The differences between a juicy red patent handbag and a super slick black bag are three-fold.

1. Black is mysterious; red is in-your-face.
2. Black is sophisticated. Red patent bags can teeter between sophisticated and déclassé. I prefer darker hues; when the red is too bright it's too much.
3. Black is safe(er). A red patent bag is for the super confident woman. Are you ready for one?

Speaking of confidence. The red metallic Bottega below is beyond patent. I can't decide if it's sophisticated or déclassé. You tell me. Never, have I seen a bolder Bottega.