Measuring Up

Even the occasional reader of this blog knows of the affection I have for TLC Cable network's show What Not To Wear.

For the uninitiated, each episode features hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly surprising some unsuspecting fashion victim and offering to trade $5000 worth of new clothing for the contents of the victim's closet, with the pledge that all replacement clothing will fit the shopping rules of stylists London and Kelly. Hair and makeup makeovers are included.

What I love about the show is that it invariably demands an unexpected degree of self awareness from the participants. These women (and most of the participants on the show are women) have to take a good look at their authentic selves, internally and externally, in this moment of time, and then embrace that person.

An article in today's Washington Post reinforces that I'm not alone in my loyalty to WNTW. Health Writer Jennifer Huget, who contributes to both the Eat, Drink and be Healthy column and the Checkup blog on the Washington Post website, interviewed Stacy London, then invited readers to weigh in (no pun intended) about the practice of letting clothes suck up closet space long after they no longer fit.

Huget's article and the readers' comments provide food for thought on holding on to our past selves, and when to move on.