New company allows clients to rent clothing by the month

Elizabeth Smith is hoping to turn weight loss into a business gain.

The Severna Park resident is the co-founder of Transitional Sizes, an online company geared to women who are dieting and don't want to keep spending money on new wardrobes.

Transitional Sizes rents designer clothing by the month, so fashion-conscious customers can get their holiday dresses or career ensembles for a fraction of the purchase price.

For example, a fancy Evan Picone dress can be had for just $32, or a Jones New York dress for $22. The company purchases clothing in sizes 4 to 24 directly from manufacturers, and even offers accessories...