Lucia Sartori is the beautiful 25-year-old daughter of a traditional Italian immigrant family in 1950s Greenwich Village. She boldly becomes an apprentice for a ready-to-wear clothing designer at B. Altman's famous department store. Though she is sought after as a potential wife by the best Italian families, she works hard and remains as devoted to her career as to her family. But when a handsome stranger comes to the store and catches her eye, it is love at first sight for both of them. First, though, he must win over her family and make a proper offer of marriage. Their love affair takes an unexpected turn as secrets are revealed, Lucia's family honor is tested, and Lucia's own reputation becomes the center of a sizzling scandal.