Tiger Bites has moved!

I'd like to thank you all so much for all your continued support with Tiger Bites.

I started Tiger Bites on the basis of my weekly double page in ThisDay Style. Its been mad fun and I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tiger Tem's Fashion Bites, is getting bigger and better!!

Being the closet techie geek that I am, I've been reading up on HTML and I've redesigned it all myself.
So no bells and whistles yet, but I think we're off to a good start.

I love, love, love reading all your comments and responses so PLEASE keep them coming.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you

http://www.tigertem.com

Make sure you take a good look at all the different sections and COMMENT!!!!
(Definitely don't miss out the entertainment section)


Please let me know your thoughts.

Anybody that think I should interview them, write about their brand, hotspot etc just send me an email and I'll see what I can do.

Temi@tigertem.com
tigerbites@gmail.com



xxxx

p.s. I said we all had to get this year started right didn't I?


p.p.s. any problems with the site, let me know.

Feeling Gilty?

We all know about sample sales, the best part being the insanely low prices, the worst part being the possessed pushy grabby women competing with your possessed pushy and grabby self for those to die for rock bottom priced, high end designer shoes.

Well, for people with a US address at least, that is set to end as a I'm about to let you know how to bypass the queues.

Gilt.
Just click this link

http://www.gilt.com/invite/tigerbites

And we're talking golden names like Valentino, Chloe, as well as more contemporary names like Twenty8 Twelve, Catherine Malandrino, Botkier, Gryson, Sergio Rossi, Delman, Alice Temperley, James Perse, Me & Ro, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Cynthia Rowley, Acne Jeans, Vivienne Tam, Missoni, lambertson Truex....need more?

Oscar De La Renta, Rachel Leigh, Malo, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent...ok I'll stop.





Just so you know, handbags fly. The bonus being a handbag is always the right size, unlike a dress or a pair of trousers.

And now I'm happy to share the love and pass on some invites.

Just click this link

http://www.gilt.com/invite/tigerbites

and you're just minutes away from guilt free gilt.

Please note, you can only sign up with a US address so if you don't have one, I'm going to do a post next week on a new UK based sample sale site.

Happy Shopping Ladies as believe me when I say its Xmas every day with Gilt.

xxxx

L.a.m.b. Hunter Shooboots

I kinda like them.



But then again I kinda don't.



I think I'd need to see these up close and personal to decide.

$380.

www.eluxury.com



What say you?

I See You Baby - SAG Awards part 2

It was brought to my attention by Dropsofglamour that I'd missed out a couple of fabulous outfits.

Taraji P Henson is wearing the hell out of this Herve Leroux dress.




Not crazy about the back view but the dress is too hot for that to matter much!



And I've tried to find something to love about Jenna Fischer's Pamela Roland dress...but sorry, I can't!
I don't like the way its shorter in the front, not crazy about the colour. Love the Neil Lane necklace though.




What does everyone else think of these two outfits?

I See You Baby - SAG Awards

Don't know about you but for me far more interesting than who won what is who wore what.

So without further ado.....I See You Baby.






Evan Rachel Wood is looking less like a vampire and more like a vamp now that she's rid herself of the decidely not-alright-in-la-cabeza Marilyn Manson.
I'm loving this deep shade of teal on her Monique Lhuillier dress, very reminiscent of Nicole Kidman in that Gucci dress (Golden Globes in 1995).
Love the contrast Evan has provided with the bright pink Sergio Rossi clutch and heels.

And for those who can't remember this is Nicole's Gucci dress.







Emily Blunt is a quintessential English Rose and to date I think she stole the show in Devil Wears Prada. Love the hair and makeup but this Pamela Roland dress is just vintage showgirl and n.a.s.t.y.




Isn't it amazing what dating a con man has done for Anne Hathaway's publicity? Clearly her PR people know how to play the press like a piano. Props.
This Azzaro dress, hmmm, leaves me feeling a little undecided.
Its almost gorgeous. Almost fabulous.
Close but no cigar.




Now here's some serious A-List untouchable glamour. Angelina looks amazing. The Max Azria dress would probably look crap on most people but it looks divine on this mother of what is it 6? 7?
I love the dusky dark blue, love the simple gold hoops, love the understated makeup with a heavy handed dose of liquid liner and I even love the borderline bouffant hair!





Amy Adams is a great actress. Love, love, love the colour of this Giambattista Valli dress. Not feeling the make up. I think its the red lips, not a fan under the best of circumstances and I think either a nude or much deeper rouge noir-esque colour would work better.

Reminds me a little of my Black halo dress that I'm still obsessed with (maybe the obsession will wane when I finally wear it).

Actually looking at them side by side, sorry Giambattista Valli but I prefer my Black Halo!



Olivia Wilde (who?) looking a little like a Grinch stole not just Christmas but her breakfast (and lunch, and dinner).

Not crazy about the Ralph Lauren Art Deco dress. Its that satiny chevron pleated detail around the hips. Me no likey.
Love the halter neck, they seem to be making a bit of a comeback for sexy evening gowns.
Love the soft wavy hair and the gold jewellery too.




I was getting all excited about Kyra Sedgwick looking so hot for her age in Vintage Chanel.
Then I checked her age.
She's only 44. Scary.



Kate Winslet looking smug as a bug who trumped the cat that got the cream.
Damn!
She's filling out her Narciso Rodriguez dress in the best way possible.
He's one of my favourite designers, understated, glamorous, sophisticated.
And how HOT is this majestic shade of blue? Love it!




January Jones reminding us she's not as blah as her Delia Smith-esque character on mad men.
There's quite a bit going on with this Andrew Gn number but i think she pulls off the Cleopatra look.
Just about. Love the make up too. Must try that.




Freida Pinto is just the cutest new starlet to hit the scene in forever.
So far (well the Golden Globes and these) she's turned up looking fabulous AND stands out in what seems to be her own style.
She doesn't look like anyone else, she's not morphing into Young, Hot Hollywood and she's ethnic! Yaaaayyyy!
Love, love, love, love this Marchesa dress on her. Not an easy dress to wear but I'm loving it.

Your thoughts?

Tiger's Got Some Brand New Shoes

A very curious thing happened towards the end of last year.

I'm a big believer in buying yourself grand presents. For your birthday, splash out and get that ring you've had your eye on. For Xmas bag yourself that fabulous piece of Arm Candy. When you get a promotion, get yourself those ridiculous shoes you've been lusting after.

Anybody who is honest enough with themselves knows that however great it is to receive....you always appreciate the things you worked for yourself...just a little bit more.

So pre-xmas, I decided I was going to get myself some astonishingly nice and serious budget busting shoes.

Off I went to the fanciest department store I could find with my heart set on some Louboutins.

The sales assistant was fantastic, some really old guy (who curiously seemed straight), but had the patience of a saint and the eye of an artisan.

So there I was prancing around in literally every single pair of Louboutins they had.


Kinda liked these, but I've got really skinny feet (who knew there was such a thing) and these just didn't sit right on me. Booooo.



Patent Pumps....simply, stylish, sophisticated, yes. But also, mind-numbingly dull for my shoe taste.



I love the satin D'Orsay pumps but I have seen them just a bit too much to actually want to own them. Can't help but feel it would be a little 'me-too' for my liking.


After all that prancing around I was quite disappointed to realise I didn't actually want any of them. Perhaps its because the autumn/winter collection is more than just a little bit dry and seems to be a not so dazzling array of round toe pumps, and I wasn' feeling the slightly S&M boots either.

Imagine that. After my many years lusting after Louboutins, I'm there all set to buy (FINALLY) and nada. Why is it when you can't buy something you constntly see what you want and then the secodn you'r ready to buy....there's nothing you want.

Anyway, I'll keep my eye on the Spring/Summer collections.


But on the plus side, I did discover another shoe designer that I fell in love with. Cynthia Vincent.

Hadn't heard much about her. I knew she had one of those so cool it hurts clothing labels, but shoes?

I LOVED THEM!

Californian born, Parson graduate that cut her teeth in the London fashion industry, Cynthia Vincent has maintained a low profile on a personal level while gaining critical acclaim and a very strong A-List following professionally.

She's a 'Contemporary Designer' as opposed to 'Premium Designer' which is just shop talk for her shoes being under $500.


Now these are some round toe pumps with a bit of personality. Love the subtle stripe detail on the side. $250.


Quite possibly a little too much personality going on here...but they would look fabulous worn to a wedding with a simple black or white shift. And one of those big kahuna hats. Or a fascinating fascinator. (I've got two very friends getting married this summer so closer to the time we'll be looking at a myriad of options for what to wear to weddings)>



I am in LOVE with these shoes. So much I think I might have to go back for them. Its in the subtle shimmer of the metallic silk, the d'orsay shape and the heel...just look at that heel.



And another view from the Cynthia Vincent Loreli from the side. $230.




And I saved my favourites for the last. The uberglam Marilyn's. And they've got the high quality crystal as these shimmer and sparkle. i was drawn to them like a complete magpie. And the bit at the front is really low so you only see a smidgen of your toes, which is a very retro touch, and one that is so damn sexy!

I LOVE these babies and yes, they made it home with me that day.

When I grow up

....I wanna be like the Obamas!!!!





Damn. Just look at these people. I love the way they're just so damn TOGETHER.

And watching the parades he was busting some slightly old man moves and Michelle was happily bopping at his side.

And the kids were looking a little bored but adorable as ever.

Its all so picture perfect...I want it when I grow up!

And if the Mr should ever decide to branch into politics, I'll be bringing the fabulosity to the First Lady wardrobe.

AND I'm not just a pretty face so I'll help out with relevant and useful policies and how to make Nigeria a better place.

Sigh...oh yes, I have a dream too people! (NO chopping government funds and NO jollofing on the job though!!!!!!)

The Great Bag Debate

Five years later and I find myself with the same problem.

I'm looking for the perfect day bag and I can't find one.

It was five years ago the same problem prompted me to start Tiger Tem in the first place. Looking back, I appreciate what an ambitious venture it was, but what's life without some huge challenges?

My criteria this time round...remains spookily the same.
1. I'm not a fan of the status bag. The whole notion of a status bag, says too much about too little and is just a little too chav-tastic for me. Snob? Moi...you betcha.

2. I'm a leather lover

3. I'm open to colour.

4. I'm looking for an east-west bag (i.e. wide as opposed to tall), one that's roomy enough to fit my laptop

5. And I want something that has enough pockets to help keep my life in order.

6. Under $500. Credit crunch ain't no joke.




I am in love with this Alexis Hudson bag! I love the deep, dark, sexy bordeaux leather, I love the vintage inspired shape and I love the twist lock on the front. Dayum, I think I might have lucked out from the start. And the best bit?
Its reduced from $625 to $375 www.bluefly.com





Hmmm, another very understated bag that appeals to me a lot. This is by Brazilian designer Elisa Atheniense. I love the fusion of the snakeskin straps, the contrast overstitching and the buttery soft leather.
$443 www.tobi.com





This bag toes the line between a nice touch of glam and trying a little too hard so the jury's still out. But I like the soft grey leather and the stud details which toughen up the butterfly design on the front. The added touch of snakeskin looks great in the picture but I suspect there might just be a little bit too much going on for my liking.
Betsey Johnson Butterfly Bling (and they just had to kill it with the name).
$395 now $222 www.bloomingdales.com





This shade of orange is usually best left to Hermes but you know what, it works. I love the shape, size and colour of this bag. Its an absolutely fabulous $56 from www.baghaus.com but the only rub...its not real leather.




Who knew Badgley Mischka had launched a line of handbags? And all very moderately priced too. I'm liking the 'Sofia' a lot. Not crazy about the colour though. But its a great shape and size for everyday use. $455 www.saksfifthavenue.com







I love the star patchwork detail and embroidered handle on this Tracy Reese bag. I love the deep denim blue and the contrast the handle offers. Very, very cute.
$365 down to $179...just made it a whole lot cuter! www.smartbargains.com





Ohhh, I fell in love with Liberty all over again last year. Its always been of my favourite underdogs and the genius behind their new own brand accessory line has worked their magic with this Ianthe print leather bag. Love it, need it, want it.
395 for the mini, 450GBP for the small and 550GBP for the medium
www.liberty.co.uk




Another lesser known brand JJ Winters offers up this piece of fabulousity. Ok, the blue is a tad bright to get much play but I love it anyway. More of a posh beach bag truth be told than an every day bag, but we all need posh beach bags too. $460 www.shopharmony.com





Furla certainly seem to have a new design team in place since the last time I gave them so much as a glance. I hated that hard, stiff leather they used for their bags. It works great for the little leather make up bags and jewellery cases but otherwise...nah. But this, supersoft, chocolate brown bowling bag...I am loving. 335GBP.





But I have to say I'm still madly in love with this Tiger Tem baby from 2005.


And still even more in love with the Goldfinger. Which has hands down been the best selling bag we've launched. New plans in store for this year with the bags. The new Ikoyi spot should FINALLY be ready by easter...ok, lets just say by summer right?!

House of Harlow

Another day, another celebrity 'brand'.


So Nicole Richie's jewellery line has finally hit the online retailers. It launched in Kitson, Los Angeles towards the end of last year and its now available from,www.singer22.com and www.shopkitson.com

The line is named after her daughter Harlow and the 'House of' os a throwback to a bygone era of old school glamour.

“I’ve always felt that great accessories are essential in every complete outfit and I wanted to create a collection that was easy to mix and match; to either wear alone as an everyday piece, or stack on to make more of a statement,” Nicole said in a press release. House of Harlow 1960,is a 35 piece collection ranging in price from $50 to $250 and inspired by Nicole’s sought-after style. Teaming up with celeb jeweler Pascal Mouawad, Nicole’s line uses leather, silk strings, chains, rivets, gold plated metals, peacock feathers and jewel-tone colors to explore themes like bohemian, gypsy, tribal, flower child and edgy street wear.

I love Nicole Richie's style, she always manages to look cute, sexy in that perfectly laidback and relaxed kind of way. And she always has the best accessories so I guess starting an accessory line was a natural progression. She's definitely channeling her love of all things vintage and the collection is surprisingly good. Retro styling, a distinct look and very affordable prices. Me likey.




The very flower child, trippy hippy and perhaps not all that wearable if you're not Nicole Richie headpiece is $170. I really need to see someone else looking cute in that for me to believe its wearable to the hoi polloi.




A collage of piece from the House of Harlow collection by www.whowhatwear.com





These Aztec inspired Gold, resin and black stone earrings are a recessionista friendly price at $32.



These feather inspired earrings are more dramatic and perfect for an evening out,$75.



I love the fact that this Aztec bangle is made with leather. $75.




House of Harlow 1960, Sunburst Stations necklace.



"African jewellery inspired this ring"...now why did she have to go and say that? I like the ring though. $45.



House of Harlow 1960, Hinged cuff.

I See You Baby - Golden Globes

The award season is underway and 'I See You Baby' will let you know who rocked the bells on the red carpet.



Cameron Diaz rocks the rose pink Chanel.



Renee Zellwegger in Carolina Herrera...hmmm. Looking a little closer and hmmmm.



Brangelina.....hmmmm.


And a closer look at Angie....Hmm.



Ashton...hmm. Loving the look of Demi's dress though.



Anne Hathaway looking some old school glamour in Armani Privee.



J-Lo in a gold Marchesa. Looking like a million other dresses we've seen her in. Blah.



Kate Beckinsale looking positively angelic in this gorgeous white dress.




I'll do my best to find a proper long shot of Eva but this dress is looking absolutely fabulous from what I can see.



Here we go...Eva, Heidi and Kate all looking delectable at the Instyle party.


Beyonce in Elie Saab. Looking fabulous but again, feels like something we've seen a million times.




Drew Barrymore in baby blue Dior.





Slumdog Millionaire is getting mad press, I really want to see it. Anyone seen it yet?
This is the star of the film, Freida Pinto.





Eva Mendes looking fabulous in the white dress with turquoise accessories.



Miley looking fabulous in Marchesa. A surprisingly well put together look for her. Felling it.

I'm with J

Another day, another dollar.

A not so new brand has popped up on my horizon recently.

I'd always dismissed them as being a little too Ivy League preppy. You know the kind of preppy that's a caricature of preppy.

But then I went into their store.

And then even better than that, I went onto their website.

A+ for effort for the stylists and photographers. And the model bookers as this website just wanted to make me own EVERYTHING they're selling.

And the best bit is with the post-xmas credit crunch, the sales are looking rather inviting.

I know I'm not with Vince and his Entourage, but I definitely think I'm rolling with J and his Crew.

www.jcrew.com



A white tank and blue jeans. Very simple but the way its been styled with that certain je ne sais quoi. 3 tanks for $20. And they look as if they're slightly long which makes sure you're always saying no to crack, no matter how low riding your low riders are. Love it, love it, love it.




Bright red trousers always makes me think of Spain. i swear, I've never been anywhere in the world where the men and women wear bright red trousers as much as Spain. Anyway, these fabulously sophisticated looking cords come in a wide range of colours are are reduced from $79 to $19. I love a well cut, well fitting pair of cords in Autumn, Winter and Spring so if you haven't discovered the ass-tastic properties of fitted corduroy, this might just be the ticket.




Very preppy but i love it. I love the way this big button cashmere henley been styled with the ruffle collar shirt, gold belt, mustard skirt and jade clutch. I wouldn't wear it that way (I'd go for superskinny skinnies and heels) but it just looks fabulous. Want it.




See? Even when you're totally chilling out at the weekend you can look equally fabulous. i think its the off kilter colour combinations that really do it for me. I abhor matchy-matchy, its all about the carefully executed contrast. Jade green and mustard, hadn't thought of that one before. Loving it. And two 'Perfect Fit' Mandarin collar Henley tops for $35? Love it even more.




I'm in all types of love with this coat, the Double Cloth Lady Day Coat. Reduced from $330 to $149. They fit like a dream and I would buy one if I didn't get an extremely fabulous coat for Xmas. See...I'm trying really hard at this moderation with shopping thing this year.




I would never have thought of wearing this skirt like this, but its just Cashmere Mafia (RIP) fabulous. The Double Serge pencil skirt is just all types of office sexy and its reduced from $128 to $79. Go on, buy it, make the men in the office weak. The skinny belt (which is making a comeback) really adds something. I'd like to thank my two little nieces for the pink stingray skinny belt they got me for Xmas. Too cute!




They have a wedding and party collection which has some surprisingly fabulous dresses. Like this one, The Silk Tricotine Cecelia dress. Don't know about getting married in it, but it is very sexy in that skims-the-bod-in-all-the-right-places kind of way.




Another dress from the wedding and party collection, this is the Silk Taffeta Kate and its not my usual style but I love it. And that fabulous shade of champagne. I defy you to not look a million dollars in this baby.




And then there's the J Crew Collection which is a a new offshoot that's just seen them open their first J Crew Collection stand alone store. And quite frankly with a homepage like this, why wouldn't you want to hotfoot it down there?




The milk chocolate cashmere coat, the bright pink scarf, the beaded belt and the surprisingly sexy jacquard trousers. J Crew Collection...Me likey.




Who knew it was possible to work so many layers and manage to look so chic. I'll draw the line at the 'khaki pants' though. For men only. Loving those sparkly shoes though.




J Crew Collection at its sexy secretary finest. Why is it only on TV and in magazines anyone manages to actually look like a sexy secretary? And can anyone tell me what on earth is sexy about secretaries anyway? Enough for that to be one of the strongest typically sexy female stereotypes. I just don't get it. Surely the broad with the corner office is a bit more enticing?




I love travelling, I love travel accessories and two of my all time favourite brands are Valextra and Globetrotter. Not for the faint of hard or weak of pocket but damn, I want this suitcase!

Bag Lady

New Year and back to the grind.

I'll have lots of exciting new things to share with you this year.

To start with, I found the most unusual bag by a relatively unknown designer.

Katherine Kwei.

I hadn't heard much about her but her career began in PR in Hong JKong fior Louis Vuitton, spanninbg 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region. In 2002, she left Louis Vuitton to pursue an MA in Accessories at the well respected Cordwainers in London. She then went on to work with Susannah Hunter (who taught me at St Martins), then the Billy Bag company then she moved to Nerw York and after a six month work placement with Zac Posen....she launched her own line.

Her bags are available at small boutiques and stores across the world such as Henri Bendel, Scoop and Takashimaya in New York, Holt Renfew in Canada and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.

"Katherine Kwei handbags blends everything from luxury brands to vintage pieces to the latest street wear to create a polished yet chic and playful, figure-flattering silhouette. I hope that my refined sensibility reflects in my pieces and appeals to a woman who is confident and secure in her own sense of style."


Its a bit like Marmite, either you love it or you hate it.....


This is the Safira which makes a great day bag. Love the colour, love the detail.


This silver python fabulosity is the Teresa Hobo.

As fabulous as I think both bags are, and as much as they indicate a strong sense of style from the designer...I can't help but feel I'd rip the bag to shreds the first time I used it as those tassle are bound to catch on EVERYTHING. And I'm a pretty careful person who really looks after my stuff.


Your thoughts?

Tiger Bites - If

IF



If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too,

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,

If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:



If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling



Had to share. its one of my all time favourites and always relevant, especially as we usher in a New Year.

Back to the fashion frivolity tomorrow!

xxx

Goodbye to '08 and a big hello to '09

Now we're officially in the New Year, since the clock struck midnight I've been thinking about what I want to achieve this year.


1. Learn the importance of baby steps
I want it and I want it now.

Well, we all know the story of the tortoise and the hare.

Slow and steady wins the race so I'll be practicing what I preach. I'll get where I'm going but I just need to remember the art of taking it all in small steps. Every now and then you'll be offered a leap frog opportunity, no need to wait for them, they'll always appear and as an opportunist that hears the opportunity before it knocks....missed opportunities is not something I need to worry about.

2. Get to grips with the basic building blocks of finance
Money coming in must exceed money going out. So simple really. So deceptive when you don't pay attention. Must pay more attention.

I know many of you like me have many items that you just 'had to have' that have sat unworn in your wardrobes for months. Money well spent yes? I'm guilty as charged, right before Xmas I spunked a wad of cash on this divine dress...divine. It looked great online and it looked a bazillion times better on. In fact, its so nice, I have no idea where on earth I'm going to wear it to but I guess something will turn up. Maybe on my birthday.

But my new recessionista rule for 2009 is if I can't say with 100% certainty when and where I'll wear it within the next month, put it down. Seriously, put it down.

3. Build More
In every sense. Primarily in the business sense though. Bigger and better but slow and steady.


4. Write more
Magazines, blogs, online publishing. You name it. I'm writing for it. Keep those offers coming in.
This blog has been my baby

5. Allow myself the occasional pat on the back
I'm hitting the big 3-0 this summer and as a classic overachiever it never feels like enough. But you know what, its not too shabby either.

6. Get better acquainted with the gym
Your tush can never be too tight.
Sandy, this Xmas we'll see who can bounce coins higher of their ass.!


xxx

Happy Happy New Year!

I'd like to thank all my fabulous readers for reading my blog, posting your comments and sharing the love.


I just took a little trip down memory lane to see what I was talking about this time last year.

www.tigerbites.blogspot.com/2007/12/do-you-still-make-resolutions.html

I still don't believe in making resolutions but as I'm a goal oriented person I like to set goals to achieve. Same thing, different lingo?

My aims for 2008 were..lets see how I did at achieving them.

1. Increased financial stability.
Hmmm. Tricky one. I think I'm better at managing my money now. Not sure about the increased financial stability but I'll settle for increasING financial stability.

2. Develop Tiger Tem
Kinda sorta. I developed a jewellery brand under a new name instead. Once the ecommerce is up and running I'll share the details but so far, so very good! Not sure what 2009 holds for Tiger Tem but I'll keep you posted.

3. Develop a secondary career
This time last year it was a toss up between writing and interiors. Pleased to say writing won! Its been going very well, I've been writing for a wider range of publications in different parts of the world, and two (possibly three) very exciting looking projects for 2009 so I'll pat myself on the back for that.




2008. Its been a great year, ups and downs, good bits, bad bits and ugly bits.

But as long as you can wave adieu to 2008 with a smile and welcome 2009 with a wink and in style.....you're on the right track.

Have a good one and I'll be back with more good stuff in 2009.

In the meantime, in case you missed out on the love of gilt last time...here it is again.

www.gilt.com/invite/tigerbites

The best sample sale site ever and you can sign up for a limited time period through my personal link.



Enjoy.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Things to Do Over Xmas

1. Correct anybody that says Happy Holidays with Merry Xmas.
I'm so with Diddy on this, check out his Diddy Blog on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ofCma-P9RM

Xmas is not about holiday time people, its about the birth of Jesus. So the next time somebody says 'Happy Holidays', smile and say 'Its Merry Xmas actually'. You don't need to be PC about calling things what they actually are. If a Jew said Happy Hanukkah to me on Hanukkah, I wouldn't be offended, I'd just say Right back atcha.

All this overly sensitive PC nonsense needs to stop. Respecting everybody's culture, belief and customs are the way forward, not homogenising everything to a glorious hue of beige.

2. Exercise.
With the recession looking deeper and darker than most of us had anticipated we're all going to be spending a lot of time at home. No need to let your increased sofa contact turn you into a lard ass though. Get thee to a gym. Or if not, walk long distances, jog, get a skipping rope, whatever tickles your fancy, just make sure you do some exercise.

Nothing like being broke and a few/several inches thicker all over to make the recession seem a hell of a lot worse than it is.
...make the most of the extra free time by getting yourself better acquainted with some exercise. Your ass will thank you for it.

Currently on my On-The-Go playlist
Camp Lo - Lumdi (yes, they're back!)
Lupe Fiasco - Hip Hop Saved My Life (Lupe I can live without, but I'm loving Nikki Jean's vocals)
Jazmin Sullivan - I Need You Bad Remix (she opened for Maxwell ...you know, the show where we were front and centre!!!)
Cut Copy - Lights and Music (discover the underdog and learn to love them people)
Estelle - Come Over (not a huge Estelle fan but I'm loving this one)
Lady Gaga - Just Dance (fun, upbeat, pefect gym/club song)
T-Pain and Justin Timberlake - Can't Believe It remix (trousersnake, on the vocoder, love it!)
Beyonce - Diva (don't like the video much but feeling the 'tude of the song)
Geto Boys - My Mind's Playing Tricks on Me (old school, they did almost all of it better)


3. Read
Most of our broke asses will be sitting out the recession at home so get yourself better acquainted with the low cost past-times. A good healthy mix of a little silly chick lit with some classics and a light sprinkling of contemporary classics will keep you entertained and intrigued. Reading for me is like feeding your mind and soul. You get to meet a wide range of people, discover places, vicariously live through experiences you'd never get to learn about any other way. Curiosity might have killed the cat but being daft as a dodo doesn't look all that fascinating either so, grab a nice Liberty cushion, a blanket and start working your way through some seriously good reads.

I do about a book a week so if anyone is interested in getting a book swap going, I'm game.

Here's my list of a few fabulous reads. Read them quick as the entertainment industry has a nasty habit of picking great books and turning them into crap films and TV shows.



Lipstick Jungle - Candace Bushnell
Candace Bushnell is the reigning Queen of the chick lit scene in my opinion. A genre of books that can be so mind numbingly dull, you really need to choose very wisely.

I've read all her books so far and this was by far my favourite (I'm awaiting the arrival of One 5th Ave so I'll let you know what I think about that after I read it). Its sexy, string, plausible, glamorous and set against the sexy decadent backdrop that is New York. Victory the fashion designer, Nico Reilly, Head of Bonfire (clever word play on Bonfire of the Vanities that makes me think its a thinly veiled Vanity Fair), and Wendy Healy, married to the beautiful but not so sharp Shane, studio head of Parador.

This book is a much better read if your mind hasn't been adversely affected by the decidedly sub-par TV show.

Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts
Don't be put off by the sheer size of this book....and it is HUGE. A friend of mine in Spain gave me a copy and I almost left it there as it was so damn heavy and bound to tip my case over the baggage allowance.

Its at least 1000 pages but it moves quickly as Lin's story takes us from his escape from a 19 year sentence in Australia to the under belly of India which sees him moving with all walks of life from slum lords, slum dwellers, his Pakistani taxi driver who becomes his best friend Prabakar aka LinBaba....and of course, the girl, Karla.

Every man's story centres around a girl and even for hard-as-nails Lin, the elusive and beautiful Karla proves the rule. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time and although it has faint echoes of Papillon, this is also a based on Gregory David Roberts true life story. Gregory David Roberts captures the essence of live in India, and the chameleon like qualities Lin possesses allows him to traverse the country and society and get front row and centre seats to every social strata.


Yes, Hollywood is butchering it. The film is due for release in 2011, but it might just be redeemed by the fact that Johnny Depp is playing the lead. I'd pictured Lin as a heftier, almost shaven headed Russell Crowe type, but we shall see how this pans out.

100 Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A true Latin classic that is characterised by magical realism and a musical and melodious literary flow. I have a lot of love for Latin writers as more often that not they manage to weave a strain of beautiful fantasy into their story lines...and oh my, the way the Latin writers speak of love. This book doesn't have a conventional plot, more a series of connected narratives. The underlying tone, as I understood it, seemed to be, don't forget your history, culture and where you came from (so I'm sure he'd agree with me and Diddy on the nonsense of Happy Holidays).

His second (?) book Love in A Time of Cholera was penned almost 20 years later and is a story centred on the complicated love between Fermina, Juvenal and Urbino. If you ever need to find great quotes on love, say if you need to do a reading at a friend's wedding or something, leave all the 'How shall I compare thee to a summer's day' nonsense at the door and give the people something interesting, powerful. magical and real to think about.


On Beauty - Zadie Smith
I've read all her books so far, White Teeth, The Autograph Man and her most recent work, On Beauty.

I really didn't get what all the fuss was about White Teeth, The Autograph Man, for me, was a much more interesting read and On Beauty is a fantastic book. It was hard for anyone in my vicinity to talk to me when I wasn't at work or asleep as I was constantly reading this boo. Its a look at the inner machinations of a British/American family living in the fictional university town of Wellington, just outside Boston. Howard Belsey is the never quite lived up to his full potential professor from England, his wife, Kiki is his robust, rambunctious African American wife and they have three very lovable children, the quiet tortured soul Jerome, the acerbic, insecure and incredibly intelligent Zora and Levi...who is just a little boy lost in hip hop translation, and an absolutely adorable one at that.

I loved the accuracy with which Zadie captured all the characters in her book, you feel like you're practically living with the Belseys and watching the emotional landscape constant;y shifting and changing in that way characteristic of all families. The book has many other characters such as Howard's professional nemesis Monty Kipps who is of Caribbean descent and an infinitely more successful academic, and his devastatingly beautiful daughter Victoria who seems willing or unwilling (you decide) to wreak havoc wherever she goes.


Half of a Yellow Sun - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
It took me a while to get round to reading this. i love the fact that a young Nigerian author is doing so well on the global stage but I have to say, i was more than just a little bit put off when I met Ngozi at an event, I was presenting an award and she was doing a book reading and she came off as just a little bit frosty and stand-offish. So while that put me off reading her book for a while, I'm glad I did as its fantastic.

It follows the lives of a rich Igbo family with twin daughters around the time of the Biafran war in Nigeria. We watch the stories of the beautiful twin Olanna, her professor lover Odenigbo who she moves to the town of Nsukka to live with. Her seemingly cold and reserved twin Kainene, her English lover Richard who feels as Biafran as anyone else and the charming and accurately captured 13 year old houseboy Ugwu. I wasn't around to see the Biafran war but this book tells the story of the savage violence and tribal hatred in such an accurate way, it helps to understand the underlying strain of tribal relations in Nigeria.

All He Wants For Xmas

Even though I just told you what he really wants for Xmas.....if you must spend your hard earned shoe money on a present that you can put under the tree....here are my suggestions for your boyfriend/fiance/husband/object of affection.

I'll just start by saying the boys are very very difficult to get the right present for, if its something techie, they were probably one of the 5000 people that turned up at the Apple store the day it was released or its extortionate.

I've asked around and here are some of the very helpful answers I was given.

Porsche Carrerra GT2...yawn.



Pagani Zonda...a little more interesting but....yawn.


Mayback Brabus....what are you, an African president?


Bentley Continental GT Turbo...nice, very nice but David Beckham you ain't which means I don't have Vicky B's budget...yet.

But I'm guessing chances are, credit crunch and all, those might be a little bit out of your price range.

So here are some suggestions that are actually useful!


Most guys quite possibly have one of these already but you can always get him another one, for his office, the bedroom, kicthen..anywhere really, it will always be well received and it will always get used.


The BlackBerry Bold is a pretty popular choice, so is the storm so choose according to the depth of your pockets.


The other new phone that's been getting all techie freaks excited is the new Google phone the G1.


A watch can be a great choice, but only if you know his taste really really well....and if he already has a watch he wears all the time he'll need a reason to wear a different one. Like a dress watch, or a more everyday watch. I like this one, its a good choice for someone slightly younger or with more edgy style...from Invicta.


This is a more 'proper' option for a watch, also from Invicta. Its got that big, sturdy look I love with mens' watches and while its not cheap at $524....it is a lot cheaper than a lot of the big kahuna watches.


Computrace is $59.95 for a year's subscription and while it might not be the most exciting gift, after my Mac-napping incident, I can see how this could ber very, very useful. The software you install on your laptop enables your laptop, if stolen, to be tracked and then the HQ partners with local law enforcement to get your laptop back. Nice. I'd love to be there for the swoop on that!



Forget the widescreen plasma/LCD screen.....you need to get a projector in the house. Not credit crunch friendly admitted, but you'll probably be stuck home a lot more while we ride out the recession so you might as well make home the most fun place to be.


I'm a little obsessed with globes, i could stare at one (and often do) for hours and not get bored. the world is a very big place, learn about it. Replogle do some rather fabulous sexy looking globes so chances are that would be a well received gift...interesting at least.


And most women will never pass up an opportunity to stick our fingers in the pie that is his wardrobe...so here are a few good winter picks.

Erase all images of Patrick Bateman from your minds, and consider some leather gloves. They actually look better and a little more grown up on men than the cute woolly ones.


Cult brand Junk De Luxe are very popular for the retro styling. Love this jumper from www.asos.com.



A cheeky Tshirt never goes amiss.


No need to slack off completely when he's chilling out. Relax in style with this cashmere hoody from Vince.



And just in case you happen to not like the one he's wearing on Xmas day, 'convince' him he has to wear his new gift. Nothing like a fabulous cashmere jumper on a guy. This one is by Toscano and is a bargaintastic $80 from Nordstrom.





For Your Brother or any other Male Relative

Brother's and male relatives can also be tricky people to chose presents for.

The Game (Penetrating The Secret Society of Pick Up Artists by Neil Strauss $15.
Even if he think's he's got game, he could probably do with some help (unless he's married). I've read this book, pretty interesting read, and once he can get over the fact that he think's you're dissing his game and actually reads the book, he might learn a thing or two! It's not a fool proof manual, all women are different, all men are different so not everything will work on everyone, but the basis getting the ladies is confidence.....now that is sexy.


If you have a teenage relative to get a present for, get him this, he'll be so mortified by his understanding of the title you'll probably never be required to get him a present again...ever. The Art Of Seduction By Robert Greene, contrary to what the title implies is not about how to bed the ladies, its way better, its about how to get into people's heads, stay there and play them like pianos...a very interesting read!



Tipping Point By Malcolm Gladwell is another great choice for a book gift. Very interesting look at the phenomena of how small things can make the biggest differences. And yes, I know, I read A LOT!


If any of the men in your life have a nimble way with words and find themselves travelling alot, this Jack Spade travel Scrabble set from Neiman Marcus could make a great gift. And even if he doesn't travel much, he'll be home a lot through the credit crunch so might as well keep that brain ticking!



Who didn't LOVE this film? And if he happens to get the projector for Xmas too....and you in a bow, it will be the Xmas that topped all Xmasses!

Enjoy and Have a fantastically fabulous time over the holidays!

Merry Xmas!

xoxo.

All He Wants For Xmas

All he wants for Xmas is you wrapped up in a bow.

Easy.

xx

All I Want For Xmas Is.....

Dear Santa,

I think I've been pretty good this year so I'll make this really easy, as many of any of the following items.

They're not in any order of preference.

Thanks.



And for anyone else looking for ideas, this list will be pretty handy for any of the women in your life (wife, girlfriend, sister, cousin, BFF)






Santa, I'm not normally a make-up junkie but this just looks like crack in the form of a beauty box. There is something for everybody in here. I gots to get me a hit. And its only $48 from www.sephora.com



And for a little more girlie nonsense, I really do need a beanie replacement and I love this crocheted version from Portobello princess Domakaya.



I love a good book, and I've loved all Candace Bushnell books so far, so I'm sure her new romp, One Fifth Avenue will be entrenched in the upper echelons of debauched Manhattan society yet again....love it already. £8.99/$15.99 www.amazon.com


Another great book from Cecelia Aherne, which my Mac-napper stole when they stole my laptop (and no I can't/won't forgive and forget)...so I'd like to be able to finish reading the book I was half way through. Seems a bit like a modern day Scrooge tale, lots of lessons for us to learn over the festive season...so I hope Mac-napper learns a thing or two about MORALS.



Yes Santa, I know I still have an ipod, but its really really old and kinda on its last legs so I'd quite like a cute bew updated version. In purple preferably, thanks. www.apple.com $138


And while we're on the topic of techy bits and pieces, I'd love some new earbuds and yes I'm loving these buds embedded with a storm grey Swarovski gem. Cheesy? Yes very, so just load me up with a good dose of cheddar in the form of these. Thanks. www.swarovski.com



Oh Santa, after much deliberation between the iPhone and the BlackBerry I think I'd like a crackberry for Xmas please, the Bold preferably, or the Storm...whichever you find first.




I am in all types of love with candles from www.thewhitecompany.com. A Xmas supply of the very seasonally scented Winter Candles, then we'll switch back to my all time favourite candle EVER...cassis. Fabulous. One for every room please, with an extra few.


And while we talking www.thewhitecompany.com they have these fantabulous cashmere cable knit socks that I just have to have to keep my tootsies (toes) warm through winter.


And while we're talking warmth, how about this hard working travel set that I would undoubtedly use as much as humanly possible..reduced to a much more wallet friendly $150 at www. cashmereboutique.com A fabulously soft and warm cashmere blanket, eyemask and cushion cover...it might take me a while before I can afford to turn left when I step onboard but this will be a very nice way to trick my body into the illusion of luxury.


Something else that's popped up on my horizon, a bit of a reworked blast from the past ...anything with the classic Ianthe print from www.liberty.co.uk Like this fabulous cushion for £22.50.

>
And while you're in www.liberty.co.uk I'd love the classic Ianthe print silk coin purse too. £24.50.



www.smythson.com is the ultimate in premium quality leather accessories so how about a piece of that premium finery to house my jewellery collection. And yes, I'm loving this in the bright pink. $530.


And while you're dropping some major moolah in www.smythson.com I'd love the new Panama Diary in fuchsia croc as well. I get myself one every year but would be quite nice if beat me to it this year....thank you!



And what's a jewellery box without a fabulous piece of jewellery tucked away inside it. I'm in all types of love with these origami inspired earrings from Tracy Matthews, reduced from $185 t $68...fabulous.


Santa, santa, santa...I've had my eye on this table for AGES...and I still love it just as much as I did the first time I saw it. £385 requires some thought though. Its from www.grahamandgreen.co.uk and its an ancient Indian technique native to Rajasthan I think. No matter, love it. Want it. Thanks.



I know I really don't need any more bags but this one is so cute! From www.urbanoutfitters.com $28. Love it.

And most of all Santa, I'd love to see justice served to my Mac-napper. Something in the form of a freakish ma;function that gives them an electric shock. Not a shock big enough to kill them, not need for that over Xmas, but enough to scare the bee-jesus out of them...so they don't try to nick any more macs.

The Hotness - Victoria Beckham's Dress Collection

Ho hum.

That was pretty much my reaction when I heard Vicky B was launching her own line of dresses.

But it seems the collection has the fashion cognoscenti all ruffled under their collars. The collection garnered rave reviews at New York fashion week and to maximise exclusivity in the best way possible, the initial production run was limited to just 400 dresses. Backed by the man that knows how to play the media like a piano, Simon Fuller, this looks to be a very successful and lucrative career move.

Selfridges had the UK exclusive and on the first day, there were only three dresses left unsold by 3pm. From late December/January, the dresses will also go on sale at Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

The dresses start at around £1000 so clearly the credit crunch isn't crunching everybody!

If I'm entirely honest, I really don't see what all the fuss is about from looking at them. But then again with all the hidden corsetry on the inside, superior workmanship and premium quality fabrics, you probably have to try them on to really understand their beauty. (That's their story and they're sticking to it)


Dress No.1 is the Gavarnie Mirroire.



Dress No. 3 is the Minerve.




Here she is in the Frejus dress (Dress No. 4). Its a little too prim and proper for my liking but needless to say countless others have clamoured for it.




This is the Frejus, Dress No. 4 in all black, which is a MUCH better colourway in my opinion.




Dress No. 6, the Barbazan is definitely my favourite from the bunch. A simple strapless dress always works like magic for a formal evening out. The basket weave splattered with sequins adds a little oomph to a very simple and flattering style. (it looks like magic in white!)




Dress No. 7 is the Lombez and although its one of my favourites from the bunch, it doesn't look all that forgiving. But oh yes, the fabulous boning and corsetry on the inside....hmmm, still not that forgiving.



Proving the truth in the maxim, you are your own best PR, I love this dress the Bidart (Dress No.10). I doubt I'd wear it...but it looks fabulous. On Victoria Beckham.

Your thoughts?