Recently, celebrity stylist Charmaine Palermo embarked on an exciting trip to Mexico with a collection of personalities that included Tim Yap, Bianca Manalo, and Maria Ozawa. The trip began in the ‘“Pearl of the West,” Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco, a state regarded by many as the “Land of Tequila”.
Palermo and company explored Guadalajara, and the nearby town of Tequila for an exciting tour through La Rojeña, the famous distillery that produces Jose Cuervo Tequila.
Now home from her trip to Mexico, Palermo took some time from her busy schedule to talk about her experience in tequila land and share the secrets that allow her to travel with style and functionality.
As a stylist, how did you prepare for your Mexico trip?
I studied the itinerary and weather in Mexico and from there, I put together my outfits for each day that we were there.
Did you do any research before selecting what outfits would be perfect for the trip?
When traveling to another country, one must always research on the weather and activities one plans on doing. Like for this trip, we were given an itinerary on our daily activities, like visiting the agave fields, fiesta dinner, and nights out to bars. This allowed us to prepare our looks based on function and comfort.
Were there any places you were particularly excited to visit?
Mexico has been on my bucket list for a while, so I was just happy to visit the country. I was looking forward to seeing the Centro Historico, the Teotihuacan pyramids, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Mexico has incredible landmarks, was it easy to match outfits to the scenery?
Yes, every corner was a feast for the eyes! The art and architecture are amazing and you can see modern structures all over the city. Then you visit the Pre-Hispanic era by seeing the pyramids, the colonial structures in the cathedrals, and then the town of Tequila in Jalisco. It feels like you’re on the set of a Mexican film.
What were the memorable moments from the trip?
The three main activities, which included a visit to the Blue Agave fields, Jose Cuervo’s distillery process in La Rojeña, and of course, the tequila tasting were very memorable for me. I learned so much about Jose Cuervo and why it really is the best tequila brand in the market.
How has the experience changed your opinion on tequila?
This trip has converted me into a tequila drinker! I appreciate the labor and love behind every bottle of Jose Cuervo by understanding where it came from and seeing the process of making it. It’s also a bonus that tequila has the least calories out of all the alcohol choices. A shot is only sixty-eight calories, which now makes it my drink of choice.
How can you sum up the entire experience of going to Mexico?
It was a fun trip that really educated us about tequila and Mexican culture and history. I fell in love with Mexico. We’re definitely going back with our other friends soon.
If tequila was a piece of clothing, what would it be?
Tequila is your favorite black dress that you can always rely on. It’s guaranteed that you’ll always look good in it. Just like Jose Cuervo, it’s a drink that will guarantee you’ll have a good time.
What advice can you share with people who want to travel with style and ease?
Planning your outfit for every activity each day really helps. It will save you time when getting ready to go somewhere. Never compromise comfort because, in the end, you just want to enjoy the trip and not worry about wardrobe malfunctions and foot blisters. Pack pieces that you can mix and match and can go from day to night. Don’t over pack so you have room for shopping too.
How important is confidence to an outfit?
Confidence completes your look. It’s the way you can carry yourself that defines your personal style. No two persons can be the same. Always feel good and it will radiate from within. You can fake it ‘til you have it and you can take a shot of tequila to help you with that extra boost of confidence.
