Two Ways to Save $$$ on Work Clothes

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

There's no getting around it: you need a decent work wardrobe. And few secretaries we know are finding a surplus in their fashion budget these days.

But we know of at least two ways to save money while still dressing your best:

METHOD #1: Stop Paying for Pressing; Spray the Wrinkles Away!



Who likes ironing? It's so much easier to hand off your stuff to the drycleaner and let them worry about getting your shirts crisp, smooth and office-ready. Of course, that can get expensive.

All right, so you can't imagine doing all that ironing yourself, no matter how much money it saves. Hey, we respect that. We don't iron anymore either. We found a surprisingly effective alternative for lazy people: Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover. It's a secret we're happy to share.

We don't understand how this stuff works -- we just marvel that it does.

Here's how to duplicate our test: Take your favorite shirt and hang it on a hanger. Spray Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover on the shirt. Then, work the wrinkles out with a combination of two motions: tug the garment down and outward gently to pull the fabric flat so the wrinkles flatten, too. Then smooth the fabric out with the palms of your hands, as if your hands were irons. Work your way around the garment one section at a time, tugging and smoothing. This doesn't take long, mere moments. You'll be amazed at how smooth and tidy the garment becomes in no time at all. Plus, the clean scent of Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover freshens your clothes and chases away any stale odors in the garment. Give the garment about two minutes to air-dry and it's ready to wear!

Try not to worry about your drycleaner's receipts when you stock up on Grandma's Secret Wrinkle Remover instead at www.GrandmasSoap.com. A four-pack of 8-ounce spray bottles goes for $19.95.


METHOD #2: Keep the Clothes You've Got in Good Shape.



Stretch your budget by stretching your wardrobe into one more season. Trust us, in these economic times, no one will blame you for giving last year's clothes at least one more go 'round.

One of the most common reasons that clothes get discarded from one year to the next is stains. And they always seem to fall right smack in the middle of your best sweater or blouse, where it can't be hidden with a scarf or piece of jewelry, right?

In a downtown legal office, a group of secretaries kept a set of Carbona Stain Devils on-hand for several months, and promised to use them as needed. Carbona's Stain Devils are specially designed to treat specific stains. Carbona makes Stain Devil formulas to treat:

- Gum & Glue
- Ketchup & Sauce
- Ink & Crayon
- Blood & Milk
- Fat/Grease/Oil
- Make-Up & Grass
- Motor Oil & Lubricant
- Fruit & Red Wine
- Rust

Each special formula also treats other, similar stains. For example, the Stain Devil for Gum & Glue also removes stains from correction fluid and nail polish.

During our secretaries' test period, they found occasions to reach for Carbona's Stain Devil formulas for Ketchup & Sauce, Ink & Crayon, and Gum & Glue.

Carla used the Stain Devil for Ketchup & Sauce to get rid of a barbecue sauce stain. "I noticed the stain right away, so I treated it right away. I had to wait several hours to go home and be able to throw my shirt in the laundry, but the stain came out like it was never there to begin with."

Irina had similar results with Carbona's Stain Devil for Ink & Crayon on a blue ink stain. "No, I didn't notice the stain right away," she said. "In fact, I didn't see it 'til I got on the subway at the end of the day, but I waited 'til the next day to take that Carbona bottle home from work to try it out." Even after letting the stain set in for at least 36 hours before treatment, Irina found that Carbona did a great job of getting rid of the stain. "I didn't bring the bottle back to the office," she confessed. "The stuff worked too good, so I kept it."

Diane was equally pleased when she used Carbona's Stain Devil for Gum & Glue on a sweater. "I got some gooey *#@# on my sweater from a strip of double-sided tape," she complained. "I got most of the gooey part off in little rolled-up balls, but it left behind a sticky mark." "I used the formula for Gum (& Glue) and it lifted out the stickiness, and when the sweater was washed there was no spot leftover. You couldn't tell where the tape had been." "I probably would've gotten rid of (the sweater) if I couldn't get that spot out." It sounds like Carbona saved Diane's sweater!

So the next time you get a stain that you think is hopeless -- including shoe polish, suntan lotion, Vaseline -- stop by the supermarket on your way home from work and get the Carbona Stain Devil made for your stain. It's one of the best ways we know to extend the life of your wardrobe!

The Carbona web site lists all the different types of stains each type of Stain Devil treats, and you can buy them individually for $3.49, or get the entire line for $27.92.

Women Like Dressing Like Ho's to Get Ahead

A recent survey conducted by fashion forum site TheRagTrader revealed that most women have no qualms about dressing provocatively in order to get a promotion at work.

In fact, 1 in 20 women are already dressing to highlight their feminine charms in order to stay in the boss's good graces.

Read more.

Cold, Wet City -- Warm, Dry Feet!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!



You kept putting it off and putting it off. But winter weather has arrived in the Big Apple, and admit it: your feet are feelin' it.

It's time to invest in a good pair of boots that will keep your feet toasty warm and dry while navigating snow piles at the bus stop and chilly streetcorner puddles. Not to mention, they should be comfortable to support everyday pounding of the pavement and scaling multiple levels of subway staircases.

You've come to trust the opinions of our real-secretary reviewers, and we appreciate that. Three of our volunteers braved the recent wintry weather in footwear by Teva, Sorel, and Ulu, putting them to the test just for you. Here's their feedback:

The Aniso eVent by Teva: A Weatherproof Alternative to The Boot



Lori worked and shopped through weather that spit icy rain from the sky, through slippery snow-covered sidewalks and bitter cold in Teva's Aniso eVent shoes.

"I'm not really a boot person, so I was already excited when I saw these shoes," she told us. But was she disappointed with how they wore? No way! "I really felt like they were a protective cocoon around my feet without a boot against my ankles and legs, which I hate. They were substantial and warm and my feet stayed completely dry. Nothing got into these shoes." Must be the waterproof "eVent" membrane.

"But at the same time, they're so lightweight," Lori continued. "When you look at them, they look so sturdy and serious, you almost expect them to be heavy and clunky. I was totally shocked. They weigh almost nothing."

Did they keep her feet warm? "Oh, totally!" Lori confirmed. "Yeah. I was standing on cold pavement for a long time yesterday and I felt completely shielded."

Lori seemed impressed with the all-around comfort of Teva's Aniso eVent, too. "I feel springy in these shoes!" she laughed. "I know this will make me sound like a commercial, but these shoes actually make me feel like I want to walk!" Not surprising, since Teva's web site describes this shoe's encapsulated "Shoc Pad", molded sockliner with ortholite comfort technology, and high density shank for underfoot stability.

Lori was so sold on the Teva Aniso eVent, she said she planned to wear them every day from now on.

For a shoe-like, weatherproof alternative to boots, the Teva Aniso eVent sounds like a can't-lose way to spend your hard-earned money! They come in three colors (red, blue and olive) and sell for about $100. Get yours direct from Teva.


The Pakua by Sorel: Cute, But at What Cost?



When wintry weather hit last week, Erin gave the Pakua boot by Sorel a go. She immediately liked the appearance of this boot -- a sort of "urban Inuit" look. Round-toed; a sporty 6.5" shaft; shearling collar and lining; an adorable suede double-lace that wraps around the boot and holds a decorative shell button at the front.

She liked the feel of them immediately, too. "They felt luscious on my feet," she said. Probably the coziest things I've ever had on my feet. I never wanted to take them off. I could probably sleep in them."

They even held up nicely to cold, wet weather, with their 100% waterproof suede upper and natural rubber outsole. Erin reported that her feet stayed plenty warm and dry through rain, sleet and snow -- yep, we saw all three!

But on Day Three of Erin's trial, she was disappointed. "The boots have loops sewn on the back, so you can tug the boot over your heel. Well, I gave one of the boots a pull from the loop and the entire back center seam of the boot ripped right open. Now it's wide open in the back, and even though I can technically still wear it on my foot, it's not really secure, and it definitely lets the draft in, and probably snow or rain too, if I tried wearing it outside like that." She added sadly, "I really wanted to give these boots a good review, because they are so incredibly comfortable and really cute. But this is a pretty big flaw. You can't get around a major seam ripping open like that. I felt like if they were going to have loops there, you should reinforce it better. And you definitely need to use the loops to pull the boots over your foot, because I found the opening a little on the narrow side. Good for fitting close to your lower leg and keeping everything snug, but if you need to pull at the boots to get them on, you definitely need stronger construction."

If you like what you see in Sorel's Pakua, you can take your chances and hope for a better experience. You'll pay about $140 for these, but shop around on the web for the best price. The Pakua boot comes in "toast" (tan) and "stout" (brown). For more information, visit Sorel.


The Suluk Boot by Ulu: Lukky U!



Yda was our guinea pig with Ulu's "Suluk" boot -- and she couldn't be happier we asked. "I love these boots!" she gushed. "Love, love, love them! Best pair of boots I've worn in years."

Yda described the Suluk boot as "very high-quality". "You can see these aren't falling apart any time soon."

She also found them extraordinarily comfortable. "Luxurious boots, luxurious! They feel so good on your feet, I'm telling you. They're so soft in the bottom and along the opening (the collar). These are spa boots!" What Yda experienced was the Suluk's shearling and wool lining -- shearling-lined footbed, wool against the leg and a return to shearling at the collar.

How did she feel walking around in them? "Very comfortable. I didn't freeze my toes off." "They felt very supportive and well-made." "I have weak ankles and I felt secure in these boots. I had no pain later." She also added that Ulu's Suluk boots "weren't too heavy," thanks to the lightweight cork-infused molded midsole.

And when Yda wore the Ulu Suluk style, she looked darn cute, too. Take a look at this boot! It means business, but it means to be pretty about it. Embroidered floral tape creates loops for the laces, and repeats up the back center seam of the boot. There are also flowers stamped subtly into the waterproof suede upper. The Suluk has an 8" shaft, and a traction outsole of recycled rubber. A pair will set you back 155 well-spent dollars. Check out your color choices and find out where to shop at Ulu.

It's a "Secret Santa" Gift Extravaganza!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!



Looking for a Secret Santa gift? Or an idea for what to get your boss?

The secretaries who make up the Just A Sec volunteer army have stepped up to give their recommendations for this season's best gift ideas.

UNDER $10

Got a Desk? Got Your Gift!
Paper Trackers
$4.95 -- $8.95



"These are the kind of things you wish you had on your desk every day, and they would be so simple to make, and you wonder why nobody's made them yet. Well somebody has!"

So said our friend Gabriella, a secretary at a local university, after setting up her desk with Paper Trackers.

Paper Trackers are a series of elegantly simple organizing gadgets that get papers off the surface of your desk, but keep them handy where you need them.

Gabriella liked the Paper Trackers' versatility. "What's great about the Paper Trackers is, you can use them any way that works for you. It doesn't matter what your desk set-up is. You can attach them almost anywhere."

Paper Trackers are like slender, transparent pockets where you can stow flat items you need to see quickly -- notes, photos, business cards. They attach with adhesive strips, magnets, or adjustable clips, depending on where you need to keep your Paper Tracker. For example, you can keep notes on the top and sides of your computer monitor by using adhesive Paper Tracker 11" Bars; or clip phone numbers and business cards to your phone with a 5.5" Paper Tracker Bar with Double Swivel Clip.

"They're very easy to assemble," Gabriella told us. "It's just a matter of slipping the plastic sleeves into the bar, then either sticking on your magnets or adhesive pads, or attaching a clip."

We love the Paper Tracker products as a less bulky alternative to bulletin boards and pushpins, clunky standing files, etc. And at under $10, anyone can get their own. They're a can't-go-wrong gift for anybody with a desk -- your co-workers will dig them!

Take a minute today to order up a bunch at www.papertracker.net.


$20 AND UNDER

Cocktails, Anyone?
The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis
by James O. Fraioli
$12.95



"I wanted to catch up with my friends," said Reena, a legal secretary in midtown. "Most of them know how to make mixed drinks, but I never knew."

Then she read The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis.

"This book was great!" Reena raved. "I knew nothing. Less than nothing, and I was able to make martinis for myself and my friends this past weekend."

"It's a small book, written in simple language. You won't get overwhelmed. There's really just some basic information you need to know what you're doing, and this book gives it to you without a lot of extra stuff you don't care about it."

"I definitely liked the opening chapter that tells you what all those bar tools do, what they're called, what's the difference between 'neat' and 'on the rocks'. I never knew what a cocktail shaker was for before. It was those little things that made me feel like, oh, OK, I know this. I know as much as everybody else now!"

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis breaks up its recipes into six categories: Classic Martinis, Flavorful Fruit Martinis, Aromatic Herb and Vegetable Martinis, Exotic Martinis, Festive Holiday Martinis and Decadent Dessert Martinis.

"I chose two martinis from the book to master and then serve up to my friends: the Kamikaze Martini and the Marilyn Monroe Martini. They were easy to make, they turned out great, and now everybody thinks I'm the drink master!" Reena admitted, though -- she hid the book from her friends!

Don't hide it from your friends -- get them each a copy at your favorite bookseller, or from Amazon.


Cheerful Umbrellas: The No-Brainer Gift
Totes Jingle 'brella and Santa 'brella
$14.99



"As far as I'm concerned, if you need to get a gift for a co-worker, this is it," said Linda, a legal secretary in lower Manhattan. "Just buy one of these for every gal you work with and you'll be set. I mean, who doesn't need an umbrella? Even if you've got one, who needs just one? You're always losing an umbrella. And these are really, really cute. Nobody who gets one of these from you is going to say, 'Ew, I got such a boring gift!' These Jingle 'brellas are just too adorable."

Everyone at Just A Sec agreed -- this year, Totes has a winner with its Jingle 'brella and Santa 'brella. They come in a variety of happy-go-lucky prints like retro-dots, houndstooth and animal prints, and chic solids too.

Linda noted, "They're nice and compact too, but you get good coverage when you open them up." Too true. The 'brella folds up to 6" in length but opens to a 38" canopy arc.

"Plus, you don't even have to wrap these," said Linda. "I wouldn't. Look -- they come with either a little Santa hat on top or a bow and bells! How CUTE! I'd just put a gift tag on and give it." You can't beat a gift that doesn't need wrapping!

Quick! Order a Totes Jingle 'brella or Santa 'brella for everyone you know at www.totes-isotoner.com.


Rock that New Year's Resolution!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good
By G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. and Deborah S. Romaine
$16.95



"I think this book is the perfect universal gift," says Charlotte, a downtown secretary in real estate. "When you think about it, you're supporting everyone's New Year's resolution, no matter what it is. Everyone wants to start the new year with a change. This book makes a big impact for a little money, in my opinion."

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good was co-written by the director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, so he should know what he's talking about when it comes to successfully breaking free from those monkeys on our backs. But, as with all books in the Complete Idiot's series, the advice is presented in a clearly-organized, easy-to-understand way.

"I'm completely engrossed in it," Charlotte said of Changing Old Habits. "Honestly, I'm not someone who reads a lot of self-help books, but this one is so easy to read. And it's making a lot of sense." She added, "I'm looking ahead and it looks like the authors have really covered the subject from beginning to end. I see chapters here that address your state of mind even after you've changed your habit. How to keep your good habits going long-term. I know that's what I'm going to need, so I feel better knowing those chapters are ahead."

You can purchase The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good from your favorite bookseller, or at Amazon.com.


Goodbye, Hat-Hair and Sweaty Necks!
Trailheads Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband
$20.00



"Oh my god, I hate wearing hats in winter. I will, like, not put a hat on my head, no matter how cold it is. First of all, I cannot have anything pressing down the top of my hair. My top-hair just doesn't fluff back up like my side hair does. And secondly, I get so sweaty under my hair, right at the back of my neck if I wear a little knit hat. It doesn't matter if it's minus twenty outside. My neck sweats, and it's gross."

That's what one Tribeca secretary told us.

"I tried wearing earmuffs, the kind that wrap around the back of your head. But for some reason, they really hurt my ears, like they pressed on them or something and gave me a headache."

Then Lisa tried the Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband by Trailheads.

"OK, I think I found my answer! I love this thing. It kept my ears nice and toasty warm, but I didn't sweat on my neck! And I didn't have to smush down the top of my hair, either!"

The cozy fleece Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband wraps around your head, covering your ears. But a clever opening in the back allows you to push your hair through, pony-tail style, getting it off your neck. No more sweaty hair sticking to the nape of your neck while the rest of your head gets frostbite!

The Trailheads Goodbye Girl is also moisture-repellant, so it dries quickly after a walk from the subway in sleet or snow. Headbands are black with cheerful contrasting colored piping, your choice of pink, blue, green or red.

Get yours at Trailheads.


UNDER $40

Decisions, Decisions
The Decision Kit by Knock Knock
$21.00



Who doesn't have to make decisions? We face them every day. Admittedly, some are bigger than others -- so why not do a friend a favor and give them The Decision Kit this Christmas?

Sandra and Kellie are friends who work together at a corporation in midtown. They played with The Decision Kit and gave it a big two-thumbs-up.

"I want to get this for Christmas!" Kellie laughed. "This was a lot of fun," Sandra agreed. "We went into it just looking at it like a game, but then it got kind of heavy. In a good way!" "Yeah, here we are having a laugh and then it's two hours later and we've had twenty epiphanies each and felt like we'd been to therapy," said Kellie.

The Decision Kit definitely has a sense of humor (it even includes an "I Decided Today!" jacket pin), but the tools inside the pretty Decision Kit box can actually help you work through a dilemma. There are three notepads that urge you to examine the pros & cons of a situation, identify your gut feelings, and list your next steps. To inspire you, there's a tiny booklet of quotations about decision making. And after all this, if you still can't decide, they've given you a coin to flip!

We loved The Decision Kit, and everything else we found at Knock Knock. You'll find a treasure trove of witty co-worker and boss gifts on their web site. Hurry! Go now!


Book Worship
The Peeramid Bookrest
$32.95



Nicole, an executive assistant, reads in bed every night. But after years of doing it, she's still not thrilled with having to hold the book up to her face. Here's what she told us:

"I know, it seems like a stupid thing to complain about, doesn't it? But if you read a lot, especially in bed, after a while you get tired holding up your arms. You want to keep reading but your arms get sore. Sometimes I wish someone would just hold the book in front of my face for me."

After she tried to Peearmid Bookrest, she was overjoyed.

"This is the best thing I could've hoped for. It totally takes the pressure off my arms, and it holds the book at the perfect height and angle."

The Peeramid is, well, a pyramid -- stuffed and sewn with a "ledge" for placing your book. It sits on your lap, giving you a place to rest your book as you read.

"They stuffed it the perfect amount," Nicole noted. "If they'd made it softer, it wouldn't support a book. It's just firm enough, but still nice and lightweight on my lap. And I love that they included a bookmarker!" That's right, a pretty cord attached to the peak of the Peeramid drapes down and serves to hold your place. You can leave your favorite paperback right on the Peeramid when you've finished reading for the night, and pick it up again the next night. Sit it on your nightstand or on the floor beside your bed. It's attractive and comes in a wide variety of lovely fabrics for any guy or gal reader you know.

For that reader in your life, order up a Peermid at Hog Wild Toys today.


Foodies, Vegetarians and Wannabes
The Vegetable Box by Keda Black
$34.99



"I can think of three types of people who would love this gift," said Tracy, a downtown insurance company employee. "Foodies, vegetarians, and people who want to get more veggies in their diets."

The Vegetable Box is a whimsical alternative to the commonplace cookbook. Recipes are printed inside one of 14 mini-cookbooks which come nestled inside a wooden crate -- a great gift presentation! Each booklet covers two different vegetables, and they're divided into sections inside the crate.

"I really liked how the dividers list all the recipes that are inside the book in that section," Nicole told us. "It made it easy to see what I wanted to make, instead of having to flip through each book one at a time. I could choose a couple of things that sounded interesting, check out the recipes, and narrow down what I wanted to try from there."

And how were the recipes, Nicole?

"I'm sort of a mid-range cook, a little adventurous but not a total gourmet, and I thought there was something here for everybody. The recipes are not all so far-out that nobody but a professional chef could have success with them, but there are enough interesting ingredients to satisfy people like me who really like to explore the local gourmet shop and try something new."

Everybody knows somebody who'd love The Vegetable Box -- and will love you for giving it to them. Get yours at your favorite bookseller or visit Amazon.

What to Wear to the Office Party

Need tips on how to dress appropriately for the office holiday party? Check out this article at WorkChic!

One Less Worry: Your Bra.

A Just A Sec Exclusive!



Here at JAS, we discovered a bra we really like: Warner's "Elements of BlissWire" underwire bra. One of our real-secretary reviewers, Lori from downtown, had this to say:

"This (Elements of Blisswire bra from Warner's) is very comfortable. It doesn't pinch or poke anywhere. The cups are especially comfortable. First of all, they're very soft. Secondly, they're lightly padded so they give your bust a nice, smooth shape."

Does Lori usually wear padded bras?

"No," she said. "I usually wear sports bras. But this bra took years off my physique because of the way it lifts. It gives good support and it molds your boobs, makes them perky and youthful. But the cups are soft. It isn't completely obvious that you're wearing molded cups every minute of the day. These are just so soft and light, I don't feel like I'm wearing one of those old-fashioned boulder-holders."

Warner's describes the Elements of BlissWire bra as having "light contour cups" offering "great shaping without show-through, an a soft lining adds up to complete comfort."

The "great shaping without show-through" jibes with something else Lori told us: "Because it's lightly padded, it gives you headlight protection for when it's cold. For people who don't like having headlights, this is a great bra."

Lori said the straps were thin but still supportive and not flimsy. "They're sturdy and springy," she described. She also added she wasn't aware of the underwire -- which makes sense, since Warner's says "the underwire casing features three layers of fabric for increased softness."

Lori says she'll continue to wear sports bras frequently because she goes to the gym five days a week, but she said of the Elements of Blisswire bra, "This has become my 'nice bra', the bra I wear when I'm dressing up and want to look especially nice, because I love the way it makes me look."

But YOU could enjoy the flattery and comfort of the Elements of BlissWire bra every day of the week, because at a suggested retail price of $32.00, it's an affordable luxury.

To view the Warner's collection of bras and find a store near you, visit www.warners.com.

Commuter Sneakers for Fall -- For a Comfier Rush Hour

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

If you work in an office with an old-fashioned dress code and they still make you wear your big girl shoes, chances are you’ve got that separate pair of “commuting shoes” for hot-footing around Manhattan and up and down subway staircases. With fall finally here, it’s time to get out of those flip-flops and into something more substantial.

Once again, we charged some real New York secretaries with the task of testing comfort footwear on their daily commutes. Here’s what they had to say about four vastly different styles of sneakers:

For “Problem Feet”: A Classic White Sneaker



Marianne is a legal secretary who calls herself “Big Foot”. “My feet are like boats,” she laughs. “I wear a size 11 and my feet are wide, too. I have a lot of problems with them. Shoes just don’t fit me right most of the time, so my feet usually hurt by the time I get to work or get home.” In fact, Marianne didn’t think she’d be a good candidate to do a shoe review for us, because she says, “No shoes feel good to me. Besides, I have to wear big chunky insoles and that just makes shoes even tighter.”

But Marianne agreed to wear P.W. Minor’s Performance Walker for Women, a classic white lace-up sneaker made with a leather-like EVA outsole. P.W. Minor is known for having extensive sizes and widths. They design their shoes with deep toe boxes and extra depth.

So what did Marianne think? “Oh my, these shoes are wonderful. It’s like wearing two pillows,” she said. “There’s plenty of room inside for my foot, and they’re lined with this soft, cushy material that feels just wonderful against my feet. I tell ya, it’s actually more comfortable having these shoes on than it is going barefoot.”

How did they hold up during the commute? “Huge difference. My feet don’t hurt like they used to. These shoes are very stable. I feel like they hold on to my feet, secure but softly.” Not surprising, because these sneakers are designed with special features to maximize arch support, promote midfoot stability and soften impact.

And it sounds like Marianne will be enjoying them for a long time to come. “These aren’t flimsy shoes, by any means,” she added. “I feel like these will last me a lifetime. You can see that they’re very well-made.”

But how easy was it to keep those white-white-white shoes clean? “I had a couple of scuffs on them and to be honest I just took whatever soap was in the dispenser at work with a wet paper towel and they just rubbed right off. I’m actually kind of surprised they still look so new, because I’ve been wearing them all over the place for three weeks.”

P.W. Minor’s Performance Walker for Women retails for approximately $82, but shop around for the best deal. Find your nearest dealer at www.pwminor.com.


Good Enough to Eat.



Heather takes two trains to work, and then walks eleven blocks. “I’m not one of the lucky ones who walks right out of the station and into work,” she told us. She wore the Core Strength XT cross-trainer by Ryka to and from work for a week and gave us her opinion.

“If my feet were a mouth, these shoes would be the ice cream,” she expressed (rather uniquely, we thought). “Unbelievably comfortable. The thing I noticed right away was they’re so lightweight. My old sneakers feel like they weigh ten pounds each by comparison now. The Rykas were light, but I didn’t lose anything comfort-wise.” We can probably attribute Heather’s comfort to the dual-piece Nitracel Cushioning Cartridge at the forefoot and heel, with balanced flex grooves. The lightweight quality is helped by the “air mesh” material that makes up most of the upper.

“This material is great,” Heather said of the air mesh. “It has some stretch to it, and it obviously weighs nothing. So it fits my foot like a glove, but without being so obviously there, you know what I mean? These shoes support your foot without punishing you and letting you know every five seconds, ‘Hi, we’re your sneakers, and we’re here!’”

As to their appearance, Heather said the Rykas were “way cute. Really, really cute. I love the shiny purple-y part on the side.”

The Core Strength XT sneaker by Ryka goes for $70. Visit www.ryka.com.


No Fuss: A Sporty Slip-On



Kim tried two pairs of shoes by Comfortview Active. Comfortview Active footwear is generally marketed to plus size women via mail order catalogs and the internet.

The first pair Kim tried was a sporty slip-on sneaker called “Maxie”. “These cute little shoes gave me no problems at all. I know that’s not much of a review, but believe me, that’s saying a lot. I buy so many shoes and after I wear them once or twice, there’s always something wrong with them. The fit is wrong, they hurt in one place or another. Sometimes they slip off my foot, whatever. So then it ends up being too late to return them and I’m stuck with yet another pair of bum shoes I won’t wear again.”

But not so for Comfortview’s “Maxie”. “I wore these and the first day, no problems. Just comfy. Easy to walk in. I’ve been wearing them for two weeks straight – still no problems.” “I also like that they’re easy to get on and off,” she added. “When I get to work and want to change shoes, I don’t have to do any unlacing or unbuckling, none of that. I just slip my feet out of them, and slip my feet into my heels under the desk. Very easy.”

The Maxie slip-on sport shoe is made of leather and mesh with elastic straps sewn across the top of the shoe. They have a cushioned insole and rubber soles.

“I don’t know if this insole is made of special fabric or something, but I noticed these shoes don’t smell yet. It’s kind of gross, but the insoles of my shoes usually smell a little by now. These don’t.”

'Nuff said. Buy Comfortview Active’s “Maxie” at www.onestopplus.com for $39.99.


When Cute Matters.



Here’s the other pair Kim tried by Comfortview Active: The “Delta” Mary Jane. This style has a lightweight rubber-type sole, an adjustable strap with Velcro-type adhesive, and a fun quilted suede look. To us, the Delta just says “autumn”.

Unfortunately, Kim didn’t like the fit. “The part of the shoe that scoops down in front is cutting right into my foot,” she complained. “It’s like they made it too low. There needs to be more room for my foot.” She was surprised by this. “Well, they sell these shoes to plus size women, right? Well, fat women usually have fat feet. You’d have to have really slim, bony little feet for these shoes not to hurt. Look, I’m bulging right out of this shoe!” She showed us, and it’s true – her foot was actually thicker than the space inside the shoe. If she’d continued to wear them, she probably would’ve have a crescent-shaped rub or crease in the top of her foot.

“I really can’t speak for how they wear otherwise, because they just fit so poorly across the top of my foot, I couldn’t wear them on the street. I mean, they really hurt.” We can tell you that the Delta has a similar sole and insole to the “Maxie” shoe reviewed above, which Kim liked.

If you have a slender foot and tend to have good experiences with Mary Jane-type shoes cut open low in the front like this, you may love the Delta. It’s sweetly seasonal but, at least in Kim’s case, not the best bet for commuting comfort.

You can find Comfortview Active’s “Delta” at www.onestopplus.com for $39.99.

Don't Let Those New Fall Shoes HURT!

It happens every year. Your feet get used to the freedom of summer footwear -- stretching out and relaxing in breezy open sandals and strappy heels. Ahhhh.

Then summer ends -- and as much as you love those fabulous fall boots and shoes, your feet protest. You try stuffing them into those closed leathery spaces again, but they won't go without a fight. Blisters, callouses -- breaking in is hard to do.

But at JAS, we discovered some products from Dr. Scholl's for Her that we'll never live without again.

Dr. Scholl's For Her Miracle Shield



This little stick should be in your handbag at all times. Basically, it's lube for your feet. All those pesky little places where your shoes tend to rub -- and those places are different on everyone -- can be relieved on-the-spot. Think of it: the back of your ankle against crisp unbroken leather, that one unforgiving bunyon -- RELIEF! Miracle Shield works almost like a glue stick -- just glide it on your foot and it creates an invisible barrier between your skin and shoes, instantly protecting them from rubbing. Hey, we tried this stuff, and it works like a dream. It's very light -- not thick and gloppy -- and makes an immediate difference.

Miracle Shield retails for about $6.99 -- but this kind of relief is priceless.

Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Strips



You know EXACTLY where the trouble will be -- so you're on the case before the shoes are on your feet. Rub Relief Strips come in a purse-size tape dispenser with built-in cutter. Just pull out the Rub Relief "tape" to the exact length you need, press the yellow button to cut, pull off the white strip to reveal the adhesive, and stick your custom-made Rub Relief Strip inside your shoe. The strip is made of cushiony foam that prevents blisters from rubbing. It's also perforated down the middle, so you can separate it to create skinny strips if you need them. This is especially handy for cushioning the inside of a strap. We were delighted to find that the strips stayed in place -- unlike some products we've used that tended to "roll up" and become useless halfway through the day. We also liked the way the strips felt against our feet -- soft and smooth. The tape-like dispenser is pure genius.

Rub Relief Strips cost about $7.49.

For more information, visit www.drscholls.com.

School Bags We Want for Ourselves!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

Back-to-school shopping is over, and now it’s your turn to get something new!

This school year, we noticed some way-cute backpacks to help keep you organized throughout the work week. Here are three that get an "A" from the Just A Sec team of real secretary reviewers!


For The Boys -- or the Girls.



Hey, we know guys are secretaries too! So here’s a backpack that dudes can feel hip about carrying, but it’ll keep up with the maximum amount of gear even the busiest woman needs to tote around Monday through Friday!



The Campus backpack from Dakine comes in large and small sizes. Here, we reviewed the large, which measures a generous but manageable 20” x 13” x 9”. Made from a durable canvas-like material, with super-comfy padded straps and back. Hearty pick-up handle, too.

Keep your stuff organized with plenty of compartments, including:

-- 2 mesh exterior pockets, perfect for water bottles or umbrellas
-- Fleece-lined zipper compartment keeps sunglasses scratch-free



-- A small open-top pocket on the exterior gives you easy access to train passes and Metrocards



-- An insulated exterior cooler pocket helps keep lunch items cold until you reach the office (we love this feature!)
-- The medium-sized exterior zipper pocket is a neat freak’s dream, with 4 pen/pencil pockets and 2 lightly padded fleece-lined pockets for keeping cell phones and PDAs scratch-free



-- The main zipper compartment is incredibly large, with a built-in padded laptop sleeve. There’s more than enough room leftover for gym clothes, microwave meals, spare shoes, etc. Computer sleeve holds a laptop up to 15” x 11” x 1.5”.



Here, we show the Campus backpack in a pattern called “Olive Soba” – funky, but not overly feminine. The Campus comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. To find a Dakine dealer, go to www.dakine.com. One retailer sells the large-size Campus for $44.95.


Lady Backpack



The Shifter backpack by Ogio was designed especially for the gals. It’s as professional and together as it is adorable.

What makes the Shifter so special? Female-friendly features like the specially-designed lipstick pocket, strategically placed on one of the straps for those beauty emergencies. On the other strap, there’s an elastic band, perfect for holding an iPod.



There are two exterior side pockets – one for water, the other for your cell phone, keys, and other items you need to keep handy. This pocket is fleece-lined to keep your cell phone from getting scratched, and it has the wonderful feature of a magnetic closure that snaps the pocket closed automatically, so you don’t have to worry about the pocket gaping open and spilling its contents.

The smallest of the exterior zipper pockets is also fleece-lined, for holding sunglasses and keeping them like-new. In our photos, you’ll notice Ogio places tiny icons inside its various compartments and pockets, letting you know what might fit there best. We like this detail, which is not only helpful, but charming, too.



The medium-size zipper compartment is Organization Central.



This is where you’ll find dedicated spaces for:

-- Pens (4 pockets)
-- Make-up pocket, deep enough to hold a whole face worth, plus a compact mirror
-- A tiny triangular jewelry pocket with zipper, great for keeping your rings safe and sound while you’re in the gym or pool
-- The “No Boys Allowed” pocket (marked with a no-boys icon) big enough to stow all that menstrual mystery gear
-- A large open-top compartment for outgoing bills, small notebooks, etc.



Finally, the main compartment includes a padded laptop sleeve with stretchy Velcro-like closure to keep your gear in place (fits most 15” laptops). There’s plenty of room for books, work-out clothes, extra shoes, etc.



The Shifter is one of the prettiest backpacks we’ve seen in a long time, with lightweight blue pinstripe fabric, white leather piping and pretty circular leather zipper pulls, plus delightful floral satin lining. Includes a padded back and straps for comfy carrying, and a grab-handle on top. The whole pack measures 16” x 11” x 7”.



Here, we show the Shifter in “Navy Pinstripe”, but to check other color/pattern options and to find an Ogio dealer, log on to www.ogio.com. One retailer we checked sells the Shifter for $59.99, but shop around for the best deal.


The Queen of All Backpacks



The Hauler backpack by Ogio includes many of the same distinctive, stylistic details that made us love the Shifter (above), like handsome leather zipper pulls, a downright pretty appearance and thoughtful organizational features. But the Hauler was clearly made for the Queen of Everything. Know someone like that?

Let’s look at where Your Highness will stow your gear:

-- Exterior zipper side pocket expands to hold a water bottle



-- Other exterior zipper side pocket is lined with fleece to keep sunglasses from scratching.
-- On the face of the Hauler, there are three separate storage compartments. Two elongated rectangular pouches with zippers are handy for just about anything you want to grab in a hurry, from train schedules to bubble gum. The larger pouch with the frog-like closure is roomy enough for your battery pack, laptop cord or favorite paperback.



-- The smaller of the three main zipper compartments is your organizational dashboard, featuring a small mesh pocket; a second small pocket with Velcro-like closure; a small zipper compartment ideal for holding a combination lock for your gym locker; 5 pen pockets; two additional open-top pockets and a key holder.



-- The second main zipper compartment is roomy enough for a change of clothes, extra shoes, etc.
-- The last main zipper compartment is padded for storing a laptop up to 15”.



The Hauler features a padded back and straps for comfy carrying, and a grab-handle on top.



Here, we show the Hauler in gorgeous “White Tile” fabric with gold matte satin lining, but to check other color/pattern options and to find an Ogio dealer, log on to www.ogio.com. One retailer we checked sells the Shifter for $69.99, but shop around for the best deal.

Pretty ID Badge Holders: A Must-Have Fall Accessory

A Just-A-Sec Exclusive!

These days, most of us have to carry a bar-coded employee ID with us at all times to swipe in and out of the office. If you're a commuter, you probably carry a fare card or rail pass every day, too.

All these cards end up in our pockets (let's face it -- easy to lose or drop), or stuffed in ugly, nothin'-special ID holders we bought at the nearest newsstand.

No more! BooJeeBeads products were created to free working women from the fashion disaster the comes with wearing an employee ID.



These ID badge holders are so gorgeous, you'll want to wear them even when you're not at work.



The BooJeeBeads collection includes over 80 styles of ID holders, as necklaces or retractable reels on clips.



If you put a lot of thought into your fall wardrobe, shouldn't you put just as much attention toward the ONE thing you wear every day, Monday through Friday?





Go shopping for your BooJeeBeads at www.BooJeeBeads.com. They're a working girl's one must-have fall accessory.

Dress Code: Are We Turning into Slobs?

Somewhere between His Girl Friday and casual Friday, between black-tie and BlackBerrys, our workforce morphed from Mad Men into marathon men (and women) -- and the race is not to the sartorial top, but to the bottom of the laundry pile.

Read more in Wired about what's happening to the American office dress code, and why.

Cool Shoes for Hot Summer Feet -- Secretary Approved!

You’re on your feet all day. Negotiating crowded subway platforms and buses packed with steamy bodies; rushing around on your all-too-short lunch hour under the hot sun, trying to accomplish no end of errands; not to mention everything you do in the office!

Well, one thing you don’t have to sweat are those hot feet. We found three pairs of shoes designed for comfort first, but they’re hot-weather friendly.

Hey, it’s nearly August already – free those tootsies and let them breathe!

The Marian Sandal from Aravon



Aravon puts a lot of thought into the design of its footwear.

In Aravon shoes, the foot fits and sits properly on the outsole for best support throughout the dynamics of the gait cycle. The arch is gently fortified as it flexes and every step is cushioned in the heel and forefoot. Over the course of a day, this finely tuned support adds up to feet that are less stressed and less tired.

Our tester secretary loved the Marian sandal. “It felt like I was walking on bubble wrap – in a good way!” she told us. “The sandal fit my foot perfectly. I was able to customize the fit because of the strap across the foot. It gave plenty of room to pull the sandal tighter or more loosely across the top of the foot, and it closed easily with Velcro."

"I also liked that the other two leather straps had a small gap in them with some stretchy fabric, because it meant that the straps didn’t pull too much across my feet. With shoes of this style, I often get blisters because my foot rubs up against the straps. In these sandals, the straps had some ‘give’, and my foot didn’t feel abused.”

She added, “My feet stayed nice and cool. I didn’t feel like they were ‘cooped up’ in my shoes. Also, I was amazed because my feet didn’t SMELL at the end of the day. I wore these sandals every day for a week and NO SMELL.” Editor’s note: That must be because of Aravon’s “Ionact” antibacterial feature. Every surface of the Marian sandal is treated Ionact antibacterial protection to deter the growth of bacteria and reduce odor. Gotta love that!

Did our tester have any complaints?

“The Marian sandals came with a set of optional extra insoles, which were removable. I started the day using them, but in the middle of my lunch hour I noticed one of them was riding up my ankle, and actually up under the cuff of my pants! That was a little embarrassing, so I stopped and pulled the insoles out. But I didn’t really need them. The sandals were comfy and attractive without them. I would say, skip the insoles. They don’t stay in place, and the sandals are a dream just as they are.”

Aravon shoes come in narrow, regular and wide widths. The Marian comes in black leather and copper metallic leather, and retails for about $128. Find out where to get yours at www.aravonshoes.com.


The Flip by Chaco



Some of us here at Just A Sec cringe every time we see a woman running around Manhattan in a pair of flimsy, cheap flip-flops. We don’t know how they do it – that’s gotta hurt! If you really need to go nearly-bare, here’s a much better option: the Flip by Chaco.

First of all, Chaco is all about healthy feet. They design the contours of their footbed with the help of a certified pedorthist to control pronation (that’s when your feet have a tendency to roll inward) and maximize performance. Chaco aims for a supported, comfortable stride in any activity.

Our tester secretary told us she had never been a “flip-flop person”, but was willing to give Chaco’s Flip sandal a try. After one week with the product, she started wearing them every day on her commute.

“I keep my work shoes under my desk now, and wear the Chaco Flip sandals to and from the office every single day!” she told us. “My feet don’t get sweaty, they feel so dry and free. And I swear, I’ve never owned a pair of shoes that was as comfortable to my feet as these little flip-flops. I really feel like my feet are getting total support. I can walk for ages without my feet or ankles getting tired. I always thought wearing flip-flops was a really careless thing to do to your feet, because it seems like you can’t possibly be getting the support you need. But these Chaco sandals are awesome. I’m actually going to check out their web site to see what they have for fall and winter, because I’m going to be so sorry to give up the Flips when it gets cold.”

She also added: “I have thick feet, and the straps on sandals like this are almost always tight on the top of my foot. The Chaco Flip sandals fit great.”

Enough said? The Flip is also water-friendly and machine washable, and comes in a variety of cute color combinations. It retails for about $56. Find out where to get yours at www.chacousa.com.


Angie by Munro



Not everyone likes to expose their toes and heels in summer. We understand that. If you’re one of those foot-modest types, we’ve got the cooler shoe for you: Angie by Munro.

Munro uses comfort footbeds and carefully chosen materials combined with specialized manufacturing techniques, all with an eye towards making the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever own.

At first, our tester was skeptical about her Munro “Angie” shoes. She’d had bad experiences with Mary Jane-type shoes before. The rounded edge of the shoe opening, which rests against the top of the foot, had given her grief with Mary Janes in the past. They never fit quite right. She complained that Mary Janes always left a semi-circular imprint on the top of her foot, and dug into her skin every time she lifted her foot and caused a bend in the shoe. She was also wary of the strap across the top of her foot. “The straps are always so uncomfortable. They either bite into you or make you sweat under them, or both.”

Ah, but she was pleasantly surprised by Munro’s Angie.

“I honestly thought, no, these shoes won’t be any different than the other Mary Jane styles I’ve tried,” she said. “But I have to admit, I was completely shocked. These shoes are so comfy. The whole opening of the shoe is edged in a stretchy, soft material, and it doesn’t bite into the top of my foot at all. I also feel like there’s plenty of room inside the shoe. They feel very stable and supportive. I also like that the uppers are made of a sort of meshy-stretch material. I feel like my feet can really move in these shoes. The soles flex, the whole shoe flexes without feeling schlumpy and weak and not supporting my foot. The inside of the shoes is so soft, too.”

“I also love that the strap is elastic and closes with Velcro. It makes it easy to adjust to a good fit. It gives me the Mary Jane look without the pain and sweatiness of a hard leather strap.”

Any downside to these shoes?”

“The only disappointment was that they gave me blisters the first day, on the back of my ankles, just above my heels. As soon as I started wearing bandages over them, it took care of the problem. I have a feeling it’s because the shoes are new, and as they stretch and give a little, they won’t rub against the back of my foot as much. It would be nice if I didn’t have to wait to break them in, but I do think the problem will resolve itself.”

The Angie shoe by Munro is available in black or gold, and in a variety of widths, including double-wide. It retails for about $165. To find your pair, visit www.munroshoes.com.