With a shared belief that a stylish outfit can help anyone take on the world, best friends Lisa Rose and Angela Trokey launched Pleated Boutique in St. Louis in September 2017. “We kept hearing women say, ‘I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear,’ and we knew we could fix that,” Rose laughs.
The store was born from a desire to make shopping easier for busy women and take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Rose adds, “We believe the right outfit has the power to transform how a woman feels about herself, and that confidence should be accessible to everyone.”
The co-owners, who met as Tri Delta sorority sisters at Southeast Missouri State University, drew on their post-graduate experience – Rose’s success in sales and Trokey’s marketing expertise and creative instincts – to build a fashion business together.
What began as a Facebook group has grown into a full-scale online store with a free mobile app and active social media pages. Additionally, the business’ 6,000-square-foot warehouse in Chesterfield boasts a showroom where local customers can pick up orders Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or email to schedule a try-on session.
With an effortlessly chic aesthetic, Pleated offers elevated everyday fashion designed for real life, the duo details. “We focus on comfortable, versatile pieces that help women look put-together without overthinking it,” Rose explains. “[It’s] stylish, easy clothing that moves seamlessly through a busy, everyday lifestyle – think school drop-off to the office to date night.”
Pleated has plenty of variety among its vast inventory, launching new styles daily with a goal of delivering the newest trends first to its customers, who range from teens to women in their 70s. Customers can shop the shop’s best-selling Trend Guide collections for current styles curated for a complete look – from basics to bold statement pieces. “For summer, we’re seeing lots of pattern, bold colors, matching sets, and elevated athleisure,” Rose says…