The show will feature approximately 200 designs created by 44 IADT-Tampa students, with a theme reflecting the uncertainty of the 2012 Mayan calendar. The room will go dark and glowing designs will start the night off; then, viewers will travel to the beach, the workplace, and to the club. A surprise video intermission will cast some light on the making of the show from behind the scenes. Extravagant fabric and trim then appear in cocktail and eveningwear, finishing with a bridal finale unlike any traditional wedding you’ve ever attended! The show also features some of IADT-Tampa’s community projects, including The Pink Party (in partnership with Westfield Mall) and the Festival of Chocolate (in partnership with MOSI).

IADT-Tampa will again partner with My Hope Chest, a local non-profit organization focusing on the issue of breast reconstruction for uninsured breast cancer survivors.

There will be approximately 30 professional runway models from Benz and Alexa Modeling Agencies, as well as a myriad of event volunteers, including hair and makeup by Toni & Guy and The Art of Hendrickje. This innovative production by Directions Media will include state-of-the-art technology and entertainment. As the evening unwinds, “Best of Show” awards will be announced; attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a "text-your-favorite designer" campaign. The results will be aired on July 29 at 2 PM, when the show is broadcast on MOR.

Tickets are on sale now and are available through the IADT-Tampa bookstore or by calling 813-889-3400. Inside the venue, the Promenade will have select seating at $25. Outside, the Salon will have $15 general admission seats, for an intimate runway experience similar to fashion week. For more information on the Imagine 2012 Fashion Show, please visit www.tampafashiondesignexpo.com.

About the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa

With more than 30 years as an established institution, the International Academy of Design and Technology offers students a hands-on education with experienced faculty dedicated to providing students with the necessary skills, knowledge, support and guidance to pursue fulfilling career opportunities in the design and technology fields. The Tampa campus (IADT-Tampa), which opened in 1984, offers degree programs in fashion design, interior design, graphic design, professional photography, audio production, retail merchandise management, information technology, Internet marketing, and Web design and development. Students also have the opportunity to take a portion of their coursework online through IADT-Online. IADT-Tampa is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. The International Academy of Design & Technology – Tampa’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), 206 Grandville Ave, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, www.accredit-id.org. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.iadt.edu/disclosures.
IADT-Tampa cannot guarantee employment or salary and is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information, visit www.iadt.edu/Tampa.

The Perks of Choosing Alternative Engagement Rings

One of the biggest trends to emerge in these past few years has been the alternative engagement ring. Maybe it's because the changing economy has left people looking for less expensive alternatives to diamonds. Perhaps it is because notoriously individualistic Generation ME has started to enter the marriage stage. Whatever the cause, the alternative engagement ring is looking like a trend that is here to stay.

Stones

Today's brides-to-be are not necessarily looking for a diamond solitaire ring. Instead, they want a unique gemstone that represents their personal outlook on life. Popular alternative engagement rings include: emeralds, rubies, blue sapphires, garnets, and pink tourmalines. While nothing sparkles quite like a diamond, an emerald engagement ring can radiate a lovely green hue that dazzles like no other. 

For those who would like a clear stone, but want something cheaper than or different from a diamond, there is Moissanite; a clear, lab-made gemstone that is shinier than diamonds, and originally found on meteorites. This can also alleviate the fear of buying a conflict diamond, as Moissanite is created in a lab and not mined in any potentially unethical manner.

It should also be noted that some people are even choosing engagement rings that don't have any stones.

Settings

Alternative settings are another popular choice, especially when a future bride has already chosen an offbeat stone. Instead of a traditional pronged setting, a person may choose a tension, channel, or gypsy setting. Tension settings are when the gemstone is suspended by the tension of the metal on either side of it. This gives the look that the gemstone is floating.

Channel settings are when multiple gemstones are set in a tension setting right next to each other, using both the tension from the metal of the band and the tension from the surrounding gemstones to hold the stones in place. Gypsy settings are when the stone is placed into a hole in the ring. The stone does not protrude from the hole, and the surrounding metal is hammered to hold the stone in.

Band Materials

Alternative band materials are also very popular. Many brides choose rose gold over the more traditional yellow or white gold. Additionally, a lot of women prefer non-gold settings, such as silver, titanium, or stainless steel. These metals give the ring a more industrial, sleek, modern look.

Additionally, titanium and medical grade stainless steel are biocompatible; this means they interact well with the human body, and no one will be allergic to them. Biocompatible metals are a great option for people with a family history of metal sensitivities. Alternative engagement rings are gaining more and more popularity; start expecting to see non-diamond engagement rings all over celebrities' hands.

Trendy Lime Holiday Soirée at “Harlot” in San Francisco

December 8, 2011 It's that time of year again - holiday dinners, holiday spirit and, of course, holiday parties! Trendy Lime is excited to be entertaining its global fans with a tri-continental series of Holiday parties this year—in Brazil, Europe, and the place where it all began– San Francisco, at our beloved Harlot club.

Please join us at Harlot on December 20, 7-11 pm, to enjoy this festive event. The highlight of the party: 10 amazing prizes from our sponsors handed out by Santa Claus and his lovely Elves.  So be sure to get your raffle ticket at the door:

• Main prize: two $250 vouchers towards your adventure experience with Zozi.com

• Two sets of sparkly jewelry from Chic Gems

• Two 14-day passes to the elite Bay Club Financial District

• Two beauty baskets from Jurlique, organic care from Australia

• Voucher from CocoVine,1673 Haight Str. for Coco-Luxe delicacies and Blue Bottle Coffee

• Delicious dinner for two @ Morac Lounge

Program:

Presents raffle handed out by Santa & Elves.

Complimentary appetizers courtesy Morac Lounge.

Photo shoot by Sergei Krasii Photography and Julie Blaustein Photography

Admission:

Complimentary with password sent through Eventbrite (RSVP at http://holidaysoireesf.eventbrite.com).

General Sponsor:

Our Holiday Soiree is kindly supported by Royse Law Firm (http://www.rroyselaw.com), integrated legal solutions for domestic and international clients including start-ups.

Partners:

Zozi.com (http://www.zozi.com),

Bay Club Financial District (http://www.westernathleticclubs.com/bayclubsffd),

Morac Lounge (http://www.moraclounge.com)

cocoVine @ 1673 Haight Street

ChicGems  (http://chicgemsetc.com)

Jurlique (http://www.jurlique.com)

Media Partners: 

Graffiti PR (http://twitter.com/graffitipr)

Eclectic a la Mode (http://www.eclecticalamode.com)

Bub.Blicio.us (http://bub.blicio.us)

Sergei Krasii Photography (www.krasii.com)

Julie Blaustein Photography (http://julieblaustein.com)

Trendy Lime:

TrendyLime.com is a social network of 4,000+ international influencers and producer of upscale social and networking events. We enjoy a track-record of 40 sold out events on Fashion, Technology, and Professional Networking in the most exquisite venues of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, and Vienna. Our Mission is to provide unique event experience for the most discerning guests, while supporting good cause initiatives and charities and collaborating with local businesses.” Ourr diverse and international team is comprised of experts in Marketing, Branding, Event Planning, Fashion, and Travel.  We also enjoy the support of our advisors, followers, and evangelists. Past Trendy Lime sponsors and clients include:

Contact:

For inquiries, please contact Liana Burtsava at liana@trendylime.com.
Information on Trendy Lime events at www.trendylime.com.

Choosing Jewelry that Suits Your
by Guest Blogger Maria Mathers

Jewelry can be made of virtually any material, from silver to gold, diamonds to copper, glass, natural stones and natural wood. Choosing the right jewelry to suit a particular style depends on the occasion, the attire, the size and shape of the jewelry, and many other factors. The objective, of course, is that it compliment whatever clothing the individual is wearing at the time, and to be the wearer's fashion signature.

An important point in wearing jewelry is to figure out what area of the body one would like to emphasize. For example, a woman who wears dangling earrings is most likely to draw attention to her shoulders. Therefore, this style of earring compliments a strapless blouse or dress. A large woman who wears very small earrings can look heavy in the neck area. Therefore, she should assess her style and compensate accordingly. Small earrings are not out of the question, so long as she wears a scarf at the neck or a necklace on the chunky side. There are some exquisite koa wood necklaces that would be perfect for this look.

The man who wears a ring that has multiple diamonds in it while dressed in casual clothing can look out of place. Casual attire calls for casual jewelry. However, casual jewelry need not be nondescript. Some of the elegantly designed koa wood pieces can be quite striking, while maintaining sleek, simple lines. Rings made of koa wood can be quite elegant in their simplicity.

Simple jewelry usually works for the person who is interested in wearing attire that can transition well from daywear to evening. A woman can achieve a classy and elegant style by wearing simple silver hoop earrings and perhaps a nice bracelet. A chic accompaniment and nice contrast to the silver would be some of the new koa wood pieces, such as one of the wooden beaded bracelets or simple bangle styles. One should exercise caution not to wear too many matching pieces at once. This can look monotonous and boring. The addition of the koa wood breaks up the monotony and adds a new layer of interest.

One thing to remember when picking out jewelry to go with a certain style, is that the style should be clearly identified, and the jewelry should be the last thing chosen to complete the look. A bride in her bridle gown can be instantly identified as a bride. Likewise, the young man who is rugged and athletic can be identified this way by the manner in which he dresses, as well.

Some tips to remember when choosing jewelry to suit a particular style:

•    Always have a deliberate focal point for the jewelry to emphasize.
•    Refrain from wearing too much jewelry at once.
•    Break up the look of shiny metal jewelry with contrasting koa wood pieces.
•    Coordinate jewelry with the fabric textures and patterns.
•    Thin transparent fabrics look better with thin, simple jewelry
•    Nubby fabrics, such as heavily knit sweaters look better with chunky jewelry

The most important point is to be original. Hang a brooch on a hat. Put a ring on a chain around the neck. Wrap a necklace around the wrist three times to make a bracelet. Break tradition and develop a signature style that can be synonymous with the individuals style and personality.

Maria Mathers writes about sustainable fashion & style.
She sees koa wood as a great home furnishing option and thinks wooden jewelry is hot this year.