Le Bustiere Boutique — Local services in Washington

My intention is to share this experience as a word of caution for everyone! After treating myself at the nail salon yesterday, August 12, 2024, I stumbled upon Le Bustiere Boutique store located at 1744 Columbia Rd NW #2, Washington, DC 20009. Intrigued, I tried on a swimsuit. I carefully placed my removed clothing - tank top, bra, and panties - neatly folded inside my jeans on a chair/stool in the fitting area. As I walked out to show my husband the swimsuit, I noticed the black sales ladies in the back and the white sales lady entering. A sense of unease washed over me. Upon returning to the fitting area, I noticed the curtain was not closed as I left it, and I discovered my clothing had been tampered with. My panties were placed on top of my jeans, my Jean was not placed as i left it with my tank top and bra inside but displaced. The pockets of my jeans were turned inside out, and I always kept them tidy and tucked inside (I have OCD... it's a certain way that I do things) I changed back into my clothes as fast as i could, and I was hesitant to confront the situation due to the shack and the odd situation. However, I requested a business card so i will not forget the store so I can warn others. Had they come across the cash I had on me, it surely would have disappeared. I refrained from making a purchase at that store because I was deeply disturbed by the incident and would not spend money in a scamming business. This had never happened to me before. This truly left me troubled and upset.

I urge everyone to be cautious when trying on clothes at this store and advise against leaving the fitting room. If you do leave, be sure to take your belongings with you!

08/20/2024 Hello Stephanie, I had to add this reply here because I couldn't figure out how to reply to your response.

I spent a significant amount of time in your store, longer than you indicated. While you mentioned that your staff helped me find a swimsuit, I also took time to browse around the store beforehand.... before they assisted me. Only one swimsuit was suggested to me and it was the only one I tried on. It seems there may be confusion, either with me being mistaken for another customer or receiving inaccurate information from your employees. If you review the video footage, you will find confirmation of these details. When the white salesperson entered the back area, as I exited the dressing room, she remained there for a considerable period before coming out. In contrast, the black employee stayed longer in the back and emerged shortly before I re-entered. The strange behavior and whispering among your staff raised concerns and created a negative impression on me that something wasn't right.

Some strict hygiene policy... my clothing was tampered with! There was no valid reason for your employee to invade the area where I was changing. Please provide an explanation if such actions were warranted. Their behavior and actions can not be justified.

If you would have review the security footage instead of solely relying on staff accounts, you would observe the truth. Your employee reportedly indicated you did not find it necessary to examine the camera footage, which I have captured being stated on video... Yes, I recorded.... I stand firm against being labeled dishonest, especially when your employees have acknowledged and apologized for their missteps. ALL ON VIDEO!!!!

Your apparent lack of thorough investigation into your employees conduct suggests there may be underlying issues that you are either unaware of or choosing to ignore because of my public review to avoid public scrutiny.

This is all I will state on...

I went into this store for the first time this week and left with two bras. One I love and one I regret purchasing, as it doesn’t fit properly— however there is no return or exchange policy so I am stuck with it.

First, the shop owner is clearly very knowledgeable and her staff are professional and kind. Absolutely no complaints there.

When I walked in, the owner and staff member asked what I was looking for and ushered me into a fitting room so they could measure me. They immediately started fitting me with various bras. I would have preferred to look at the bras available on the floor before this process as I am really interested in them, but ultimately I was overwhelmed and did not advocate for myself.

I was a bit frustrated that they didn’t have doors on any of the fitting rooms. I was the only customer, but I did feel exposed. They spent an hour giving me different options, so they certainly did not rush me, but I did not have much time alone to consider.

There were some bras that had clear fit issues (gore not tacking, cup digging into top, gapping at the side, too high cups) that I felt pressured into considering. For one bra, I noted a fit issue and they dismissed me saying they’re familiar with the brand and it was fine— when I removed the bra, I saw the tag was for $212. I can’t shake the feeling I was being pushed to buy a poor fitting bra against everyone’s better judgement.

I was told the second bra I bought was a great fit. I was not confident, but was told it looked great. They had me put the bras on so my boobs were sitting on my chest instead of lifted, which I disagreed with, but they assured me I was wrong. As soon as I got the bra home I tried it on again and it is just a bad shape for me. It’s not at all supportive and I am frustrated that I spent $70 on it.

If you go to this store, be confident in what you are looking for and be clear on what...

The good: The owner/buyer has great taste and the shop is exceptionally well stocked with high-end (expensive) lingerie. I was introduced to most of my now-favorite brands through this shop.

If you don’t know what your bra size is (or have never been professionally fitted), the staff will ensure that you have a good fit and that you are wearing an appropriate size.

If you prefer to have someone assist you, the staff goes above and beyond to help select pieces you will be happy with.

The bad (and why I might not return):

In order to try on anything in the store, it is required that you allow a staff member to do a bra fitting, for a fee (I believe it’s $25 now). When I went, I explained that not only had I been professionally fitted elsewhere, I had also been professionally fitted at the shop when they opened years ago. I have not changed size and I have been wearing the correct size since my professional fitting. The staff member asked how long ago the shop had done my fitting and seemed unwilling to allow me to try anything on at first unless I submitted to a non consensual additional fitting (for a fee of $25). I would not pay $25 to allow someone to give me the same information I already have just so I can try on a bra. The pushiness of the employee when requiring an additional fitting, especially for someone who is not comfortable having another person in their space when nude (or near nude), can feel invasive. I strongly encourage the shop to change their policy on...