Johnny Loves Rosie Top Picks for 2026
There is something about a new year that makes your handbag look a bit tired; is it just me? After thirty years of writing about style, I have learnt that the quickest way to freshen your whole look is not another dress or another pair of jeans. It is the bag you pick up on your way out of the door.
Over at Johnny Loves Rosie, the mood for 2026 is very clear. With clean shapes, rich colour, a little polish, and a playful twist, you can make your own. I spent a very happy afternoon looking through the collection, and three bags kept pulling me back. Willow, Sadie, and Carrie. All vegan, all chic, and all ready for real lives, not just pretty pictures.
Willow, the quietly confident one
The Willow crossbody feels like the friend who always turns up on time and looks perfectly put together, without fuss. It has a properly structured silhouette so it keeps its shape, which instantly makes any outfit feel a bit sharper. The vegan leather has that smooth, satisfying finish that looks far more expensive than it is.
You get a neat top handle for those days when you want that little handbag moment. Then there is the detachable, adjustable strap when you need to go hands free and practical. The twist lock closes with a pleasing click, the sort of small detail you notice every day. Inside, there is room for a phone, purse, keys, lipstick, and a small notebook if you are old school like me. Black is the classic city choice, tan is lovely with denim, and ecru looks beautiful with soft knits.
Sadie, for easy evenings and long days
If Willow is tailored, Sadie is relaxed and a bit flirty. The half moon shape sits snugly under the arm very nineties, very current again. Made from the same premium vegan leather with gold hardware, it feels light on the shoulder, which matters when you are dashing from work to drinks to somewhere you probably planned late last night.
The strap adjusts so you can wear it high as a shoulder bag or drop it into a crossbody for busy days. The magnetic fastener is quick to snap shut, so you are not faffing at the till. Inside, it is roomy enough for all the usual bits, with space for sunglasses and a small perfume. Black looks sleek with a blazer, tan works beautifully with trench coats, and taupe is that soft neutral that somehow goes with everything.
Carrie, the playful pop of colour
Carrie is the fun one of the trio. The shape is compact, almost dainty, yet somehow still fits your phone, wallet, keys, plus a snack or two. The vegan leather and gold hardware keep it polished, while the signature logo on the front adds that little touch that says you have thought about it.
The matching strap lets you sling it on and go, ideal for brunch, date night, or just the school run when you still want to feel a bit like you. The star detail, though, is the detachable tag you can personalise. A name, some initials, maybe a tiny message. It turns a cute bag into a beautiful gift for a birthday, bridesmaid, or, to be honest, yourself. Cherry red is a joy with a simple black outfit, olive is lovely with autumn layers, while pink feels made for spring.
Ready to pick a favourite
Whether you are a Willow person through and through, tempted by Sadie for evenings, or already picturing Carrie in holiday photos, the nicest part is how easy they are to mix into real wardrobes and real routines. If you are in the mood to refresh your arm candy for the year ahead, take a look at the latest Johnny Loves Rosie bags and start planning your 2026 outfits now.