The whole boho outfit that makes me feel like I have taste again.

On the two matched pieces — the tassel-fringe chiffon top and the flowing ruffle skirt — that make a whole artful outfit in one, skim instead of clinging, and cover the arms. Why a small South Carolina family made it this way, and why they're clearing it now.

By Sandra Thompson · Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Posted September 2026 · 6 min read

I am 63 years old, and my closet had gone quiet. Plain to the point of forgettable — perfectly fine tops and skirts in perfectly fine colors that never quite went together and that nobody, myself included, ever really noticed. I had started to feel a bit invisible in all of it, if I am honest.

What I wanted was not a whole new wardrobe. Just one thing with a little artistry to it — a whole outfit I could pull on and know I looked considered, that skimmed over my middle instead of clinging, and covered my arms. Something that made me feel like I still had taste and an eye.

Then a friend of mine turned up in the most beautiful flowing brown outfit, all soft chiffon and swinging tassels and a skirt that moved when she walked, looking artistic and romantic and completely herself. I asked her where on earth she found 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 set is called the Ondine, 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.

1A whole artful outfit in one

We made the Ondine as a matched two-piece — the tassel-fringe chiffon top and a long flowing ruffle skirt, both in the same rich brown, cut to go together perfectly. No standing at the closet guessing what matches. You pull on both pieces and a whole considered, artful outfit is simply done.

2Artful chiffon with swinging tassels

We finished the top with a soft, flattering split V-neck and long tassel fringe ties that swing when you walk — romantic, a little boho, the kind of detail that has people asking where you found it. It turns a quiet outfit into a creative one.

3A top and skirt that skim

We cut the top soft and blousy and the skirt long and flowing, so the light chiffon floats and skims over your middle and hips instead of clinging anywhere. Forgiving, comfortable, and elegant — it hides what you want hidden and still looks lovely.

4Sleeves that cover the arms

We gave the top soft, billowy long sleeves that drape down and cover the arms — the part so many of us would rather keep covered — while staying light and airy. Covered, and cool, at the same time.

5Light, airy, and dressed up or down

We made it from a light, floaty chiffon that feels wonderful on — airy and soft, never stiff or heavy. Wear the whole set together for a wedding or an evening, or pair either piece with what you already own; it looks lovely every way.

6It fits the body you have

We make the Ondine from a size XS to 2XL and cut both pieces soft and flowing. It is meant to fit the woman — not make the woman fit the clothes.

The Ondine, against the closet you've been fighting with

Why they're clearing it now

They priced the Ondine at $235.00 when it launched — a fair price for two matched chiffon pieces — 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 the whole set is going out at under seventy dollars.

I ordered mine that evening. It arrived a few days later in a kraft-paper parcel with a short handwritten note from the family. It has become the first thing I reach for when I want to look like I made an effort.

I do not usually write things like this. But I had started to feel invisible in all my plain, forgettable clothes, and this one flowing, artful outfit handed me back a bit of taste and a bit of attention. If that sounds like you, I hope you find your size before it clears.

— Sandra Thompson · Mount Pleasant, SC

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