The Portrait Sitting.

Indian summer in Newport, the two of them alone in the artist’s studio filled with north light.

There’s a somewhat solemn stillness about her as she sits in the wing-backed tapestry chair.

He touches her cheek to turn her head slightly, peers intently at her. He presses her shoulders back, his eyes just inches from hers.

Good, she’s smiling now, and ah, look at that.

He returns to the easel and reaches for a tube of alizaran crimson to capture the faint blush that is emerging.

Double-Breasted Portrait Dress (No. 4022), seen in portrait paintings hanging above fireplace mantles in the little cottages of Newport and the manor houses of Sussex alike.

Calf-length cut of silky cotton sateen, rustles as you walk. Flattering princess seams and darts. Side-seam waist pockets. Three-quarter sleeves with turn-back notched cuffs…and of course, that neckline.

Makes it impossible for you to avoid being observed.

Women’s sizes: 4 through 16.

Color: Black.