25 Most Stylish Bostonians of 2009 -- Carol Sawyer Parks

Occupation: CEO of Sawyer Enterprises, developer of the new W Hotel and Residences

Age: “Legal age’’

Your beautiful white hair is a big part of your look. Well, thank you. However, according to my dear friend and stylist Robert DiCenso [of Fabu Salon in Newton], it is platinum. Robert is a genius with scissors and color, which enables me to wash and wear daily and still maintain my look.

If you could go back and delete a fashion moment from your history, what would it be? I had two beautiful twin sisters five years older than me, and I would forever inherit these outfits that brought ill-fitting to a new level, and there were always two - God forbid I would run out! It’s funny how these moments of humiliation between 2 and 12 dictate you finding your own style.

You do a great deal of charity work. Is any of it clothing-oriented? What I like to do is donate my clothes to charities such as Rosie’s Place and the Cancer Foundation, and any other charity that has a “dress for success’’ program for women who are trying to achieve their place in the workplace. In the winter I also carry warm jackets and blankets and energy bars in my car. If I see a person on the street, I will stop and give them a jacket and whatever they need.

Who are some of your favorite designers? My favorites change all the time. However I think Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci all have seasons of wonderfully timeless pieces and interesting designs.

How do you decide what you’re going to wear when you wake up each morning? It depends what I have going on that day. Some days I have time to run with my dogs, so I’m in a track suit. Other days I have a heavy schedule and I’m out the door in a suit and heels. On the other hand, the W Boston Hotel and Residences project called for a hard hat and jeans.