If you’re one of those sporty types or have made a resolution to get fit for the New Year, head into your nearest Target to check out Spalding’s gear.

The range of workout equipment is one of the more affordable around and is pretty comprehensive.

There is a range of hand weights, which is great for performing a range of exercises as well. If you’re into boxing, there are punching pads (RRP $24.99) and gloves ($29.99).

To hit the major muscle groups in your glutes (that’s your butt, by the way) and quads (thighs), which is essential for fitness and weight loss (how much of a gym rat do I sound like), try the Spalding stepper, RRP $49.99 (even better if you combine the stepper with the hand weights).

Spalding is available at Target - call 1300 130 000 for stock enquiries.

By Caroline Warnes

I’ve never given much though to Cotton On Body but I visited the store yesterday and had something of an epiphany.

The original Cotton On stores, which stock products for everyday wear, don’t do a whole lot for me, but Cotton On Body is a whole different story.

The Body stores stock all those odds and ends that don’t fit into the original stores: underwear and lingerie, swimwear, sleepwear, workout gear, towels and other odds and ends.

And oh my God, the prices! So so cheap. My visit yesterday only set me back $50 but I walked out with five individual items.

Some highlights include fashion underwear from $7.95 and the bikini pictured here which will only cost you $30.

See more of the Cotton On Body range and find a store near you here.

By Caroline Warnes

When you think of merino wool, you may think of big woolly jumpers rather than lightweight activewear.

However merino wool is actually one of the most versatile natural fabrics and is so soft when worn against the skin.

It’s perfect for keeping you cool in hot weather and warm in the cold, which is why it’s favoured by so many athletes and outdoorsy types.

Now I am no triathlete, however I do appreciate clothing made of natural fibres, as synthetics tend to make you sweat more (not to mention make you itchy if you have skin that is even remotely sensitive).

Icebreaker is a manufacturer that uses the wool from New Zealand merino sheep to create effective and comfortable activewear for athletes (and non-athletes who sweat a lot, too).

The Superfine Print Series uses the very lightest wool to keep you cool and dry in the hottest weather - perfect as we come into summer.

I like the Belize Amazon Scooop t-shirt pictured here.

Stockists are listed on the website.

By Caroline Warnes

So we’ve only just made it halfway through Autumn and I am already freezing my bottom off, and it can only get colder from here.

Moving to the top of my shopping hit list is the Alpine Long Zip Thru Hoodie from Russell Athletic, which is warm and comfy enough to sustain you through the winter months.

It’s sporty enough to wear to the gym but stylish enough to also wear out of it - personally I think it looks perfect for an afternoon of lounging around on the couch watching DVDs (so at least you can feel vaguely sporty as you lie there doing nothing).

I am in love with the fuschia colour, pictured on the right here, though it also comes in tea (pictured on the left) and black as well.

The hoodie retails for $79.95 - for stockists call 1300 367 582.

By Caroline Warnes

When it comes to surfing, snowboarding, rollerblading or anything else where you can hurt yourself, I am usually nowhere to be found but I have to admit that the RipStik looks like fun.

The RipStik has recently become really popular with kids, teens and adrenalin junkies because it’s said to combine the movements of surfing and snowboarding and bring it all to dry land.

According to the offical site, the RipStik uses a “unique twisting motion” to move you forward without ever pushing you off the ground - it accelerates and turns without pushing.

If you want to get your hands on one, you can either buy it online at the official site, or go through a toy store.

You can check out a basic riding guide for the RipStik below.

By Caroline Warnes

When it comes to fashion, arguably nothing makes more of an impact on the trends of the day than movies.

However there are some fashion moments in film that remain memorable far beyond their run at the cinema. Take a look through shops today and you can still see the influence of certain movies years - or even decades - after their cinematic release.

In that spirit, here are some of my favourite fashion moments in movies, and clothes that are inspired by them…

Michelle Pfeiffer, Scarface

I spent the first couple of decades of my life not really getting the fascination with gangster movies. Then I saw Scarface on DVD - starring Michelle Pfieffer as resident gangster moll Elvira - and suddenly I started to understand.

In this film, everything from Pfeiffer’s blunt fringe to her white linen skirt suit screams raw sex appeal and glamour. But most of all, she rocks the maxi dress. And I’m not the only one who thinks so - top Australian designer Wayne Cooper is said to be heavily influenced by Scarface in many of his collections.

Luckily for me, maxi dresses are back this summer. I love them because they can either be dressed up for night time - with killer heels and oversized earrings - or down for day, with flat sandals and minimal accessories.

Most stores have maxi dresses in stock at the moment. Target has several and better yet is offering 20 perent off some dresses until November 21. I also like this floor-sweeping halter from Bardot.

Marie Antoniette

The recent Sofia Coppola version of Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst, could be described as bizarre at best - the costumes were probably the most enjoyable part of the movie. It was hard not to drool over the elaborate and colourful 18th-century dresses and powdered wigs. Brocade fabrics made a small comeback after this movie was released.

I was browsing the Wheels & Doll Baby website recently and saw they actually have a range named after the famous French queen (click on the La Pin Up - Fashion section to check them out - the Marie Antoinette Bra Dress is pictured here). The satin fabric used in these pieces wouldn’t have looked out of place in the film.

A word of warning: Wheels & Doll Baby designs are pure rock and roll fantasy (celebrity fans include Debbie Harry) and are not for the faint-hearted or the demure!

Uma Thurman, Kill Bill

Was I the only one who wanted to be an elite assassin codenamed after a deadly snake after watching Uma Thurman slice and dice her way across two countries in Kill Bill? I also wanted a yellow tracksuit. For a microsecond. But then again I am easily influenced. In any case, if anyone could make a yellow tracksuit look fashionable, it was Uma starring as The Bride. She even looked good wearing a wedding dress whilst being shot in the chest to the duclet strains of Nancy Sinantra’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”. She was just that cool in Kill Bill.

To get an identical yellow tracksuit, you’ll need to hit eBay, or you can find the creme de la creme of tracksuits - Juicy Couture - at Myer.

For something a little less “look at me, I’m wearing a yellow tracksuit”, the shoes Thurman wore throughout the movie were Asics Onitsuka Tigers and they can be found at several shoe retailers around the country. There is even a standalone store at Westfield Bondi Junction.

Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Come on - how could I not include that black dress of Breakfast at Tiffany’s? I’m going to go against the grain and say the movie itself isn’t a favourite of mine, however there’s no denying that Hepburn’s ankle-length black cocktail dress, pearl choker and cigarette holder ensemble as Holly Golightly is one of film’s most iconic fashion moments.

The original dress was made especially for Hepburn’s waspish 20-inch waist by Hubert de Givenchy (she was his design muse), however you don’t need to pay a fortune for a basic black cocktail dress. If you’re looking for versatility, you can’t go past the famous Sacha Drake Ultimate Black Dress. This little number can be worn 10 different ways - as a halter, one-shoulder, twisted halter or strapless dress, amongst others. Wouldn’t that take the headache out of coming up with exciting new outfits for the party season?

By Caroline Warnes

I am a regular gym-goer. I honestly wish I could say I enjoy the thrill of springing out of bed at 5.30am on a cold morning to get to an RPM class. It would make life a lot easier.

In reality, this is not the case. And let me be the first to say that I find anyone who does love leaping out of bed at the crack of dawn to go for a run around the block mildly annoying. In my world, that sort of behaviour is best left for Olympic athletes and bootcamp instructors.

No, for the majority of us, exercising can be a chore from time to time. Of course, there are those days when you’re full of beans and can’t wait to work off some energy (happens about once a decade for me), but most days simply aren’t like this. Once you’re actually exercising, it’s okay, but finding the motivation to get started can prove to be quite the challenge.

For me, having nice workout gear makes it so much easier to get out of bed and get to the gym. After all, no one gets excited about wearing tattered old trackies and your boyfriend’s cast-off VB t-shirt.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find decent workout gear. I’ve found that some of the most affordable - and durable - leggings and sports tops come from the discount department stores, such as Target and Big W. Big W’s cotton rib tanks are perfect for sports, and you can pick up two for $16.

Personally, I also find Supre is great for gym gear. Although it can be quite a task to actually enter a Supre store - particularly given the fact that the space left to squeeze between racks of clothing indicates that the shop is meant for someone at least half my age - once you get inside, it’s worth it for the Sporte range. I have a pair of Sporte leggings that I bought for $25 over a year ago and they’ve lasted better than some of my more expensive workout clothes.

While you can scrimp on your workout clothes, keep in mind that you should never, ever go cheap with your footwear. Always invest in quality shoes, depending on your needs. Visit your local sporting goods shop - such as Rebel Sport, Foot Locker or Amart AllSports to get professional advice on your runners. After all, your feet have to carry you around for a long time, and destroying them with cheap shoes won’t pay off in the long run.

Last but not least, if you are interested in health issues and live in Sydney, don’t forget that the Mind Body Spirit Festival is on at Darling Harbour until this Sunday, November 11. This year’s festival is particularly exciting - special guests include Allison Dubois (she’s the psychic on whom the Medium television series is based) and celebrity witch (yes, there is such a thing) and singer Fiona Horne. If you’re in Melbourne, the MBS Festival rolls into town on November 23.

By Caroline Warnes