend for fall, with new lengths, bolder colors, richer textures and ladylike details. Don a silky trench as an elegant dress, or throw one on to perk up your jeans and tee. Sources for this report included Jason Sommerfeld, vice president of fashion and branding for Burlington Coat Factory; Amy Cafazzo, trend expert for Marshalls; and Fran Kauchner, vice president of merchandising for Silhouettes clothing line. Soldiers wore trenches during World War I and World War II. read more

However, for the more than 900 adults and children who seek the help of the Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County every year, the holidays can be particularly difficult. The lack of a stable home life during the holidays can be especially hard for children, who are often forced to flee their homes when their abused parent leaves the abuser, said Beth Raub, Women’s Shelter Program spokeswoman. The program is seeking food donations for holiday meals — both Thanksgiving and Christmas — and new, unwrapped gifts for Christmas morning, Raub said. Shelter staff will use the donations to put together food and gift baskets, which will then be distributed prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas days to about 100 families the program is serving. When an abused person makes the decision to leave an abuser, she usually has to abandon all personal belongings when fleeing, including household goods such as pots and pans, making it hard to cook a holiday meal, according to the Women’s Shelter. read more

House & Fashion Magazine ma’ Carmen by di-ve. This week, House & Fashion Magazine ma’ Carmen , will once more feature a wedding scenario as well as give us loads of advice from our house experts. Patricia Calabretta will compliment the bridal wear by suggesting the groom’s wear on this special occasion for the newlyweds. Carmen will, from various off-cuts of fabric, in a suitable style and texture, create Christmas decorations for the house. As in the past, House & Fashion Magazine ma’ Carmen will have many prizes to be won. The production team of House & Fashion Magazine ma’ Carmen are accepting nominations from the public of individuals who will be marrying by end 2009 and who, for a reason or another, deserve such nomination. read more

Art classes for children and youth, including basic art skills, cartooning, and watercolors. Classes include photography, ceramics, drawing, digital imaging, video production, and bookbinding; open studio time also available. Drawing, painting, and mixed-media classes for all ages, including some classes for parents and children to attend together. Art space and materials for children and adults; live drawing classes for members and nonmembers. Regular bicycle repair and sewing workshops, drop-in days for artists and inventors, plus special classes (such as musical-instrument making) on request. Follow one of dozens of professional certificate programs, take art or financial planning classes, enroll in online courses, or audit regular undergrad classes through the Open University program. read more