Nothing is as crisp looking as an almost black (it's really a super dark browen) and white combo, and when crafted in linen, with contrasting black wooden beads, as on the Small Alyssa Tote from Cole Haan the effect is stunning.
For starters, the shape of this bag is fabulous, it appears, to toss out an SAT word, to be undulating. The grommet and bead work, which from a distance resembles lace, is set in such a way to mimic the neckline of a dress, and come to think of it, the bag sort of does resemble decolletage, to be polite.
The rest of the contrasting accents are done perfectly, with small beads and black stitching on the sides, and the braided cording on the handle with just a touch of white leather.
The lining is a shell pink, and there is only one zip pocket, but for $185, who can complain about the lack of a cell phone slot? Speaking of the price, like many other Cole Haan styles, this one looks far more expensive than it is.
It's available at Cole Haan as shown, in all black, or all natural straw, but the near black and white is really the most striking.