A look at area sales and events:

Blush Formal & Bridal is hosting an Eddy K trunk show this Friday and Saturday, September 16-17. Visit blushbr.com to schedule your appointment.

Southern Sophisticate, a “benevolent boutique” that gives back to the community, is hosting its grand opening today through Saturday, September 15-17. In partnership with the Red Sand Project, a participatory artwork by Molly Gochman, guests will be invited to sprinkle red sand in sidewalk cracks to symbolize human trafficking victims who have “fallen through the cracks.” The event will also include traditional grand opening treats like giveaways, food and drinks.

The Backpacker is celebrating its 42nd anniversary with a huge sale this Saturday and Sunday, September 17-18. Shoppers can save up to 75% off on selected discontinued footwear, day packs and clearance winter apparel, plus when you choose from a giant selection of clearance apparel and footwear at 50% off, you can get another clearance item free.

Rush Salon is turning one year old this week, which calls for a celebration. Stop by today, Thursday, September 15, between 4 and 8 p.m. for giveaways, 25% discounts on Paul Mitchell products and tools, 15% discounts on tanning packages purchased during the event, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and champagne.

During the whole month of September, Artvark, Ltd. is offering a minimum of 20% off on almost all items in the store. Artvark will be open today, Thursday, September 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; next Tuesday, September 20, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Tuesday through Thursday, September 27-29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lamps & Lighting is having a lampshade sale and donation event through next Saturday, September 24. All lampshades are 20% off, and when you buy one for yourself, you can also donate a designated shade to someone else in need.

The Hope for Homecoming dress drive continues through this Friday, September 16. Several local shops are serving as drop-off points for the drive, and they’re offering discounts to those who bring in a dress. The dresses will be distributed at 1 p.m. this Sunday, September 18, at St. Joseph’s Academy. Partnering boutiques offering discounts to donors include Soirée, Currie, Swap, H Kyle Boutique, Bustle, Hey Penelope, Head over Heels, Bella Bella and Mingle.

Juban Crossing shopping center in Denham Springs will be the site of a special free event for volunteers and community members affected by the flooding this Sunday, September 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. “Doin’ It for Denham,” put on by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, will feature live entertainment by Louisiana artists, the Saints game on the big screen, and food courtesy of Baton Rouge and New Orleans area restaurants. The event will take place in front of Academy Sports at Juban Crossing. Before the fun begins, the NOLA Tree Project will lead a team of volunteers assisting flood-affected families with cleanup and recovery efforts; to join the volunteer team, visit nolatreeproject.org, call (504) 415-8434, or email [email protected]. And to donate to the cause, visit louisianahospitalityfoundation.org.

After being in business for eight years, Brooklynns Boutique will close its doors on October 1, which means that everything is 65% off this week, with prices expected to keep dropping until everything is sold.

This football season, tag @hemlinetownecenter and use the hashtag #hemlinegameday in your tailgating pics for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Hemline at Towne Center.

Mint is offering 20% off all in-stock and special-order furniture, including upholstery, tables and casegoods.

Tay James Decor & Gifts is holding a clearance sale to make room for new products and holiday inventory, with many items priced 60% to 70% off.

Wooden Haven Furniture Company is offering 15% off all custom upholstery orders now through the end of September.

Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon is still offering 20% off cuts and colors for new clients this month.

The Royal Standard is giving shoppers 30% off gameday gear in stores and online.