By Shivana Vora
As the owner of The Colony Hotel, the chic Palm Beach property with an unmistakable pink façade, Sarah Wetenhall is part of a rarefied group of women who run a luxury hotel brand. She got her career start in New York, where she spent more than a decade working in public relations and marketing for fashion houses such as Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana. Wetenhall’s entrepreneurial instincts took her to Palm Beach in 2016 where she bought The Colony from her father-in-law, reenergizing it with a slew of design upgrades and cool collaborations. Here, she shares a bit about her personal style and what’s on her shopping list for the season.
Sarah Wetenhall photographed by Nick Mele at The Colony.
On Sarah’s list for the season is this look from Chanel’s Spring/Summer collection.
Your Monday to Friday uniform includes: Jeans by Citizens of Humanity. I have curves, and they fit my body beautifully. I also wear a simple bodysuit by Hanro that’s incredibly soft and has a tiny trim at the neck that makes it feel special. Then, there’s my favorite Gucci blazer which has a striped ribbon trim; it pulls together any outfit.
Your ideal travel luggage: My Goyard Croisiere 45 bag that’s custom-painted with my initials. It’s a carry-on that’s big enough to fit everything I need for a weekend trip.
The perfect handbag for every day: My Chanel Deauville Tote, which I have in three colors. It’s big enough to hold all of my stuff. Between everything I need for my kids, work and personal life, I have a lot of stuff. Plus, I love that it’s made from fabric and so durable.
The exhibit or event this spring and summer that you can’t imagine missing: Central Park Conservancy’s annual Hat Luncheon is such an iconic and well-loved event, plus a major fashion moment.
The sneakers or flats that you wear on repeat: Golden Goose sneakers. You can’t beat the comfort, and they are so fashion forward. Also, Aquazzura’s bow-tie ballet flats and Alexandre Birman Clarita braided flat sandals.
What are your three must-have looks for the season? A Saint Laurent wool cardigan, Chanel’s pink and black skirt suit and Valentino’s tweed Pois dress.
Artist Tyler Mitchell shot Gucci’s recent Pineapple collection campaign at The Colony Hotel.
Favorite designers for special occasions: Oscar de la Renta, Valentino and Johanna Ortiz. All three make clothes that are feminine and have flowers and frills, but they feel fresh and are perfect for South Florida.
What are three must-have items you take on every trip? Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops to keep my skin dewy and fresh. Bottega Veneta Cassette cross- body bag, which keeps my hands free. Also, my iPad and Apple Smart Keyboard so I can work on the road.
What’s your favorite Bal Harbour Shops restaurant and dish? Ding’s crispy chicken sandwich from Hillstone is my very favorite splurge after a day of shopping. It’s crispy without being greasy and comes with an incredible spicy slaw.
The one pair of shoes that you must have this season: Aquazzura’s Tres Mondaine pumps. I love the peekaboo motif and that the heel isn’t too high or too low. They’re incredibly sexy.
How about your go-to beach look? Without question Agua by Agua Bendita. Their swimwear combined with coordinating skirts and dresses totally blur the line between swim and street. I always pair them with a hat from Sarah Bray Bermuda.
