New Year's Eve Dresses at Nordstrom

New Year's Eve Dresses at Nordstrom

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Why should models have all the fun? Each month we're finding a "real woman"-i.e., of any shape and size-and giving her the model treatment in The Realest. We bring the wardrobe, stylist, photographer and blog editor-she brings her anything-but-one-size-fits-all personality and style-and we all head out on location for an IRL photo shoot to showcase our monthly Dress Spotlight.

For this month's installment, we met up with the wonderful Ribicca at a beautiful home in Portage Bay. We popped the cork on a bottle of champagne, had a mini dance party to some Diana Ross and generally partied like it was already 2016.

HEAD-TO-TOE SPARKLE

On her style: "Describing my style is one of the hardest things for me to do. I do not like putting myself in a box since I like to continually elevate my style. If I had to choose, I would say my style is a mixture of trendy and sophisticated. I am a huge fan of prints thus my closet has a lot of personality. However, I also have days where I want to wear monochrome greys and nudes."

On dressing for a party: "It depends on the season. During spring and summer the process is much easier since it's not a must to have a layering piece. Fall and winter can be a little tricky since you have to find a happy medium between warm and sexy.

"For me, it always starts with the shoes. Once I pick out the shoes, I decide on the rest of my outfit-keeping in mind the occasion. Necklaces and bracelets are my go-to accessories, so I always add them as a third piece. I stick to studs when it comes to earrings since large ones overpower my outfit when my hair is in its natural state. I keep my makeup light for the most part but I like to wear bold, matte lip stains."

Adrianna Papell sheath dress | Topshop patent pump | BaubleBar necklace

LEATHER & LACE

BB Dakota lace dress | Miu Miu suede jeweled pump | URiBE cuff bracelet

'70S GLAM

On travel as inspiration: "Traveling is an eye-opening and fulfilling experience. Immersing myself in fashion capitals like Milan, London, Paris, Stockholm and Tokyo has inspired me to find ways to push the envelope in my personal style. After walking through the streets of Ginza, Harajuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, I was truly encouraged to take more risks in fashion. I was amazed at how they made the most outrageous combination of prints and patterns so edgy. I also enjoy the varied shopping experiences I have overseas.

As a person who considers herself a great bargain shopper, nothing beats the vibrant flea markets of India, Morocco and the Philippines. My most treasured items in my closet are the little things I picked up from the markets abroad."

BB Dakota A-line dress | Topshop sandal | Nordstrom necklace | Topshop vest

FLOOR-LENGTH FLATTERY

On people as inspiration: "Seeing the resilience in people truly inspires me. I have been fortunate enough to meet accomplished individuals that have given me a new insight into the definition of success. It is even more inspiring to find powerful women who have evolved the status quo and established their rightful place in society."

Eliza J chiffon halter gown | Topshop pump | crystal cuff bracelets | night-out clutches

FIT & FLARE FLAIR GLITZ & GLAMOUR

BB Dakota sequin dress | Topshop sandal | Sole Society clutch | Hue rhinestone socks | Nordstrom necklace

Special thanks to our Realest model Ribicca Mamuye-follow her on Instagram and on her blog Abyssinia.

Her happy place: "My happiest place is when I am on a flight to a new destination. There is no book or movie that encapsulates the complete story of a country. One of the hardest things I realized after moving to the U.S. was all the misconceptions people had of my place of origin, which is Ethiopia. Many times our knowledge of the rest of the world is limited to the information provided in our textbooks and media outlets, which in my opinion is incomplete. Through my voyages, I have been able to complete these stories for myself."

Adrianna Papell embellished dress | Saint Laurent sandal | black biker jackets

Images: Elizabeth Rudge | Styling: Associate Stylist Tamala Ayres & Jillian Kelly | Hair & Makeup: Alex MacArthur | Location: This Portage Bay rental property

-Jeff Powell

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