Maisonette Muse
Karla Martinez
Karla Martinez de Salas is the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latin America, and our latest Muse. This longtime fashion veteran lives in Mexico City with her husband and twin girls, and balances a busy life running not one, but two major fashion magazines, traveling the globe, and carving out quality time with her family. And she does it all with a grace and ease that seems totally effortless.
What does a morning in the Martinez household look like?
Most mornings, I wake up at 6:30 am and workout for 30-45 minutes. I help get the girls dressed, we have breakfast together and I walk them to school, which is two blocks away – a blessing in Mexico City. On most days the girls are eager to get into their stroller and get to school.
How would you describe your style? Do you dress your girls to reflect it?
I would say my style is feminine and tailored. I don´t have a uniform; some days I feel like wearing a skirt or dress, but the next day I might work a blazer and jeans. It really varies. The girls wear a lot of printed tops and jeans or dresses. I like them to be comfortable for school.
Most mornings, I wake up at 6:30 am and workout for 30-45 minutes. I help get the girls dressed, we have breakfast together and I walk them to school, which is two blocks away – a blessing in Mexico City. On most days the girls are eager to get into their stroller and get to school.
How would you describe your style? Do you dress your girls to reflect it?
I would say my style is feminine and tailored. I don´t have a uniform; some days I feel like wearing a skirt or dress, but the next day I might work a blazer and jeans. It really varies. The girls wear a lot of printed tops and jeans or dresses. I like them to be comfortable for school.
How has your style changed since you became a mother?
Mainly I wear more shoes that I can run around in with them. I don´t really wear high heels anymore, unless I am going to a party at night or somewhere without them. I wear kitten heels or a block heel, but never high.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before becoming a mother?
I didn't believe that you would sleep so much less. I thought that because I had a nanny I would be able to sleep in, but I can´t. I want to wake up and hang out with the babies the minute I hear them!
Mainly I wear more shoes that I can run around in with them. I don´t really wear high heels anymore, unless I am going to a party at night or somewhere without them. I wear kitten heels or a block heel, but never high.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before becoming a mother?
I didn't believe that you would sleep so much less. I thought that because I had a nanny I would be able to sleep in, but I can´t. I want to wake up and hang out with the babies the minute I hear them!
Greatest lesson your own mother taught you?
Oh boy – now that I look back, I realize my mom was always right!! She is one of the most selfless people I know. She was always so loving and really hands-on with all of my siblings. She never played favorites. My mom taught us to be humble, hard working, and to always help others.
What’s one thing you were allowed to do as a kid that you would NEVER let the girls do?
My parents always let us into their rooms at night if we were scared. Some nights they had four children in their room – I think that’s the reason I now have sleep issues! I don´t think my husband would be so open to having twins sleeping in our bed at night!!
Oh boy – now that I look back, I realize my mom was always right!! She is one of the most selfless people I know. She was always so loving and really hands-on with all of my siblings. She never played favorites. My mom taught us to be humble, hard working, and to always help others.
What’s one thing you were allowed to do as a kid that you would NEVER let the girls do?
My parents always let us into their rooms at night if we were scared. Some nights they had four children in their room – I think that’s the reason I now have sleep issues! I don´t think my husband would be so open to having twins sleeping in our bed at night!!
What’s the biggest difference you see between how you were raised and how you are raising your girls?
My mom was a stay at home mom, which is a huge job. I would say it’s harder than my job. My mom had a full meal on the table for us my entire childhood. I work and travel and plan to continue doing so. It’s different in the way that I spend time with my girls, especially as they start to get older.
Best and worst thing about having twins?
Best: Built-in best friend for life, double love, double laughs.
Worst: Double lack of sleep, double expenses, double mess, double crying.
Pretty much from the moment I went to the doctor to have my 16-week scans, everything has been in double!
My mom was a stay at home mom, which is a huge job. I would say it’s harder than my job. My mom had a full meal on the table for us my entire childhood. I work and travel and plan to continue doing so. It’s different in the way that I spend time with my girls, especially as they start to get older.
Best and worst thing about having twins?
Best: Built-in best friend for life, double love, double laughs.
Worst: Double lack of sleep, double expenses, double mess, double crying.
Pretty much from the moment I went to the doctor to have my 16-week scans, everything has been in double!
How has your career helped you to be a better mother? How has being a mother helped your career?
My former boss partner always said it was important for children to realize that you work hard to allow them to have all the things they have in their life. Those things don´t come for free - it takes hard work. It has made me manage my time better, spend more quality time with the girls, and focus on the time I do have with them.
Favorite family activity?
Definitely not going to restaurants!!! The girls love going to the park in front of our house and running around in the grass.
My former boss partner always said it was important for children to realize that you work hard to allow them to have all the things they have in their life. Those things don´t come for free - it takes hard work. It has made me manage my time better, spend more quality time with the girls, and focus on the time I do have with them.
Favorite family activity?
Definitely not going to restaurants!!! The girls love going to the park in front of our house and running around in the grass.
Favorite places to take the girls in Mexico City?
Parque de Chapultepec in front of our house, anywhere they can run and roam around and discover things is really fun with them. It’s also nice to sit outside on our porch with them and watch them draw in their coloring books. That’s one of their favorite activities.
Mama must-have? One item you can’t live without and why.
My nanny! Seriously. And also Doona strollers. Lipstick. And my cell phone because it functions for work, and also keeps the girls occupied when I’m in a pickle.
Parque de Chapultepec in front of our house, anywhere they can run and roam around and discover things is really fun with them. It’s also nice to sit outside on our porch with them and watch them draw in their coloring books. That’s one of their favorite activities.
Mama must-have? One item you can’t live without and why.
My nanny! Seriously. And also Doona strollers. Lipstick. And my cell phone because it functions for work, and also keeps the girls occupied when I’m in a pickle.
