Best Lingerie Stores: Foundation 45 in Hood River, Oregon
All About Foundation 45:
Parfait Team: What inspired you to start a business?
Brooke Pauly: Hood River is a small town and work is a difficult to find. I have always loved lingerie and there was a real need for something in our little town. We are an hour or more away from the nearest city so when the location became available we jumped. It was a little crazy We decided to do the store in January, signed the lease in March opened June first and had our second baby August 30.
PT: What about the lingerie industry interested you?
BP: I love lingerie but I also really like the fact that it is a small niche of the fashion industry. Women’s fashion is so vast, buying for my store is really much easier than clothing.
PT: Your store is located in Hood River, OR. How did you decide on the location?
BP: We had already lived here for 7 years.
Image via Foundation 45
PT: Tell us about your store name. What inspired the name Foundation 45?
BP: Foundation because that is what we sell. And 45 because we are located just north of the 45 parallel. When I first opened we were called Underpinnings but there is another store of the same name in Santa Fe and they sent their lawyers after us. Funny thing is that we has searched nationwide and never found them but we carried many of the same lines so I guess they felt threatened.
PT: What do you enjoy most about your local community?
BP: It is a beautiful small town located in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Our community is very close knit and supportive.
PT: Congratulations on your seven-year anniversary! Do you have any big plans you can share with us?
BP: No not really….we are just gonna’ keep on keepin’ on 🙂
PT: What’s the secret to creating a memorable experience for customers?
BP: Kindness, respect and being kind of casual. People have such an idea of what a lingerie store will be like so when they come in and we are friendly, chatty and mellow I think they are surprised. You are also often dealing with people that have been through difficult situations (breast cancer, weight loss or gain) so being sensitive and caring is so so important.
Image via Foundation 45
Bra Fitting at Foundation 45:
PT: Why is it important for women to get a professional bra fitting?
BP: Because they are all wearing the wrong size!
PT: What do you wish all women knew about lingerie and professional bra fitting?
BP: It is not uncomfortable and you don’t have to be naked if you don’t want to be. It doesn’t take a long time and can actually be a pretty fun experience. Also, a proper fitting bra with change your life!!!
PT: You’re committed to offering a diverse range of styles and sizes for your customers. You carry brands such as Cosabella, Spanx, Else Lingerie, Samantha Chang, and Parfait with a wide range of colors, styles, and sizes (with bras up to 40FF!) What do you look for when selecting new styles?
BP: Fit, construction/fabrication and size range. Price point is also of course important.
Image via Foundation 45
PT: What are your current best-selling bras?
BP: Affinitas Nicole T-shirt bra, Natori Feathers, Wacoal basic beauty.
PT: How many bras does a woman actually need in her lingerie wardrobe?
BP: I try to get ladies to shoot for about 5 at a minimum.
Image via Foundation 45
PT: Some of us are shy about buying colored bras. What advice would you give to a woman who loves color, but isn’t sure how to incorporate it into her wardrobe?
BP: Well most colored bras actually work as a great alternative to black. Ladies feel like they are not practical but that is not really true. I usually try to have ladies put their shirt on when trying bras on and you can really illustrate that point.
PT: What can you tell our readers about the bra fitting experience at The Girls Custom Bra Fittings?
BP: We try to keep it quick and painless. Fitting is really just a guideline so actually getting people in bras is most important. We will bring them the whole store if necessary to get them to try styles they usually would not and to find the best fit in each style/brand. We also serve wine….that helps a lot J
PT: We love that you offer appointments for bra fitting. How can we schedule an appointment?
BP: You never need an appointment for a fitting but can certainly make one if time is a crunch for you. But regardless of what you are looking for call or email work great for us. Whatever is easier for you, or just walk in and chat with us about it.
Image via Foundation 45
Shop at Foundation 45
Store Address: 215 Oak St., Hood River, OR 97031
Phone Number: (541) 436-BRAS (2727)
Website: Foundation 45
To find a lingerie specialty store near you, visit our store locator here.
Feature image via Foundation 45
