The Ultimate Nicola Bathie Dillards Collection Preview

Dress: Nicola Bathie Dillards Claire Dress | Shoes: Nicola Bathie Dillards Feather Mules {similar option here} | Jewelry: Nicola Bathie Dillards Crystal and Feather Earrings

One of my favorite things to cover on the blog are upcoming collection launches of my blogger friends. As such, I’m thrilled to preview the 2022 Nicola Bathie Dillards collection with Antonio Melani. Her second Antonio Melani collection officially launches October 3, 2022 at 10 a.m. CT // 11:00 a.m. ET exclusively on Dillards.com.

Today, I’m diving into the pieces, prices, launch date and what to expect! As always, Nicola showcases her gorgeous personal sense of style. I’ve been a huge fan of her jewelry pieces, and it’s fantastic to see her style translated into women’s apparel and additional accessories.

Nicola Bathie Dillards Collection

The Nicola Bathie collection features a dynamic array of dresses, jackets, earrings, jewelry, and beyond. In fact, there are even dress and shoe options for little girls. In typical Nicola Bathie form, expect special details like brocade and floral fabrics, velvet bows, and feather trims. It’s like one part Bridgerton meets Victorian vibes. In many ways, her dresses remind me a bit of Brock at a much better price point.

Who’s Nicola Bathie McLaughlin?

Are you familiar with Nicola? If not, I wanted to give some background about her and her experience. As I mentioned above, she’s the founder of Nicola Bathie Jewelry. She was originally born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Funny enough, she attended Texas Christian University (TCU), which was actually a college on my list!

Overall, her pieces have this ethereal, heirloom-like quality to them. I’ve personally found her earrings to be those items that just “pop” in your jewelry box, like these gorgeous drop earrings (also seen here). Also view her cameo style in this post about independent jewelry designers to support. They’re unlike anything else I own, and I’m so grateful for each piece and something that I’ll pass down to my niece one day.

Antonio Melani

The Nicola Bathie Dillards collection is a partnership with designer, Antonio Melani. Nicola introduced me to the collection last year, and I’ve loved learning more about his designs. Specifically, he likes to design trendy silhouettes using luxe materials and a major attention to detail. Beyond Nicola’s collection, the core Antonio Melani line is worth checking out. I especially love this black dress with feather trim details. So chic!

Interestingly enough, the brand is owned by the Camuto Group, which also owns companies such as Vince Camuto, Louie et Cie, Jessica Simpson and Sole Society. Beyond dresses, Antonio Melani also offers tops, skirts, shoes and other chic accessories. Best of all, the price points are very reasonable for what you get.

When Does the Nicola Bathie Collection Launch?

Set your alarms for the Nicola Bathie Dillards collection launch on Monday, October 3rd at 10 a.m. CT / 11 a.m. ET. The collection will be sold on Dillards.com and also within select stores. In general, I recommend purchasing the items online to ensure you get the sizes and styles that you want.

Size Guide

Overall, I’ve found the Nicola Bathie Dillards pieces to fit true to size. However, you can also view the Antonio Melani size guide on the Dillards website, and I’m also including the size guide below for the dresses.

Nicola Bathie Dillards Dresses

So what exactly can you expect in the collection? Beyond gorgeous feathers, lush velvets, sequins, bows and floral prints. Personally, I’m obsessed with the bow heels and the sequin/feather combinations. One of my all-time fave vintage dresses features feathers, and I love the way that she incorporated it into pieces.

The Nicola Bathie Dillards collection has 12 total dresses. Overall, the majority of the styles are midi length, which falls right below the knee. I love this length because it shows off your shoes while keeping the fabric off the ground. However, there are two mini styles, including the Julianna and Emily Dresses.

The Nicola Gown in champagne sold out quickly last year (see below). The sequins are sturdy, the feather trim details are fabulous, and I love that it comes with a belt to cinch the waist. This year, she’s bringing it back in two new options – ballet and black hues. The Ballet hue is similar to rose gold, and the Black version is more of a matte black. You truly can’t go wrong with either option.

Nicola Bathie Shoes

This year, Nicola designed seven styles of shoes, including platform heels, lace boots, feather trim mules, pearl trim pumps, and beyond. Thankfully, each style comes in countless variations of colors, fabrics, and trims. Therefore, you can personalize your selection to suit your personal style. The Nicola Bathie Dillards shoes retail between $98-$198 (with the boots being the most expensive).

My personal favorites are the Liz Heels in Ivory with Feather Trim and also the Bebe Heels in Ballet ($129.99 each). Also, don’t overlook the Lila Pumps. I purchased two of them last year in blue and emerald, and I love she’s offering them in two new options – Gold and Silver ($129.99).

Launch Date

One final reminder, the collection officially launches tomorrow, Monday, October 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Dillards.com. Thankfully, the styles will all be available immediately vs. pre-order like last year.

Sizes

Okay, so the women’s apparel will be available from size 0-16. Jewelry and accessories will be one size. Footwear will be sizes 5.5-12. Also, she’s offering little girl’s outfits from sizes 12-24 months and 2T-6X. From what I’ve gathered, the entire collection will fit true to size.

Antonio Melani Nicola Bathie Collection Prices

As previously mentioned, one of the best aspects of the line is that it’s pretty reasonable in terms of price points. The Nicola Bathie Dillards women’s apparel will range from $199-$499, including dresses and jumpsuits. This season, she’s not selling separates like tops or skirts. Furthermore, the two coat options are $349 each.

The Nicola Bathie earrings will retail between $98-$178, and there are nine different styles to choose from. The little girl’s apparel will be $95-$98. Finally, the footwear will retail between $98-$198.

Shipping and Returns

Based on the Dillards website, web orders typically leave their warehouse between 24-48 hours after order is placed. Delivery can vary depending on distance. Plus, shipping is free on orders of $150 or more for standard delivery times for most U.S. states.

With regards to returns (although I doubt you’ll need to), the merchandise may be mailed back or returned to any Dillard’s store location within 30 days of purchase. Personalized items, clearance items marked down 65% or more, and items otherwise noted as non-returnable cannot be returned.

Furthermore, international shipping will be available. Yay!

Nicola Bathie Dillards Collection

Lastly, my sincere congratulations to Nicola Bathie on the most gorgeous collection! I look forward to previewing some pieces and purchasing items. Below are the items from the collection! Happy shopping!