For the styling-inept, this season gifts you with options — namely, the option not to spend more than 20 minutes on your hair. For example, while we love a good braid (and both Marchesa and Jason Wu flaunted better than good on their runway for this season), for the novice, opting for something less intricate like the single braid seen on the Spring 2013 runway at Herve Leger by Max Azria (see below) will save on hours of frustration.

With trends ranging from loose tousled tresses, as seen recently on the runways of designers like Peter Som and more sophisticated looks like Givenchy‘s knot (a low ponytail that’s tucked or twisted into place or a higher sitting one that is effortlessly shaped into every women’s go-to messy bun) crowned this season’s official updo, you don’t have to be a professional hairstylist to stay on trend…but it helps to get style tips from one none the less.

And so, wanting to arm readers with the ammunition to tackle this season’s hair trends, we recruited celebrity hairstylist David Stanwell expertise. An Aussie-import, Stanwell moved to Los Angeles back in 2008, and had since joined the team at Exclusive Artists Management where he’s built a list of celebrity clientele that includes A-listers from film and music like Eva Mendes, Chris Pine, James Marsden, Hilary Duff, Jacob Artist and our personal fave, hipster trendsetter Juno Temple.

Like the season, Stanwell has beautiful simplicity on the mind. Below, his insider scoop on must-try hair trends and how-to nab the styles for your Spring/Summer-self.

With spring here, I am really getting a vibe for that ’70s effortless flower child look.

In fashion, long-sleeve dresses are coming back, and rather than wearing hair up for sleeves and styles like high necks, I suggest  going natural with hair down, styled very soft with maybe a few bends at the ends.

Headpieces with flowers that read ’60s hippy seem to be popping up in editorial shoots lately, and while it is a throwback, like with each era, we still want to tweak the trend and add a modern twist. (See Balenciaga updated take on a hair crown above.) So on that note, remember: unlike in the ’60s and ’70s, this season’s free-blowing hairstyles are done, but are made to look effortless, as apposed to actually not doing it like the “genuine” hippies before us.

I’m trying the “effortless look” on all my clients these days, for everything from shoots to talk shows.; right now, this is my style.

When it comes to haircuts this season, mid-length hair is so in.

I have actually cut quite a few clients hair to hit just below the shoulders, adding a long very soft layer so it keeps a heavy base line in the hair for the width — it almost gives the effect of a long bob. This length of hair is also good to play with when in want of party hair as you’ll see below.

Another cut that you can’t go wrong with (as Michelle Williams and Charlize Theron have proven as of late) is a boy crop. Short hair is always fun; you just have to try different parts and styles. Try it with a deep side part or messy and tousled or slick and chic — it all works with this cut.

This year’s red carpet season is all about side swept hair.

For women with long hair, whether straight or curly, this is the look you want for your next cocktail party or night out. Try it worn straight and simple via a good blow dry, and then just tucking one side behind the ear or pushed to sit on one shoulder. Just a little sweeping action can take a very simple look and amp it up for an evening event.

A simple and easy way to get a wavy version of this look is with Davines Nº14 Sea Salt Primer —  I love this spray. Once worked through hair, start by drying your locks thoroughly, then grab your curling iron and alternate directions, giving hair a subtle bend. Lastly, give hair a swing to loosen it up, sweep over to one side and you’re ready to go!

Tip: Try blowdrying sections of your hair rather than spending time trying to make the whole thing perfect. Let hair dry naturally first, then go back and fix spotlight areas. Don’t be afraid to leave some natural movement in your hair, it’s always a good look

There are many reasons to love online shopping, and to me the top two reasons why I think it’s great are: 1) you can find things online that are not readily available for you to buy in person, and 2) you can browse or “window shop” your favourite stores from the comfort of your desk, which is particularly handy when  you’re mega busy. Even though I love shopping at my favourite boutiques in person, with my hectic schedule I find it very handy to browse new and current stock online before heading into the store to check it out in person.

Last month, Yorkville’s Augustina Boutique launched their sleek new online store. This is a perfect example of a boutique that I love but find hard to get to as it’s “uptown” (from where I live/work anyway.) Although I’m happy to put in the effort to visit the boutique destination, I want to know there are new items in stock to make my trip worthwhile.

Their newly launched online digs accurately reflects their in-store experience, and still provides you with their signature lines such as: Karen Zambos, Rebecca Minkoff, Me&Ro, and much more. So are you ready to get online shopping or what? Find out how you can win a $150 Augustina Boutiques gift certificate below!

The Goods: A $150 Augustina Gift Card

To Enter:

FOLLOW: @AugustinaStore and @GracieCarroll on Instagram

INSTAGRAM: your favourite item from AugustinaBoutiques.com with the caption: “Love this gem from @AugustinaStore hope I win @GracieCarroll’s $150 #giveaway! #gracieaugustina“

If you don’t have Instagram you can still enter by following the same instructions using Twitter (don’t forget to link the item, or tweet a pic), to double your entry you can do both!

Contest closes at 11:59pm EST on Friday May 31st. Good luck! xoxo

The international audience first met Gadot — who hails from Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel — back in 2007 when she became the instant star of Maxim magazine’s controversial “Women of the Israel Defence Forces” swimsuit editorial. One of a pack of bikini clad women from the Israel Defense Forces (yes, she’s military trained!), this former Miss Israel (whom went on to represent her country in the 2004′s Miss Universe pageant) became the face of the shoot — thanks in part to her image being picked up for the cover of the New York Post. The instant fame spurred on by the spread, quickly transitioned into a career in Hollywood beginning with Fast & Furious (the series’ 4th instalment) in 2009 and guest spots on shows including HBO’s Entourage, known for lovely faces passing in and out of the storyline — in this case, a role for Gadot as one of the many beautiful girls found on leading character Vincent Chase’s (Adrian Grenier) arm.

As for the Fast and the Furious, the actress joined the franchise as Gisele Yashar, a one-time Mossad agent and former Mexican drug cartel member, who crosses over to the good side, bringing along with her a handy background in weapons knowledge. Cast alongside Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, the high speed ladies of the Fast and the Furious give Bond girls a run for their money.

Gadot rejoins the series in its latest release, Fast & Furious 6 — in theatres May 24th — which means of course red carpet premieres, or in other words: dress up time. Interested in gleaning some how-to style tips from the former beauty queen, we chatted with Gadot recently about her everyday beauty regime, as well as her red carpet style, and learned that the actress’s own beauty philosophies aren’t so far apart from that of her low-maintenance character’s, which also happen to suit the season’s trends. As Gadot shares with us, she’s not one for hiding under a heavy mask of makeup; for this natural beauty, it’s all about highlighting what you’ve got, and what better way to do that than with this Spring/Summer season’s preferred palette of nudes.

A model, as well as an actress, the 28-year-old Gadot doesn’t let her glamorous career path dictate her take on beauty. Gadot is not one to waste time over primping, she’s got a toddler at home after all, which means no time to fuss about with layers of eye makeup. Lucky for Gadot, as we saw from the red carpet at the Fast & Furious 6 premieres in London and Los Angeles already, she apparently doesn’t need much in the beauty department to look stunning.

Below, Gadot divulges her must-have beauty items and how she achieves her red carpet ready beauty look with only the bare minimum in her makeup kit.

As the former Miss Israel, what’s the best beauty secret you learned during your pageant days that you still value and use today?

I’m a big fan of a good diet and healthy lifestyle. Its important to eat a lot of vegetables, drink a lot of water and stay active. I believe that what we put in our bodies will reflect on the outside.

Start from the inside out, I like that. In terms of what we put on our face, what’s the one beauty product every woman should invest in?

Vine Vera (originated from grapes). The skin care collection is made with the antioxidant resveratrol [extracted from red wine]. I use the products every morning and every night. It leaves my skin feeling amazing!

In your opinion, what’s an easy way to transition from your usual day time beauty look to the perfect evening look?

Red lipstick. It’s very quick and effective.

And very Hollywood glam! Who is your beauty idol and what about her beauty looks inspires your own look?

Monica Bellucci. She has a beautiful presence that is rare and inspiring.

What beauty items can we find in your purse?

Mascara, red lipstick, bronzer and concealer.

Pretty minimalist. When it comes to a makeup look, is less more in your opinion?

Less is more. I prefer a more natural look on myself.

The woman of the Fast and the Furious are anything but girly girls. Is it a fun change to skip extended time in hair and makeup and play a tough broad like Gisele?

Yes! Although I’m not a hit girl or a crazy driver, I definitely relate to Gisele. I love women that have a strong presence and opinion. We don’t always need to hide under heavy makeup.

Any similarities between your fashion and beauty sense and that of Gisele’s?

Yes, Gisele and I have very similar style: simple and classic.

On the topic of simple looks, what do you make of this season’s preferred nude trend?

I prefer the nude trend myself. I like red lips for night, but for the day I wear nudes.

Your always stunning on the red carpet. What are you planning style-wise for all your upcoming Fast & Furious 6 premiere events?

I’m going to be wearing some thing very sleek and sexy, but elegant.

Any rom-com loving person will already be well acquainted with the phrase: “Our love fern! You let it die!” infamously delivered by psychotic girlfriend Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. One of your all-time favourite movies? Me too!

It’s not hard to love Kate Hudson; I mean, the woman is beautiful, Hollywood royalty and has got that rock ‘n’ roll air of cool about her. Today her exclusive collection for Ann Taylor hits stores in Canada. The collection is filled with flowing white pieces, accented by delicate accessories in rose gold.

Tonight in Toronto, Ann Taylor invites you to be one of the first to get your hands on the collection by joining them at their in-store White Party from 6-8pm at both the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale locations. Not only will you have first dibs to get some of Kate’s elegant and easy going style into your own wardrobe, but you’ll receive an Ann Taylor gift card with purchase!

Personally I’ll be partying the night away at their downtown Eaton Centre location in my Shimmer Platform Heels and Delicate Halter Top. See you there! xo

For more info on Kate Hudson’s exclusive collection for Ann Taylor click HERE.

What I Wore: Shimmer Platform Heels and Delicate Halter Top, both Kate Hudson for Ann Taylor (courtesy of Ann Taylor), skirt by Ganni from Agency One, trench by Jean Paul Gaultier, clutch by Ela Handbags, sunglasses by Celine.

Have you ever wondered what a typical day in my life is like? This is often a question I get from journalists and acquaintances when we meet, and it’s not always the easiest for me to answer. First off, I have a 9-5 job, and then I fit all of my blogging, writing, styling and general freelance work around it. That other thing called having a “life”? I try and find “me time” whenever possible.

My favourite part about running GracieCarroll.com is discovering amazing new talents and building wonderful working relationships and friendships with many of them. A lot of my time outside of the 9-5 (or at lunch hour) is spent meeting with artists and designers, looking at their work and plotting new projects together.

The latest and most exciting example of this would be my collaboration with Monique Anderson of I’MONIQ. Together we have co-designed a one-of-a-kind I’MONIQ necklace that will be unveiled at The Black Box Boutique in Yorkville this Saturday, May 25th.

To me the best part about purchasing a new treasure for your wardrobe is learning about the person (and the story) behind the brand. I guess that could be why I put such an emphasis on meeting people in real life and getting to learn about them; not just by looking at pictures of their work online. This is your opportunity to meet Monique in person, learn about her beautiful line, and get styled by me in a very special piece of your own from 4-7pm!

Monique’s assistant was on hand to film our last meeting when we discussed the vision for the Gracie Carroll x I’MONIQ necklace! What would be your requirements for your custom piece? Tell us!

See you guys on the Saturday! xo

A brand synonymous with indie culture, AllSaints foray is a logical follow up to their successful endeavours into the music industry via AllSaints Sessions, which has featured artists (both live music sessions and interviews) including Gold Panda, Kelis and Paloma Faith, recorded at the world’s leading music festivals from Bestival on the Isle of Wight to Austin’s SXSW.

AllSaint’s Creative Director, Wil Beedle will be overseeing the development of the brand’s newest division and the production of all in-house content, a duty Beedle views as a natural progression of the job, as he shares with FILLER. “Film blends seamlessly into what we do; creating and evolving independent thinking and innovation,” he says.

First up from the team at AllSaints Film is New Music City, a documentary about the  burgeoning Nashville music scene directed by Ben Strebel and produced by SomeSuch & Co. Filmed at this year’s SXSW, the film is centred around talent from independent record label, Serpents and Snakes helmed by the gentlemen of the Kings of Leon.

With the launch of their first film still a few days away, fans of the brand interested to see with what the label plans to satiate shoppers’ appetite for film, can check out the teaser below before viewing the full documentary on May 21st, screening exclusively on the AllSaints website.

A couple of my favourite stills from the campaign, view more in the gallery below.

Are you ready to enter to win the Ultimate Field Trip VIP Experience or what? Click HERE to enter now.

Next up for red carpet extravaganzas is the Festival de Cannes, and here’s to hoping that the world’s premiere gathering of art house cinema’s finest will bring out some pretty frocks that dare to steer away from the norm. I think the fact that it takes place in the French Rivera favours a positive outcome. Remember Kirsten Dunst in her dreamy Chanel haute couture dress back in 2011?

Personally, I want to see everyone very pretty, but still cool. Pastel silks interesting shoes, nude eyes paired with heavy lips. Or, for the extra bold, perhaps a heavy eye and lip? And, it must be said, how much I would truly love to see an all-Lanvin look on one of the leading ladies at Cannes. (As you’ll see from my red carpet picks below, for some reason I wasn’t feeling it on these five beauties.) Who knows though, maybe some one will surprise me? Fingers crossed.

Below, the red carpet looks we’d like to see on our favourite actresses in attendance at the 2013 Festival de Cannes.

Carey Mulligan is double dipping at Cannes this year. First for a competition film, Inside Llewyn Davis, and then the out of competition gala screening of The Great Gatsby.

When at premieres and award shows, Mulligan is always very pretty and simple. That said, I feel like she sorta tried to edge it up at the MET Gala this year — well…as much as she would — and I’d like to see her keep on that tip for her Cannes appearances.

I think it would be great to see her in Veronique Leroy look. This particular one from the designer’s Fall 2013 collection is so soft and girly, but the belt and shape of the dress elevate it and give it a more modern appeal.

Simple accessories like a single heavy cuff from Giambattista Valli is the way to go with this look, while shoes can be relied on to really pull it all together and make it something awesome. I think a pair of strappy gold heels by Barbara Bui are a beautiful option.

As for Mulligan’s beauty look, well, her hair is always sorta the same, but it works. Let’s stick with what we know, and mix things up with makeup that’s a little more daring, say a look that takes inspiration from Marni’s Fall 2013 runway show. The smudgy red lip and neutral eyes could be really great on her, especially with this look. Time to step outside of the box!

I am so excited to see this film! Emma Watson’s young, and she usually tries when dressing for the red carpet and looks pretty singularly good the majority of the time because of it.

Since the movie is based on bratty teens from Calabasas, California…let’s just say “enough said,” when it comes to what look would go well with the Bling Ring‘s premiere. Let’s go a bit chicer, à la this Chanel Resort 2014 look — super pretty and oh so Cannes. Just have to nix the belt and keep it more straight and pretty in terms of accessories. A textured shoe from Arfango would do the trick, something like the Diamond Jackie Pump bejewelled with Swarovsky crystals would be lovely. I prefer this look with a clean neck and black and gold earrings like this pair of Durban Gold Arrowhead Earrings by Alexis Bittar — clean and chic.

Watson is a natural beauty who looks best in simple hair and makeup. Balmain‘s Fall 2013 runway look would be a nice choice on her with the added accent of Altuzarra‘s focus on the eyes this Fall 2013 season. Quientesstial Watson: modern and on trend.

Model-turned-actress Marine Vacth will be getting her grand introduction to the film world at this year’s Cannes with the screening of Young & Beautiful.

Being a model, basically everything looks amazing on her. Since it is her Cannes debut, it would be great to see her in something from a classic French fashion house like Dior. The look we’ve chosen is from the label’s Fall 2013 show; it epitomizes French style, and the shape is just so lovely. As a whole, the dress is completely youthful and current, an ideal ensemble for one of the festival’s bright young talents.

For accessories, how about Lavin‘s Trilogy Satin Clutch, and on Vacth’s pretty little feet, while I love the shoes that Dior paired the look with on the runway, a simple and pretty heel like Christian Louboutin‘s Decollete Heel would also be a nice option.

I’d like to see Vacth’s beauty look keep in line with the classic theme, and go in the direction of Dolce and Gabbana‘s Fall 2013 runway look, which flaunted soft hair and stunning peepers emphasized with liner.

Léa Seynoux is a French beauty that has held the attention of international audiences since playing the captivating beauty Owen Wilson character’s walks off into Parisian paradise with in Midnight in Paris. With her soft face and angelic blonde hair, it would be lovely to get her into Giles, particularly this look from Fall 2013: it screams cool girl to me. (I would though have her lose the beanie… bummer I know.)

When talking accessories for this one, I’d love to see a simple shoe by Jerome Rousseau like these Aizza White Glitter Pumps, the designer also makes a great pump that looks like a ballet shoe, but with a heel, that could work well with this look.

Being the effortless beauty that Seydoux is, simple is the way to go with hair and makeup. Bottega Veneta had possibly my favourite hair look of all the Fall 2013 runway shows, and it so fits this dress and this girl. Makeup wise, I’d tone it down a bit, keep it kinda monochromatic in the realm of Calvin Klein — Seydoux doesn’t need much to look the part of stunning starlet after all.

To be honest, I don’t know much about Tao Zhao, but I do know that she’s not new to the Festival de Cannes (her film 24 City was nominated for the Palm d’Or in 2008), and that her cute new boy cut gives her a chic Breathless sort of air.

After looking into her style history, I gathered that she leans towards classic award show dresses. So with that in mind, let’s get her into something classic, but still really awesome. For Zhao a lovely yellow beaded Zac Posen dress like this one from the designer’s Fall 2013 collection is perfect. The shape is amazing, and it has pockets; classic and modern — done.

A little black suede pump would be lovely with this dress, Bionda Castana has a great one that look like it might have been worn by one of the ladies from Marie Antoinette’s court. Match this with some black geometric earrings from Gemma Redux, say the triangular Krisztina Earrings, and you’ve got yourself a bit more of a modern edge.

For a look that’s on the lighter side like this one, a bolder beauty look is a nice complement. I love the hair and makeup from Lanvin‘s Fall 2013 runway show, and would be really into pairing a dark lip with Zhao’s look. All together, the look, like the actress, is timeless.

Holy moly I am SO excited to share this amazing giveaway with everyone!! For what could be the best giveaway in GracieCarroll.com history (so far), I’ve teamed up with Topshop Canada to send one lucky reader to the Arts & Crafts Field Trip Music Festival on Saturday June 8th with 2 VIP passes AND a $500 gift certificate from Topshop to get decked out in the ultimate festival look! Are you dying yet? I am! Because there is honestly nothing better in life than rubbing shoulders with rockstars and getting to go shopping for free, let me tell you.

What’s the Arts & Crafts Field Trip? To celebrate their 10th anniversary as one of the world’s leading indie music labels, A&C is throwing a big ol’ music party featuring performances by Broken Social Scene, Feist, Bloc Party, Timber Timbre, Zeus and many more. For full show line up and details, check out the festival website here.

Ready to enter? Find out how below:

ps. this will basically be you at the festival.

The Goods: 2 VIP passes to Field Trip and a $500 Topshop Gift Card to put together your festival look with a personal shopper!

To Enter: 

1) FOLLOW @GracieCarroll and @Topshop_Canada on Twitter

2) TWEET “The ultimate FIELD TRIP VIP experience & a $500 GC from @Topshop_Canada!? Amaze! Find out how to enter at http://graciecarroll.com/?p=6583 and RT!”

To Double Your Entry:

3) FOLLOW @GracieCarroll and @TopshopCanada on Instagram

4) INSTAGRAM the above flyer with the caption “Hope I win @GracieCarroll‘s ultimate giveaway: FIELD TRIP VIP experience & a $500 GC from @Topshop_Canada!”

To Triple Your Entry:

5) LIKE GracieCarroll.com on Facebook

Finally: 

You MUST COMMENT HERE once complete, providing a relevant email address (privately) so we can contact you! Contest ends on May 31st, 2013 at 11:59 EST. Open to Ontario residents only, must be 19+.

GOOD LUCK Y’ALL!!

He may not have a million followers on Facebook, but Ahluwalia is GAB+AB‘s favorite example of a savvy and creative business man, in it for the long haul. In a world where people want it all (and right this millisecond no less), House of Waris is busy building a legendary brand with pop prowess (see the video above), one that ignores fast fashion, while managing to stay ahead of both fashion and culture trends. One need only see his latest Spring/Summer collection of jewellery and scarves for proof of the label’s timeless elegance. We personally love the spiked shaped of select pieces from the new collection, a demure solution to this season’s punk trend.

Below, Ahluwalia joins us for a quick chat about his views on the industry and how he finds balance in his career.

As a designer, actor and New York City influencer, how do you make the most of Fashion Week in New York each year? We all have difficulty balancing shows, presentations, and parties, but you especially must have a tough time exacting the perfect combo between what feels like duty and what appeals more to your personal interest.

As with everything, I try to keep things simple. That means I support friends. They are a big part of my life and they always come first. It is amazing to see your peers and mentors develop and grow. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by such talent. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the eye of a storm.

On the topic of Fashion Week, how do you keep the bi-annual event fresh, in terms of your own experiences? Other than obviously viewing all the new collections…

Well, the work is a big thing of course. Without that it would be senseless partying — and who wants that? There’s always new ideas, new collaborations and new friends to be made.

We know your a staple on the New York scene come Fashion Week, did you often make it over to London, Milan, or Paris as well?

Honestly New York is enough for me. We do all our sales from here. I’d just feel glutinous if I attended all the festivities.

Very moderate of you! Name 5 shows in New York that top your must-see-list each season?

Some of the shows I went to this season: Zero by Maria Cornejo (knocks me off my feet with her prints), Tory Burch (I was in [one of her] campaigns previously, maybe next time I’ll walk), J. Mendel, Bibhu Mohapatra, and the always wonderful Cynthia Rowley.

Nice selections! What was your best-dressed day during this last NYFW?

Well that’s a trick question, as it’s always a tailored suit. I’ll let you decide which was the best.