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