Travel in style with Kelly Misa-Fernandez

Tags: Fashion Hey Jow Kelly Misa Kelly Misa - Fernandez Lifestyle Blog Lifestyle Blogger in Manila Philippines Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Mommy blogger Mommy blogger in Manila Philippines motherhood Sheila Catilo Style Trending with Kelly

Kelly Misa-Fernandez wears a lot of hats. She is a commercial model, lifestyle blogger, beauty columnist, magazine editor, TV host and, most important of all, a mother. For a first-time mom, she looks very much like a pro as she effortlessly maintains a good balance between family duties and professional life.

As she talks about her current state in life, you can sense how much she values and enjoys being a hands-on mom to 2-year old Tristan Antonio. The handsome young fellow has already become a familiar face among netizens, as Kelly is always seen with her toddler in various events and photo sessions. Now that she is back on TV for the second season of her show on ANC, with its new title “Trending with Kelly”, this beauty finds herself tagging Tristan along with her from one location to another, as she works on new episodes.

As she talks about her current state in life, you can sense how much she values and enjoys being a hands-on mom to 2-year old Tristan Antonio.

Traveling with a child, whether for work or leisure, is like bringing the whole house with you. As a mom, your priorities revolve around your child, from planning to packing. Asked how she’s able to keep her cool and style while travelling with a tot, Kelly clued us in on some mommy hacks and travel essentials.

How does your packing style differ now that you travel with a toddler?

Back then, I used to bring so many pairs of shoes! Now, I only bring two, and they have to be super comfortable. Things have definitely changed, now I can bring a medium sized luggage and fit my things as well as Tristan’s. It is all about packing smart and packing light! You really don’t need so many things when you travel, especially when you’re staying at a place with a washer-drier or maybe a hotel with laundry services.

How does your packing style differ now that you travel with a toddler?

Back then, I used to bring so many pairs of shoes! Now, I only bring two, and they have to be super comfortable. Things have definitely changed, now I can bring a medium sized luggage and fit my things as well as Tristan’s. It is all about packing smart and packing light! You really don’t need so many things when you travel, especially when you’re staying at a place with a washer-drier or maybe a hotel with laundry services.

What are some items that you previously considered essentials that you no longer find worth carrying, now that you’re with a toddler?

High heeled shoes, tight clothes, extra makeup, hair products. Now, I only bring what is needed, which are clothes in a complementing palette that I can easily mix and match, two pairs of shoes, a small makeup bag (just my everyday essentials, like primer, powder, eyebrow makeup, eye shadow and liner, mascara and lipstick). Before I pack any item I have to make sure I will use them at least 3x or more!

Do you go for a bigger bag size to accommodate your child’s belongings, or have you down-sized your own things?

Not at all.  It has gotten smaller, actually. Now that Tristan is a toddler, he doesn’t need all that much anymore. I just have to make sure he has his favorite toys, clothes, diapers, and shoes. Life is much simpler now that I have a baby!

Is your general travel clothing more purpose driven and practical, or is your every day wear also travel and toddler-friendly?

My travel clothes and every day wear definitely have to be practical. I have to be able move freely since I am usually chasing after a toddler, or carrying him. No more clothes, shoes or accessories that have me pulling and fixing myself. I really don’t have time for that. No more heels!

Are you able to find the perfect balance between minimalism, function and style whenever you’re planning a trip?

I’ve already streamlined my closet to just the essentials I use. Anything that was ill-fitting, too tight or uncomfortable is now gone, so I actually more freedom now to mix and match the items in my closet. My requirements: my clothes have to look clean and pressed, should flatter my figure or fit well, and they have to comfortable.

Are there any specific clothing items or accessories that you always travel with, just to add sophistication to your outfit?

The right jewelry definitely makes a statement. It allows me to bring a small bag because I can bring my favorite earrings, necklaces and bracelets that go with my basic pieces. I love Hey Jow! and usually I bring like colored tassel earrings or a long embellished necklace to go with a LBD (little black dress)  or LWD (little white dress).

What’s your top most consideration when it comes to choosing the right footwear for your journey? Is it possible to combine style and comfort?

I usually bring white sneakers and a nude pair of sandals. That’s it. They have to be comfortable or else I won’t bring them.

Do you have go-to clothing brands or items that help make your packing choices more efficient?

For clothing brands, I like wearing Uniqlo for basic pieces, then pair them with H&M items to add trend or a pop of color. I also like dresses from Tryst because they are effortlessly chic and they fit so well.

How do you describe your ideal travel outfit?

Depends on the location I’m going to—if it’s a cold place, I usually wear like a basic pair of wide leg pants, a turtle neck tee, and pair these with a nice warm coat in a bright color. I wear my favorite knee high boots with these if it’s super cold, or just white sneakers if it’s like aircon weather. If I’m going to a warm place, like a beach it’s a one-piece swimsuit, a long cover-up, nice earrings, and comfy colorful sandals. I bring a pair of shorts if I need to go to the market or walk around the city.

Watch “Trending with Kelly” on ANC and get a dose of inspiration from the latest in beauty, health, fashion, food, happenings, travel, and technology. A new episode airs every Sunday, 9:30 p.m., with replays at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Photos by Sheila Juan – Catilo, courtesy of Hey Jow.

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Story published on my newspaper column in Edge Davao.