A teen admires a pink bikini, a mother of the bride searches for a shrug, while her friend tries on sunglasses. Tucked away in a modern shopping center, behind the Sonic Drive-In, Find Your Fashion brings contemporary and classic clothing and gifts to the once bucolic farm town of Ferndale.
Chic storeowner Barb Scoggins maintains prices under $99 through careful shopping. All items are new and always a bargain, even the designer labels.
A long-time Ferndale resident, Scoggins gained skills in customer service, organization and bookkeeping before creating her lifelong dream store. Opening in August of 2010, she fielded questions about the wisdom of building new retail in a recession. Fortunately, her careful research, advice from business owners and friends, and instincts paid off. Find Your Fashion fit an unfulfilled Ferndale niche.
"Ferndale has grown and people here want style without leaving town," Scoggins says. "I love to shop and I'm a frugal shopper. I find great deals and pass the savings on to our customers."
Through an online auction house for designer clothes and several wholesale outlets, she chooses a wide range of women's clothing, in sizes XS through 3X. While some items come in multiples, many are one of a kind for the shop, offering individuality for special occasions. Customers come from Vancouver to Seattle to shop.
"We see a lot of moms and daughters come in together, because they can both find something fashionable in their sizes," Scoggins says. "Our staff is good at helping women develop their unique style and even try things they've never thought of."
While the inventory moves quickly, labels often include Coach, Michael Kors, Armani, Lucky, Ed Hardy, in addition to lesser-known designers.
In addition, the men's section does well, with clothing frequently bought by women as gifts. Popular during the holidays was Hawaii's Crazy Shirts dyed in beer, called "Beerios." Items for babies and small children also attract gift buyers, as do an eclectic mix of decorative picture frames, watches, jewelry, scarves and hats. Women's swimwear in all sizes is sold all year long.
A three-time cancer survivor, Scoggins believes in giving back to the community and frequently donates auction and event items.
"This still is a close-knit community and people look out for each other here," she says. "I'm excited to have become one more reason for people to stay and shop in Ferndale."
WE LOVED
Chinese turquoise and silver rings, necklaces and bracelets, $14.50 to $29.
Ayers Rock brushed-cotton windbreaker with hidden hood in stone, plum, olive, slate or black, sizes S-XXL, $39.
Hartman Intimates stretchy short-sleeve and Capri-pant pajamas, sizes S-XL, $20.
Coco Reef Swimsuits, individually sized tops and bottoms in tropical colors, sizes XS-plus sizes, $20.
ABOUT FIND YOUR FASHION
Owner: Barb Scoggins
Location: 1863 Main St., Suite 101, Ferndale
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday
Web: findyourfashion.com
Contact: 360-393-3190
