Category: Style

Is holiday shopping sending you into a tailspin? You need a little inspiration! The Awesome News asked successful, stylish moms to share their go-to gift picks, and what they’ll do to make this holiday season the best yet. This is the final of our gifting series – we hope you take away some fun ideas to make the holidays that little bit easier. 

MEET RAJNI JACQUES

Magazine fashion director (and our longtime street-style crush) Rajni Jacques is no stranger to giving of-the-moment trend advice. At home, however, the talented painter and mom of two (Diego, three, and 11-month-old Lucienne) keeps it super-simple in Hanes tees, vintage denim and Nikes or Vans. Plus the odd fabulous pair of heels for a fancy occasion! Throughout her career in both the publishing and advertising worlds, fashion’s biggest names have sought out Rajni’s talents – from Nylon, Glamour, Teen Vogue and Allure to brands like Christian Louboutin, Nike, Coach and Nordstrom.

Check out Rajni’s gift edit below…

For Moms

1. Mateo Secret Diamond Initial Ring: It’s simple, but a statement. So why not?!
2. Daily Paper Gowa Hoody and Gifa Pants: Just comfy and cozy. This set is everything. 

For Kids

3. FAO Schwarz 3D Spin Art Kit: I love anything that allows my kids to create and be artistic. It’s fun watching them maneuver and get so involved.
4. BeginAgain Animal Parade Puzzle & Play Set: It’s a learning toy made fun.

 

A LITTLE HOLIDAY Q&A…

What is the best gift you’ve ever received? 

Cheesy to say, but Diego and Lucienne.

And what’s on your wish list this year?

A vacation away from everyone. Or a classic tennis bracelet! Or both. 

Any holiday traditions you’re looking forward to sharing with your kids? 

I want to bake cookies with them the night before to get ready for Santa!

Ultimate five-minute party outfit? 

A black slip dress and heels or a to-the-knee boot that’s walkable and sturdy. Easy breezy.

Best (and easiest) holiday beauty trend this season? 

Clean and dewy skin – very bare-faced – with sultry, deep-red lipstick.

Who should we be following on Instagram?  

A huge thank-you to Rajni, Jenn, Claire and Ariel for being part of our holiday gift series.
For even more one-of-a-kind kids’ gifts, shop RocketsofAwesome.com! 

 

Is holiday shopping sending you into a tailspin? You need a little inspiration! For this four-part series, The Awesome News asked successful, stylish moms to share their go-to gift picks, and what they’ll do to make this holiday season more manageable and memorable. 

MEET JENN FALIK

For almost 15 years, Jenn Falik has been maybe not the last word in style and beauty advice – but certainly the most honest one! Whether it’s through her blog (jennfalik.com), her Instagram (@jennfalik) or on TV, the mom of two has found incredible success as the no-spin, knowledgeable best friend who tells us where the Internet’s most genius, life-bettering products and services are hiding, from the perfect photo app to personalized pet food bowls. Jenn’s TODAY Show segment, #BetterBasics, is an addictive show-and-tell of the best versions of things we use everyday – so who better to help us with unique holiday gift ideas? 

Check out Jenn’s favorite gifts below…

For Moms

1. Monarch Market Rainbow Heart Necklaces: Obsessed. They feel nostalgic and timeless all at once, and they come in different sizes so perfect for layering, too.
2. Paris Texas Boots: The toe is somewhere between a pointed and rounded style, which makes these boots not only super-comfy, but also extra easy to dress up or style casual. I need these because, as I wrote on my blog, the boots I have worn for 10 years have finally given out. The passing of the boot torch is a big one for me. 🙂

For Kids

3. Betsy Enzensberger popsicle sculptures: I am in love – they would brighten up the girls’ rooms so much! These little works of art are something they can keep forever.
4. Old-school Roller Skates: I think my kids would have so much fun in matching pairs of this pink-wheeled style – and of course I would have to get a pair for myself! 

 

A LITTLE HOLIDAY Q&A…

 

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

A Gucci bracelet that my husband surprised me with on Valentine’s Day last year. It was the first piece of jewelry he has ever gotten me that was totally ME. I love it so much and wear it all the time! 

Is there a special holiday tradition you do every year?

We try to do a sleepover in NYC with the girls every year. We stay at the Plaza Hotel, see a show of some sort, have dinner at Joe’s Shanghai (the soup dumplings are our collective family favorite), and eat breakfast in the Palm Court before going home. It’s such a special treat and definitely my favorite tradition.

Say you had five minutes to get ready for a party. What do you wear?

A LoveShackFancy dress and either sparkly Golden Goose sneakers or metallic boots. And a Lele Sadoughi knot headband covered in pearls or crystals. 

Any beauty trends you’re excited to try this season?

I am not much of a beauty trend person. For me, it is always about one thing and one thing only: glossy, glowy skin. As long as I have my blendSMART makeup brush, IT Cosmetics foundation and Fleshpot Eye and Cheek Gloss, I am set.

Who should we follow on Instagram?

@thebuyguide for under-the-radar shopping finds that are consistently life-changing.
@jenna_crandall for the best fashion picks at every price (her Insta Stories are the stuff that full carts are made of)!
@therlb because nothing makes [my daughter] Goldie or I smile more than seeing her doppelgänger Gemma [Rachel’s daughter] putting on lipstick and checking herself out in the mirror. 

Sign up for Jenn’s daily newsletter here. For even more one-of-a-kind kids’ gifts, shop RocketsofAwesome.com. And don’t miss part one and two of The Awesome News gift edit!

Is holiday shopping sending you into a tailspin? You need a little inspiration! For this four-part series, The Awesome News asked successful, stylish moms to share their go-to gift picks, and what they’ll do to make this holiday season more manageable and memorable. 

MEET CLAIRE OLSHAN

Claire Olshan had the whole of New York talking this year when she launched her haute healthy snack-food brand, DADA Daily, at a party in this Fifth Avenue apartment. The evening was extravagant, theatrical and achingly chic. And that’s how Claire rolls. The mom of one, and former owner of ultra-hip Upper East Side boutique Fivestory, drew on her love of Surrealist art and mindful eating to create a collection of beautiful-looking, naturally vegan snacks (we’re blissfully munching on Crunchy Sweet Potato Aioli Curls and Schisandra Chocolate Petite Bars). DADA’s artfully packaged, bite-sized treats are perfect for stashing in the stroller or delighting dinner guests. 

Check out Claire’s gift edit below…

For Moms

1. Ta-Dada Dinner Party Hack Set: This is a festive fun night in a box! The most delicious vegan snacks for hors d’oeuvres, an entire tablescape for decor (including a hand candle, napkin rings and place cards), and the most adorable truffles in the shape of lips and eyes for dessert.
2. Fitbit: I really don’t get to work out as much as I’d like, but this thing keeps me on track. It tells me when to walk that extra block or flight of stairs, or just be silly and jump up and down with my son for some extra smiles and calories. It also tracks my sleep! 

For Kids

3. Super Smalls jewelry: So adorable! I’m buying it for all my nieces this year.
4. Fisher-Price Power Wheels ride-on car: Every kid needs to have that OH MY GOD moment of “You bought me a car!” 

 

A LITTLE HOLIDAY Q&A…

 

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

A trip to Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee. I love experiential gifts that both the person gifting and the recipient can enjoy. It’s still one of my favorite trips of all time. 

And what’s on your wish list this year?

A Khaite suede fringe jacket – it’s the perfect combo of fun, decadence and chic. 

What holiday tradition are you most looking forward to sharing with your son?

We’re hoping to start a tradition of doing some charity work, going to soup kitchens, and teaching Maxwell that during a time of an abundance of food and love and family, you should never take them for granted. 

Say you have five minutes to get ready for a party. What’s your go-to beauty shortcut?

Put your face in an ice bath 10 times for 10 seconds each – sure to brighten a tired mom’s face in no time. Also, red lips! 

Best entertaining hack to impress guests?

Everything DADA Daily. 

Weirdest celebrity encounter?

I walked in on Wes Anderson at a urinal at Bar Pitti once. (I obviously went into the men’s room by accident!)

Who should we follow on Instagram?

@leandramcohen, @rosie_assoulin and @nelliediamond are some of my closest friends, but also my inspiration as moms, entrepreneurs and all around good people! 

Thanks, Claire! You can shop more holiday hero gifts for kids at RocketsofAwesome.com! To catch part one of our gifting series with Parachute founder Ariel Kaye, click here.

Is holiday shopping sending you into a tailspin? You need a little inspiration! For this four-part series, The Awesome News asked successful, stylish moms to share their go-to gift picks, and what they’ll do to make this holiday season more manageable and memorable. 

MEET ARIEL KAYE

A lifelong interiors-lover, Parachute founder (and surfing-slash-yoga enthusiast) Ariel Kaye set out to make premium-quality lifestyle essentials that anyone could own. We’re obsessed with Parachute’s luxury-yet-reasonably-priced percale sheet sets, thick Turkish cotton bathrobes, and cloud-like comforters – all in dreamy neutral hues inspired by Ariel’s natural, beachy surroundings and wellness-focused lifestyle. In just five years, Parachute has grown from a scrappy office in a two-bedroom Venice Beach apartment to a 17,000 square foot HQ, and Ariel plans to open her 20th Parachute store by 2020. To top it off, she recently welcomed baby daughter Lou to the world!

Check out Ariel’s gift edit below…

For Moms

1. Hatch Baby Rest Light & Sound Machine: This is a bedtime game changer! The different lights and sounds signal to the baby that it’s time to unwind and get ready for bed. We never spend a night without it.
2. Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini: Soft, comfortable and lightweight. The fabric is very breathable and I love taking walks with Lou around the neighborhood in it. 

For Kids 

3. DVF x Rockets of Awesome Velvet Jumpsuit: I am loving this DVF collab. How chic! I have my eye on this jumpsuit for my friend’s daughter. She will look so cute this holiday season.
4. Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama: My daughter loves music and her music class. I recently saw the Musical Llama and can’t wait to get it for Lou when she is a little older. In the meantime, I’ll gift it to my friends with toddlers. 

 

A LITTLE HOLIDAY Q&A…

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

I have an engraved necklace that says “Lou James” from Ariel Gordon Jewelry. I wear it every day and love having my daughter close to me at all times. 

And what’s on your wish list this year?

This year, I’m all about getting some “me” time and care less about getting stuff. I’m asking for a deep tissue massage or maybe even a one-night staycation in Malibu, so I can catch up on sleep!

Any traditions you look forward to sharing with Lou for the first time?

For us, the holidays are all about quality time together. This means long leisurely meals, lounging around in comfy clothes and family walks on the beach. We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas – i’m excited to light the menorah and watch Lou try her first latkes. On Christmas, we gather around the piano and sing holiday songs. Lou loves music and playing the tambourine, so that will be really fun! 

Best trick for making overnight guests feel at home?

I love hosting! I want to make my guests feel comfortable without having to make too many changes to my home. I always leave a quilt at the foot of the bed so that guests can layer to feel either warmer or cooler at night, depending on their sleep style. I also like to anticipate needs by leaving a phone charger, Wi-Fi password and a carafe with glasses on the bedside table.  

Say you have five minutes to get ready for a party. What do you wear to feel instantly polished?

I always gravitate to jumpsuits – I usually find something I love from Reformation, Rag & Bone or Vince. I love that just one piece can create an entire look. I’ll accessorize with gold bracelets and rings and I’m ready to go! 

Who should we follow on Instagram? 

@gerihirsch for all things motherhood – she just had her second baby!
@ashleykane for style inspiration
@parachutehome for the best home inspiration 🙂 

Happy Holidays, Ariel! For more one-of-a-kind kids’ gifts, shop RocketsofAwesome.com.