The $135 Bag That Got Me Compliments in Paris, Positano, and London

This past summer I set off for a monthlong adventure to Europe. The destinations included Paris, Positano, and London. Naturally, the very idea of spending four glorious weeks abroad sounded delightful to me. However, while I'm certainly not complaining, the task of packing for that long was—shall we say—not the easiest feat. I challenged myself to fit everything into one piece of checked luggage with no flow-over totes. (I recently got this suitcase from Away, and it's amazing.) Turns out, I succeeded in my quest! Aside from a tutorial led by my sister on how to fold the Kondo way, one of the most efficient methods that allowed me to fit everything into one suitcase was choosing a bag that was so versatile I could carry it with every outfit I wore. The purse in question was the straw Augustin bag from Rouje. It had all the qualities I was searching for in a travel bag. It could fit underneath my shoulder, it was large enough to carry what I needed for the day but small enough to not be a burden, and most importantly, it's really, really cute.

Full disclosure: I did end up packing a couple of other small bags, but as my travel buddies can attest, this was the one I ended up carrying the entire month. For proof, continue ahead to see snaps from my travels, and shop the outfits that you can see yourself wearing on your next holiday away. If you're hoping to spend less than $150 on your next travel bag, I included a few extra budget-friendly options for you, just in case.

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Eiffel Tower, Paris
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nicole Kliest)

Sometimes, the easiest way to feel polished while traveling is by packing a pretty ankle-length dress you can wear with a simple pair of flat sandals and a straw bag.

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Jardin de Tuileries, Paris
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nicole Kliest)

The little white dress strikes again! This mini is balanced by long sleeves and is crafted from breathable cotton that is great for summer temperatures but can also be layered over pants for the fall.

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Canal Saint-Martin, Paris
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nicole Kliest)

When going for a denim-on-denim look, break up the bulk with a different texture, like a straw bag.

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Positano, Amalfi Coast
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nicole Kliest)

A leisurely day spent by the sea calls for lightweight layers and comfortable accessories.

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Hyde Park, London
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nicole Kliest)

For an afternoon stroll, museum visit, and picnic, try a tie-dye shirt styled with wide-leg khakis and an easy woven purse.

Up next: Shop the best tote bags for travel.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 asBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out Wholesale Replica Bag restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)