Kaysville • The lingerie-clad mannequins have been removed from the boutique's window, but it's not certain if a new display showing bras and undergarments hanging on a clothesline will stop complaints.
Store owner Christy Allen said that although she figured that the shop would raise a few eyebrows, she was surprised at how at how much contention Pretty You Boutique has generated.
Residents in this Davis County community complained to city officials, saying mannequins dressed in bras and undergarments were too provocative and inappropriate for families passing by.
Allen has since moved the mannequins back from the window: Two of the models are now dressed in corsets and the third is wearing a full nightgown with shoulder-capped sleeves.
"I thought it would be more discreet if I put up a clothesline in the window, instead of the mannequins," said Allen. "I've been careful. There is nothing in my store that anyone can't find in a department store."
Janalyn Holt, co-owner of Pepperbelly's Restaurant two blocks north of the boutique, is disappointed in the new display.
"I feel that if she doesn't achieve a healthy balance or try to make people comfortable with what she puts up in the window, it will be difficult for her to stay in business" said Holt. "Absolutely my children see underwear, but I don't throw it on front lawn or ask the neighbors to go through it. It's called intimate apparel for a reason."
Holt said citizens are concerned that families can see into the boutique window when they que up for a discount theater, located a few doors to the north on Main Street. She acknowledged that lines could form on the other side of the theater, but parking would make it inconvenient to do so.
The Kaysville Theatre, a favorite for families, is currently showing six movies. "Rio," a computer-animated musical comedy, is rated G for general audiences. Two films are rated PG for parental guidance suggested and three are rated PG-13 for parents strongly cautioned — some material may be inappropriate for children under age 13.
"It is wise for any business owner to listen to citizens of the community," said Holt. "They have an obligation to try to fit into that value system. I think the community is trying to tell [Allen], 'We hope you succeed, but this is not what we want in our community.' "
Holt, who helped found Women for Decency in 2003, suggested that Allen fill up the window with bright, colorful balloons, full pajamas and, perhaps, mannequins dressed in robes.
Allen said she doesn't see the point.
"I sell bras," she said. "That's what I sell."
Allen said she started the business because she believes women should have better selections of undergarments. A breast cancer survivor, she also sells bras for post-surgical wear.
The shop opened on July 5.
Allen, a major in the Army Reserve, returned from duty in Baghdad last year. She also served in Operation Desert Storm in the 1990s as part of a military coalition formed after Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait. Currently, Allen is part of a medical command based on Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City.
Her husband, Jeffery Allen, does the accounting work for the boutique, and he built the shop's interior.
"We've tried to come up with an acceptable arrangement with as many of the people that we can," he said. "But we won't be able to please everyone."
Pretty You Boutique
What • Some complaining of bras, lingerie in display window
Where • Lingerie shop is located at 11 N. Main St., Kaysville.
Merchandise • Bras, panties, lingerie, corsets and beauty products
Hours • Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
