ashwood west FASHION for the MILESTONE

Words by ALICIA UNDERLEE NELSON | Photography

Age

WWhen North Dakota State University fashion grad Marrah Ferebee saw her friends struggling to build a versatile, affordable, fashionforward wardrobe that worked with their lives, she knew she’d found a niche. Ferebee launched Ashwood West (ashwoodwest.com), an online boutique, in February 2016 with her friend, fellow NDSU fashion program graduate and business partner, Trina Hoffelt.

Hoffelt has moved on to other endeavors, but Ashwood West continues to thrive as the young company moves toward its first year in business. It’s a milestone for a business that’s built its brand around women reaching milestones of their own.

Ferebee says Ashwood West uses the term “milestone age” to describe both a stage in customers’ lives and the place they fall on the fashion spectrum. “We have always felt that people around us have struggled a lot with not quite knowing where to shop,” says Ferebee.

Ashwood West sells a carefully curated selection of clean, modern basics that can take the wearer from day to night, from work to a weekend out. The clothing is on-trend, but not in your face trendy. It’s colorful and fun, but still office appropriate. And it’s available in sizes XS through 3X so women of all shapes and sizes can build their wardrobes piece by piece.

In addition to looking great, everything for sale at Ashwood West is made in the USA. Many pieces are made by “for cause” companies, which give back a portion of their proceeds to individuals in need. As the business grows, Ferebee hopes to add more “for cause” companies and expand Ashwood West’s plussize clothing offerings.