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?!

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

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

What's a great present without great packaging?

In fact, a rather mundane present becomes a great present with the right packaging.

So ladies, arm yourselves with some fabulous wrapping paper and bright proper satin ribbon...trust me, the gratitude will be amplified tenfold!

Even if its just a humble box of cookies for your building's caretaker, wrap it up nice and pretty.

A well wrapped gift implies a lot of time and effort.

If you can, find a great colour/print of wrapping paper you love and wrap all the presents you put under the tree in the same paper. Last year I found some fabulous black and gold damask paper for a steal at Old Navy and they all got a big pink bow. Very undeniably from me!

And in these credit crunch times, most stores are happy to do all the hard work for you if you don't have the necessary Blue Peter skills to wrap your gifts up in fabulosity.

Here are some of my favourite ideas for great packaging.



Ikea magazine boxes work like magic and are soooo cheap AND I can almost guarantee the recipient will find another use for the box. And if not, take it back (after they've opened the gift and stack your magazines up in them).


See? That Ikea magic comes in so many different colours. They come flat packed, all you have to do is pop 'em into shape and tie a big bow.



An unusual colour combo like this deep sexy chocolate brown with the big red bow just looks expensive doesn't it?


Coco Ribbon's signature packaging is instantly identifiable and never fails to put a big smile on the recipient's face.


Ikea have these fabulous, fabulous fabric covered storage boxes that are just magic for gifts. I have so many dotted around in different colours and sizes, magazines, computer cables, bangles (yes I have that many!). So especially if you use them for family members, discreetly swipe the box back after they've opened the gift!



Ikea again, what's not to love about the bargaintastic selection?


Or go for a very Christmassy red box with a simple satin or chiffon ribbon bow in white.




And finally onto the ribbon. You can get the best ribbon in my opinion at John Lewis in he UK or MJ Trim in America. Just pick out your signature colour/print for this Xmas and away you go. Double sided satin is the easiest to use as its glossy so looks all slick and expensive and easy enough for a 5 year old to tie.


Grosgrain ribbon looks very fancy but is a lot harder to tie nmeatly. Just make sure you start your battle armed with double sided tape and you'll eb fine.


You can see I really enjoy wrapping pressies can't you!

Today is Nigeri'a Independence Day. Which I must confess would normally go unnoticed but there are two topics regarding Nigeria that are hotting up on the news.

1. The issue of Nigerians calling for a boycott of British Airways (yeah I read about this after my rant about them last week).

www.tigerbites.blogspot.com/2008/09/name-and-shame

It seems the story has been in circulation for a while but must have missed it. Here's the link but I'll discuss this another day.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/nigerians-call-for-boycott-of-ba-after-deportation-812649.html


But the story that caught my eye today is about a consortium of Nigerian entrepreneurs that are putting in a bid to buy Newcastle FC.

www.africa.reuters.com/country/NG/news/usnLQ472362.html

Chris Nathaniel, a London-based businessman who runs football and entertainment consultancy NVA Management, said four Nigerian entrepreneurs were ready to put up the cash to buy the club and that their bid was being finalised.

"We're at the stage now where our end are doing the relevant security checks on the individuals who have the money," Nathaniel, who is coordinating the bid, told Reuters.

"We have a lawyer here who is doing those checks before finally submitting a bid to Newcastle," he said by telephone.

Nigerian media reports have said the consortium -- whose members remain a closely guarded secret -- have come up with 350 million pounds ($645 million) so far but want to find an additional 100-150 million to secure the deal.

Nathaniel said that until the British lawyers had finalised their checks and drawn up the paperwork, it was difficult to say exactly how much money had been put forward.

"We don't know is the honest answer. We're not going to know that until it's lodged with the lawyers here," he said.

"I've been told the money is there in Nigeria but I need to see evidence of it here before we can present it to the club."


I've just been reading about this, and reading people's responses to the topic. The general consensus seems very mixed.

So over to you reader.

Share your thoughts.

Well no great tales really but it is a copy of the text of the article they just printed in Genevieve (I'll update this post with a scan when I get the time).

For part of the summer issue, Genevieve asked me to give them my top travel tips for summer so here they are. Enjoy.

xoxo

Favourite Summer location and why it's your favourite.
(Hampstead Heath)

London. Boring I know but its always going to be home for me, I grew up in the UK and have family and close friends living there. Its the city I know best in the world and whenever I'm travelling anywhere from Lagos, I'll always pass through London. There's an ease with being in a place you know so well.

(Nikki Beach Marbella)

But for more exciting locations, I'd recommend Madrid, Marbella, Seville, Dubai and San Francisco.

Favourite Shops at this location
Coco Ribbon - Overpriced for the most part but its the ultimate girlie haven of a boutique.

The White Company - The best candles in the world. Yes, really.


Fenwicks, Bond Street - One of my all time favourite department stores and I'm in love with their shoe and accessory sections. You find things here that you don't find everywhere else which is always a huge plus and the look and feel of it is like a department store sized boutique.







(Liberty)

(Liberty)
Liberty, Regent Street - I love the tudor facade and its a real London landmark. I like the fact that it still has sections that look very traditionally British while other sections are state of the art contemporary. I'm not a beauty junkie but I defy anyone to go into their make-up hall and not find some exciting new thing you've never seen before that guarantees to make you look amazing. And their fragrance room...my world favourite. AND they'll always have a special place in my heart as after pounding the pavements for days, this is where I found my dress for my 21st birthday party.


Massimo Dutti....I'm in all types of love with this store. First found them in Spain, and it took a while for them to open branches in the UK. They're owned by the same company as Zara but I love their well cut, affordable, cosmopolitan European style.



Favourite food/drink there as well
A nice monster sized Chicken Caesar salad. There's a spot in Maida Vale that does one of my personal favourites. And I'm yet to find anywhere in Lagos that can match the standard. Do we get iceberg lettuce here?

I love seafood so I always look forward to a some good seabass, swordfish, tuna steak and salmon.

Tea with proper milk.

And really good sushi.

And a really nice seabreeze.




One item you always bring back to Nigeria when you travel
A stack of magazines. A smythson diary. And any new stuff I bought for myself, but even I've noticed I don't shop as much as I used to.




I travel a lot so I have certain travel rituals in place that always make my journey easier.


The big bag is by GoldenBleu (Tiger Tem is their first African stockist) and its the perfect travel bag size. And its patent which means it never looks grubby.


I always, always travel with a Tiger Tem travel set. it makes it so much easier in duty free to find your boarding pass and keeps all your travel paperwork, currency in the different pockets. Perfect.


I love Smythson and this tiny diary is perfect as it fits in the pocket of every handbag so it never gets lost. And after one gadget too many crashed, I'm a fan of writing things down on paper.


Always need a supersoft, big pashmina to wrap up and keep me warm with the supersonic air conditioning on board. Works a treat and I'm a huge pashmina fan and I have a LOT! But this leopard print one, my current favourite, was stocked at Tiger Tem but we've pretty much sold out now.


My much loved iPod, I love music and need it everywhere I go. And the headphones are so much better to use than the ones they give out on board so I use them to watch the films as well.


And last but not least a great book, just finished reading Khaled Hosseini's follow up to the Kite Runner. Loved it.

Time for a good old gripe.

I'll start with Swift Communications. My internet service provider. When we first started using them about 6 months ago, they were fantastic. Same speed as broadband abroad. To be fair their customers services are great, they call back when they say they will and they send out their engineers when needed.

BUT...a few months down the line and for the most part the internet service is a bit shite. I spend HOURS (no joke) trying to uplaod my pictures now which is why I might seem to not update so frequently. Trust me, its not from lack of trying. I've been tring to upload my last post "Full Length & Fabulous" since SUNDAY!

So what I want to know is how come all good things in Nigeria always seem to come to an early end? Why is it that so many businesses and entrepreneurs start out so full of promise with high expectations and even higher standards yet a few months/years down the line its usually a very different story.

Why is it so damn hard to maintain any sort of standards in Nigeria and why does it seem to be ten times as much work to keep things afloat.

Where to shop?
Our crap infrastructure that really doesn't help. Bearing in mind my knowledge and exposure is limited to the retail sector..The running costs of a business here are astronomical and yes, I think they're higher than the UK/USA. Think about it, you pay two years rent up front, a service charge, you'll need a generator, probably ahev to put in your own water system and that's before you start any refurb.

And I believe the set up costs are very similar too. The commercial rent is comparable to what would be paid abroad, and you're guaranteed to have a much lower footfall in Lagos than you would on a high street in London.

Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Indians
One significantly lower cost is staff. But that's a false economy as you have to spend so much time micro-managing, checking, cross checking, correcting, training re-tarining, explaining re-explaining that you really don't get enough time to do much else. Why do staff in Nigeria seem so lazy? They start out great and before you know it they're not so good. I've heard too many stories of staff setting up side line businesses, shafting their boss, leaving to set up the same type of business.

I often wonder where the future of retail lies in Nigeria. For a country with so much money, we don't have any international retailers here. Even Swaziland do! We don't really have anywhere that offers a true shopping experience. before anybody says Mega or The Palms...what exactly is it apart from food or electronics are we supposed to be buying in there?

I'm always being told stories of oh so-and-so are planning on moving into Nigeria...Before people go getting overexcited, just check where else in Africa they have set up shop. If tehy're not in South Africa, they ain't comin g here. South Africa is a much easier market to analyse and predict with a more atble economy and better established retail sector so just why exactly would they bypass that for Nigeria first? I've heard Zara are moving here so many times. No. They're. Not. They have a couple of spots in Morocco yes, but I definitely believe they'll be moving into South Africa next and somehow not Nigeria.

I touched on ths topic of retail in Nigeria a few weeks ago, take a look.

The last comment which was posted this week got me thinking about the retail sector in Nigeria again.

But I want to know what you all think...where does the future of retail in Nigeria lie? And who do you all think will be the first proper (retail) international chain to set in Nigeria?

Tiger Tem's Fashion Bites was my weekly double page in the bestselling weekend supplement ThisDay Style.

I wrote for This Day Style for three years and two years ago decided to start this blog.

Since then I've also been growing as a freelance writer and have written for a number of international publications.

I'm always on the lookout for new writing jobs so if you need a writer, send me an email temi@tigertem.com

Tiger Tem is my accessory line and my products are now stocked in over 15 boutiques internationally, from the USA, UK, Spain, Dubai and Lagos.

And we're growing every day.

In October 2008, we opened our sister store in California.

Here's my little story of how we got started.