STYLE TRENDSETTERS
Amazing GRACE
NICK MELE
CREDIT
Native Palm Beacher Grace Merck has two loves: fashion and working with children. Together with her mother, Dede, she opened her first shop, Grace Boutique, on Royal Poinciana Way in 2016. Filled with chic resort wear, accessories, shoes, and gifts, the store reflected the tastes of Merck and her mom, and showcased collections from local designers, such as painted monogram baskets by Mariella Vilar and seashell earrings by Christa Wilm. After nearly two years dressing local women, the duo closed the shop in June so Merck could pursue her passion for teaching. This fall, she’ll return to her alma mater, Southern Methodist University, to earn her master’s degree in early childhood education. Upon graduation, Merck plans to bring her skills back to her hometown of Palm Beach. —Liz Petoniak
Machu Picchu
CURRENT FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER Misa Los Angeles. All of their dresses, skirts, and tops are so comfortable, flattering, and fun. RECENT COVETED PURCHASE Blush-pink Chloé flats GO-TO HOSTESS GIFT A hand-painted pillow from Palm Beach Prints by Abby Kunhardt Zinn. They are so beautiful and each one is unique. FAVORITE PALM BEACH RESTAURANT Pizza Al Fresco ON HER WISH LIST Travel to Machu Picchu CURRENTLY READING The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena FAVORITE ESCAPE Porto Ercole, Italy MUST-HAVE GADGET The new Apple AirPods. I’m obsessed! FAVORITE PALM BEACH ACTIVITY Swimming in the ocean and spending time with the friends I grew up with here.
latte from Sant Ambroeus
KIM SARGENT
Misa Los Angeles
Pizza Al Fresco Palm Beach Prints
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WHAT’S MERCK’S PALM BEACH OBSESSION? FIND OUT AT PALMBEACH ILLUSTRATED.COM/GRACEMERCK Porto Ercole
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PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED
SANT AMBROEUS
SIGNATURE DRINK Iced soy