The one top that looks like I layered three pieces — but it's just one.

On the clever two-in-one top — a cozy ribbed knit over a leopard-print blouse — that covers the arms, floats over the hips, and looks pulled-together the second you pull it on. Why a small South Carolina family made it this way, and why they're clearing it now.

By Margaret Ellison · Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Posted September 2026 · 6 min read

I am 63 years old, and I have always admired women who look effortlessly layered — a knit over a blouse, a bit of print peeking out, all put together just so. But whenever I tried it myself, it was a palaver: the layers bunched, the blouse rode up, the proportions never sat right, and I would give up and put on the same plain sweater again.

What I wanted was that pulled-together, layered look without the fuss of actually assembling it — something that covered my arms, floated a little over my hips, and looked considered the moment I put it on. Clever, and easy.

Then a woman in my church group here in Mount Pleasant walked in looking beautifully layered — a rich red knit over a leopard blouse — and told me, with a wink, that it was all one top. I asked her about it. She laughed and told me to read the Clarke family's letter first.

The Clarke family runs a small boutique here in South Carolina, family-run since 1986 — three generations, mother to daughter. The top is called the Aurelia, and their letter walks through the handful of things they refused to compromise on. I am going to let their words carry it, because they say it better than I could.

1The layered look, in one clever top

We built the Aurelia as one top that looks like a whole outfit — a cozy ribbed knit over a leopard-print blouse, sewn together so the proportions always sit right. You get that considered, layered look with none of the bunching, riding-up or fussing. Pull on one thing, and you are done.

2A soft collar and flattering V

We finished the knit with a soft collar and an open V at the neck, so it draws the eye up and lengthens the neckline, lovely with a long necklace. Smart and flattering, and it frames the face beautifully.

3Leopard sleeves that cover the arm

We gave the blouse layer long, softly billowing leopard sleeves that cover the arm to a ribbed cuff at the wrist. The tops of the arms stay covered and graceful — the part so many of us like covered — with a little print at the wrist you can show off.

4A leopard hem that floats over the hips

We let a longer, ruffled leopard hem float out below the knit, so it drifts gently over the hips and seat and adds a little movement. Longer at the back, it covers where you like to be covered, and looks wonderful over leggings or slim pants.

5Cozy knit, airy sleeves, easy to wear

We made the body a warm, cozy ribbed knit and the sleeves and hem an airy, lightweight print, so it keeps you warm where you want it without ever feeling heavy. One easy top for a cool day, dressed up or down in a moment.

6It fits the body you have

We make the Aurelia from a size S all the way to 3XL, with a stretchy ribbed knit and a floaty hem that suits a real figure. It is meant to fit the woman — not make the woman fit the top.

The Aurelia, against the layering you've been attempting

Why they're clearing it now

They priced the Aurelia at $139.95 when it launched, and it sold at that price all season. But for America's 250th, the Clarke family wanted to give something back to the women who have kept their doors open since 1986 — so every one is going out at less than half of that.

I ordered mine that evening. It arrived a few days later in a kraft-paper parcel with a short handwritten note from the family. I have reached for it more than anything else in my closet since.

I do not usually write things like this. But for years the layered look defeated me — the bunching, the riding-up, the fuss — and this one clever top handed me that look for good, in a single easy piece. If that sounds like you, I hope you find your size before it clears.

— Margaret Ellison · Mount Pleasant, SC

This is a personal account from a Clarke Family customer. Margaret was not paid to write it. · The Clarke Family · Family Fashion · South Carolina, since 1986 · Free UPS shipping · 30-day money-back guarantee.