JCPenney recently announced a permanent markdown of at least 40 percent on all it’s merchandise – a preemptive move to introduce a tiered strategy of ongoing promotions to offer consumers more value.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all department stores followed suit? Since it’s likely they won’t, now is a good time to brush up on your department-store shopping skills with these seven tips to save at your favorite stores.

1. Befriend Sales Associates
Though your knee-jerk reaction to eager salespeople may be “I’m just looking,” consider taking them up on their offer to serve you. Better yet, seek them out every time you shop the store. Building a rapport with a sales associate leads to the inside-track on upcoming sales and yields better customer service.

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In today’s day in age, many people don’t have extra money to spare after expenses. Personal items like cosmetics, skincare, nail and hair products may get ditched for other necessary budget needs. But just because you have to tighten your wallet that doesn’t mean it has to cramp your style! It’s simple to be flawlessly beautiful on a budget. With just a few cost-effective beauty products and a lot what you already have on hand, you can create sexy, updated looks on a dime.

Below is a list of money-saving beauty tips we found helpful:

Out of Blush? Sweep some of that leftover summer bronzer onto the hollows of the cheeks to create a glow that is great for winter as well.

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2 Brown Ladies and The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. invite guests to Survive In Style, a Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Event on Thursday, October 27, 6 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville.

The event will feature guest speakers on breast cancer as well as a show of designer fashions worn by beautiful runway models. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes available. The first ten guest arrive in pink heels will win a special prize!

Only a few tickets will be sold at the door. If you would like to purchase your tickets in advance, contact Meek Brown at (678) 310-8378 or 2brownladies@gmail.com. Elegant attire is required.

Brayden Pelletier at NY Fashion Week

Brayden Pelletier, artistic director and Redken certified colorist of Gwinnett’s Salon 124, was hand selected by Brian Perdue, owner of Salon 124 Group, and business partners REDKEN and Cutler Salon to style hair backstage during New York’s most recent Fashion Week. Pelletier assisted in creating 2012 hair trends with seven influential designers previewing their Spring 2012 trends in New York City: Bibhu, Dean Quinn,  Jen Kao, Kaelan, Lake & Stars, Libertine and Reem Acra.

“Brayden is a show-stopping trend source,” said Perdue. “With the unique opportunity to send him to New York, we bring our clients priceless information on the latest product, style and hair color trends.”

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On October 29, The Process Institute of Cosmetology will host a Cut-A-Thon to benefit Bert’s Big Adventure.  Bert’s Big Adventure provides financial support to help chronically ill kids experience Walt Disney World®. The event is first come, first serve and will be held on from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Process Institute of Cosmetology, 755 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.

Each haircut will cost $10 and each blow dry will cost $10. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase for $2. Items raffled will include gift certificates to local businesses, hair tools such as blow dryer and flat iron, hair styling products, and more. All proceeds raised will be donated to Bert’s Big Adventure.

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For Women – Function Meets Femininity for Ultra-Sleek Style

As temperatures rise this summer, let your wardrobe rise to the occasion with Belk’s Most-Wanted Summer 2011 fashion picks. Flowy Bohemian-inspired summer silhouettes pair with tailored and sleek closet staples to create a look that is fierce and wearable all day. From shorts in every hemline to soft, sweet tops that’ll catch everyone’s eye, Belk’s Most Wanted Summer 2011 is all about femininity and functionality.

1. Long Skirt – From midi to maxi- make way for longer lengths. Sweeping hemlines give a nod to the 70’s. To complete the Bohemian look, just add a jean jacket and a load of bangles.

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Jane Baskin thinks that if you don’t like what you see in the mirror, you should feel free to change it.

“I’m a big advocate of what I call Life 2.0,” said Baskin, a former social worker, anti-aging advocate and author of Jane of the Jungle. “What I’m referring to is the third stage of life, or the second stage of middle age. Because of the extended life span and the ability to prolong youth with medicine, diet, exercise and plastic surgery, old age is postponed.” She continues, “Life 2.0 is that time between cresting middle age and getting old. It should be as vital a time as youth. And if you feel young, you should look young, too.”

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