Arm candy

“You're never too fat for a new purse.” ― Nia Vardalos

I gained a couple of pounds over the holiday season. As a result of my refusal to go up a dress size, I have been focusing my shopping excursions on accessories— mostly purses — until I shed those pesky extra pounds. Local stores that are perfect for this type of shopping, with a nice selection of jewelry and purses, include Make Good in South Park, La Bel Age in Mission Hills, and Pigment in North Park.

Out and about in San Diego, I have spotted my fair share of enviable arm candy, proving that a great purse can make an outfit.

In Balboa Park, newly married Hannah Hohmeier (who maybe should've considered keeping her maiden name) wore an oversized satchel in a trendy hunter green hue. She paired her purse with neutral colors and simple jewelry, making her bag the focal point of her outfit. Hohmeier had a floral print manicure by Jamberry Nails ($15 a sheet). Hohmeier’s purse was a steal.

“She knows how to bargain shop,” her husband told me with a proud smile.

She purchased the Mystique bag for $20 at the discount retailer Marshalls. Her white, collared shirt was also an inexpensive buy from H&M. She wore a triangle necklace from Target.

In Normal Heights, hair stylist Meschelle Eagerton wore an oversized cross-body bag purchased while vacationing in Florence.

“I’m obsessed with this jacket,” Eagerton said of the army-green Zara parka she wore. It’s her favorite wardrobe staple.

She wore American Eagle skinny jeans, Madewell bangle bracelets and a pair of sturdy, 1990s-inspired Doc Marten combat boots.

Eagerton’s favorite local shopping spot is Madewell.

In Hillcrest, Anastasia Balom browsed the racks at Urban Outfitters while carrying a multi-colored vintage purse. The bright pattern of her bag paired well with the simple, laid-back, look of her turban, t-shirt, and basic black skirt.