If you’ve been with us since the beginning, when “ABLE” was known as “FashionABLE” and existed as an extension of the non-profit organization called Mocha Club, then you remember the original ABLE signature piece: the scarf. Our scarves were handwoven by women in Ethiopia who were in need of a sustainable job that would bring both dignity and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Each new style we created was named after one of the women who made them and shared the story of what she was ABLE to do because of her job. Our mission back then was simple: create sustainable jobs for women who had overcome extraordinary circumstances and needed an opportunity. We weren’t trying to build a brand; we were simply meeting women where they were and offering them a way forward.
Twelve years later, our heart for lifting up women remains while our mission and our product categories have continued to expand. We now create go-to wardrobe pieces that empower both the women who wear them and the women who make them. Working with more women in more countries (including women in our own city of Nashville, TN), our apparel, leather bags, shoes, and handmade jewelry are thoughtfully designed and made with a level of quality and purpose that keep our very first scarf-wearing customers returning. Shopping ABLE isn’t just another swipe of your credit card, it’s a purchase with purpose – for both you and the woman who had a hand in making your piece.
If you’re new around here, welcome! We won’t apologize for our days of wearing scarves every day, even in the summertime, but we will share what we’ve been wearing on a regular basis since then. And if we do say so ourselves, we think we’ve come a long way.
If you’re only going to have one of these styles –– it’s probably going to be this one. While all ABLE pieces are created with a level of quality, versatility, and impact you’ll be proud to have in your wardrobe, ABLE Signatures is a collection of prominent pieces we all find ourselves coming back to again and again that truly feel like you’re wearing the ABLE mission. From the quality fabrics to the precise design and fit, these pieces are more than fashion. They tell a story of what’s possible – for the women who made it and for the women who wear it.
APPAREL
Our very first graphic tee is a beautiful illustration of our partnership with India. Tigers are the national animal of India, where this piece is made, and the irises in their mouths are the state flower of Tennessee, where you can find ABLE headquarters. We’re proud to partner with vendors we carefully select, not just for their quality of work but the quality of life they provide their workers. This piece celebrates a partnership that is empowering women and Moving Fashion Forward while adding a bit of interest to any look. Its relaxed fit and cuffed sleeves carries over to each new graphic tee we introduce.
“The vibe of the shirt means I can wear it with jeans and a shacket, or a black maxi-skirt and tennies. The look is very versatile. The cotton fabric is so soft; I will wear this year round!” – Tasha W.
The jacket that started it all. When denim and apparel launched in 2017, the Merly was the most raved about piece during the launch – and continues to be the #1 ABLE product among staff and customers. While other less expensive denim jackets may exist out there, once customers try the ABLE Merly Jacket, they find the one with a quality and fit that outlasts and outshines them all. The Original Wash gives a bit of edge with minimal distressing and comes with that broken-in, buttery-soft feeling. Many other iterations and washes have been introduced, but the original Merly Jacket remains the tried-and-true go-to.
“It’s comfortable and practical, but also looks and feels like wearing a piece of art. By far the best addition to my closet!” – Abby H.
Every wardrobe needs a classic white button down. It never goes out of style, and can be worn in a multitude of ways. The Harris is one of the newest of our Signature pieces, but we’re just that confident about its permanent place in our assortment – and in your closet. Its oversized, longer silhouette is a unique take on a standard white button down, allowing for greater versatility and expression of your own personal style. Our design team spent two years perfecting this piece, from fabric to fit.
“When I think of all the time and money I wasted trying to make other (often cheaper) shirts like this work - I kick myself for not investing in this closet staple from ABLE sooner!” – Melissa F.
If you’re carefully in search of the perfect leather jacket to fit your wardrobe and your style, look no further than the Maha. Made with super soft lamb leather, it already feels broken in – not stiff and restricted. It’s slightly cropped, tailored body with less hardware than a traditional moto-style creates a more femine option that is less harsh and easier to pair with, well, basically everything. Originally launched in 2019, we’ve since updated the style to fit multiple body types. If sized correctly, it will fully zip over most bust sizes.
“A lifetime piece that I know I will keep coming back to and get use out of for many years to come.” – Courtney W.
This is a newer style for us but an instant success – much like the Merly Jacket – so we’ve added it to the list. You might have guessed it by now, but the lived-in look is kind of our MO. Made with “comfort stretch” denim, they have the appearance of non-stretch denim and will hold you in all the right places but still have a little bit of give that we all need. Commonly chosen over the beloved Clarissa and Whitney, these jeans are the jeans. Keep an eye out of more washes and sizes.
“My new favorite denim. They are at the top of my pile and I honestly haven’t worn anything else for jeans since I bought them.” – Erin W.
You don’t know how much you can love a tee until you put on the Mae. The viscose/lycra jersey fabric is comfortable and drapey (hence the name). Pair that with our intentionally designed scoop neck – not too high, not too low – and you get the perfect tee. It doesn’t wrinkle, holds up over time, and doesn’t pill. Years after launching apparel and realizing the popularity of a good tee, we finally found the fabric that checks all the boxes. Once we created the Mae in 2020, we never went back. With a tank version, a v-neck version, and a long sleeve version, our drapey signature look is here to stay.
“This tee is comfortable, fits with ease, and a joy to wear.” – Freya S.
LEATHER BAGS
Okay, this really might be the best ABLE product of all time. It’s the very first leather tote we ever made (back in 2014), and its popularity literally changed our entire business. It caught the attention of A-list celebrities like Julianne Hough, Minka Kelly, Drew Barrymore, and Olivia Wilde, as well as anyone with an eye for style and impact. The Mamuye Tote is named after one of the women we worked with at the time, making it purposeful beyond carrying your stuff. It created direct impact you can literally name – meet Mamuye (pronounced MUH-MOO-YAY). It’s seasonless with a level of quality that carries you through the year and every season of life. The signature Cognac color is the classic go-to (and the color most people have kept for almost a decade!), but you can be sure to find it in new, seasonal colors.
“This is the perfect everyday tote. Plenty of space to fit all you need and a little extra. The straps are a good length and width helping the bag not to dig into your shoulder when it’s full. Whether you are a mom, a young professional, student, or just someone who loves high quality bags, this tote is for you!” – Rachel T.
The clutch that is here for the long haul. Believe us, we’ve tried other designs – none of them compare to the Rachel. Our signature knot detail adds a bit of interest while keeping it straightforward and functional. It has dedicated space inside for cards and is roomy enough for a phone and any other little essentials you need on the go. The best part? You can throw it in a backpack or large tote and pull it out when you don’t need your whole bag. While the Cognac color is always classic, look out for new colors in every season.
“Perfect for on-the-go activities. Holds a lot without being bulky. The quality is superb! The leather gets softer and softer with each use.” – Carol M.
Our first backpack – and the one with all the bells and whistles that will be your go-to for years to come. We’ve since created other backpacks (like the Liliana, the Abera Backpack, and even the Alem Mini), but no other bag compares to its fully lined double compartments, interior laptop sleeve, exterior pocket, and drink holders on the side. Unlike other signature leather pieces, we keep the Alem Backpack in three core colors so it never goes out of season. From work to school, motherhood and travel, it carries all the things.
“Everything about this backpack is elegant, and I get compliments on it all the time!” – Audrey M.
The tote with shoulder straps and a crossbody strap. With a magnetic closure at the top and thinner shoulder straps, the Abera is a shorter, slimmer alternative to the Mamuye Tote. This tote can typically be found in our three core colors, keeping it simple, streamlined, and classic.
“This bag is exactly what I've been looking for. A lightweight leather crossbody that I can still use as a shoulder bag. And it has a closure so it doesn't hang open. Love everything about it.” – Stephanie M.
One of our first wallets that can't be beat. It’s sleek and slender, but it fits so much – including your phone. Doubling as a clutch and wallet, you can slip the Debre into your bag or use it on its own. Other wallets we’ve designed with similar functionality don’t stand up to the popularity of the Debre. Often available in seasonal colors, so you can always match your wallet to your bag.
“This wallet is the Mary Poppins/Hermione Granger of wallets. I can fit so much in here and it’s still flat!” – Leah V.
FOOTWEAR
Our first and best sneaker, est. 2019. With a small platform and a two-toned neutral color scheme, this shoe acts as a simple white/neutral sneaker that has a touch of interest in the back. While it inspired the Nera (which is available in more colors), the Emmy stays neutral and can be worn with literally everything. If you only have one sneaker in your wardrobe, the Emmy is it.
“I'm a huge fan of these sneakers, I've received compliments every time I've worn them. The camel leather accent on the back adds a little flare, yet still goes with any outfit. They are super comfortable and didn't need any break-in period.” – Lauren G.
JEWELRY
The perfect length, dainty chain, and meaningful charms (you can stack up to six letters) create your classic everyday piece. Beautifully combining style and purpose, every jewelry piece is handmade by women in our own community of Nashville, TN, who have often overcome extraordinary challenges and lacked an opportunity to move forward with dignity. Every time you wear your Letter Necklace, it’s not only keeping what means most to you close to your heart, it’s helping to support and empower women.
“Cute necklace! I've worn it pretty much everyday since I got it and so far it’s held up well (even with toddlers grabbing at it). It's a great length and makes me feel put together even with just a t-shirt on.” – Lindsey F.
Maybe our most meaningful product we'll ever carry. Designed by Minka Kelly and inspired by (and named after) our first jeweler, Barbara. The cameo on the pendant looks vintage, creating a piece that looks passed down to you and one you can pass down. While the story behind this piece may not be your own family history, it’s a story worth sharing – one of perseverance, love, and hope.
“I bought this for my mom as a Christmas gift. She loves history and antiques, so I thought this would be perfect for her since it has that feel to it. When I was a teen, my mom would show me her jewelry collection that she stored away (she rarely wore jewelry because she was too busy to put it on). Each piece had a story and it was fun to relive a bit of her history by looking at her jewelry.” – Rayah T.
One of our first rings, symbolizing the bridge that ABLE creates between the past and the future. ABLE provides dignified jobs for women who may have had troubled pasts but are able to have hope for the future, both by intentionally hiring women internally and partnering with vendors who carry the same values. While most women begin working in our jewelry studio without any previous experience, they’re able to learn the intricate soldering skill it takes to make a piece like this one. A favorite among our community, this unique ring is often worn as an everyday piece for the meaning and interest it brings to any look.
“I love this ring! I wear it every day and it withstands bumps of daily life.” – Ali M.
One of our first personalized necklaces and still our top-selling today. You can add up to four additional charms. It’s the dainty, just-barely-there necklace you never have to take off. Keep what means most to you close to you.
“I ordered three of these necklaces, one for myself and one for each of my daughters. I am very pleased with the quality and I really appreciate that they are adjustable so I know that they will fit when I give them as a gift.” – Ann C.
July 26, 2022
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sarah squires
