Ladies, let’s be honest. How many of us have splurged on a gorgeous outfit for a special event, only to stash it away in our closets after one wear? Some dresses are lucky enough to be worn multiple times, but most will never see the light of day again. What if there was a way you could give another woman the opportunity to experience wearing that dress, and even make a little money in the process? That was the idea behind local entrepreneur Rachel Sipperley’s new app, Rent My Wardrobe.
Like a more intimate Rent The Runway, Rent My Wardrobe allows Dallas users to access clothes directly from other women’s closets in the area. “I want women to feel empowered to wear the clothes they want without having to pay full price,” Sipperley said during Rent My Wardrobe’s launch event, part of Dallas Startup Week, at Uptown’s Circo last Thursday evening. “We also wanted to create a platform that empowers every single woman to become their own entrepreneur.”
Rent My Wardrobe joins a slew of similar digital concepts, such as Wardrobe or Rent the Runway’s subscription-based Unlimited plan, that applies the sharing economy-approach to clothing. And with our city being such a hub for local influencers, the locally-based app could give followers full access to their favorite Dallas blogger’s enviable closet.
The launch party, which was punctuated by pink balloons, stringed lights, and massive marquee letters spelling out “Rent My Wardrobe,” was also a celebration of female entrepreneurs. There was a slew of “girl bosses” mingling at the event, including floral designer and owner of Prim + Lovely, Elise Woods, who created the large pink floral backdrop that served as a popular photo destination for the night. Paired with perfect studio lighting, every photo came out looking Instagram-ready. “The entire event is for women,” said Sipperley. “We wanted to celebrate female leaders and female business owners.”
Sipperley’s app recently received a major financial boost from Dallas couple Court and Kameron Westcott, who contributed to the $1 million in seed funding Rent My Wardrobe recently received. Kameron was one of several “Real Housewives of Dallas” in attendance (the Bravo camera crew was also in tow). Other guests included influencers Brooke Burnett, Karis Renee, and Lauren Roscopf.
Sipperley plans to expand Rent My Wardrobe to Austin and Houston by the end of the year, and eventually hopes to launch the app nationally. “Women empowerment is the DNA of our company,” said Sipperley. “We want women to feel like we’re in this together and we’re supporting each other.”
