Colors in photos often look very different. Put those pictures online and they're even further removed from the actual item. Also, shades of red are notoriously tricky to convey. I wanted a true, vibrant red bag. The red in the photo looked like it may be a little too dark but I've been searching for a red hobo for so long I took a chance because it looked like a nice bag and I thought it would be close enough. Well, the red is only technically "red." It's more of a strange brick red (not as deep or rich as burgundy), with dull gray/brown undertones... a real off-color. So, not anything like what I was after. It also doesn't have anything like the supple, soft/shiny appearance in the photo. I suppose there's a leather treatment that would bring that out but I'm returning mine (possibly for a different color) because I can't imagine this strange shade making this bag one I would reach for. But if you're choosing a different color....This bag is the perfect size, at a time when finding the perfect in-between size is a struggle. It's not heavy, which is good because you won't be dragging around a ton but bad because it won't hold up as an every day bag. I was thinking I wasn't crazy about the design (those nonsensical vertical side zippers aren't the best decoration) but a different color might make all the difference. The strap is superfluous because the handle is plenty long enough to wear as a shoulder bag and a decent length to dangle from your forearm. I have bags where I attach the long strsp and I toggle betwern the two. You can't do that with this bag. It's too awkward. But you really only need the one handle-strap since it does double-duty.The weird red did not work for me but a different color might make all the difference. I might switch for the gray but I'm still looking for a sturdy, stylish true bright red hobo.