Beauty and the Bump

As an accomplished model I've taken great pride in my body and have felt incredibly comfortable in front of the camera for my various photo-shoots. Coincidently my most famous covers from FHM Magazines have been of me half naked in bikinis!

Now my toned stomach has turned into a beer belly of twins! Everybody was asking when I was going to do my maternity shoot, as a model this would come second nature to me. But I was hesitant, my husband is very private, I have step-kids and I just didn't know if this was right for me. I am so satisfied finally being pregnant, so did I need to do a shoot? I went to my husband and he was so quick to reply "Of course hunny document this historic time in your life, and celebrate the changes in your body." Boom all my hemming and hawing vanished with my husband's resounding confidence & encouragement.

There was only one man for the job, my friend, and world renowned photographer, John Russo. John is someone whom I deeply respect & could trust for this intimate moment in my life. Seven months pregnant with twins, in the privacy of my Los Angeles home, our pregnancy photo came to life.
I did the styling myself, being a New York City girl, I armed myself with some sophisticated fashion pieces from Roberto Cavalli,  Hanro lingiere  and my secret weapon Topshop.
The concept was 1980's Jerry Hall look, red lips, blonde tousled hair, fabulous furs and a scene staler naked belly. The photos exceeded my expectations and made me fall more in love with my baby bump than ever. It's truly a miracle to be growing two humans in my stomach! I encourage all women to embrace their pregnancy journey, to celebrate it and simply enjoy it, the highs and the lows!

"Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom."  ~Harriette Hartigan


Love,
Kaki

7 months pregnant with twins

My favorite shot with my baby Rook

Black & white delight

In Roberto Cavalli & my Bump!

My dog Roki actually was sleeping & we loved it.

The perfect red lip done created by the amazing John Russo!

Cupid's Vacation

February is the international month of love! For me it's two holidays, Valentines day & my anniversary. In honor of Cupid's love month, I am sharing with you my romance travel guide. Though posting it in April, I am a bit late!
My husband & I wanted our first anniversary to be very special. Our honeymoon in the Maldives was heaven, but the travel was hell. We searched from Antigua, Bermuda to Playa del Carmen. I looked to my trusted site, Tripadvisor where I discovered glowing reviews on St Regis Punta Mita Resort. We booked 6 days away from freezing NYC & headed to paradise. 
The hotel rolled out the red carpet treatment for us the entire time. From our outgoing butler Luiz, to Xavier at the pool who had a smile and margaritas ready at all times. We had a private anniversary dinner set up on the beach, which was spectacular. We laid by the pool, walked on the beach, paddle boarded, went to the spa & took a mojito making class. The service at this hotel was amazing, the atmosphere was quiet and laid back. In a 5 star resort there were no attitudes or loud obnoxious guests or lack of privacy. Our suite was enormous with a balcony & sexy outdoor shower. If you are looking for a resort to unwind, fall in love again, be pampered & feel relaxed in flip-flops, this is it.

Below I posted personal photos from our vacation, enjoy!

"A vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia."

Love,
Kaki

 Last night in Mexico dress from Celebboutique.com

1 year Anniversary custom dress made by amazing Michael Costello

Beach view & golf course, I fell in love with these love -birds Palm trees!

Our Romantic Anniversary table !

Our Anniversary romantic dinner set up by the hotel!

View from our room

Bathroom I-phone pic right after we landed

My view from the pool

My hubby & I walking towards our Anniversary beach romantic dinner

The beautiful St Regis Punta Mita hotel 

2013

In January 2013 I collaborated with my favorite photographer and type A friend Eric Gea. We worked together on an exciting video project. And in the midst captured some great Black & White shots.... Stay tuned.

Eric Gea Photography Links:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/357765
www.geaimages.com

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right" Oprah 

Love,
Kaki

Kaki West by GEA Photo

Kaki West by GEA Photo

Kaki West by GEA Photo

My Beauty Routine

Beauty is only Skin Deep

This blog is dedicated to my beauty routines. I am a slave to the beauty departments in Neimans, Barney's, Sephora and CVS! Throughout my modeling career I have learned a lot of tricks of the trade. I am always on the hunt for the next “it” product & magical potion! Through trial & error I am sharing with you my all time “must have” beauty lists.

Facial Beauty

Your face, home to the windows of your soul, to your infectious smile, to your soft lips & your good side! I have tried many products & below is what I use on my skin for cleansing, moisturizing, healing, masking you name it!

Cleansers

-Neutrogenamakeup remover wipes (calming,night): After shoots, a long night out, these are the best & very gentle on your skin. I call it the "Lazy girls trick".

- Estee Lauder "Perfectly Clean" Foaming cleanser: soft gentle, removes all dirt off skin

- Estee Lauder Re-nutriv softening toner: It's gentle & effective at the same time.

Serums

I am obsessed with serums! A few drops in the morning & night and your skin stays hydrated & nourished. Great for anti-oxidants and sun damage.

- Estee Lauder "Advanced Night repair": this serum is my life line I have it with me in my purse, on trips, shoots. It instantly moisturizes, heals, and lifts my skin.

- ESPA "Super Active" serum: This tiny vile is the must have for women in NYC. 3 drops a day and your skin is renewed.

Moisturizers

-LaMer "moisturizing cream": its potent, rich & like velvet on my skin. It's great for the cold in NYC or dehydration while flying. However some find it to rich if so try my other choice.

-Estee Lauder Renutirv: This is amazing & very strong just a little goes a long way it makes my skin look so dewy!

Eyes

The eyes say it all, your tired, frisky, happy, angry or sad. The eyes are vital to ones beauty, so take care of them.

-SisleyEye Contour: this is a soft nourishing potent cream day & night it works.

-Immupure lifting eye serum: its like an instant glass of water for under eye bags and dehydration it tightens the skin and lifts.

-Orlanehypnotherapy eye cream: This eye cream is magic it immediately wakes your eyes up. Only bad part is it can be a bit too heavy

Lips

Your mouth and lips are stared at all day & night as you talk, smile & smooch! Take care of those kissers!

-LipsScrub by Sara Happ, exfoliates dry skin and makes my lips renewed.

-Vaseline: The best for my lips, nothing moisturizes and soothes like vaseline, plus its cheap!

SmithsRosebud salve: This is soft & smells delicious. I am never without it. It's in everyone of my purses & on my nightstand. Get it at Sephora & you will become addicted!