We love us a good trunk show, especially when said event offer the chance to peruse (and perchance, to purchase) looks from local designers whose works we don’t run across in every store on the block. Along with the allure of prices often far lower than retail, there’s the even more rewarding perk of being able to chat directly with the designer behind the label.

This week, the trunk shows abound. Here are five special shows on our radar:

Serial Cultura Group Trunk Show: Oakland-based designer Jen Jennings has rounded up a ground of likeminded designers for a one-night show at the Silverman Gallery. Along with the latest from Serial Cultura (and 25 percent off the spring collection), Stars & Ravens, Micaela Greg and Austin-based Brian Crumley will be showing apparel and accessories. Upping the ante is a limited edition capsule line of one-of-kind dresses by Sarah Borruso of Stars & Ravens.

“I’ve taken on the study of a single dress and re-interpreted it in various forms,” Borusso says.

Serial Cultura Group Trunk Show, Thu., May 6, 6-9 p.m., Silverman Gallery, 804 Sutter St., SF.

Josh Podoll: Local designers Josh and Lauren Podoll will be presenting their full collections, as well as a preview of fall 2010, tonight at Russian Hill’s Eco Citizen boutique. As an added bonus, 10 percent of the evening’s sales benefit Global Green.

Josh Podoll Trunk Show, Wed., May 12, 5-8 p.m., Eco Citizen, 1488 Vallejo St., SF.

Splits 59: If you can slip away today for a mid-morning break, head to dress boutique on Chestnut for a trunk show featuring this activewear designer’s chic, yet totally gym-appropriate tops and bottoms.

Splits 59 Trunk Show, Wed., May 13, 9am-1:30pm, dress boutique, 2271 Chestnut St., SF.

Susan Jane: This local designer best known for colorful cuffs laden with vintage costume jewels would like to bling you out in preparation for the Black & White Ball and is throwing a trunk show to prove it. All day on Saturday, this event at the Westin St. Francis promises a 50 percent discount on all items and a chance to win one of three black velvet cuffs.

Susan Jane Trunk Show, Sat., May 15, 11am-7pm, The Westin St. Francis on Union Square, Yorkshire Room, 335 Powell Street, SF.

Ray Griffiths: If heading to Menlo Park this Thursday or Friday is in the cards, you’ll have a chance to meet and mingle with this sought-after modern jewelry designer who appeared on the Real Housewives of NYC last season (remember the killer earrings Alex got for her birthday gift? This is the man who made them).

Ray Griffiths Trunk Show, Thu.-Fri., May 13-14, 10am-6pm, Angelas, 1129 Chestnut St., Menlo Park, 650 323 7410.