Pedometers
Wall Street Journal tested the following pedometers:

FM Pedometer
A radio-like device that counts steps and distance for walking and running. Also has an alarm clock and FM radio with earphones.
www.sharperimage.com

Accusplit Alliance 1590 Activity Pedometer
This tiny red and clear plastic device tracks steps, distance, calories and time. One drawback is that this pedometer was hard to open and sometimes its back popped off instead, exposing the electronics inside.
www.pedometer.com

Sportline Pulse Monitor
Easy-to-program black device that looks like a small alarm clock. Measures steps, mileage, calories burned and pulse.
www.paragonsports.com

Freestyle Tracer Pedometer
Best Overall. This pager-sized gadget tracked the number of steps most accurately and gave time, distance and calories burned. Features an easy-to-read display and was relatively simple to program.
www.rei.com

Pencil Skirts
Wall Street Journal tested the following pencil skirts:

Pencil Skirt
This polyester and spandex skirt with belt loops had the right shape but was the tightest of all.
www.saksfifthavenue.com

121 Washable Wool-Blend Skirt
The longest skirt tried, at 25 inches, and shorter styles were preferred. The two front pockets and front slit gave it a more casual look.
www.nordstrom.com

Lightweight Wool-Twill Pencil Skirt
A wool-gabardine skirt, 24 inches long, hit at the bottom of the knee and also had a straighter cut. Features a zipper and 9-inch slit in the back.
www.jcrew.com

Wool Crepe Pencil Skirt
Best Value. A more modest version — lined, wool-blend skirt was slim but had a fairly straight cut.
www.bananarepublic.com

Theory Pencil Skirt
Best Overall. This wool-blend skirt fell midknee and looked like a pencil skirt should — close at the hips and narrow at the knees.
www.saksfifthavenue.com