i just returned a patent madison shoulder because while i love the easy maintenance of patent, i couldn't stand the wrinkles it forms from general use. every movement of the bag creates little wrinkles in the patent (more visible to me in lighter colors than darker colors) due to the leather being on the thinner side (i own some thick leather patent LV pieces, and they do not wrinkle). while i like the look of crinkled patent, i couldn't be sure if the patent would eventually wrinkle evenly, or just around the handles and parts of the bag that "bend" the most. since i'm a bit OCD about my bags, i chose to return it cuz i knew it would bother me. if it does not bother u, go for it! patent is perfect for the rain and generally low maintenance. remember too that the darker the color, the more fingerprints will show up, tho that fades over time since the bag isn't so shiny new anymore. good luck!