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.