budget buy – nina melin

Budget Buy – It’s all in the Mix(a)

The French pharmacies has always been a good place to stock up on products that gives a lot for the bucks. And this little find, a body lotion from French apothecary brand Mixa does just that.

No fancy branding or packaging. No glossy magazine ads. Just a product that delivers what it says. In this case a good amount of moisture.

The brand offers a few different takes on their body lotion, for sensitive skin and very dry skin.

The one I’m using is said to also give firmness. I don’t know to what extent it does that to be honest. But it leaves skin soft and nourished. It’s silky texture is also absorbed quickly.

So the USP in this case is crystal clear. No fuss, just moist. For six pounds.

Nowadays you don’t need to go to Paris and fill up your suitcase with hard working bathroom staples like this. You can find this and many other French apothecary brands at a wide range of British resellers like Boots and Sainsbury.

P.s. For those in need of more moist to fight off really dry skin the Mixa Cica Repair is the way to go. D.s.

Mixa Body Lotion, £6.49, Ocado.

Budget Buy – Beige Buddies

Let me introduce my new favourite soft work uniform for SS 19. Comfy as can be and casual it works just as well for a lazy sofa Sunday or a stroll in the park.

The set comes from Zara’s younger label TRF. It’s made of comfy ribbed cotton in a beige fabric. The joggers has an elastic drawstring waistband, cuffed hems and, thank God – side pockets!

The matching long sleeve top has a V-neckline and front button fastening. I took one size up on both for a more loose fit.

I will wear the pants with an oversized sweatshirt when chilly. And maybe I’ll try them in a combo with a long dress or tunic.

Textured button-up cardigan, £12.99, Zara. Textured joggers, £12.99, Zara

Budget Buy Serpentine Sandals

The latest design collab from the folks at H&M was one that instantly caught my interest. This time they’ve teamed up with the new, also Swedish, shoe brand Eytys. Its been on my ( and many others) radars for a while. Theirs chunky sneakers has turned into a success and last year they opend a store here in London.

The unisex collection’s highlights for me are the jeans and trousers. And these sandals, a fun take on the Eytys aesthetics. The padded foot strap is made of leather with an embossed snake pattern. The soles are slightly higher and has a textured-patterned rim and the inside is moulded so it’s more comfy than a flat sandal.

One of my sons, who also happens to loves cool packaging wants to put the shoe box on his so called “Nerd shelf” together with his other finds like Japanese soft drink cans and candy boxes.

Always a nice little bonus when the package can be re-used.

Sandals, Eytys x H&M, £17.99, H&M.

Budget Buy – The Big Olive

Budget buy is a new section where I will share my favourite picks when it comes to value for money. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it will always be really low priced. It can also be more expensive stuff, but with long lasting qualities that over time gives you much for the bucks.

The first budget find that I’m adding to basket comes in one of my all-time favourite colours olive green. A classic colour that never goes out of style. And it works all year round.

When spotting this long, thick overshirt at Zara I wasn’t sure about how good it actually was. To be honest it didn’t look that special on the hanger.

It was first when trying it on that it’s true powers became obvious.

A perfect companion for a more relaxed everyday look it can serve as a thin jacket as well as a shirt tunic. The corduroy gives it a more dressed down and countryside feeling that I like. But you can for sure wear it with more dressy shoes and accessories if you want. So it’s very versatile.

It also comes with two large pockets. An essential feature when your phone is basically an extension of yourself.

Since I’m really into the “supersize me” strategy I wanted it to be as long and voluminous as possible. So I went for the XL. I’m usually a size small.

The photos btw are taken at Eccleston Yards, a nice little shopping area in Fitzrovia, London. Small independent shops and restaurants in a lovely setting is always a winner in my world. Will for sure go back soon and take a closer look!

Overshirt, Zara, was £49.50, now £19.99. Ecru jeans, £55, Arket. Vintage Dr Martens boots. Boiled wool beanie, COS, out of stock now.