A Letter From Rose
The Black Dress That Is Anything but Boring
Soft velvet, romantic roses and lace sleeves that cover your arms. Here's why the Natalie is the dress I'd wear to every party this season.
Every December, the same question comes up in our boutique: "What do I wear to the Christmas party this year?"
And almost every time, the answer is the same black dress they've worn for the last ten years. It's safe. It goes with everything. But it doesn't make anyone feel special, and some of them tell me it makes them feel like they're dressed for a funeral, not a celebration.
I understand why we reach for black. It's forgiving, it's easy, and it never looks wrong. But I think we can have all of that and still feel beautiful.
I want to be honest with you: I didn't design the Natalie. Olivia and I started out as fashion designers in Italy, but these days we hand-pick the pieces for our boutique. After a lifetime in fashion, I can tell within seconds whether a dress is made with care, and most go straight back.
When this one came in, I held it up to the light, and I knew right away it was staying. Here's why.
Black, but anything but boring
From across the room, the Natalie is a classic black velvet dress. Up close, it's covered in deep red roses and small golden flowers. It gives you just enough color and romance to feel special, while still keeping everything you love about black.
★★★★★"I usually avoid black dresses because they can look a little plain on me. The soft rose pattern makes this one feel so feminine and special. It has just enough color without being too much. Absolutely lovely for an evening out."
Martha L., Carmel, IN
Sleeves that cover your arms, without feeling heavy
Many of the women I dress don't want to show their upper arms anymore, especially at a party. The Natalie has long sleeves in sheer black lace that open into soft bell cuffs. Your arms are covered, but it still feels light and airy. No need to bring a cardigan.
★★★★★"I'm 61 and prefer not to show my upper arms anymore, especially at special occasions. The lace sleeves are such a beautiful solution. They give me the coverage I want while still feeling light and airy. I don't feel the need to bring a cardigan!"
Constance R., Frederick, MD
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A waist that flatters, a skirt that forgives
This is what Olivia checked first. A narrow embellished band sits at your natural waist and gives you shape exactly where you want it. Below it, the long velvet skirt falls gently over the tummy and hips instead of clinging. You look elegant, not hidden.
★★★★★"At 65, I find it difficult to get dresses that flatter my waist without clinging to my stomach. This one gives me a lovely shape, and the flowing skirt falls gently over my hips. I feel comfortable and confident instead of worrying about how I look."
Valerie D., Lincoln, NE
Velvet that moves with you
Velvet can feel stiff and heavy. The Natalie's velvet is soft and luxurious, and the long skirt moves beautifully when you walk. Along the hem runs a delicate golden border that catches the light every time you turn.
★★★★"I was a little hesitant because velvet dresses can sometimes feel stiff and heavy. The fabric on this one feels beautifully soft, and I love how the skirt moves when I walk. It has such an elegant flow without feeling uncomfortable."
Regina P., Columbia, MO
A neckline made for your favorite necklace
So many dresses have necklines that sit too high and hide your jewelry. The Natalie has a V-neckline edged with fine golden trim that frames your face and your favorite necklace. It's a deep V, so if you prefer a little more coverage, a simple black camisole underneath looks lovely.
★★★★★"I'm 58 and love wearing my favorite necklaces, but so many dresses have necklines that feel too high. The V-neck on this one is beautiful and really opens up the neckline. I wear a little black camisole underneath for extra coverage, and it looks lovely."
Felicity B., Santa Rosa, CA
Made for the body you have today
We carry the Natalie from XS all the way to 3XL. Wear it with ankle boots for a cozy dinner, or with heels for a special evening. My advice: check the size chart before you order, especially at the waist. And if it isn't right, you have 30 days to send it back.
★★★★★"Finding a beautiful dress in my size isn't always easy. I checked the measurements before ordering and was so pleased with the fit. I love that I can wear it with ankle boots for dinner or heels for a special occasion. It makes me feel beautiful at 63."
Priscilla H., Overland Park, KS
The Natalie, against the party dresses you usually find
Why it's only $79.95 right now
After nearly 45 years in America, Olivia and I have decided it's time to retire from the boutique and spend more time with our husbands, our children and our grandchildren here in Florida.
The Natalie is part of our final collection. When a size is gone, we won't be restocking it. So instead of carrying it into another season, we're saying goodbye to it with our Retirement Sale.
Natalie | Velvet Lace-Sleeve Maxi Dress
$159.95$79.95Retirement Sale, Save 50%
- Soft black velvet with red roses and golden flowers
- Sheer lace bell sleeves
- Defined waist with a long, flowing skirt
- V-neckline with fine golden trim
Sizes XS to 3XL · Free UPS shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee
See if your size is still available →Buy 2, get an extra 10% off · Buy 3, get 15% · Buy 4 or more, get 20%. Applied automatically at checkout.
Our Retirement Sale is coming to an end.
Buy 2 get 10%, buy 3 get 15%, buy 4 or more get an extra 20% off. When your size is gone, it's gone.
I don't usually write letters like this. But after a lifetime in fashion, I know when a dress is worth telling you about. If you've worn the same safe black dress to every party for years, I hope you find your size in this one before it's gone.
Thank you for giving two Italian sisters a home, a community and a lifetime of memories here in Florida.
With love, Rose 🤍
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