Hi Kimmy
I love my b bag, its very grown up, yet you can get some fab patent ones that feel much more modern and funky. I always feel very ladylike when I am carrying mine (I have the tan with black patent buckles), and the strap is the perfect length.
Criticisms, I dont have many, except perhaps, that there are no seperate compartments inside, just the one large space, but the smell and the leather more than compensates.
The black and tan is still available now, and is the classic colour, but there are lots of variations available, including embellished buckled versions.
I see you are in London, so maybe pop into Harrods, HNs or Selfridges to see if there is one that really catches your eye