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My Favorite Items from ABLE

Nov 10, 2021

Happy Wednesday!

Or shall I say, happy early Black Friday, because it’s Black Friday for US today!

As you know, ABLE is one of my absolute favorite brand partners (and companies in general) and they have been so kind as to open their Black Friday sale early for my readers to shop today before the discounts go live to the public–AND they’re giving you all an even deeper discount than their regular Black Friday sale at THIRTY percent off! It’s only for 24 hours though, and the discount goes down tomorrow, so if you’ve been wanting to buy anything from ABLE for the holidays, make sure to do it today!

Below, I’m refreshing my ABLE favorites post again to reflect everything you need to know about the sale, my favorite pieces, gift ideas, and more!

The ABLE Sale

A couple important announcements regarding the sale: 

  1. My 30% off code JESSKEYSBF30 applies to the mark downs as well as full priced items
  2. My 30% off code is valid for 24 hours only ending tonight at midnight November 10th
  3. Code does not apply to special release collections

Why is ABLE so special? 

You all know how much I love this brand, but if you’re new here, you probably don’t know what exactly makes them so special (aside from the fact that they make amazingly versatile, quality items!) ABLE specializes in classic styles that easily transition through many seasons and years to come–but their mission is to fight poverty by empowering and employing women both abroad and here in the U.S. They didn’t just start out to sell clothes and leather goods–but as a SOLUTION to help women who are trapped in a long-standing cycle of poverty.

ABLE was founded when husband and wife team, Rachel and Barrett Ward, were living in Ethiopia. They met women who were coming out of the sex industry, looking for employment and a better way to make ends meet for their families. The couple noticed that scarves were selling really well in local markets as souvenirs, so they got the idea to hire and train these women to make beautiful scarves of their own, and to sell them back in the US.

The idea took off!

Fast forward a few years later, and now they’re an established lifestyle brand! They partner with ethical factories in Ethiopia, India, Mexico and Brazil to make their leather goods, accessories, and clothing, and own their own jewelry manufacturer in Nashville, where all jewelry is handmade by local women! All are audited, with wages published on their website, to ensure every worker is paid a living wage.

They also work really hard to keep their prices as low and accessible for their customers, while ensuring they’re always ethically made and as sustainable as possible!

They’re a small brand with a big heart. Every purchase you make helps empower a woman and her family. So if you’ve been eyeing some classic pieces or are in need of some fall/winter staples to round out your wardrobe, now is a great time to score quality pieces on sale! Let’s dive in and I’ll take you through all my favorites!

Looking for gifts? Here are some thought starters!

Beautiful bags: You’ll see all my personal favorites outlined below, but they have SO many great options. Their leather quality is amazing, plus, they now have the option to monogram several of their styles!

Personalized Jewelry:  I think personalized jewelry makes such a special gift! They have a ton of options from necklaces to bracelets and earrings.

Amazing staple jackets:  ABLE is famous for their fantastic leather jackets and jean jackets! (More details below!) These make such a great gift that any woman will cherish for years.

ABLE Abera Backpack Purse: 

Probably my #1 favorite ABLE item of all time and the thing I use almost every day for daily life, going out, travel, work–you name it. Very roomy (even fits my 13″ laptop–snugly–but it fits!) I use it as a purse and it’s big enough to throw a couple diapers, changing pad, wipes, and a bottle for June, too! Plus, now you can monogram it! (I recommend getting this leather conditioner to keep it looking beautiful, too!)

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

ABLE Maha Leather Jacket: 

The most wonderful leather jacket that they make in three colors (I have two of them!) I can vouch that the whiskey color and black are equally as beautiful. I brought both to Paris with me and wore both often. Both these colors are selling out in many sizes (backordered until January) but the Slate is fully stocked and a BEAUTIFUL color. For any gal on your list who has been wanting a leather jacket, can’t say enough great things about this one! (See more details below!)

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

ABLE Personalized necklaces 

All the girls on our Atlas Adventures trip were gifted this necklace we engraved with “Joie de Vivre” so they had a beautiful keepsake to remember the trip! I also love the look of this layered Vista necklace, which you can also customize! Shop all their customized necklaces here!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Dainty gold mask chain:

This would’ve come in SO handy in Paris! Wish I’d had it then! Both functional and pretty, and something that a loved one probably wouldn’t buy themselves: all great qualifying factors in the perfect gift!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Personalized cuff ring: 

I love the look of this dainty cuff ring which you can customize with initials! So cute for anyone, but could also be a great idea for a new mom or grandma with baby’s initials? This style also comes in a bracelet!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Alem backpack: 

I use this backpack as my diaper bag for June and also for work and travel! It’s an amazing all-purpose, full-sized backpack. (Not a purse–like the Abera!) See my full review of it right here! This would make a great gift for anyone who is back at the office, loves to travel, a mom, etc!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Abera Crossbody Tote 

Another amazing all-purpose bag from ABLE is the Abera crossbody tote! A classic tote with a crossbody strap–making it ideal for everything from commuting, work, travel, the farmer’s market, etc!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Small chunky gold hoops: 

I just got these pretty hoops and they’re such cute everyday earrings! They would make a great stocking stuffer!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Merly Jean Jacket: 

If any woman in your life is searching for the perfect lived-in, super soft, oversized jean jacket, this is it! Also a GG reader favorite! (See below section for more details!) If you’re looking for a more classic fit/less distressing, they just brought their Bailey jacket back and it looks amazing!

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

More ABLE Favorites/Try On:

Able spring 2022 items
ABLE Merly Jean Jacket Review

Bailey jean jacket: (Left)

You know I have and love their famous Merly jacket (more below, and reviewed here!), which is a longer, oversized fit with some distressing! The Bailey is their more classic version. It’s very soft denim, just like the Merly, but with a shorter fit and no distressing. Both are great, it just depends on what look you prefer! I went with a small and it’s fitted. If you’d like it a little more relaxed than it fits me here, you could size up. I would not size down. Read more on the Bailey jacket in this blog post!

The Merly jean jacket: (Right)

I will admit at first I wasn’t sure if the Merly jacket was going to be too distressed for me, but after asking you all on IG stories if you had it and what your thoughts were–and you all convinced me to give it a try–I’m so glad I did! (Note: they’ve since added a “clean” version with no rips!) 

It’s definitely more distressed than the classic jean jacket, but it’s not too much once you have the jacket on and see it with the rest of your outfit. I like it because it’s different than my classic jean jacket! It’s got a more vintage feel, it’s WAY softer and more comfortable, and I think it adds a little more personality to your outfits! It already feels like that homey, lived-in piece you’ve had and loved for years.

Sizing: I personally found that I liked sizing up to a medium better because I wanted a more relaxed fit, but the small still looks cute! It just depends on how you want it to fit, but overall, the consensus among you guys was to go up a size

Delilah Belt Bag:

Totally different look, but just as great! The Delilah is a bit larger in size and holds more stuff. I can fit a diaper, thin pack of travel wipes, cards, my phone, and a lip balm in this one–in the event that I happen to have June in tow and just need my essentials plus emergency materials for her! Another thing I love about this bag is that it has a secret zipper pocket on the side that rests against your body, making it perfect for a passport or ID while traveling!

ABLE Alem backpack review

ALEM BACKPACK: 

The most beautiful leather backpack! (Note, they have updated the design since I got mine–so the new design is more structured than what you see here, but still beautiful!)

It’s always my personal item when traveling and I often use it as a diaper bag, too!

It’s made of the prettiest leather that is also durable. And the kind that only gets better with time and wears. I love the minimalist design so it goes with everything and it’s really comfortable. The adjustable straps are padded and wide, meaning they never dig into your shoulders or hurt your back! The color I have is the cognac color. But it also comes in a dark whiskey brown or black leather!

There are two different roomy interior compartments (including a laptop sleeve big enough for a 15″ laptop–one reviewer even said she fits TWO laptops in it!) two side pockets (large enough to fit my 32 oz hydro flask!) and one front-zip pocket. It has plenty of room for my giant DSLR camera, changes of clothes for me and baby, you name it. Whatever you need it for–it’s awesome! My only knock is that it doesn’t have a zipper on both sides of the pockets, but that’s minor. 

Check out my full review in this post.

Karla Belt Bag | New ABLE try on + 20% off Mothers Day sale
Karla Belt Bag | New ABLE try on + 20% off Mothers Day sale

Harris button down:

I saw Karla raving about this button down on her Instagram stories and she was absolutely right–it IS wonderful! If you’re looking for a classic oversized button down that isn’t linen, isn’t poplin–but kind of an in-between–this is it! It’s surprisingly comfortable and de-wrinkles really easily with a 2 second hit with the steamer. (Which I appreciate!) This one is pretty oversized, I’m wearing a small here, so if you want it more fitted, you could go down a size.

Karla Belt Bag:

My friend Karla’s bag that she designed in partnership with ABLE! If you’re looking for a minimalistic belt bag that is very small and just enough to hold the essentials (phone, credit cards/ID, lip gloss) this is a great one! It’s very size inclusive (from petite to plus size and everything in between) and can be worn around the waist or across your body. It comes in lots of colors, has a magnetic closure and slots for credit cards. I think the black color is really versatile and can easily be dressed up, worn out to dinner, etc! This would also be a really great bag for say, a Europe trip, if you don’t need much on you and want something very secure and hands free! Like with all ABLE leather bags, you’ll want to apply leather conditioner every so often to keep it looking great!

**Note my 20% off code doesn’t work on this bag as it’s a limited edition partnership release!**

ABLE sale Personalized necklace

Personalized necklace: 

All the girls on our Atlas Adventures trip were gifted this necklace we engraved with “Joie de Vivre” so they had a beautiful keepsake to remember the trip! I also love the look of this layered Vista necklace, which you can also customize! Shop all their customized necklaces here!

The Maha Leather Jacket in whiskey
Maha Leather Jacket
Maha Leather Jacket - The ABLE Sale

The Maha Leather Jacket in whiskey: (Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off today only!) 

The jacket I wore almost every day of my Paris trip! It’s called the Maha leather jacket. This is the “whiskey” color, but the slate is also beautiful (and fully stocked!) The leather this jacket is made out of is really beautiful and soft, but it’s also durable and can withstand some beating up. My other leather jacket from Italy is more of that “buttery” leather, which means it stains and scratches, so it’s nice to have this piece in my wardrobe knowing I don’t have to worry about it! I love the dark brown cognac color and the moto design.

Sizing: I sized up to a medium because I wanted it a little roomier. If I wanted it more snug I would’ve gone with a small. I would say it runs true to size, it just depends on how you’d like it to fit!

Aarti Wide Leg Crop: 

You know I love a wide leg crop, and this one does not disappoint! I adore the high waisted fit, love the cut of the legs–two thumbs up! Note, the olive is an old color from last year, but this year they’re available in both black and a great burnt orange color! 

Sizing: They run slightly roomy, so if you’re in between go with the smaller size. I’m wearing the 4 and they do have some room. 

Maha Leather Jacket black
Leather Jacket black - The ABLE Sale

The Maha Leather Jacket in black: (Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off!) 

Same jacket as above, but in black! You can never go wrong with a black leather jacket. (See above for more details!)

Julia Anywhere Top - The ABLE Sale
Julia Anywhere Top - The ABLE Sale

Julia Anywhere Top: (Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off!) 

Also comes in green! This is called the “anywhere” top for great reason–it is so versatile! And so comfy. It’s a micro-rib material and is a perfectly boxy/flowy staple, but easily ties in the front, and can also front tuck. It easily transforms from a “leggings” top to a “going out” top with just a little bit of zshushing. Would be the ideal travel staple!

Sizing: Definitely a boxy/roomier fit. I would go with your smaller size if in question. Wearing a small.

The ABLE Sale favorites

Above: The Julia anywhere top styled to go out! 

ABLE Sale October 2021

Eliza Boot: Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off!) 

If you’re looking for a great pair of neutral booties that are suitable for lots of walking, dressing up, dressing down, and doing plenty of walking–these are them! They have just a bit of a heel to make them feel dressy (if you want) but not so high that you can’t walk around in them all day (if you want). They’re made of nubuck (get a nubuck protectant spray!) and I love the shape of the toe–pointed but not TOO pointed.

Sizing: Run TTS! 

Elizabeth Rib Midi Cardigan
Elizabeth Rib Midi Cardigan - The ABLE Sale

Elizabeth Rib Midi Cardigan: (Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off!) 

(Note, this years doesn’t come in grey but comes in camel and a pretty burgundy!) Meet one of the most versatile sweaters in your wardrobe. Is it a sweater? Is it a dress? It’s both! It’s also a polyester spandex blend. So for those of you who are allergic to wool, hate cashmere, etc–I think you will LOVE this sweater! It’s so incredibly soft. You’ll wear it with PJ’s around the house and you’ll also wear it with a belt and heels to dress up for date night!

Sizing: Slim fitting and runs TTS. Wearing a small 

ABLE Rib Midi Cardigan - The ABLE Sale
Able midi cardigan two ways

The Carolina Belt: (Use code JESSKEYSBF30  for 30% off!) 

Also comes in black! A beautiful belt with a bit of a western twist. Just what you need to dress up an simple/casual outfit or add a bit of waist definition to a dress! As with buying any belt, make sure to measure to ensure your correct size according to the size chart!

Jane Maxi Dress
Jane Maxi Dress Able Sale

Jane Maxi Dress: Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off!) 

Sad that house dress/nap dress season is over? Think again! This is the WINTER HOUSE DRESS. Yassss. It’s SO SOFT and also warm for how lightweight it looks because it’s lined–the double layers definitely make a difference in the warmth factor. Looks so cute with booties to dress it up for a night out but would also be great for work! Also available in white! (You can see how I styled it in white over here!) 

Sizing: Runs big. Size down. I’m wearing small here and sized down to an XS for the white version. 

Abera convertible backpack

Abera convertible backpack purse: (Use code JESSKEYSBF30 for 30% off!)

Another backpack (but this one is a backpack PURSE–so they’re very different things with different uses!) but I love it equally as much. I have used this as my main purse for every trip since I got it–its the perfect travel bag! Secure, fits so much stuff but isn’t too big–it’s roomy enough to fit my giant DSLR camera, small water bottle, and other essentials!

This is also my everyday purse these days because I can always have my hands free and it’s roomy enough to fit a couple diapers, changing pad, small wipes, and a Paci–the small essentials we need to go out with June for a shorter window of time. Also comes in black and tan!

Tip: The leather is the kind that only gets better the more you beat it up, but my tip is to get some of their lleather conditioner to keep it looking beautiful! 

Abera Convertible Tote

Abera Convertible Tote:

Clearly, I love ABLE’s Abera style purses, however, this convertible tote is newer to me! Love the subtle embossed initials! This purse is great because it functions as a tote AND a cross-body with the removable longer strap, making it great for travel and commuting–and is plenty roomy enough to hold a laptop and all your essentials. Has a magnetic flap closure at the top and a small interior pocket.

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

Shirley Utility Jumpsuit

Shirley Utility Jumpsuit:

My most jumpsuit. I own it in two colors (this “bone” color is sold out, but comes in olive and black–although it’s low in stock!)  It’s so flattering, such great quality, and super comfortable! I wore it twice in Ireland! Again, in the name of “going back to the office” per many reader requests–this is something that would transition really well both in and out of the office! 

Sizing: Runs TTS! Wearing small 

Code JESSKEYSBF30 gets you 30% off today only!

HAPPY SHOPPING! Remember to snag your favorites before my 30% off code expires tonight!

For even more ABLE content, check out these posts:

12 versatile wardrobe staples from ABLE and how to style them for spring/summer

The best ever all-purpose leather backpack- for work, travel, diaper bag, and more!

A comfy midi dress, four ways for fall!

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