New owner takes over at Undertones

The new owner of Green Valley bra boutique Undertones says she’ll be offering several new products, such as swimwear and bra accessories, though custom fittings will continue to be the main focus of the boutique.

Alla Werstler bought Undertones in May from Monica St. Claire, who cites the long commute from Oro Valley as the reason she decided to leave the business she had owned since 2006.

“Undertones caught my eye when I saw it for sale,” Werstler said. “It wasn’t overwhelming, it wasn’t a huge retail store.”

“I like the idea of helping women,” she said, adding, “Wearing the right bra size gives you self-confidence.”

A native of the Ukraine, Werstler has lived in the U.S. 19 years, the last seven in Tucson. She and her husband live in East Tucson, where they previously owned a limousine company, and have two young children, a boy and a girl aged 1 and 3.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know this community,” Werstler said.

Bathing suits and items such as “bra bags” and “panty packs” for travelers will be available within the next few months. The bra bag, or “Bra(g),” is a purse-sized, bra-shaped traveling case for padded bras that comes in a variety of styles and colors, including denim, leopard print and polka dot. Its counterpart, the panty pack, also comes in a variety of styles.

Undertones, at 1910 N. La Canada Drive, is the only store in Arizona that will carry the popular bags, which have been featured on “The Today Show” and were given away last year as a Golden Globe Awards gift, according the company’s Web site, www.bra-g.com.

As for the bras themselves, 16 brands are available in sizes ranging from 32A to 54K, and special orders can be taken for colors and styles, she said. Accessory products such as bra strap converters, extenders and comfort shoulder straps are also available, as well as gift certificates.

Undertones is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturdays in the summer by appointment only. Fall Saturday hours are 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Special appointments for fittings can be made for before or after business hours.

Call Alla Werstler at 393-1236 for more information.

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726