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  1. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “When I saw this skirt, there was no question I had to have it—it’s one of those pieces that can be worn for ages,” enthuses Monlyn-Mathieu of her Ralph Lauren Blue Label mini (109 Prince St at Greene St; 212-625-1660, ralphlauren.com). “It weighs a ton but the beading is beautiful.” She lets the embellishments shine by pairing the bottom with a basic RRL Ralph Lauren tee, also from the brand’s Soho store.

  2. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu stacks a studded tortoiseshell bracelet from J.Crew (locations throughout the city; visit jcrew.com) atop a leather bangle from Lagos, Nigeria, and an etched cuff from Forever 21 (locations throughout the city; visit forever21.com). Turquoise and arrow-adorned rings from the fast-fashion chain, as well as Monlyn-Mathieu’s diamond wedding band adorn her fingers. “Accessories really pull things together,” she says. “I love mixing pieces.”

  3. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “I love turquoise jewelry—it’s very rustic and the color is so rich and bold,” says Monlyn-Mathieu, who often dons this 1960s ring that was a gift from a friend. OPI Cajun Shrimp nail polish (opi.com) adds another jolt of vibrancy to her hands. “Coral is such a great go-to summer color,” she notes. “It works with anything.” The twisted silver bangle is from David Yurman (712 Madison Ave at 63rd St; 212-752-4255, davidyurman.com).

  4. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu is a fan of J.Crew’s jewelry, and she purchased these statement earrings from the chain. “I wear them dressed up or dressed down,” she says.

  5. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “I started collecting belts a few years ago and NYC flea markets are great sources for unique finds,” says Monlyn-Mathieu, who discovered this vintage studded-leather waist cincher at the Antiques Garage (112 W 25th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves; 212-243-5343, hellskitchenfleamarket.com). “A belt can pull a look together.”

  6. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    When these Ralph Lauren Collection platform sandals went on sale last summer, Monlyn-Mathieu was determined to nab them. “I called every store in New York and finally found a pair in my size at the East Hampton location,” she recalls. “The color is so vibrant.”

  7. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    After seeing this Topshop dress (478 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts; 212-966-9555, topshop.com) featured in an ad, Monlyn-Mathieu went on the hunt to track it down. “I ran around the store searching for it and was lucky to find my size out of the few left,” she says. “There is nothing better than a good print, and this one reminds me of the time I spent in Africa. The cutouts are also cute for summer.”

  8. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu purchased this bangle from a market in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of a set. “The other was unfortunately lost at a wedding last summer,” she laments. “It’s one of my favorite pieces of jewelry—sometimes it’s all that I need.”

  9. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Tortoiseshell is another material Monlyn-Mathieu favors for her accessories, including these sunglasses from Anthropologie (locations throughout the city; visit anthropologie.com). She purchased M.A.C. Red lipstick (locations throughout the city; visit maccosmetics.com) after spotting it on a coworker. “It’s bold and looks good on my skin,” she enthuses.

  10. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Hoop earrings are an easy staple for Monlyn-Mathieu. “My mom bought me a beautiful pair one Christmas,” she recalls. “During the winter, I got home after happy hour and only had one earring on—I was devastated.” She now purchases cheap versions, such as these simple oversize styles, from H&M (locations throughout the city; visit hm.com).

  11. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu bought these heels from Steve Madden (locations throughout the city; visit stevemadden.com) on a whim after making plans with friends to go out after work.

  12. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    This camo-print romper from Mango (561 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts, 212-343-7012 • 7 W 34th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 212-268-5712 • 38-21 Main St between 38th and 39th Aves, Flushing, Queens; 718-713-0828 • mango.com) makes for effortless dressing. “I loved that it doesn’t require much thought,” she Monlyn-Mathieu.

  13. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “I always look for unique pieces of jewelry while traveling,” says Monlyn-Mathieu, who discovered these colorful beaded necklaces at a market in Lagos, Nigeria. “I was shopping in NYC one day and a cashier recognized that they were from her country.”

  14. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “I can be caught wearing turbans often,” says Monlyn-Mathieu, who wraps a scarf she purchased from Zara (locations throughout the city; visit zara.com) for a trip to Barbados around her head. “The coral is beautiful and I like mixing prints. Plus, it makes an excellent headpiece.”

  15. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    These Christian Louboutin patent-leather peep-toe heels from Barneys New York (660 Madison Ave at 61st St; 212-826-8900, barneys.com) were a gift from Monlyn-Mathieu’s husband. “When I first put them on, I couldn’t walk,” she admits. “I thought, ‘Oh no, he spent all this money and I’m never going to wear these shoes again.’ But the second time around I was a pro.”

  16. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “I never really wear yellow but I thought the print was interesting and the silhouette is nice,” says Monlyn-Mathieu of her Club Monaco shift (locations throughout the city; visit clubmonaco.com). “It’s a beautiful silk fabric and very comfortable—perfect for work and afterward.”

  17. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu pairs a vintage bangle from eBay (ebay.com) with a cuff from Free People (locations throughout the city; visit freepeople.com). “[The brand] always has good pieces with a boho, rustic feel,” she says. “I like that this one’s big and in your face.”

  18. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    These oversize stud earrings are from the J.Crew outlet in Destin, Florida. “They are my go-to when I don’t want to do major statement earrings,” explains Monlyn-Mathieu. “They have just enough bling.”

  19. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “So many people ask me about it,” says Monlyn-Mathieu of her Forever 21 collar necklace. “I buy a lot of silver and this was a great affordable addition.”

  20. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Even though these Ralph Lauren Collection platforms quickly sold out online, that didn’t stop Monlyn-Mathieu from being indecisive when she found them in the store. “I tried them on and thought walking in these couldn’t possibly be good,” she says. “So I left them, then went back the next week and convinced myself to purchase them. They are super comfy and so cool—it’s like walking on air. I get compliments on them all the time.”

  21. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    “I have a hard time finding things that fit my waist but this skirt fits me perfect,” gushes Monlyn-Mathieu of her Ralph Lauren Blue Label high-waisted linen bottom. She wears it with a boatneck tee from Topshop. “Stripes are fun, and my closet has quite a few.”

  22. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    This cuff is from a souk in Marrakesh, Morocco, and evokes warm memories for Monlyn-Mathieu about her trip there. “It was a gift from a wonderful young man who worked in a jewelry store, where a friend and I spent hours chatting with him about life and getting to know the culture,” she recalls. “He took off a whole day and took us to climb waterfalls. [The bracelet] is a constant reminder that there is beauty in each day, and there is always a reason to stop and dance.” Monlyn-Mathieu wears it with a turquoise bangle from Forever 21.

  23. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu scored this statement belt at a Ralph Lauren sample sale. “It reminds me of being on the water,” she muses. “The rope is so nautical.”

  24. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    This delicate wishbone charm hails from the Brooklyn Flea (176 Lafayette Ave between Clermont and Vanderbilt Aves, Fort Greene, Brooklyn; Sat 10am–5pm • East River State Park, 90 Kent Ave at North 7th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Sun 10am–5pmbrooklynflea.com). “I pair this with other necklaces often,” notes Monlyn-Mathieu. “It’s simple and fun.”

  25. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Another pair of J.Crew statement earrings in Monlyn-Mathieu’s signature turquoise brighten up her face.

  26. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Monlyn-Mathieu collects beaded clutches from Anthropologie, such as this vibrant parrot style she purchased for a beach trip. “They give attitude to a simple look,” she says of the bags.

  27. Photograph: Noffar Gat
    Photograph: Noffar Gat

    Although these Steven by Steve Madden heels are “very high, how I like them,” Monlyn-Mathieu insists that the platform makes them comfortable.

  28. SPIN HER STYLE

    Miss Selfridge Mink embellished mini skirt, $95, at us.missselfridge.com

  29. SPIN HER STYLE

    Bellissima tortoiseshell cabochon bangles, $68 each, at maxandchloe.com

  30. SPIN HER STYLE

    Vanessa Mooney The Open Road ring, $55, at shopbop.com

  31. SPIN HER STYLE

    Roman & Sunstone twisted cuff with pave ends, $160, at romansunstone.com

  32. SPIN HER STYLE

    Rowley Eyewear No. 78 tortoiseshell sunglasses, $99, at rowleyeyewear.com

  33. SPIN HER STYLE

    Claire’s oversized hoop earrings, $9, at Claire’s, locations throughout the city; visit claires.com

  34. SPIN HER STYLE

    Sonia Kashuk Red Orange Satin Luxe lip color with SPF 16, $10, at Target, locations throughout the city; visit target.com

  35. SPIN HER STYLE

    Chinese Laundry by Kristin Cavallari Copertina pumps, $130, at chineselaundry.com

  36. Photograph: Melissa Sinclair
    Photograph: Melissa Sinclair

    SPIN HER STYLE

    Guess camo-print cargo dress, $118, at Guess, locations throughout the city; visit guess.com

  37. SPIN HER STYLE

    Ben-Amun Brazilian Brights multicolor stretch bead bracelet, $113, at ben-amun.com

  38. SPIN HER STYLE

    Tory Burch multiborder cheetah scarf, $175, at Tory Burch, 38–40 Little West 12th St at Washington St (212-929-0125) • 797 Madison Ave between 67th and 68th Sts (212-510-8371) • 257 Elizabeth St between Houston and Prince Sts (212-334-3000) • toryburch.com

  39. SPIN HER STYLE

    Ted Baker London Svana 5 patent-leather pumps, $180, at nordstrom.com

  40. SPIN HER STYLE

    RickyColor Summer Friday nail polish, $7, at Ricky’s NYC, locations throughout the city; visit rickysnyc.com

  41. SPIN HER STYLE

    United Nude Eamz ankle strap sandals, $295, at United Nude, 25 Bond St between Bowery and Lafayette St (212-420-6000, unitednude.com)

  42. SPIN HER STYLE

    Chance wide stripe T-shirt, $72, at chanceco.com

  43. SPIN HER STYLE

    Eileen Fisher linen A-line skirt, $159, at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave at 49th St (212-753-4000, saksfifthavenue.com)

  44. SPIN HER STYLE

    Golden Thread Wish Bone charm necklace, $40, at goldenthreadshop.com

  45. SPIN HER STYLE

    Kate Spade New York Opening Night drop earrings, $78, at Kate Spade New York, 789 Madison Ave at 67th St (212-988-0259) • 135 Fifth Ave between 20th and 21st Sts (212-358-0420) • 454 Broome St between Greene and Mercer Sts (212-274-1991) • katespade.com

  46. SPIN HER STYLE

    The Sak Mojave cuff bracelet, $59, at thesak.com

  47. SPIN HER STYLE

    DV by Dolce Vita Taiga suede sandals, $40, at shoes.com

Most stylish New Yorkers: Latoyia Monlyn-Mathieu

Latoyia Monlyn-Mathieu, the designer and event stylist behind Breuckelen + Honey, loves to accessorize her contemporary looks with turquoise and tortoiseshell jewelry.

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Latoyia Monlyn-Mathieu—the designer and event stylist behind Breuckelen + Honey—proves she is one of the most stylish New Yorkers by modeling her dressy yet casual looks. Monlyn-Mathieu likes to shop at NYC stores such as In God We Trust, Catbird and J.Crew for unique clothing and statement baubles.

Latoyia Monlyn-Mathieu, 32, designer and event stylist (breuckelenandhoney.com); Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Her personal style: “I like to mix things up and I’m always trying new things. I don’t have one personal style direction—I kind of go with how I’m feeling or what I’m inspired by at the time, be it color, magazines, blogs, city street style, work, movies or the season.”

Her inspirations: “The city—it’s such a huge melting pot and there’s something different on every corner. I’m a huge fan of June Ambrose (thejuniverse.com), Miroslava Duma (miroslavaduma.tumblr.com) and [the girls on] Tommy Ton’s blog (jakandjil.com).”

Favorite NYC stores: “I’m a visual person, and In God We Trust (265 Lafayette St at Prince St, 212-966-9010 • 70 Greenpoint Ave between Franklin and West Sts, Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-389-3545 • 129 Bedford Ave at North 10th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-384-0700 • ingodwetrustnyc.com) is visually stimulating and perfectly styled. I love that its [men’s and women’s clothing is] manufactured here in the U.S. Olive’s Very Vintage (434 Court St between 2nd and 3rd Pls, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn; 718-243-9094, olivesveryvintage.com) is great for one-of-a-kind pieces and clothing for photo shoots. Catbird (219 Bedford Ave between North 4th and 5th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-599-3457, catbirdnyc.com) has great designers, cool jewelry and other interesting things. And I love Erica Tanov (204 Elizabeth St between Prince and Spring Sts; 212-334-8020, ericatanov.com) and all of its pretty details. It has super-cool collections, great books and fun inspiration pieces.”

Favorite NYC salons: “I do my own hair but I get a trim with Juanita Frias (718-490-5085) a couple times a year. It’s difficult to find many stylists who are able to work with natural hair, and for an affordable rate. I like the Upper East Side location of Skin Spa (108 E 60th St between Park and Lexington Aves, fourth floor (212-486-2110, skinspanewyork.com), which is a short walk from my office. It’s typically easy to get an appointment, they run great specials and the atmosphere is quite calming—you never feel rushed. I go to Laura Menear, who does makeup on the side. She always gives me great tips about buying cosmetics.”

Her signature accessory: “My hair—it completes the look.”

Favorite NYC designer: “Jeweler Andy Lifschutz (andylifschutz.com). His metalwork is awesome. I’m head over heels with all things Brooklyn, and that’s where he got his start. His jewelry pieces are really unique conversation starters.”

How she describes New York style: “Dark, edgy and full of surprises.”

How her style has evolved: “As I mature, my style does. I don’t like to overdo it—I like to feel comfortable as well as put together. I have embraced the need not to wear heels all the time.”

Follow Cristina Velocci on Twitter: @cvelocci

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