Here’s a quick note to let you all know that 5amjetaime is currently going under construction!! We’ll keep you updated very soon about the new looks and plans about 5amjetaime! In fact, there have been lots of ups and downs in the past few months. I was totally ready for my Milano study trip but eventually ended up staying in San Diego and got a marriage certificate instead (OMG!) Life is full of surprises and you’ll never know what’s come on next!

I just got back from two months trip in Asia and now I’m ready to rock-n-roll!!! My hubby and I will still be based out of SUN DIEGO; one of the greatest sunshine cities in the States. We’ll be planning our “official” wedding around the end of this year. As much as I’m in love w/ shoe fashion and fashion in general, I got distracted seriously to bridal fashion. In any case, there will be a new look of 5amjetaime and we’ll be ready on March 1, 2012!

Stay tuned, darlings!! Lots of Love, Gabrielle

I have not been able to update 5am for a really long time. During the past month, I have been busy wrapping up my project and application for accessory design program at domus academy (my dream school in Milan).I did plan to apply to other design schools but I would have to say shoe design and leather production in Italy is the best on my list and Milano is one of the world centers for fashion & design and I am very determined to start my new career path as an accessory designer. It might be difficult in the beginning but I am having a great deal of fun now!

Time flies really fast and I have not realized that it’s already been a month without writing any posts. Now I have a some really good news to update!! I’ve just got accepted to domus and I’m planning to move to Milano around late December to get ready for their one year master program starting in January,2012 (I totally sucked in my art history Ph.D program before but I guess I’ll have lots of fun in doing a design master program!!!) I would love to say thank you to all of our 5am friends and readers. 5am has keeping my passion for fashion and design so alive for the past year and 5am is special because of your reading it!

I’m in the process of revamping 5am je taime again and I’ll keep you all posted very soon! It’s going to be largely focused on my fashion & design adventure in Milan! Blogging from Milan sounds super cool!

I just got a pair of leather legging and a leather motorcycle jacket to prepare for the cold winter in Milano…(I am going to have a hard time to say goodbye to the 360 days of sunny weather in the Southern California…!!!) If I can survive in Milan ( as of what I’ve heard about Milan, living there is not so rosy but every city in this world has its own strength and weakness, and I am not afraid of taking chances to move there at all) I have been living in Southern California for my graduate studies for seven years and it’s now about time to move on!!!I hope that I can stay there (or at least in Europe) until 2015, when the world expo in Milan kicks off…oh yeh!

Anyone’s from Milano? Let’s keep in contact!!

Ciao Ciao!

Sometimes you are just lucky probably because of your horoscope says so, and I guess that was what happened when I received a lovely typography catalogue as the 2000 fan on Loeffler Randall’s 2000 facebook fan page. Yes, it was a very artsy catalogue (not a pair of free Loeffler Randall though) with 55 artist’s works presented. Graphic designer and hand typographer Michael Perry has selected work that represents the full spectrum of design methods and styles. It’s light-hearted, humorous and stimulating. I feel truly and greatly inspired from the drawings in the book.

Here are some of the works I like from the catalogue: (my iphone pics blurred a little bit….)

I based my design of a pair of slipper by this Adrian Johnson’s work (Slap Your Friends, 2005, Pencil) I can’t publish it here in the post yet because I am sending it as part of my portfolio to scholarship context which requires unpublished works…I’ll share it later on 5amjetaime.

Hello darlings! It’s the SALE season again! As we start to receive stocks of fall boots & booties, we are trying hard to promote our summer sandals!!! As some of you may know, I am now working part-time at the shoe paradise ( DSW- designer shoe warehouse), my love for shoes is growing insanely fast. Working at retail is really fun for the moment, especially for me, as an aspiring shoe designer. I get to talk lots of fashion-conscious women and listen to their complaints about certain type of shoe design & their problems with feet & toes. My small design notebook is full of remarks I get from my customers. I also get to help them styling their outfit by finding the perfect pair of shoes. I have this love-hate relationship with my job, but most of the time, I am very happy about it!

I have heard someone said that he never shopped for the sake of discount or last season fashion. However, I think there’s no really “last season fashion” for shoes. Accessory design follows the rule of fashion according to seasonal change but also it has always to remain classy and timeless. Some people collect fashion items from luxury brands for the sake of its brand name, however,  as a visual person, I collect great design, form, style based on my taste. I believe that many of us still keep several pairs of shoes from long time ago and still pair them with our favorite outfits.

I think my manager should write me another bravo card because I am writing this post for promoting our shoes…for free…heyhey. But anyways, I would love to share some pretty eye candies from our on-line shopping website:

Badgley Mischka Desire Bootie

* This LA based fashion powerhouse is famous for their feminine & classy design. Bridal wear and gowns are one of their fortes. I have to say some of their bridal shoes are very pretty but can be too stiff sometimes.

Chinese Laundry Heart Throb Platform

* Chinese Laundry is based in LA and has been running successfully for almost 20 years. It lives at the forefront of fashion footwear for young to middle-age women.

L.A.M.B lively pump

L.A.M.B always catches my eyes. It’s a flirty rocker label represents Gwen Stafani’s personal taste. I have to say the among most of the hollywood singers/actresses, Gwen has one of the most impeccable fashion-forward styles.

Report Signature Downey Pump Peep Toe

* I am a big fan of Report Signature. This is just so me.

Paris Hilton Marcy Pump

* Paris Hilton’s shoe line is very…um…princess like, but sometimes, it’s pretty cute!! I am a sucker of abstract patterns…

Prada T-Strap Sandal

* This design totally brings out the beautiful shape of women’s feet…I have to say Prada design is forever classy and sophisticated! Made-in-Italy is totally hard to resist!

Giuseppe Zanotti Bambola Peep Toe Pump

* The nude peep toe is definitely a must-have on your shoe shelf! It’s an extension of your long legs! Guiseppe Zanotti is just so awesome in creating the beautiful form of pumps! A true rival of Louboutin!

Giuseppe Zanotti T-Strap sandal

Mercanti Fiorentini Naples Leather Italian Leather sandal

* A very affordable made-in-italy casual shoe brand. It’s pretty comfy and seems durable, but of course, you can’t compare it with other more expensive made-in-italy & hand-made shoes!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Grosgrain Sandal

* Color block is still pretty a la mode during this moment! Marc Jacobs always surprise us with some stunningly pretty eye candies! I like this summery feeling & colorful design!

Mojo Moxy Poppy Pump

* Isn’t it adorable?? It comes with probably 10 different colors…I love the fluffy flower design!

Betsey Johnson Eldoris Wedge Sandal

*I love BJ’s funky, edgy and loud statement of fashion!

July 7th is a special day ’cause it’s Iggy’s bday!! I’ve sent her my greetings via text msg, fbook (as she has requested) and now, on 5amjetaime! {To Iggy! thanks for being the best sister in the world! I would be so lost and lonely without you! We are the happiest A-GO-Go sisters (Chicago+San Diego)} Iggy is now working in the beautiful city Chicago  and planning to apply to Ph.D program in public health for next year. As workaholic as she can be, she still tries to keep a very stylish lifestyle for herself. I wish her the best of luck for her study and many more travels with her Italian sweetheart in Europe….I.L.O.V.E.Y.O.U!!!!! (Pictures: Iggy loves pretty dresses!!)

As I promised her before, I did design a pair of “Iggy” shoe for her. I got inspired by the Chinese-French painter Tang Haywen‘s abstract paintings. Tang (1921-1991) was one of my research subjects during graduate study. His painting has layers of layers of depth and mystery. I am always intrigued by his use of colors and composition.

Voila, this model is called “Iggy!!” I know that my sister doesn’t wear heels very often, but I just couldn’t help to add a sexy heel with some avant-garde details attached to it. I love my design to be funky, edgy and the most important of all, it always references to art. These are just basic sketches though. Hopefully, I can make my design real and try them on with Iggy one day in the near future!!

Besides Nicholas Kirkwood, Diego Dolcini, Pierre Hardy, Alexandre Birman, Jeffery Campell, Alexander McQueen, Alaia & Kamilla Skoogvard, we are adding one more name on 5amjetaime shoe star list: Raphael Young, the Korean-French shoe designer who just opened his flagship boutique at Paris last year. His design strikes me in terms of it’s architectural form and colors. While every other shoe addict knows the name of big shoe guru designers by heart (such as Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Manolo, Sergio Rossi & Guiseppe Zanotti), I am more interested in the works of funky, edgy, avant-garde & artsy shoe designers, to be more exactly, those whose works pushe the limit and boundary of shoe design are my favorites!

Creating his first pair of shoes at just 14 years old under the guidance of his uncle – renowned YSL bottier, Alexandre Narcy – Raphael Young had an early introduction to artisan footwear. His label, launched in 2007, focuses on traditional craftsmanship coupled with inimitable style. Combining technical brilliance with materials like resin and mother-of-pearl, his sculptural shoes have a cult following. We are now officially join Young’s fan club! He hasn’t published his AW11-12 collection yet, but we are for sure looking forward to it!

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SS11 collection




Young’s design studio

What another nice Southern California day! Sunny, warm & breezy!! La Jolla shore in June is absolutely fabulous! The colors of ocean, plants & flowers are way too beautiful to capture! I was very lucky to be able to collaborate with Anne from Ayana Designs for jewelry shoots. We picked one of her most stunning statement necklace , Selina necklace and the Claire multi flowers & leaves bracelet to shoot with. Anne creates handmade jewelry that’s part vintage, part glam, with a little edge and humore mixed in but overall her designs are so delicate, unique and feminine. She hand-beaded Swarovski crystals onto flower filigrees, string pearls onto silk thread, and wire-wrap semi-precious stones. When I wear her jewelry pieces, I can feel the exquisite details of her handmade work. Anne’s newly opened online boutique offers a lot of different choices; statement necklaces, crystal earrings and colorful leather bracelets are all my favorites. Do check out her pretty designs on Ayana Design’s fbook fanpage, blog & twitter! Also, one of the most stylish blogs Couture Carrie also featured Ayana Design in her CC loves post ! Anne, keep up with your fab works, we definitely want to see more & more!

Anyways, it was absolutely a lovely day, making me feel pretty in Anne’s jewelry! The world in front of my view is just pure & simple when we took pictures!

Would love to share my favorite ocean music with you from the French electronic trio, Télépopmusik!

¸.•´¸.•*´¨)¸.•*¨) Music ¸.•´¸.•*´¨)¸.•*¨): Télépopmusik – L’Incertitude D’Heisenberg

Thanks to my photographer buddy, we were able to produce some pretty pictures! We even captured the moment when someone flew past on a paraglider! The high up view of the Scripps pier in La Jolla is absolutely breathtaking!

¸.•´¸.•*´¨)¸.•*¨) Music ¸.•´¸.•*´¨)¸.•*¨): Télépopmusik – L’Incertitude D’Heisenberg

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I’m in love with these fabulous shoe styling~ the colors, the mood and the beautiful design of the shoes! Btw, I’ve found out about some new coming shoe designer’s works & I will share with you next time! I’m lagging behind my working schedule now so I’ve got to get back to my desk…Will catch up more later!!!

Stay fit, healthy & glamorous! Happy weekend, darlings!

* move your mouse around the images & the image sources will show up! (P.S. I’m pretty amazed by Claudia Schiffer’s shoots in UK Happer Bazaar’s July edition! She’s just super gorgeous in her 40s!!!)

5amjetaime is officially 1 year old now!!! Happy Birthday!!!

It’s been an amazing and fun time for us! I’ve met wonderful & pretty souls through this blog and we’ve also created great giveaway contests for our readers which I feel so happy to do in return of reader’s love & support. Blogging can be managed as serious business but I am taking it now just as a personal notebook of style, more specifically, jewelry styling and shoe design as well. As for now, I hope that my shoe design will successfully score as the No.1 in the Vince Camuto contest (the result will be announced in Lucky magazine Sep issue; please cross your finger for us!!!) and also I’ll be able to send out my design project to Italy for scholarship competition by the end of this month.

Originally, 5amjetaime was a code between me and my crime partner, Jason, who is also the tech specialist behind this blog. We’ve also celebrated our 3rd year anniversary about two days ago in a simple and sweet way! There were lots of home-mades (crepes + muffins), spanish sparkling wine, carved candles & video game to end the night *_* Life has been going pretty smooth & mellow for us.There are some new projects going on and we are ready for the challenges.

June is for sure a fabulous month of the year! Hopefully,it brings us all the blessings & happiness,too!

Hello darlings! This is a long overdue giveaway post which I should have been working on. However, recently I’ve been carried away by my design project & my part-time job. Actually, right now at this moment, I’m even more busier with my scholarship application for accessory design program in Milan due within a month. After several years of studying art +fashion history in graduate school, I gradually recognized my real inner calling. Life has opened up lots of chances for me (such as running my own style blog), and now I am looking for new challenge as an aspiring designer! Wish me good luck!

Anyways, I’m very happy to announce about the partnership between Vivre.com & 5amjetaime for this giveaway contest. Vivre was founded by the trend-setter Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti with a belief that everyone can and should have access to a luxury lifestyle. Known for her eclectic and always elegant taste, Eva’s eye for style has made her a successful entrepreneur of unique products for women, men, children and the home. Valuing what’s versatile, inspired by creativity and driven by curiosity, Eva emphasizes the inherent meaning behind her finds, turning away from trends to focus instead on timeless treasures. She wants to share her love of beauty with others who appreciate fashion, art and décor, always mixed in with a little bit of adventure…

Outstandingly pretty jewelry collection by Nicole Whisen on vivre.com:

Other pretty pieces as my top picks:

Vivre has one of my favorite Chinese abstract painter Zao Wouki plate designed by Bernardard:

Vivre has been extremely successful over the years as an on-line luxury boutique. I am totally in love with their jewelry and art collection. Now it’s your chance to win a pair of extremely gorgeous burnished amethyst earrings (worthy of $95 dollars!!!) by leaving a comment & letting us know about ” What’s your favorite product for summer on vivre.com !?” For extra chances to win, let us know that you become Vivre.com’s fbook fan (and 5amjetaime fbook fan and that you follow vivre.com on twitter and tweet about this giveaway.

Vivre’s popular burnished amethyst earrings

One lucky winner (picked by random.org) of this burnished amethyst earrings will be announced on June 4th (California time). Try your luck NOW!!!

*DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in the comment*

CONGRATS TO IGGY!

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