The one dress I throw on and instantly look like I made an effort.

On the artful watercolor floral print that draws compliments, the easy shirt-dress shape, the relaxed maxi that skims, and the sleeves that 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 getting dressed had become a chore I dreaded. My dresses were either fussy, tight things I had to plan a whole outfit around, or shapeless sacks I only wore around the house. Nothing I owned let me simply pull it on and feel both comfortable and pretty walking out the door.

What I wanted was one easy, artful dress — something beautiful I could just step into — that skimmed over my middle instead of clinging, covered my arms, and looked considered without a moment's fuss. Effortless, and lovely, at once.

Then a friend of mine turned up in the most beautiful white dress that bloomed into watercolor flowers toward the hem, looking artistic and relaxed 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 dress is called the Viona, 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 dress that looks like a watercolor painting

We built the Viona around an artistic watercolor floral print that blooms up from the hem in bright teal, orange, pink and purple — like a painting you can wear. It looks like a work of art, and it has people asking where you found it. Bright and beautiful, never loud.

2A relaxed maxi that skims

We cut it loose and flowing, in an easy maxi length, so it skims over your middle and hips instead of clinging anywhere. Comfortable and forgiving, with room to move — and it covers you nicely while still looking elegant.

3Sleeves that cover the arms

We gave it a proper long sleeve that covers the arms, and it pushes up or rolls back easily on a warmer afternoon. Covered when you want to be, cool when you don't — the choice is yours.

4An easy shirt-dress you just step into

We made it as an easy shirt-dress — a neat collar, a soft button placket and pretty pintucks at the chest — so you simply step into it and go. One relaxed piece that is a whole outfit, with no fussing and nothing to plan around.

5Light, airy and easy to wear

We made it from a light, easy fabric that feels lovely on and moves with you — nothing stiff or heavy. Wear it with sandals for the day or dress it up for a lunch or a trip; it looks artful and relaxed either way.

6Seven colors, and it fits the body you have

We make the Viona in seven watercolor colorways — a white floral, a red floral, and more — and from a size S to 3XL, cut loose and flowing. It is meant to fit the woman — not make the woman fit the dress.

The Viona, against the dresses you've been settling for

Why they're clearing it now

They priced the Viona at $110.00 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 half price.

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 lovely and think about it as little as possible.

I do not usually write things like this. But getting dressed had become a chore, and nothing I owned was both easy and lovely — and this one artful dress changed that in an instant. 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.