Ah yes. Finding a bag that not only looks good but is able to fit all those important documents. I remember that problem well.
Have you considered this? I don't know if it will work or not, but I saw it in a movie once (I think it was Legally Blonde). The main character had looped a pretty silk scarf through the handle of her conservative black brief case. It spruced the bag up, but the scarf was tasteful so the overall effect was classy.
And I'm all for the patent leather. In small, carefully administered doses, it can look VERY nice.