Jump To The Beat

“Don’t try to compare us to another bad little fad” So said those wiggedy wack little kids called Kris Kross.

What an appropriate sentiment for this post. The jumpsuit. aka The Playsuit. aka The Romper.

Fashion is not for the weak of heart nor the meek of mind. Case and point, the jumpsuit. Also known as the playsuit, except this type is not for kids.

Its one of those items the first time you see it, unless you’re one of the more maverick fashionistas, you’ll probably just flick the page without a second look.

The second time you see it, pause a little longer.

Third time, hmm, not so bad and next thing you know the jolly jumpsuit charm has worked its magic and you’re just looking for the right one.

Casual yet cool, with a decidedly youthful spin, the jumpsuit has become one of the must have pieces for your summer wardrobe.

As always Tiger Bites is here to help and here’s my pick of the best.



This is definitely a holiday option but you know what? I'm not 100% sure I'd wear it. Perhaps, at best, on the beach....but I love it. Very Bridget Bargot. Its the K-Town jumpsuit from 12th street by Cynthia Vincent.

Lauren Conrad's collection has had quite a bit of flack for being overpriced jersey...but that easy peasy laidback style is what the LA girls want so I'm sure she'll do well. And at $180 its certainly not cheap, but then again those LA chicks know how to sing for their supper!


This gold linen number from asos is £30 so its not a tough price to swallow. But I think gold belongs on jewellery and handbag hardware not on my clothes.


Vanessa Bruno is a long standing favourite of mine. She's one of those women who know how to design clothes for women. So this is definitely my favourite of the bunch and if I was going to buy a jolly jumpsuit...this one would get my money.

Everybody wants a piece of African Style...

Well, well, well...what have we here.

On my usual research mission, I stumbled upon this interesting collection by an Asian designer called Valentine Leung. She's a New York based designer known for her playful and quirky take on timeless shapes and styles.

Valentine Leung is a New York based fashion designer known for her playfully quirky take on classic and wearable silhouettes. As a styling assistant on major titles like Italian Vogue, W, I-D, Dutch, Japanese Vogue and Teen Vogue to name a few, she definitely has the inside track on what is hot now and what will be hot next season. Her firsy collection debuted in Autumn/Winter 2006 and since she's already managed to be featured in magazines as ELLE, HarperÕs Bazaar, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Nylon, Lucky and People amongst others. AND she's got a handful of stylish celebs in her clothes...Rachel Bilson, Camille Belle and Isla Fisher to name a few.

In her fourth season as a designer, Valentine is already stocked in 26 stores worldwide such as Barneys Tokyo, Nordstrom, Intermix and Printemps in Paris.


Take a look and let me know what you think.


Valentine Belle Butterfly Dress




Valentine Jewel V Shape Yoke Dress



Valentine Shelly Tank Ruffle Hem Dress
Love this dress! No disrespect intended but I have to say I have something shockingly similar courtesy of my tailor in Lagos. Still can't knock her hustle. I just wish more African designers would get their stuff OUT there properly. There's a lot of talent but for some reason people seem to reluctant/scared to sell abroad...why is that?

Instead behemoths like Old Navy, and designers like Cacherel and now Valentine bite our style. Hmmmm.

www.valentineleung.net

Tiger Tem Wants...Plenty

In this day and age when everything seems to be owned by the same people and backed by megabucks, its refreshing and inspiring to see a designer that has slowly and steadily worked her way up through the ranks without selling her soul to LVMH or PPR.

Today, the lady is question is Tracy Reese. Not really big in Europe but big in America. I'm a complete magazine whore so I had seen some of her stuff and heard the name a few times. Middle upper price range. Feminine, vintage inspired, quirky pieces.

Her designs are undeniably feminine with a wearable vintage/bohemian influence. Tracy Reese is the higher end line and Plenty is her diffusion line. In general you loose me at the word ‘boho’…I’m not a huge fan of the boho look, but Tracy Reese’s style sensibility seems to reflect the needs of the typical NY woman who needs to wear her clothes out the door in the morning, to the office, to dinner, to the bar and to the club.

A fabulous cream bag caught my eye and I did a little research in my usual obsessive way. And then I found out she was black. That made her story infinitely more inspiring because can someone please name one other black female designer with a flagship store in manhattan (2200 square foot), who’s line is sold at Neimans, Nordstrom, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Anthropologie and Scoop. Her work is consistently featured in Vogue, Elle, Harpers, Lucky, is a firm favourite with industry insiders, celebs and fashionistas. In 2006 she branched out into Home and Accessory collections.

Oh. My. God. That reads like my ultimate fantasy CV.





Plenty by Tracy Reese Halter Dress

I’m loving this dress. Its flowy without being shapeless and with a cute cardi and some vertiginous heels, this is the type of dress that works for so many occasions and on so many different body shapes. And you see that little peek a boo keyhole…as tyra would say, FIERCE!




Plenty by Tracy Reese Inset Cardigan

And this adorable cardi has my name all over it. The colour, the unusual crochet detail that gives a nod to vintage aesthetics but still looks sexy, pulled together and absolutely fabulous. The way it nips in at the waist is so flattering. Hmm. Think I’m going to get this one. And the stylists at www.tobi.com are just too damn good. I’m all over the bangles too.




And this is SO ME! Love it love it love it. Its a quirky twist on the LBD. The perfect cockatil dress...and I do like my cocktail dresses.




And this one too. I love the colours, the print, and the pockets on such a fitted dress are an unusual but fabulous choice. Perfect for dinner, drinks, parties, formal events, weddings..you name it, this dress has got it covered. I WANT this. I mean you'd she was paying me for this type of praise but you know how it is when you find something and you get that 'rush'...that WantItNeedItGottaHaveIt rush. Well that was what Tracy did for me.

And before you think that's it, just take a look at her handbags.




This satchel would make a great travel bag.



And this is such a gorgeous shape and colour.

Check out more of Tracy's collection on these sites
www.tracyreese.com
www.revolveclothing.com
www.nordstrom.com
www.anthropologie.com