Style Crush: Shala Monroque

Shala Monroque outside the Miu Miu in Paris last year.

POP Magazine editor-at-large Shala Monroque has quickly become the stylish poster child for bold and eclectic yet ladylike dressing. And I just can't get enough of her sartorial choices!

I first fell in love with her style when Who What Wear featured her as their girl of the month, showcasing her head-to-toe Prada look above. Even with a bright, bold pattern and accessories making serious statements, Monroque appears polished, effortless and relaxed. How did she do that??

This past March, Harpers Bazaar featured Monroque in their "7 Day Wardrobe: Plan What to Wear Every Day." Monroque played one of four "uberchic" models, showcasing the most elegant yet playful outfits of the entire story. She explained that perhaps growing up in St. Lucia made her more drawn to tribal prints, bright colors and pieces that transition from day to night easily. They failed to mention, however, that she always pulls off these ensembles with such class and pizzazz!

The two photos below were taken by Eric Guillemain for the story.

Monroque wearing Prada heels for Bazaar

Another look from the Bazaar shoot- Louis Vuitton dress, Chanel bag

The staff at Bazaar must have truly enjoyed Monroque's presence on set as she appeared in another spread for their most recent issue. This photo feature, however, was entirely dedicated to her!

Magnus Unnar took the three shots below for the story, "Shala Monroque: Girl About Town."

Monroque wears a 3.1 Phillip Lim cardigan, Louis Vuitton skirt and Tory Burch necklace in Bazaar

Miu Miu coat and Prada heels for Bazaar

Even when offering up a bit of midriff, Monroque appears every bit the classy, young woman.

Monroque in Prada

Yet Monroque appears just as glamorous even without the assistance of fashion magazine stylists and photographers.

Here, on the streets of New York, Monroque keeps her look ladylike with a skirted overcoat and Hermes shoulder bag.

Tamu McPherson of All The Pretty Birds captured Monroque on the streets of New York during Fashion Week in February.

In Paris, tribal still rules Monroque's wardrobe.

Monroque outside of the Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris.

She even manages to balance out elegant lace and chiffon with a little edge by pairing this hot little number with studded black leather heels during an outing in NYC this past summer.

Here are a few more sartorial shots of Monroque just for good measure...

Most recently, Monroque was spotted wearing this daringly adorable monkey embroidered top from Prada's Spring 2011 collection. Of course, she found another funky and fun way to wear the blouse by rolling up the sleeves and adding a green, tribal skirt. Of course, she layered on pearls to bring back the elegance.

Clearly, Monroque has mastered the mix- ladylike yet playful, eclectic yet simple, stylish but never too trendy, vivacious without being obnoxious.

As we go into what can be a very drab and dark time of the year, may we all be as bold, brave and beautiful as Monroque!