The best 80s style gym bags

TRKFLD

This Philly-based company make a classic barrel-style gym bag in rainbow-bright colours. I like my accessories plain and simple, so I'm not as into the striped fabric used on most of their other designs but the 'Maile' is a TRKFLD winner.

American Apparel

Having recently opened their first stores in Australia, American Apparel are probably best known for their t-shirts, though they deserve serious kudos for some great accessories at affordable prices. AA's strong anti-sweatshop philosophy is also to be applauded.

Warning: those born post-1980 may have bad acid-wash flashbacks. I'm fine with it in very small doses (above, far right).

Jack Gomme

Order & Progress is hands down my favourite fashion shop in Melbourne, but even if you're not a hipster Melburnian you can now buy their fine goods 'from Brasil & beyond' online. Jack Gomme bags are beautifully made, roomy, and come in black, black, black and silver. They have the best printed lining featuring the smiling cartoon faces of the designers Paul & Sophie.

'Forget me not' rings by Kiel Mead

There's more than a few designers around doing the whole 'jewellery-made-from-inanimate-objects' thing, but Brookyn-based Kiel Mead's Forget me not rings stand out. They're simple, stylish and witty, the mold crafted from a real tied piece of string then hand cast. Buy them in Melbourne at 'In the Woods' http://www.inthewoods.com.au/ or online at http://www.kielmead.com/.

The ubiquitous el-cheapo chinese sandshoe

Why spend $80 on Converse when Big W sells these for $9.95? They'll probably fall apart within weeks but for now, I really like the way the laces thread through the eyelets on the ankles and they're surprisingly comfortable. The brand name is 'Casual expression' which is even better. I like the thought of casually expressing myself.....