The blazer that turns my jeans and a white shirt into an outfit people notice.

On the statement blazers — rich velvet, soft suede, artful embroidery — that cover the arms, layer over anything, and make you look pulled-together in one move. Why a small South Carolina family made them this way, and why they're clearing them now.

By Margaret Ellison · Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Posted September 2026 · 6 min read

I am 63 years old, and most mornings I get dressed in the same honest uniform — jeans and a white shirt. It is comfortable and it suits me, but if I am honest, it can look like I gave up before I started. For years I would glance in the mirror on my way out and think, that will do, without ever feeling like I had actually put an outfit together.

What I wanted was one thing I could add that would change everything — a layer that made the same jeans and shirt look considered and interesting, that covered the tops of my arms, and that felt special without me having to fuss. Not another beige cardigan. Something with a bit of soul to it.

Then a woman in my church group here in Mount Pleasant walked in wearing the most beautiful navy velvet blazer over a plain white shirt, embroidery down the lapels, looking effortlessly wonderful. I finally 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 collection is called the Statement Blazers, 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.

1It makes the whole outfit, in one move

We designed these to do the heavy lifting for you. Throw one over the jeans and shirt you already wear, and you look instantly pulled-together and interesting — no new outfit required. One layer, and the whole look changes.

2Artful details that look far more expensive

We put the beauty in the details — metallic embroidery down a velvet lapel, the soft nap of real suede, a tapestry collar. Up close, these read as considered and quietly expensive, the kind of jacket people assume cost a great deal more than it did.

3A sleeve that covers the arm

We cut them with a long, tailored sleeve that covers the arm to the wrist, often finished with an ornate cuff. The tops of the arms stay covered and comfortable — the part so many of us like covered — with a lovely detail where a white shirt cuff peeks out.

4Ten blazers, a look for every mood

We made a whole range — deep velvet with embroidery, warm suede, textured tweed with leather trim, tapestry lapels — so there is one for a dinner out, one for church, one for a day in town. Ten characters to choose from, each with its own soul.

5Structured where it flatters, easy to wear

We gave them a soft structure through the shoulder that flatters and holds its shape, worn open so it skims cleanly over whatever is underneath. Tailored enough to look sharp, relaxed enough to wear right through the day.

6It fits the body you have

We make these in a full range of sizes and cut them to layer easily over a shirt or a fine knit. They are meant to fit the woman — not make the woman fit the blazer.

A statement blazer, against the layers you've been buying

Why they're clearing them now

They priced these blazers at $249.95 when they launched, and they 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 a quarter 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 my jeans and a white shirt felt like giving up before I started — and one beautiful blazer turned that same uniform into an outfit I feel wonderful in. If that sounds like you, I hope you find yours before they clear.

— 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.