I was first introduced to Kim and Alex McClay, better known as the Naven sisters, while in Vegas at my very first Magic experience. Even though it was a quick meet and greet, it was nothing short of refreshing.

It is not very often that you meet two designers who are sisters and also identical twins. Not only do they share an extreme love for fashion, they have had a great hand in designing some of the most celeb-worthy dresses. Their style can be summed up as trendy, fun, and colorful. Kim and Alex are reintroducing what it means to be California cool, with a twist of European chic. And to add to the excitement, they will soon be introducing a lower price-point line that will have consumers draped in silks, jerseys, and cotton blends. While the Naven sisters are effortlessly chic themselves, it is their clothes and ambition that will continue to speak volumes...

Upon my arrival at The Toronto Fashion incubator in downtown Toronto, I anxiously awaited my meeting with designer Paris Li. Our weekly conversations were starting to become a pattern of cat and mouse, and this time I was ready to see what Paris had in store for spring 2011. As I entered a hidden building, I was buzzed in very quickly. “We finally meet” Paris said as she greeted me with open arms. At that moment I knew that this meeting was going to be one of many. She greeted me with the same excitement and energy that I had received over our phone conversations where we always discussed fashion, clothes and her collection. Promptly making our way to her design studio, she had prepared her spring collection for a full viewing. The collection was everything I expected; vibrant and colourful, just in time for spring!

I sifted through clothes and envisioned Sunday brunches, late evening drinks with friends, casual strolls throughout the busy Toronto streets and beyond. The colourful collection seemed endless. Carefully designed and made for the fashion forward business woman with an edge...

In the sneaker culture, what's always stood out is the ability to think forward and not stay conformed to what's already being heralded as successful. The Jordan XI. Before its time in terms of style and material, has left an undying legacy and no sneaker head's collection is complete without it. With clothing, it would seem easy to not only make a mark, but to also stay relevant throughout the culture. Wait til' a release and create a shirt playing off the colors and message of the shoe. Instant success, but if the idea is to leave a legacy, while also giving the owner a sense of individualism, you have to go beyond that. In 2002, Sneaker Fiend was created and finally launched in 2007. The idea pushed fashion in the sneaker culture to the forefront. Instead of clothing to match your sneakers, CEO, Darrick Carruth envisioned a product fresh enough where heads would by their footwear based on his shirts. Going off his his own sense of style and having many influences that drive and motivate him, DC has been able to turn his dream into reality simply by...

1. As seasons change, the transition from cold weather to warmer temperatures can really wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it dry and cracked. Try leaving an extra supply of heavy-duty body moisturizer next to your bottle of shampoo in the shower. This time, slather on a generous amount of lotion before you grab the towel to dry off. This, in addition to the humidity, heat and access water from the shower will lock in the moisture and keep your skin feeling soft all day long. (Try: Vaseline Intensive Care Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion, $3.89)
2. Even though we may still be a few months shy of sandal season, that is no reason to neglect those toes any longer. Check the nail polis...

Representing the BRAVE in the form of fashion is MILIFIDEL, an up and coming clothing line designed with HONOR in mind. Milifidel stems to make its impact through the core focus of dedicating the entire brand to the men and women of the US Military. It’s their way of appreciating the sacrifices all our service members have given. That’s actually an understatement. In fact, 3 out of the 4 partners have served our country honorably in the US Military Armed Forces -- Andrew (US Army Air Defense); Jeremy (US Army Scout); Jordan (US Army Ranger Sniper). Rounding out the four is their business entrepreneur, Andy.

The CAUSE of Milifidel is catching on, with celebrities and athletes contributing to help promote their message. Kim Delaney of “Army Wives” (Lifetime Channel), Rachel Fine (music artist & host on Howard Stern’s The Bonus Show), and...

Mateo Magazine: What inspires you when you are creating fashionable designs for women?
Cheri Milaney: I get inspiration from many different sources; from fabrics and textures to my trips to Italy where I have experienced the culture and the history.

MM: For this year’s collection what was your inspiration in your choice of fabrics and designs?
CM: The inspiration behind the collection was all about manipulating of fabric through gathering and ruching to create interesting drapes and silhouettes. I used a lot of light weight chiffons and transparent knits to achieve this affect.

Just because summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to that summer glow. A natural glow never goes out of style, and the safest and smartest option means faking, not baking. It’s a look you can sport year-round, and luckily for us, one we can achieve rain or shine. If you haven’t already met, let me introduce you to your new best friend: self-tanner. For those of you out there afraid that self-tanning will transform you into a bright Oompa Loompa, fear no more. Self-tanners have come a long way over the years, and come in various forms: lotions, foams, gels, and sprays. I, personally, prefer lotions. Unlike gels, they dry faster; and unlike sprays, they allow for easier application. Foams tend to streak more because they dry the fastest. So for self-tanning virgins, I always say lotion is the way to go. Another tip for newcomers: if you’re apprehensive about the streak factor when using a non-tinted formula, I recommend concocting your own personal blend by mixing your tanning lotion with a cream bronzer, or a product such as Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs makeup.

Exotic destinations inspire for Fall 2010, our need to escape the everyday challenges is mirrored with intriguing fabrication, subdued and playful color and innovative silhouette combinations. A grounded earthly hue paired with bright and bold is a worldly and well-traveled look that brings a sense of both sophistication and adventure to this season.