Submitted by: Jennifer Cannon jcannon@ida.net

(Note:  As I was reading through this the song "My Favorite Things" popped into my head and seems to go with the words if you wanted to use music :-)

This was a great Standards Night done in our ward a few years ago. It was written by Susan Nuttall and Zelma Adams and addressed the issue of modesty which we were concerned about in our ward.

The room was set up like a fashion runway and was decorated with lights, greenery and flowers. The models were ladies in our ward that the girls knew and looked up to. They had to really ham it up. Their outfits are described below (extreme is the key!!!!) This was for mothers and daughters. The DI let us "borrow" any outfits we needed.

There was a speaker on modesty afterwards.  I realize that different wards have different concerns and different situations. I know there has been much debate on body piercing and tattoos...but this could be adapted to meet your ward's needs. I think it really made an impact on the girls.

We had a fashion "hostess" (I'm not sure what you would call her) who introduced all of the models with the following verses:

Opening:

A "Fashion aBash" we have for you.
As for our models, we've not a clue.
Each are dressed in the latest fashion.
I'm sure you'll see with the greatest of passion.
There's clothes of worldly fashion and flair.
We hope you'll enjoy...what we'd like to share.

SHORT SKIRTS: Model wore an inappropriate short skirt.

The "Worldly Look"you must agree
Is showing us a lot of knee.
First, the knee and then the thigh...
Some mini-skirts go 'way up high!

So, if you want to sit at all..
And walk or run or cruise the mall...
Better have more fabric in your dress...
Remember, modesty is always best!
And...please don't dare to reach or bend,
Because you WILL expose your end.

Chorus:

Our prophet asks each girl to be
A picture of femininity.
To show the world in modest dress
We're not the same as all the rest.

HALTER TOPS: She wore a horse's halter

Halters on horses are always quite fine.
A horse needs a halter to keep him in line.
A horse needs a halter to keep him on track.
A horse needs a halter to guide him on back.

A girl needs a sweatshirt or a turtleneck sweater.
A girl needs a jacket or vest in cold weather.
A girl needs a t-shirt or blouse to look fine,
A girl dressed modestly is right on the line.

So, I guess what we're really trying to say
Is we want you to dress in a modest way.
Halters are always in style for a horse,
But a young woman needs to do better...of course!

JEWELRY: model wore tons and tons of gaudy jewelry

Glitter, clutter, shiny gold.
Mincing and jangling as we go.
Too many necklaces, bracelets and rings,
These are all of worldly the things.

A bracelet, a necklace, a ring or two,
Are very flattering and graceful on you.
But when you put oh more and more
You look like a walking jewelry store.

Chorus:

Our prophet asks each girl to be
A picture of femininity.
To show the world in modest dress
We're not the same as all the rest.

TIGHT CLOTHING: The model wore light long johns with Saran wrap tightly wrapped around her body so that she could hardly move or walk.

Then, there's clothes so tight and revealing,
Just to breathe..she is numb..no feeling.
Is it really worth the pain and duress..
To feel like a mummy with full figure distress?

If up the staircase you venture to tread,
Please, puleeze, take the elevator instead!

Chorus:

SLIT SKIRT: skirt with a very long slit

A skirt with a slit, to some seems real "hip".
A dress with a slice may to others seem nice.
If a gown has a slash, we say it's quite "dash".
And a split in the skirt is "Oh, just so pert"!

A slit, a slash, a slice or a split
May be what the fashion experts call "it"
But, you'd better take care of that mighty long tear.
You may just end up showing your pink underwear!

Chorus:

THE GOTHIC LOOK: Dressed in all black with white painted face

The Gothic look of "Painted Face"
For Halloween might have its place
With eyes and lips ad Dark as night,
To others..such a Ghastly sight!

The look you wear tells quite a story
Your self-esteem with virtues and glory,
A daughter of God and a Princess, too
Is what our Father bequeaths to you.

Remember, girls, and know it's true,
There's always someone watching you.

Chorus:

SPAGHETTI STRAPS: Model wore a dress with actual spaghetti noodles covering the straps.

The worldly look would have you think
Spaghetti isn't something good to eat.
Instead...straps so small it's hard to see
If they're part of the dress or part of "thee"

That hungry date might take a bite
And you'd be topless for the night.

Chorus:

PLUNGING NECKLINE: Model wore a low cute dress and carried a plunger with her

A beautiful girl in a beautiful dress
Looks gorgeous and stunning, I confess.
Many eyes will want to admire
This girl, if she's modest in her attire.

But a plunging neckline..we must beware
Will make the wrong person stop and stare.
And, if on a date with some "buff" guy,
His eyes must gaze upon the sky.

He dare'st not look on thy sweet face,
For fear of looking in the wrong place!
And, if that dress is backless too
Oh dear, what's the poor feller to do?

So, if you're going to take the plunge
Make sure your necklines are modestly done!

BODY PIERCING:

To be "holy" does not mean
That we must take it to the extreme...
Of piercing nose and tongue an;d eyes.
To do so isn't sensible, nor is it wise!

Piercing this and that and there
Shows that you really do not care
For the body that you were given
By a loving Father in Heaven.

The temple that you mare
Will forever yet to be scarred.

So..stand for truth and righteousness!
Be "holy" and be free.
Take care of the only body you'll have
and receive blessings through eternity!

BODY PAINTING (TATTOOS): Model was plastered with sticker tattoos and marker

Permanent tattoos...
Is that what you choose?
They won't wash off, they are always there,
And...they will go with you EVERYWHERE!

Hearts and skulls and dragon's feet.
Are these what you want your grandchildren to meet?
Now, it doesn't take ink, nor does it take dye
To show that true beauty lies deep inside.

Chorus:

SWIMSUITS: Model wore a bikini with long johns underneath

If you're looking for some swimwear to buy
Don't choose those leg holes cut 'way up high!"
They're fashioned to almost reach your waist.
MY GOODNESS! What keeps the bottom in place?

There's hardly any fabric there
To cover parts that SHOULDN'T be bare!
And necklines so low that one can see
(When you bend over) clear to the knee!

Modesty, they say, is "Out of Style"
Why, on some nude beaches...they just wear a smile.
So, when you shop...your cash to spend...
Make sure you're covered to: THE END!"

Chorus:

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