Author: Juliette Saint Claire

Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.

When Eve left Russia nine years ago, she didn’t intend to build a new life in Paris. “It wasn’t really a decision about making France my ‘new home’,” she admits. “It was more of a transit point for further adventures — a transit point in which I got stuck a little.”

The adventure began with a degree programme she couldn’t find back home: Langues Étrangères appliquées aux Affaires Économiques Internationales. A semester in Toulouse had given her a taste of French life, and she returned determined to complete her studies there. Preparation, however, was minimal. “If learning Le Petit Prince by heart counts, then yes, I prepared. It also deserves an award for the worst possible preparation for living in France.”

First Impressions

Her arrival was a shock. “Despite the historical ties between Russia and France, I was staggered by how different our mentalities are. The French are deeply collectivist — there are rhythms and unspoken codes you’re expected to follow. If you want soup for breakfast or lunch at 3 p.m., you’re practically a delinquent.”

The language barrier quickly made itself felt. Eve’s carefully studied Saint-Exupéry French didn’t survive her first encounter with teenage slang. “French isn’t a language you just absorb by being surrounded by it. You need reading, grammar, writing — serious practice.” It took her two to three years to feel comfortable speaking, and about five to start thinking in French. “Even now, when I go to see a Molière play, I realise how far I am from truly mastering it.”

Life in the System

Then there was the administration. Every expat in France has their battle stories, but Eve could fill volumes. “Answering that question properly would require a very thick book — about the Nine Circles of Hell, with the French administration at the bottom of it.”

The same bureaucratic rituals extended to job hunting. “Finding work in Paris is a tedious process: the lettre de motivation, five or six interviews, endless formalities. But if you speak French and bring value, it isn’t impossible — just exhausting.”

Housing proved equally theatrical. “The garant system was a shock, and watching apartments disappear minutes after being listed was even worse. To find a place, you need to be quick, well-organised, and armed with a perfect dossier. It’s practically a sport.”

Finding Her Place

Eventually Eve found her corner of Paris in the 17th arrondissement, which she calls “the best location — low on tourists, but with plenty of life.”

Making friends, however, was another challenge. “If you want to make friends quickly, find expat communities. Period. Integrating into French society is very hard, especially if your French isn’t perfect. The French are selective about their friendships. To avoid being permanently the outsider, it helps to bond with people who are going through the same struggles — learning the language, battling the administration, adjusting to the culture. Those friendships are forged in the trenches, and they last.”

Nine years on, what was supposed to be a temporary stopover has turned into a Parisian chapter that refuses to close. Eve smiles at the irony: “I never really planned to stay. And yet, here I am.”

Renting in France comes with a certain romantic aura — cobbled courtyards, wrought-iron balconies, and the faint whiff of existential despair. But behind the shutters lurks a more sobering truth: as a tenant, you carry rather a lot of responsibility, and when things go wrong with your landlord, you’ll need both patience and paperwork.

Here’s what every tenant should know before they hand over their security deposit and their peace of mind.

The Sacred Inventory (État des lieux)

In France, the legal presumption is deliciously simple: everything is your fault. You are responsible for the apartment in its entirety, insured accordingly, and your liability is measured against two documents — the entry and exit inventories.

These inventories must match exactly if you hope to see your deposit again. A scratch here, a dent there, and suddenly you’re funding your landlord’s new parquet flooring. The paperwork may feel tedious, but it is, quite literally, your only protection.

Deposit Disputes

The landlord has two months after your departure to return the deposit. That’s the law.
They cannot hold it back for “normal wear and tear” (faded paint, softened sofa cushions, the honest erosion of Parisian living).

But beware: the deposit is not your last month’s rent. You must keep paying rent until the very end of your tenancy — France is particularly humourless on this point.

If the landlord withholds money, they must provide receipts or estimates. Should they decide to don their DIY overalls and fix things themselves, they can only claim the cost of materials, not their own “labour” (translation: no charging you €500 for an afternoon with a paintbrush).

When Things Escalate

If mould blossoms in the corners, the heating dies in January, or a window remains eternally cracked, what then?

  • Report it: Start with the landlord, naturally, but if they remain unmoved, you can escalate to la mairie or la préfecture de police. Authorities can impose penalties, which usually gets a sluggish landlord moving.
  • Withhold rent (carefully): The bold option. Technically possible, but riddled with procedural traps. The safest version is to pay the rent into a separate account that the landlord cannot access until repairs are made. Do this wrong, and you’ll find yourself cast as the “bad tenant” — not a role you want in French housing court.
  • Seek mediation: Cheaper and faster than litigation, mediation through a local housing association can untangle many disputes.
  • Take legal action: If nothing else works, the courts can compel a landlord to make repairs. It’s slow, but effective.
  • Terminate the tenancy: When the property becomes genuinely uninhabitable and the landlord remains obstinate, you may have grounds to break the lease. Get a lawyer before you pack your boxes.
  • Recover your deposit: If your landlord clings to your deposit like it’s a family heirloom, you can file a formal complaint or take legal steps to recover it.

Practical Advice

  • Keep everything in writing — emails, registered letters, scribbled notes slid under doors.
  • Take photos with timestamps.
  • Collect witnesses if you can.

Think of it as compiling a dossier for the inevitable courtroom drama, should it come to that.

And remember: procedures can vary by department, so always check with local housing associations or lawyers before making bold moves.

Associations That Can Help

  • Association de Défense des Habitants — lacnl.com (€70/year).
  • Agence Nationale pour l’Information sur le Logement (ANIL) — anil.org.

Both can provide guidance, support, and occasionally, much-needed moral outrage on your behalf.

Final Thought

Living in Paris is rarely simple, and dealing with landlords is no exception. But armed with the right paperwork, a decent insurance policy, and perhaps the phone number of a good tenant association, you can survive – and even triumph – in the charming but unforgiving theatre of French property law.

If you’ve ever asked me about my skincare routine — here it is, finally written down in one place. I get this question a lot, and instead of repeating myself, I thought I’d share the full story of how it all started, what I actually do, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

The YouTube Era That Started It All

Let’s rewind to my university days, when YouTube was the wild west of beauty content. This was the time of Makeup Geek tutorials, Blair Fowler’s hauls, and Zoella’s bedroom vlogs. I was watching all of it, wide-eyed.

Somewhere down that rabbit hole, I stumbled across Ruth Crilly’s A Model Recommends. And one day, she posted a vlog with Caroline Hirons, back then just “Caroline, the skincare lady,” long before book deals and cult status.

Her videos were simple: twelve minutes of straight monologue about drugstore cleansers and toners. No edits, no gimmicks. I was hooked. Caroline cut through the noise and made skincare feel logical.

That was my lightbulb moment. From then on, I treated her advice as gospel. I still adore her today.

The Rules I Still Live By

Caroline eventually published her “Routine Cheat Sheet”, and I followed it religiously. Fast-forward more than a decade, and the core principles haven’t changed:

  • Sunscreen every single day. It’s the cheapest anti-aging trick out there.
  • Double cleanse at night. With a proper flannel, always.
  • Consistency is key. No constant stopping and changing.
  • Active ingredients used with purpose. Retinol, acids, antioxidants (but not all at once).
  • Chemicals rule. Sorry #cleanbeauty people.

Skincare Trends Come and Go

“Skin cycling,” “clean girl routine,” “glass skin”… every year there’s a new buzzword. Each season, a new hero product takes center stage. But in reality? The magic is in the boring stuff.

Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. Repeat.

I’ve kept that rhythm going for over a decade.

My Routine

Morning:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Antioxidant serum (Vitamin C or something brightening)
  3. Moisturizer
  4. Sunscreen (always, usually Anthelios or Bioré)

Evening:

  1. First cleanse (to remove SPF/makeup)
  2. Second cleanse (to actually clean the skin)
  3. Active treatment (retinol or acid, alternating nights)
  4. Moisturizer, sometimes with a face oil if my skin is dry

Simple.

My Hero Products

Over the years I’ve tried hundreds of products, some amazing, some not amazing. But a handful have earned “hero” status in my routine:

  • Biologique Recherche P50
  • Embryolisse Crème Concentré
  • Glossier Cleanser Concentrate
  • Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
  • La Roche-Posay Anthelios (and sometimes Bioré UV Aqua Rich)
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  • Dr. Hauschka Gesichtstonikum – a mist.

These are the products I always come back to, no matter how many launches I test.

Want More?

I could easily write separate reviews of the hundreds of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers I’ve tried over the years. But I’ll only do that if you actually want me to. Let me know in the comments or on Instagram and I’ll happily go full skincare nerd (you know it).

I recently spent four days and three nights in Zurich, traveling as part of Disloyalty Club, which I’ve been a member of for some years. As always with my trip reports, the goal isn’t to hand out “hidden gems” or star ratings – it’s to share how to maximize a trip while saving money, staying comfortable, and getting the most out of the experience.

Getting Around: Zurich Card

I bought the Zurich Card for 72 hours. This card covers public transportation and gives discounted or free entry to many attractions. Over the three days, I estimate I saved at least 35% on everything I did – so yes, it’s worth it. If you’re planning a stay of more than a day or two, this is one of the smartest, convenient investments you can make.

Money Matters: Avoiding Unnecessary Fees

Here’s the part people forget: Switzerland is not in the EU. That means two things:

  1. It’s expensive. Budget accordingly.
  2. Check in advance if you need extra travel papers to enter.

When it comes to spending money, I used my Wise card. It lets you create a CHF account and pay directly in Swiss francs, which saved me on conversion fees. Had I used my Amex, I would have paid an extra 2.5% fee on every single transaction – so not worth it.

My travel partner used Revolut, which works similarly. If you want to give them a try, here are my referral links:

Planning Your Trip

Zurich has a bit of everything: food, nightlife, history, museums, and easy access to nature. It’s worth knowing what you want out of your trip before you go – otherwise you risk bouncing around without a focus.

For me, the goal was to learn more about Switzerland itself: its history, its quirks, and its culture. Zurich is the perfect base for this, while also being a great jumping-off point for nearby destinations like the Alps, St. Gallen, or Lake Constance.

My Zurich Wish List

  • Café & Conditorei 1842 – the oldest café in town, full of charm.
  • Landesmuseum – Switzerland’s national museum, a deep dive into the country’s history.
  • Old Town – the historic heart of Zurich.
  • Archaeological Windows – a unique way to peek into the layers of history beneath the city (learn more here).

I built my days around these stops, weaving in breaks back at the hotel and saving time and money with the Zurich Card and local trains.

I spent four days and three nights in Zurich this summer as part of the Disloyalty Club, where I’ve been a member for a couple of years. As with all my trip reports, this isn’t about star ratings or “hidden gems” — it’s about maximizing your time, saving money, and still having a fantastic trip.

Accommodation: Mama Shelter Zurich

Thanks to my Disloyalty Club membership, I scored 50% off Mama Shelter Zurich, a saving of over CHF 300. Mama Shelter is in Oerlikon, not Zurich’s historic core, but that didn’t matter. The hotel is literally next to the train station, with direct trains into the city every few minutes. Even with daily round trips (and afternoon breaks back at the hotel), the commute was effortless (and included in the Zurich Card).

Zurich Highlights

I built my itinerary around my wish list, but I supplemented it with Zurich Card perks, filtering by free entries. Here’s the breakdown:

Archäologische Fenster – Free

A simple but fascinating glimpse under the city, showing layers of Zurich’s history. It was not only informative, but really fun. It wasn’t too busy, but as this is something that people are reporting about on Social Media, expect crowds on weekends.

Stauhof – Free (normally CHF 6)

I love writers’ museums, and this one had a surprise upstairs: the James Joyce Foundation (joycefoundation.ch). We met Martin, who told us stories about Joyce’s life in Zurich. Coming from Paris, I already knew about the Ulysses chapter tied to Sylvia Beach, the founder of Shakespeare & Co., but this added a new perspective. We even saw Joyce’s death mask, one of only three in the world.

Polybahn – Free (normally CHF 1.25 each way)

I’ll never pass up a funicular. This one reminded me of the cable car in Capri, and while it was under 5 minutes, I was here for every second of it!

Kunsthaus Zurich – Free (normally CHF 31)

A fantastic collection. I learned that Marcel Duchamp had a sister and saw her art for the first time. (kunsthaus.ch)

Zunftstadt Zurich – Free (normally CHF 10)

This was the most surprising highlight of the trip. The museum explains how Zurich was divided into guilds, how every citizen belonged to one, and how this system shaped the city’s politics and identity. Excellent exhibits, videos, and reading material. (Details here)

Museum Rietberg – Free (normally CHF 28)

Located in a leafy park. We had an unexpectedly great meal at the museum café before visiting the Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition curated by the V&A. Truly impressive. If I lived in Zurich, I’d buy an annual pass.

National Museum Zurich – Free (normally CHF 13)

The Swiss history museum. This museum was incredible, it’s massive, covers so many different subjects and I had to force myself to leave after 2 hours as I could have spent all day there. Another annual pass contender.

Cabaret Voltaire – Free (normally CHF 7)

A must-visit for any Dada enthusiast.

Museum für Gestaltung – Free (normally CHF 15)

Not really my area — the exhibition on Susanne Bartsch: Transformation! wasn’t what I connected with, but I know people who’d have loved it. (museum-gestaltung.ch)

Fraumünster – Free (normally CHF 10)

Mandatory stop for the Chagall windows.

Grossmünster – Free (normally CHF 10)

Another mandatory stop.

Short Lake Cruise – Free (normally CHF 10)

On a very hot day, this 90-minute lake cruise was perfect: breezy, relaxing, and offering views of the grand lakeside houses.

Lindenhof – Always Free

A classic viewpoint over the old town. Also where I discovered one of my absolute favorite things about Zurich: the public fountains. Every fountain has drinkable, delicious water — a detail that made exploring so refreshing.

Bonus Encounter: Buchbinderei Hitz

One of my most memorable moments wasn’t on any itinerary. I stumbled across Buchbinderei Hitz, a traditional bookbinder’s workshop. The owner invited me in, showed me his craft, and we talked about books, evolving media, and the dying art of bookbinding.

Growing up, one of my teachers installed a presence of the old world in my life, so it felt deeply personal to see this kind of work still alive. In a moment of generosity, he gifted me a handmade book which I’ll treasure. The irony of me writing about this encounter on a blog isn’t lost on me.

Final Thoughts

Zurich is expensive, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to wreck your budget. Between the Disloyalty Club discount, the Zurich Card, and smart spending with Wise/Revolut, I saved hundreds of francs while still experiencing the best of the city.

The key takeaway? Go in with a plan. Know what you want out of your trip, whether it’s art, history, nightlife, or food, and build around that. Use the tools available (transport passes, memberships, and smart payment methods) to stretch your budget and make the most of your time.

Zurich isn’t just beautiful — it’s rewarding, if you travel smart.

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of those bucket-list destinations, the kind of place that looks like it was designed for postcards and Disney logos (which it basically was). I’ve been before, but on this visit I finally paired it with a dip in the Alpseebad Hohenschwangau and that made it one of the best days ever.

Book. In. Advance.

This cannot be overstated: you need to plan ahead. Tickets to go inside Neuschwanstein sell out 1–3 months in advance. At the time I’m writing this, they’re already gone for the next two weeks, and some later dates are looking scarce.

Sure, you can admire the castle from the outside — it’s stunning — but the interiors are what really bring King Ludwig II’s vision to life. If you’re going to make the trip, don’t skip the inside.

Who Was King Ludwig II?

King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845–1886) is remembered as the “Fairy-Tale King.” He came to the throne at just 18 years old and quickly became known for his extravagant building projects, including Neuschwanstein Castle.

  • Never married – despite being engaged once, he broke it off, and he never took a queen.
  • Obsessed with Wagner – Ludwig was Richard Wagner’s greatest patron and essentially bankrolled his operas. Many of the castle’s themes and decorations are drawn from Wagner’s works.
  • Royal cousin – he was first cousins with none other than Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sisi”), the legendary beauty of the Habsburg court.
  • Mysterious death – in 1886, after being declared unfit to rule, Ludwig was deposed. The very next day, he was found dead in Lake Starnberg alongside his physician. The official cause was drowning, but the circumstances remain suspicious and fuel endless speculation to this day.

Inside Neuschwanstein

The castle is the fantasy project of King Ludwig II, and the interiors reflect that:

Highlights include:

  • The Throne Room – dripping with Byzantine-style mosaics and chandeliers (though Ludwig never actually had a throne placed here).
  • The Singer’s Hall – inspired by medieval legends, with murals and a stage designed for Wagner’s operas.
  • The artificial grotto – yes, there’s a fake cave inside the castle, complete with mood lighting, because why not?

Getting There & Parking

I drove. Parking is €12, and you can’t drive directly to the castle. Instead, you park in the village, then either:

  • Hike up – about 30 minutes if you’re reasonably mobile.
  • Shuttle/bus/horse-drawn carriage – available, but they also involve some walking. The horses are just wonderful.

Once you’ve hiked up, there’s still a queue for the tour itself. Plan accordingly.

Marienbrücke: The Famous Photo Spot

Everyone knows the Marienbrücke bridge, it’s the spot where you get the iconic “castle on the cliff” photo. And thanks to Instagram and TikTok, expect to queue for 45 minutes for your turn to take the exact same photo as thousands of others.

If that shot matters to you, factor it into your schedule. If not, skip the circus and enjoy the view from elsewhere.

Practical Tips

  • Cash is king – whether it’s toilets, snacks, or Alpseebad, you’ll need coins and notes. Don’t rely on cards.
  • Food & drinks – this is Bavaria, but it’s also a top-tier tourist site. Prices reflect that.
  • Drones are forbidden – I saw someone get scolded by staff for flying one. Leave it at home.

The Unexpected Highlight: Alpseebad Hohenschwangau

For me, the real magic wasn’t the castle — it was my first visit to the Alpseebad Hohenschwangau (info here). It’s about a 20-minute walk from the main car park, and again: cash only. But it’s absolutely worth it.

The water was crystal clear, fresh, and cold in the best way. I swam far out into the lake until I could look back and see both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles perched above me. Unreal. That moment, swimming in the Alpsee, castles on the mountains, made it the best day ever.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning a trip to Neuschwanstein:

  • Book tickets months ahead if you want to see the inside (and you really should).
  • Plan for crowds — from the uphill hike to the Marienbrücke selfie queue.
  • Bring cash — Bavaria’s tourist economy runs on it.
  • And if you have time: cool off at Alpseebad Hohenschwangau.

Because yes, Neuschwanstein is magical. But pairing it with a swim in that alpine lake? That’s unforgettable.

Moving to France and need a French social security number? Whether you’re working, studying, or planning to stay long-term, this 13-digit number is your key to healthcare, benefits, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to get yours.

What is a French Social Security Number?

A French social security number (Numéro de Sécurité Sociale) is a unique identifier used for accessing healthcare, unemployment benefits, pensions, and more. Without it, simple tasks like seeing a doctor, opening a bank account, or receiving government support become complicated.

Why Do You Need One?

Your social security number is essential for:
✔️ Medical coverage – It links to your Carte Vitale, France’s health insurance card.
✔️ Employment – Your employer needs it for payroll and tax contributions.
✔️ Government benefits – It’s required for accessing maternity, disability, family allowances, and more.
✔️ Ameli.fr account – This online portal manages all your healthcare reimbursements.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

Without a social security number, you might struggle to:
🚫 Get reimbursed for medical expenses.
🚫 Receive unemployment benefits.
🚫 Secure a pension in the future.
🚫 Open a French bank account or apply for certain visas.

Who Is Eligible?

If you live and work in France, you’re eligible for a social security number. This includes:
✅ Employees (full-time and part-time)
✅ Self-employed workers
✅ International students (under certain conditions)
✅ Unemployed individuals with residency in France

Where Can You Find Your French Social Security Number?

If you already have one, you’ll find it on:
📌 Your Carte Vitale
📌 Your tax documents (e.g., tax returns)
📌 Your pay slips or employment records
📌 Your Ameli.fr account

How to Apply for a French Social Security Number

If you’ve never had a social security number or can’t find proof of one, you’ll need to apply.

Documents You’ll Need

📎 Identity Documents – Passport, national ID, or residence permit.
📎 Birth Certificate – A full version with parental details.
📎 Proof of Address – Utility bills (1 if employed, 3 if unemployed).
📎 Employment Documents – Work contract or first pay slip (if applicable).
📎 Bank Details (RIB) – Required for reimbursement.
📎 European Health Insurance (if applicable) – If previously covered in the EU, you may need an S1 form or a refusal letter from your previous provider.

How to Submit Your Application

👉 Fastest method – Ask your employer’s HR department to handle it. This can take 1-2 months instead of 6-8 months.
👉 Direct application – Mail your documents to CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) or submit them in person.

Pro tip: If you’re coming from another European country, request an E104 form from your old health insurance provider to avoid complications.

How to Get a Social Security Number Without a Job?

If you’re unemployed and not a student, the process is trickier but possible. You must:
✅ Go in person to your local CPAM office (Find your nearest location here).
✅ Submit the same required documents listed above.
✅ Be patient—processing times vary!

Getting a Carte Vitale in France is essential for accessing the healthcare system. Whether you’re a student, employee, or freelancer, you’ll need it for doctor visits, pharmacy prescriptions, and hospital stays. Some say the process is complicated, but if you follow these steps, it’s actually quick and easy.

What is a Carte Vitale and Why Do You Need One?

A Carte Vitale is your French health insurance card, ensuring automatic reimbursements for medical expenses. Instead of dealing with paperwork, your refunds go straight into your bank account.

Without it? You’ll have to manually send forms to France’s national health insurance (Sécurité Sociale), which can be a hassle.

What Does a Carte Vitale Look Like?

It’s a small, green card, similar in size to a credit card, and fits right in your wallet. It includes:

  • Your social security number (which you won’t remember by heart!)
  • The names of people covered, including children under 16.

📌 Tip: Always carry it with you for doctor’s visits and prescriptions!

Is a Carte Vitale Mandatory in France?

Yes. If you live in France, you must have state-provided health insurance—whether you’re an employee, freelancer, student, or job seeker.

Is a Carte Vitale Free?

Yes, applying for a Carte Vitale is free. However, if you’re submitting documents from abroad, translation costs may apply.

How Long Does a Carte Vitale Last?

Forever! (As long as you’re living in France.)

How to Get a Carte Vitale in France: Step-by-Step Process

Eligibility Checklist

You need to:
✔ Have lived in France for at least three (3) months
✔ Be 16 or older
✔ Have a French bank account
✔ Have your Social Security Number (Numéro de Sécurité Sociale)

Documents You’ll Need

  • Copy of your passport
  • A portrait photo
  • Proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
  • RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) for reimbursements

How to Apply Online

💡 Everything happens on ameli.fr (France’s national health insurance website). It’s all in French, but here’s your shortcut:

1️⃣ Create an Ameli account

  • Sign up with your Social Security Number

2️⃣ Start the application

  • Look for “Commander une Carte Vitale” (Order a Carte Vitale)
  • Can’t find it? Try this path:
    • “Remboursement, prestations et soins” → “Être bien remboursé” → “Carte Vitale”

3️⃣ Upload your documents

  • Passport, photo, proof of address, and RIB

4️⃣ Submit & wait

  • Your card arrives in about two weeks
  • Track your order on ameli.fr

Keeping Your Carte Vitale Up to Date

✔ Annual Update: Do this once a year at a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
✔ Child Turns 16? They’ll need their own Carte Vitale.

Lost It? No Panic.

Go to ameli.fr, log into your account, and report it lost or stolen.

Final Tips (Because We’ve Been There)

🚫 Don’t call it the “Vital Card” (it sounds weird in French)
📲 Use the Ameli website or app ONLY—no shady third-party sites
📝 Always send copies, never originals of your documents
📜 If you got a paper form for your Carte Vitale request, toss it—it’s easier online

✨ Voilà! You’re now officially part of the French healthcare system. Need help? Drop your questions in the comments! 💬

As someone who loves a good “buy it for life” moment, I thought the BÉIS Sports Backpack would be my new travel and work companion. The sleek black design, the promise of durability, and the price tag north of €100 were convincing enough to make me press “purchase.”  I love a good deal, I snagged it for €98 instead of its usual €119. 

As someone who tries to support women-owned businesses, I was drawn to BÉIS, the brand founded by Shay Mitchell. Her marketing is undeniably on point, which made the purchase even more appealing. After years of carrying a tote to work, like a “vraie Parisienne,” I had perfected the effortless, chic commuter vibe. Bag slung over my shoulder, my mobile phone in hand—but that oh-so-French style came at a cost. I started noticing my posture was becoming wonky. Switching to a backpack seemed like a kinder choice for my body in the long run, especially since I often brought my packed lunches to work most days of the week. I wanted something functional yet stylish, a balance of practical utility and understated cool that felt très moi. 

Unlike so many other celebrity-backed brands, Shay Mitchell is not just the face of BÉIS, she’s actually the founder and acting CEO. Her involvement in the brand’s product design made me feel like I was supporting something authentic. One year later, I’m wondering: was I scammed by the marketing, or has “lifetime” taken on a whole new meaning?

 NThe first year of ownership for this bag was nothing special: weekday commutes, carrying my MacBook Air, a charger, maybe a small notebook and my lunchbox. No rock climbing trips. Nor camping excursions. No yoga mats, just the humdrum of daily professional life. Despite this minimal use, the bag is falling apart. The shoulder strap stitching is unraveling and the inner lining is frayed and torn. I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry that a supposedly “premium” backpack couldn’t handle light use for even a full year.

So, I did what any annoyed millennial would do: I reached out to the brand. BÉIS’s customer service reps were quick to respond (thanks, Jemmy!) but less quick to resolve. Their policy? If you didn’t buy directly from their website, you’re out of luck. They advised mme to contact Revolve, the retailer I purchased it from. Cue the customer service ping-pong match.

Revolve’s response? A dismissive “this is normal wear and tear,” accompanied by a polite but hollow apology and a 10% discount code for my trouble. To recap: I spent over €98 on a backpack marketed as durable, used it lightly for one year, and now they are telling me that its rapid deterioration is “normal.” What exactly is the life expectancy of BÉIS products—a single rotation around the sun? The real kicker here is the disconnect between price and performance. A backpack in this price range should offer more than fleeting aesthetics; it should deliver on its promise of durability. Instead, I’m left with a fraying, dysfunctional bag and a discount code I have zero intention of using. Why would I want another BÉIS product when the first one failed so spectacularly?

This experience has me questioning the “quality guarantee” of so many modern brands. If we’re paying triple the price of a standard backpack, we should be getting triple the quality—or at least something that doesn’t unravel under the weight of a laptop. BÉIS’s branding might scream chic and reliable, but the reality is far less glamorous.

To BÉIS and other companies offering premium-priced products: your customers aren’t just paying for aesthetics. We’re paying for trust. If you can’t stand by your product, then don’t expect us to stand by your brand. A 15% discount code doesn’t fix a broken reputation.

As for me, I’ll be taking my search for a durable, high-quality backpack elsewhere. BÉIS might want to rethink what “buy it for life” means, because at this rate, it’s the lifetime of a fruit fly—not the customer—that they’re guaranteeing.

PS: If you’re curious about the discount codes I got, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to share!