Before and After

Here is the dress I just modified for my friend M. In spite of the difference in color in the photos, it really is the same dress. She says she really likes it and feels like Belle from Beauty and the Beast when she wears it. I share this to honor her and show her integrity, not to show off my sewing skills, though I'm grateful that all my years of crazy sewing have prepared me to do this small service. What's really impressive is when a young woman has the conviction in her beliefs to be willing to go against the tide of fashion and be modest. For those of you not of my faith, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in modesty as a way of expressing our faith and our willingness to do what is asked of us by a loving Heavenly Father. Here is how we teach this idea to our youth. We also believe in moderation, so we don't dress oddly or anachronistically, like the Amish, but when compared with how most teens are dressing for the prom, this young lady will stand out with the beauty of her character and personality as the stars of the show instead of her body. It would be easy for her to say, "It's just one night and it's prom-I'd rather fit in and feel hip." This girl didn't say that. She wanted to be pretty and feminine instead of sexy and provocative. More power to her.