life hacks Archives - Ashley Weston

Gift Guide For The Women In Your Life | Best Gifts For Women

Now that you’ve settled on a few gifts for your friends or family members (and hopefully yourself too), it’s time to focus on the women in your life. Sure, we know this can be super stressful but don’t worry, we did all the hard work for you. We’ve got a great lineup of gifts for the women in your life, whether it’s your significant other, sister, mother, or just friends. Don’t forget to check out our Men’s Gift Guide too.

Here are our picks for the best gifts for the women in your life!

Silk Pillowcase – $85

Trust me, she will thank you. When you sleep on silk vs cotton, you no longer will get those sleep creases on your face which contribute to wrinkles, plus silk pillowcases are much kinder on her hair will offer more protection from split ends and breakage. As a bonus companion gift, we really like this Silk Eyemask ($50) because it’s super comfortable, kind on the skin and great for travel!

Ultra-Slim Lightweight Charger – $29

An awesome gift we’ve mentioned before, this small, handy charger is perfect for the person who’s constantly running on low battery (aka, everyone!).

Skylar Beauty Products

Ashley highly recommends all the beauty products from our friends at Skylar as gifts for the women in your life. They’re all hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free of parabens and chemicals, making them great for any skin type and beauty routine. They have a range of sets perfect for gifting including the Best of Body gift box with body lotion and wash, as well as a hand cream. It features Ashley’s favorite ocean-inspired scent called Isle.

Other easy gifts options are their Scent Experience, a sample of all 6 of their amazing fragrances, along with a gift card for a full-size version of whichever scent she ends up loving, and the Scent Club Gift Subscriptions, which fit any budget and are great if the woman you’re buying it for likes to try different scents. They have 3, 6 and 12-month options.

Plus, just for our readers and viewers, you can get 20% off your purchase with code JOLLY20 at check out. Plus, you’ll get a free Arrow rollie when you spend $80 or more (auto-applied, no code needed). Get your shopping done soon, this free gift offer ends on 12/9!

Instant Film Camera – $99

Everyone loves an instant film camera and she’ll definitely be sure to use this as soon as she unwraps it. We love the rose gold or graphite color options. These are awesome for parties and events too!

Essential Oil Diffuser – $22

One of those must-have items she never knew she needed, these aromatherapy diffusers fill the home with amazing scents of all types.

L.L. Bean Fleece Robe – $79

A super-soft, super-cozy robe, need we say more? We both have these and they’re a morning staple in our house most days.

Portable Bluetooth Speaker – $35

Super handy at home or while traveling, we love this version because it’s really affordable, waterproof and durable. The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone.

Capri Blue Volcano Jar Candle – $30

Never underestimate the power of a great candle as a gift. This one is a tried and true option and we guarantee she’ll love it.

Nars lipstick pencil duo – $20

Don’t be intimidated by buying makeup for her, this one is a no-fail option. Nars is a great brand and this subtle color duo will look great on any woman, no matter what her beauty routine is or what type of skin tone she has.

Gold Hoop Earrings – $150

Classic, timeless, and beautiful, a chic pair of gold earrings from one of Ashley’s favorite women’s brands are always a stylish gift, no matter what accessories she typically wears.

10 Ways You’re Killing Your Style | Men’s Style Mistakes

Once you’ve got the basics of style down, it’s important to focus on those little things that can make or break your personal style and everyday look. Something as simple as a little mistake can totally throw off your look or ruin otherwise good style choices. Oftentimes its something as simple as how you present a particular choice. No matter what it is, focusing on the proper details and nailing those can save you from potential disaster. Some of these mistakes might be obvious but some you may not even know you are doing!

So, here are 10 ways you may be killing your style!

Being Overly Self-Conscious

Trying too hard can be as bad as not trying at all. Wearing trendy items that aren’t you or not wearing things that make you feel comfortable and confident are quick ways to ruin your overall style. People notice how you feel and if you’re feeling good about what you’re wearing and looking good, it will stand out.

Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Work for your body type

Working with your body type is a huge part of getting well-fitting clothing. Choosing items that will flatter and fit well is crucial. Some easy items to avoid are henley shirts if you’re not fit or muscular, Chelsea boots if you’re a bigger guy, and classic straight-legged jeans if you’re a thinner guy. Check out all of our Fit Guides for tips about different body types and how things should fit.

Over-accessorizing

Yikes, this can go wrong so easily, over-accessorizing can be a huge problem. Johnny Depp, you are not. Go easy on rings, bracelets, and other flashy items and go for more subtle, refined accessories to show some personality or flair. Stick with 1 or 2 items max, like a pocket square and a watch.

Wearing too much cologne

A little goes a long way, and there’s nothing worse than smelling someone from 5 feet away. Nobody (especially women) wants that. If you can smell yourself, it’s too much.

Not paying attention to the details

Again, the little things matter, so take care to focus on them. Things like not lint rolling your clothing (especially dark shirts, suits, and jackets), wearing wrinkled clothing (just get our recommended steamer), and not tucking in your shoelaces really matter with your overall look.

Speaking of tucking in shoelaces (something Ashley is always super focused on as a stylist), our friends at Straight Laces have an ingenious shoelace set up that creates a clean, tucked look and basically turns all your shoes into slip on’s. It’s such a smart, useful product and we’re using them on all our shoes personally and with Ashley’s clients. Seriously, they’re that good. Just for our readers and viewers, we’ve got a deal for 40% off 3 or more laces! Shop here and use code AshWeston40.

Not dressing your age

We’ve discussed how to dress well in your 40’s before and a big part of it is embracing your age and wearing items that are classy and age-appropriate.

Wearing dirty, old shoes

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but a bad pair of shoes can absolutely ruin your entire look. Keep them in good condition and shined up.

Not Grooming Regularly

Overgrown hair, beards, and fingernails are no bueno. Make sure you’re taking proper care of your grooming and putting your best foot forward. Especially important in professional environments. We’ve got a ton of tips in all of our grooming guides.

Not taking care of your skin

Just like your grooming, proper skin care is an important part of your overall routine. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated but you should find a morning routine and an evening routine that works for you. Focus on moisturizing, good shaving techniques, and using the right products.

Wearing faded, ripped or pilled items

When items are faded (especially shirts, pants and sweaters), it’s time to send them off to the donation bin and get some replacements. If your sweaters are pilled, you just need to get a sweater shaver (we like this one best) to remove the little balls and get it back in good shape.

10 Best Gifts For Men | Men’s Gift Guide 2019

It’s officially holiday time and there’s no doubt you’re going to need to find some cool, useful gifts for your friends and family. While you’re at it, you should probably pick out something nice for yourself too right? We see a ton of products all the time so we thought we’d do the hard work for you and pick out some of our absolute favorite items to make your shopping that much easier this year. Add these to your list and we guarantee great results and a ton of happy recipients. Need a few more ideas? Check out our Gift Guides from years past.

Here are our picks the 10 best gifts for men! Happy Holidays!

LEATHERMAN KEYCHAIN – $35

Super handy and will always be useful when you least expect it, we gift these to everyone in our lives. It’s small, affordable, and packs a ton of utility into a small package. They come in a range of colors too.

Dad Fanny Pack – $10

Whether you need a good, affordable silly gift for a white elephant gift exchange or just want to gift friends and family with something funny, this is a great option.

Vitamix Blender – $400

The absolute Rolls Royce of blenders, this item is a staple item in our lives and we use it a ton. It’s great for everything from smoothies to soups to “Nice Cream” (frozen banana ice cream). Not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth every penny.

Pour-Over Coffee Brewing Set for One – $69

Good coffee gear is absolutely essential and this handy, single-cup brewer is an awesome gift for all the coffee snobs in your life. Once they ditch the garbage Keurig brewer and try a fresh cup from a pour-over there’s no going back, we promise. We’re also big fans of the Aeropress brewer for more of an espresso-style cup.

Manscaped Lawnmower 2.0 Trimmer

It goes without saying that proper grooming is hugely important and that goes for body hair and your hair downstairs. Speaking for the women in the world, Ashley can’t recommend this trimmer enough for keeping your package area tidy and neat. Trust us, it’s that important. The Lawnmower 2.0 trimmer is super handy and makes grooming everywhere a breeze. It’s waterproof and has a powerful 6,000 RPM motor with SkinSafe™ Technology so you’ll never experience any nicks or snags. They even guarantee it and will give you your money back if you’re not happy.

We’ve got an awesome deal from Manscaped and you can get 20% OFF plus Free Shipping, and 2 free gifts with code WESTON at Manscaped.com! The Perfect Package 2.0 kit features the Lawnmower 2.0 trimmer, a refreshing crop reviver toner, crop preserver deodorant, and a comfy pair of boxer briefs. Pick up your kit here, it’s perfect for friends, family, or yourself!

Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones – $400

We’ve discussed how important these are before and this new model from Bose is even better. An absolute must for anyone who travels a lot, this new version even has a toggle switch that adjusts the noise-cancelling levels for a custom feel. Another item that’s pricey but worth every penny.

Ultra-Slim Lightweight Charger – $29

Speaking of handy travel accessories, this small charger is a life-saver if you’re like most of us who and constantly teetering on low battery. The perfect affordable stocking stuffer!

Custom Family Portrait Illustration – $20 and up

Both thoughtful and clever, this gift allows you to create a custom illustration based on a photo. Awesome for a thoughtful or funny gift.

Zojirushi Stainless Thermos Mug – $27

Another one of our absolute favorite EDC items we have recommended before, this mug is incredible. You won’t believe how warm or cold it keeps your go-to beverages. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes too.

Itunes Store or Google Play Store Gift Cards – $10 and up

Cash can feel impersonal and something as simple as an Itunes or Google Play gift card is a way better option. No matter what the situation is, the recipient is always going to love this one.

Dressing Well On A Budget | Affordable Men’s Fashion Tips

Despite what you may think, dressing stylishly and well doesn’t have to involve a lot of money. We’ve talked time and again about how achieving style has everything to do with choosing the right items for a timeless essential wardrobe and nothing to do with how much you pay for something. Whether it’s the right budget-friendly denim and chinos, or affordable accessories that add a bit of personality, you can dress well on a budget, no matter what it is. Another bonus: women care more about how you dress, not what you spend on clothing, trust us.

So, with that, here are a few simple ways that you can dress well on a budget.

The Right Fit

It doesn’t matter how much you spend on clothes if they don’t fit they’ll look like crap! A well-fitting $75 bomber will look way better than an ill-fitting $2000 suit. If you handle this part properly, you’ve done 80% of the hard work. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with Fit Guides for nearly every wardrobe item in your closet.

Nail The Details

Small tweaks like well-chosen accessories (watch, pocket square, a tie bar, or watch band) will elevate an average look to a new level. These items can all be super affordable and when put together with a well-chosen, well-fitting outfit they’re really going to take your style to the next level with a bare minimum of investment.

The Right Shoes

There’s no quicker way to ruin a solid, stylish outfit than with a bad pair of shoes. Plus, it’s a fact women will notice your shoes and regardless of how much you spend, they should be clean, in good shape, and timeless in style. Don’t forget to consider the right shoe choice for the situation you’re dressing for. A shoe that’s too casual or overly-dressy with the wrong outfit is just as bad as shoes that are in terrible shape.

Dress for the situation

Dressing out of touch for the situation just makes you look like you’re trying too hard or you’ve got no taste, and neither one is something you want to impart to an observer. Whether you spent a lot or a little, if you’re overdressing for a barbeque or underdressing for a work event or wedding, nobody is going to care about your budget, they’re only going to notice how out of place you look.

Do Women Care How Much You Spend On Clothes?

One of the most common comments we see and hear time and again is “Women only care about men who spend a lot on clothing.” Now we believe that style is made up of a lot more things than just the clothes you wear and we talk a lot about how to build a stylish essential wardrobe on any budget. But, it is a fair question to ask.

So do women care how much you spend on clothes? Tune in and find out what we think!

Style and money are unrelated

Fit, and to a lesser extent, materials, denotes how “rich” you can look. You can be wearing a $5k suit but if it fits poorly and isn’t properly tailored, you’re still going to look like crap. But if you’re wearing a $500 suit that’s tailored perfectly and fits your body type well, you’re going to look like a million bucks. Dressing well in clothes that fit you isn’t expensive. Dressing poorly in designer clothing is very expensive and a complete waste of time and money, not to mention, no women will care if your suit is expensive if you look like a mess in it. Since we’re talking about fit, we’ve got Fit Guides for everything, so don’t forget to check ’em out!

Designer Doesn’t Always Mean Good

Covering yourself in designer labels to show how much you spend on clothes actually just shows a lack of class and tact. Wearing a $500 Gucci T-shirt is silly for two reasons: one, they’re knocked off so easily that often people assume it’s fake anyway, and two, did you really just pay $500 for a $2 shirt with a Gucci logo screen printed on it? To women, it makes you look like more of a sucker and its incredibly off-putting. Looking good is about the details and subtlety – women pick up on these more than most men know.

Dress Within Your Means

We mention it a lot around here but it bears repeating, style is achievable at literally any budget. If you’re spending more than what your means allow on your clothing, that’s an instant alarm to a woman. It shows you’re either insecure or irresponsible financially. Either way, very unattractive. Be honest about your budget and stick with what works for it, it’s a much, much better look. Don’t believe us? We’ve got recommendations for budget-friendly denim, chinos, and more.

Dress For The Situation

If you’re wearing expensive clothing, but it’s inappropriate for the situation, women will be repelled. Wearing your brash, iced-out Hublot watch to a black-tie affair is just gauche. Flashy shows of money like this are inappropriate and they send up red flags like “insecure”, “ignorant”, “tacky”. Subtlety and class are infinitely more important to women, even when they don’t know it. EVERY woman, regardless of who they are, would jump James Bond’s bones because he’s subtle, confident, and elegant in his style. Remember that.

The Verdict: Absolutely Not

Take it from a woman (and an incredibly accomplished one at that), the right women care about so many things that aren’t money and how much of it you spend (or pretend to spend) on your clothing. Style is about so much more than just what you wear and women know this. Style can be achieved no matter what your budget is, even if it’s zero, so don’t forget that!

Why A Man’s Watch Matters To Women

We often talk about how important accessories are to your overall look and wardrobe. When done well, they add that extra 10% that pulls everything together and really lets your personality shine. We don’t recommend a ton of accessories but watches are one of the most important ones. It’s true that the watch you wear says a lot about you, whether you like it or not. That’s especially true when it comes to the opposite sex. Since you’re probably going to ask, no, it doesn’t matter AT ALL how expensive your watch is, let’s just get that straight. But that doesn’t mean watches aren’t something women care about.

Here are the reason why a man’s watch matters to women!

SHOWS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Whether you’re wearing a Timex, Apple Watch, or a Rolex, the watch you wear will give a woman a few clues as to what your lifestyle is like, and that’s important when we are getting to know you. Maybe you’re a sporty guy and you’re into a G-Shock. Or, you’re more of a tech guy and an Apple watch is your vibe. Either way, it lets women know a bit about who you are.

SHOWS YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS

Like with all of your wardrobe, the details matter and women notice the details. From the fit of your clothes to your haircut, each small component combines to form an important part of the whole. Watches are no different. The right watch and style choices on your wrist show you care about the right details.

SHOWS HOW CULTURED YOU ARE OR AREN’T

Maybe you think watches are redundant since you have a phone, sure, we get that. But, going that extra step is going to add another layer to your style and show that you’re about more than just the absolute bare minimum, and that’s definitely really sexy. But, it’s important to consider what you’re wearing and when just like your shoe choice. You wouldn’t wear Jordans to a wedding so you should consider what watch choices you’re making too.

INDICATES WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN LIFE

No matter where you are on your journey, personal or style-wise, your watch choice is a big indicator of where you are and where you are going. Like we said before, women (well, the right women anyway) aren’t concerned with how fancy or expensive your watch is, but knowing where you’re at and where you’re going is important.

5 Style Hacks Women LOVE (and will notice!)

Sometimes a few simple hacks can make a huge difference in your overall look, and trust us, women are definitely going to notice. The great thing is, these are super simple, in some cases, cost zero money, and are tricks that anyone can pull off.

Here are 5 style hacks women LOVE, and will notice!

Tuck in your shirt in the front just a bit

A small move that adds a little bit of polish but never looks too formal, this quick trick is a super-easy way to show you’ve got some serious style skills.

Add a watch or slim metal cuff

A little arm candy is really sexy and adds a noticeable, stylish touch to your outfit. Make sure you use good judgment and don’t over-accessorize though, it can look amateurish. We’ve run down a few more accessorizing tips, our favorite metal cuffs, and watch tips in the past as well.

A black or navy bomber jacket

There’s something really sexy about this item, it’s just a style that compliments every man no matter his body shape, height or age. Obviously there are other jacket styles out there but this one is always so irresistible because it looks so fresh and understated. It’s great casually or dressed up and goes with every type of pants.

Picks:

Stick with a simple outfit formula

Sometimes (ok, most often times) less is more. At the end of the day, it’s when you look like you’re trying too hard that turns women off. Our favorite formula women will definitely love? A great-fitting tee, tucked slightly in, some slim dark wash jeans, a bomber jacket on top and a pair of fresh kicks on the bottom. Understated, stylish and very sexy.

A fresh haircut

Yup, it’s that simple, and there’s nothing sexier. It might not seem like a big deal or even noticeable, but trust me, women notice. We’ve run down all of the best haircuts women love before, (and a few women don’t like) so check those out!

$50 & Under Items That Are Totally Worth It

Sure, we know, $50 may not be a lot, but these days it can go a long way if you’re spending it wisely! In the past we’ve down a few of our go-to essential items that make our lives easier, from apps to entertainment, but what about those must-have tools and services that we can’t live without?

Well, we’re going to give you 10 items that we think are not only worth $50 but will have a huge impact on your life well beyond something fairly inexpensive.

1.Leatherman Keychain – $35

We love this handy little number from Leatherman, it’s truly a lifesaver. And while it may not seem like much, you will be blown away by how often you use the super useful combination of tools. One of Dorian’s go-to EDC items.

2. Minimal Hard Shell Phone Case – $12

You spent some good money on a great new phone so give it the protection it deserves with a case that’s not only protected but also slim and stylish. Looking for a few more options? Check out our phone case rundown.

3. Paperkarma $12-$20 Per Year

An insanely useful service that helps you get rid of obnoxious, unwanted junk mail. Simply download the app, take a few pictures of junk mail as it comes in and you’re good to go. Not only is it easy to use it saves you time, money and help cut down on unwanted paper waste for the environment. Win-win-win.

4. Herschel Charlie Wallet – $30

We’re big fans of Herschel’s goods and we reviewed another one of their options in our Best Wallets of 2019 article. This card case is perfect for those who like a slim, pared-down vibe. It’s a great bang for your buck and the leather is very nice. They’ve got a ton of great color options too.

5. Zojirushi Thermos – $26

This sleekly designed water bottle/thermos might as well be magic because it keeps your drinks cold or hot for what seems like forever. It comes in 3 different sizes and a bunch of great colors.

6. External Phone/Laptop Battery – $46

If you’ve ever known the sweet agony of having your phone or computer die at the wrong moment when traveling or working away from home you know how valuable one of these babies can be. Light and portable, one of two of these is money very well spent.

Picks:

Anker 1

Anker 2

Anker 3

7. Vintage Casio Digital Watch – $34

From a style perspective, we love the vintage vibe of these classic digital watches. They’re super affordable and add a great throwback-inspired vibe to your style. You can slap on a perlon strap to add a different look too.

Casio 1

Casio 2

Strap Options

8. Slow cooker – $30 – $50

While there is a serious debate in our house as to which slow cooker is best, there’s no debate about how awesome and practical both of our favorite slow cookers are. Drop in some ingredients and some flavorful items, hit the dial or button and you’re good to go. An absolute must for any busy guy who still wants to eat well and healthy.

Ashley’s Favorite: Crock Pot

Dorian’s Favorite: Instapot

9. Betterment – No Fees

A great new option for financial services, we love Betterment’s free checking and savings accounts. They both have zero fees and the savings account has one of the highest interest rates anywhere at 2.39%. So, essentially you get paid every month to keep your money in your savings account. Investment and retirement have an annual fee of 0.25% per year on your retirement balance, but since you’re getting paid in your savings account, it will likely cost you nothing.

10. Incase Backpack – $49.95

Yup, we’re huge fans of Incase. We’ve featured their backpacks and briefcases previously because we absolutely adore their clean, minimal design, functional features, and great price. This version in particular, at $50 is an absolute steal and one of the very best affordable backpacks out there. It comes in a range of colors but our favorites are the light grey and dark grey.