ABLE is a Nashville-based fashion and lifestyle brand whose mission is to end generational poverty by providing economic opportunities for women. I first heard about ABLE a couple of years ago when I first started looking into social enterprises and companies that give back. ABLE, found at www.livefashionable.com online, consistently showed up in my searches. Like, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
I always admired their stuff, especially their handbags. At the time, my daughter was still pretty young, so I was hauling around an ugly, but functional diaper bag. I then moved on to the slightly less ugly, yet washable tote bag that could withstand leaky bottles, snacks of unknown origin congregating at the bottom, and a plethora of wipes. I vowed that when I no longer needed a super kid-friendly day-to-day bag, I’m going straight to ABLE. Well, that day has arrived. FINALLY.
Instantly Classic Wardrobe Staples
I purchased the Emnet Foldover Crossbody bag in Cognac. The bag is deceptively very spacious, especially the zipped middle compartment. I can easily fit all my on-the-go necessities with room to spare. It’s made of 100% raw leather, so it is prone to getting a little scratched up. I personally like that more “lived in” look. I adore a crossbody bag because it stays put and is not constantly slipping off my shoulder. The neutral color and timeless style pretty much makes this my daily go-to bag. LOVE IT.
I have long been in search of a denim jacket to add to my closet. So, I also bought the Mina Denim Jacket to try out. It is THE softest denim jacket I’ve ever felt. I love the wash, but more distressed than I anticipated. Fortunately, the amount of distressing just makes the jacket look well-loved, which works for me. It exudes that classic, laid back, California look that I love so much. Definitely a keeper.
Empowering Women and Eradicating Generational Poverty
ABLE’s mission is to end generational poverty by providing women with economic opportunities. In so many places around the world, women must resort to prostitution to support their families. Sadly, poverty forces generation after generation of women into sex work because of the lack of other opportunities.
ABLE provides employment opportunities to women in Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru, and Nashville (HQ). Studies have consistently shown that investing in women results in vast economic and societal improvements. Women give back significantly more to their families and communities than men. When women are provided more economic opportunities, their children are more likely to attend school, overall health improves, and the cycle of generational poverty can be broken.
She’s Worth More
I love that my ABLE order came with a card that says SHE’S WORTH MORE (see above image). We often think of the things we wear as throw-away items. It is easy to forget that there are actual people making these products. And the people making these products typically do not make enough to support herself or her family. Not even close. I think we all know that garment workers are amongst the most abused and exploited in the world. The sad truth… less than 2% of global garment workers (who are predominantly female) are paid a living wage.
ABLE is committed to paying a fair, living wage to all of its employees. They value transparency in their entire process. In fact, they currently publish the wages of their LOWEST (not average) paid employees so that they can be held accountable in this area. They are also at the forefront of encouraging other companies to do likewise.
I love supporting companies like ABLE. First, the crossbody bag and denim jacket are instant favorites in my wardrobe. More importantly, I feel really good about supporting women around the world who are in need of economic opportunities. ABLE honestly makes it easy because their products are classics and well-made.
For more fashion companies that give back, check out Shop Social Good’s Apparel Directory! For more companies that support women, check out Shop Social Good’s Women’s Directory!