5 Days of Wraps (Great Holiday Gifts Inspired by Yours Truly)

Struggling to find a last minute Christmas  gift for that special woman on your list? Looking for a memorable, unique and custom-made present?

Or, are you done all your holiday shopping and looking for some stylish additions to  wear at the slew of festive holiday dinners and lavish new years parties to ensue?

Look no further than To Desire. Take a look at these five amazing holiday gifts, inspired by yours truly.

The Earmella

Made of imported silk, this stunning wrap comes in several stylish variations. Lightweight and versatile, the Earmella is the perfect accessory for a night out on the town or quiet evening with friends. Definitely an attention-stealer at any holiday party.

HUGG – Love Wrap

Inspired from breast cancer awareness, this cozy pink italian wool wrap will embrace your loved ones with warmth. With every $15 of each wrap sold, donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, you won’t regret adding this to your wardrobe and supporting a good cause.

Furtini

An elegant addition to any fashionista’s wardrobe, and perfect for any chilly winter night. This blue brocade is lined with 100% faux fur, with metallic weave lining and an intricate beaded fringe finish.

Bravura  

Steal the spotlight at any holiday or new years party with the Bravura Wrap. This trendy wrap is made with premium italian wool with grey, tan, cream & metallic weave and a delicate frayed finish.

You can order any of these fashionable wraps directly at http://www.todesire.com or contact me directly at jeeti@todesire.com

A Night to Remember

Before all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, To Desire would like to reflect back on the wonderful Women in Leadership (WIL) Gala I had the pleasure of attending at the beginning of the month.

This year the WIL foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary at its 4th annual Superwomen & Friends Gala, bringing together a beautiful, ambitious and talented group of women. Representing Canada’s largest female speaking series’, WIL has played a pivotal role in helping thousands of entrepreneurial women across the country achieve their goals. To find out more about this wonderful organization, check out this video: WIL Foundation and visit WIL online at:  http://www.womeninleadership.ca/

For this elegant affair, yours truly wore the luscious Juliette wrap with a stunning 22k gold centre piece.

It was truly a night to remember and I will not forget the wonderful group of superwomen I met that night.

Much love,

Jeeti

To be desired… Beautiful and Independent Women

To Desire adores these inspirational and sophisticated women for their trendsetting style and attitude. Here, in no particular order, is a list of ten beautiful, independent and successful women we absolutely adore and look up to. Whether they are making the world a richer place, making others laugh, or simply pursuing their dreams, their independence and success are definitely to be desired….

1.) Oprah

No explanation necessary.

Dubbed “The Queen of Talk,” this woman has singlehandedly changed the face of television with the highest ranked talk show in TV history, The Oprah Winfrey Show. Now worth over a billion dollars, Oprah has not only gained an Oscar nomination, but is a successful magazine, editor, literary ring leader, radio host and network owner. On top all of that she has personally donated millions of dollars to charitable organizations and victims of disease and poverty. She is truly an inspiration to all of us ladies out there.

2.) Ellen Degeneres

Upon creating a media whirlwind when she came out on the cover of Time in 1997, and rebounding from the cancellation of her sitcom Ellen, she rebounded with a vengeance topping the ratings and Emmy’s with her new talk show, The Ellen Degeneres Show. In addition, she is now the proud face of CoverGirl and has played a significant role in the gay and lesbian movement.

3.) Princess Diana

Once the most photographed woman in the world, Princess Diana captivated the whole world with her elegant and classy nature. Charitable and gracious, Princess Diana travelled the world and touched the hearts of everybody she met. In addition to serving as one of the most adored members of the British royal family, she managed to go on endless humanitarian trips, preventing the use of landmines, caring for the sick in Africa, as well as helping refugees around the world.

4.) Anne Hathaway

While this choice might surprise you, this beautiful young women has blossomed from a frumpy teen in Disney’s The Princess Diaries, to a critically acclaimed actress for her performances in Brokeback Mountain and The Devil Wears Prada. Aside from being named one of People’s Most Beautiful Women, this stunning actress also spends her time contributing to various charitable children organizations and women’s rights campaigns.

5.) Madonna

Madonna is no stranger to the music scene, with her rebellious and daring antics having transformed her into a cultural force to be reckoned with for decades. In touch with her spirituality, Madonna also shed light on the philosophy of Kabbalah, encouraging women around the world to become more aware of their worth and innate strength. Her independent and bold nature not only enables her to represents women all around the world, but an inspirational role model as well.

Fashion Lounge at the Toronto International Film Festival

When you think of The Toronto International Film Festival, your mind is instantly drawn to two things: captivating, awe-inspiring movies and the core focus of every fashionista – the stunning, glamorous fashion on the red carpet. Did you know that yours truly was given the opportunity to be featured in TIFF’s first ever First Weekend Club’s ‘Canadian Film Lounge’?

Amongst such beautiful posh and lavish surroundings, Sarah Murray’s Fashion Capsule Style Closet played host to numerous Canadian actresses and actors.

This year, The Fashion Capsule Style Closet offered everything from elegant jewelry and accessories to cocktail dresses and handbags, as well as tantalizing sweet treats and chocolates. In particular, TIFF actors and filmmakers were presented with swag from uniquely Canadian fashion brands such as:

http://www.brooklyndesigns.ca

http://www.gaya.ca

http://www.dahliadrive.com

http://www.iritsorokindesigns.com

http://www.nicolebridger.com

http://www.rachelsin.com

http://www.voutureclothingco.com

http://www.lolo.ca

Making its wonderful debut at the Canadian Film Lounge, were several exquisite To Desire Wraps:

[From top to bottom: Bamboo Wrap, Believe Wrap, Cheer Wrap (Aqua), Cheer Wrap (Yellow)]

With films such as The Whistleblower (http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/films/feature/the-whistleblower.html) featuring Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave, and Monica Bellucci, and Sarah Polley’s acclaimed, Take This Waltz, featuring Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams and Sarah Silverman, I wonder what films will come out on top at TIFF 2011.

For all of you who have had the privilege of viewing films at TIFF, what were your top picks?

Sending a Warm Embrace to Somalia

To Desire Supports the Somalia Crisis

The United Nations has reported that the combination of one of East Africa’s worst droughts in 60 years and Somalia’s relentless conflict has rapidly depleted the country’s food supplies. As a result, tens of thousands of Somalis have tragically died of malnutrition over the past few months. This heartbreaking famine and its tragic after-effects have been felt all over the world.

With millions of innocent families and children on the brink of starvation, it is vital to help out in any way we can. In this way, I’ve taken it upon myself to make a personal donation through the Red Cross to aid the people affected by the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Somalia.

Find out what more you can do to help here:

Donate to the Red Cross: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=40110&tid=001

Donate to Care Canada: http://care.ca/main/index.php?Somalia

Donate to Unicef: http://www.unicef.org/somalia/

FWE E-Series Graduation

Ladies, we finally made it! After months of meetings, seminars and events, we have graduated the coveted FWE E-Series 2011!

Reflecting upon this surreal experience brings forward a range of emotions. Not only was I provided with a wealth of knowledge and experience, but blessed with great friendships as well. Working with these amazing ladies for six months has given me a newfound respect for them as individuals, as well as the amazing businesses they have created.

In light of that, here’s an ode to these inspirational ladies and the fantastic businesses they run:

Barre Fitness

Website: http://www.barrefitness.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/barrefitness

Serving as one of the first innovative studios of its kind in Canada, Barre Fitness is an industry pioneer. Invigorate and tone your body with this unique ballet barre-based workout, incorporating elements of pilates, strength and flexibility training.

Blo Dry Bar

Website: http://www.blomedry.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/bloheartsyou, http://twitter.com/queencoiffure, http://twitter.com/TheManeTease

Let Karen and Jenny blo you away with North America’s original blow dry bar. This isn’t your typical hair salon – no scissors or dye are needed here, simply a revitalizing experience that leaves you with amazing cat-walk quality hair.

Bombay Brow Bar

Website: http://bombaybrowbar.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/bombaybrowbar, http://twitter.com/ravymehroke

With its new Kits location booming, this place clearly needs no introduction. Ravvy Mehroke has developed this Indian-inspired brow bar into the huge success it is today. Get your brows sculpted and shaped perfectly by an experienced brow-expert while sipping on a complimentary cup of decadent chai tea. You won’t be disappointed, ladies!

Diplomatic Immunity

Website: http://www.diplomatic-immunity.ca/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DiplomaticStyle, http://twitter.com/marousadumaresq

Let Marousa and her bold brand dress you in a stylish, versatile and elegant wardrobe perfect for traveling, on-the-go lifestyles. No matter what the destination, represent a vision of style, elegance and panache with Diplomatic Immunity.

Grooster Van

Website: http://www.grooster.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/groostervan

Serving as an innovative and local business, Grooster curates and presents amazing deals off the best businesses in Vancouver. With great finds up to 70% off the best Vancouver has to offer in style, design, and food, why not celebrate and support your local community and businesses with Grooster?

Kids Physio

Website: http://www.kidsphysio.ca/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kidsphysio

Attention to devoted mothers out there: come visit Kids Physio. The Kids Physio team of trained professionals offer specialized physiotherapy treatment designed specifically to cater to your child’s unique set of needs.

Lumiere Concepts

Website: http://lumiereconcepts.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumiereconcepts

This boutique lighting firm is an industry leader, specializing in sustainable lighting design for retail and hospitality sectors.

Congratulations to all the ladies of the FWE E-Series 2011, and best of luck in the future!

Wrap Yourself in Sunshine!

June is slowly winding down, signalling the official of summer! And you know what that means, right? Long days, endless sunshine, patio and beach weather. That’s right ladies – no more blustery winter snow forcing you to bundle up in thick jackets and wool scarves; gone are the spring showers restricting you to sport those florescent colored, plastic-looking gum boots. Instead, dig out your favorite cute summer dress and other outfits you’ve been longing to wear and pair it with a decadent wrap. Welcome the world of sensuality and luxury with us.

Add a delicate and feminine flare to any summer outfit with To Desire’s sophisticated and versatile wraps. No matter what you are looking for, To Desire’s luxurious wraps can add a feminine accent to a casual outfit or can give you that extra glamour for a spectacular night out on the town.

Our new Earmella collection consists of several lightweight and elegant wraps that make the perfect complement to any basic summer dress, simple work, casual or even dressy outfit.

This unique one-sleeve wrap is custom made from the finest and exquisite fabrics imported from France, Italy and India.

        

Chic, stylish and empowering – What more can you ask for?

Wrap yourself in decadence today,

Jeeti

If you would like to see the whole Earmella collection, click here:  http://tiny.cc/tdearmellas

Wrap Yourself In An Eternal Embrace

What to do with your mother’s old wedding dress?

Not everyone can or wants to wear their mother’s old wedding dress for their special day. Often the dress will sit around in some dusty suitcase or will be forgotten in some old box. Eventually it will be mistakenly donated with the piles of other clutter collected over decades. Those of us who like to hoard will keep it buried under boxes and bins never to see it again. Instead, why not recycle the dress into an Eternal Hugg.

 

An Eternal Hugg by To Desire transforms a mother’s wedding dress into a loving embrace that can be passed onto a daughter. The hugg is designed to emulate the feelings of a real hug and to offer a mother’s comfort and support.  There are several benefits of transforming the dress into a hugg:

• a mother’s hug is very therapeutic – it can instantly take away pain and brush away tears
• it’s a hug at your finger tips, just put it on when ever and where ever you need a hug
• it’s a rejuvenated way of treasuring the dress and embracing old memories
• some of us live far away from our mothers – it allows us to embrace mom when we are in dire need of comfort and support or on any special occasion when mom just can’t be there
• it’s a great way to take a mother’s love with you no matter where in the world you go – it won’t take too much room in your suitcase
• for those of us whose mothers have passed away the hugg offers a great way of receiving eternal love and warmth from our mom

An Eternal Hugg is not just limited to a mother’s wedding dress. A grandmother, god mother, aunt, maternal mentor or your own dress are also perfect candidates for an Eternal Hugg. The possibilities are endless and the transformations are absolutely breath taking!

Women Embracing Entrepreneurship And Wine

The To Desire Hugg Collection embraces The Forum For Women Entrepreneurs British Columbia (FWEBC) whose mission is to provide tools, energy, education and support to all women, encouraging them to become wildly successful entrepreneurs.  Hugg named Rich and Hugg named Bold are wraps that have been exclusively created to support the FWEBC Once Upon A Grapevine Gala. The theme of the gala, all about entrepreneurs and wine, inspired the names Rich and Bold.

Introducing a Hugg named Bold – a mélange of courage, self-assurance and  confidence needed in an entrepreneur and an exquisite wine.

Introducing a Hugg named Rich – lush, prosperous, and ornate, qualities found both in a great entrepreneur and fine wine.

These two beauties will be gracing their presence at the gala’s silent auction. Exquisite Huggs definitely To Desire.

What is a Hugg?

When you want to show support, communicate affection, or make someone feel loved you give them a hug, of course. You can convey those same warm feelings with an accessory called a Hugg. The Hugg emulates a real hug by wrapping around the body and offering a warm reminder of the person who gave it.

The Hugg Collection comes in numerous inspirational messages and is available through select boutiques in Vancouver including The Velvet Room Boutique, Malary’s, Blushing Boutique and online todesire.com

The Buzz of Movember

Movember has started off with a great big buzz and I don’t mean the buzz of a hair trimmer. It’s the buzz of all the guys growing their mustache to spread awareness about prostate cancer during the month of November.

To fight for the cause I could have designed some decadent To Desire wraps or a new Hugg more suitable for a monsieur’s taste but instead I decided to challenge my loved ones to grow their ‘stache.

It is a great honour to share this one week old ‘stache of a dear friend.

To offer further encouragement and to ensure that a trip to the doctor’s office for an annual check be put on high priority, I decided to ask Brett Wilson, one of the Dragon’s from the CBC show The Dragons Den, for some advice. Brett Wilson is a cancer graduate; prostate cancer to be exact. In his words “Caught early – it’s a great cancer to fight. Caught late – it’s a pain in the ass to deal with – but not for long …”. Now who wants a big pain in the ass?

It’s never too late…put down your razors and join the cause.

Related Articles

• Movember is here (jeffesposito.com)
• “Moustaches bring awarenss to prostate cancer during Movember” and related posts (clarkhoward.com)