June 26, 2018

‘I am Able’ Tank (My Exclusive Collab with Able Apparel!)

Good morning friends! I get excited about every post I publish here, but I’m especially excited about this one. Why? Because I designed an “I am Able” tank with Able Apparel that benefits a local charity and all of you can buy it! Eeeee!

Back up – what is Able?

Able is a Chicago-based company dedicated to supporting children who are vulnerable to the violence in our city. I discovered them back in November, when they sent me one of their ultra-cozy sweatshirts – and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Most Chicagoans aren’t blind to the fact that we have some serious issues in our city, and I love that these founders are working to do something out about it. 50% of their profits go straight towards non-profit organizations, like the Juvenile Protective Association and Cure Violence. Each one always has a focus on access to education, safety, positive relationships, career opportunities, and other helpful resources. So awesome, right?!

New Moms

For this particular collaboration, I’m proud to announce that 50% of all profits from my tank will go towards New Moms. New Moms is a local organization that helps young mothers living in extreme poverty. 63% come from homes where their mothers were also teen parents, and this organization is working towards interrupting that cycle of poverty. New Moms support each young mother as she finds a safe place to live, gets a job, and becomes a strong leader for her family.

“I am Able” Tank

For this collaboration, I really wanted to speak to every woman. To me, this “I am Able” tank has a lot of meanings. First, in a world where I’ve felt increasingly helpless regarding important issues, it represents what I CAN do to help those less fortunate than me. It’s easy to think that if you can’t change the world, why even try? But I hate that mentality. If we all cut that out, and did little things every day, they would add up. This collaboration isn’t going to change everything that’s wrong – but even if it only raises enough money to help one woman, that’s something.

For the New Moms, it’s a reminder that they are capable of breaking the cycle of poverty and young pregnancies. I can only imagine that it must feel impossible to thrive when all of the cards are stacked against you… but most of these women are a lot stronger than they realize.

And lastly, I am Able is a mantra I think about all the time in my daily life. Whether it’s convincing myself that I can handle my crazy workload, chase a dream, or just get through a solidcore class, repeating this to myself works. And since fitness has been one of the most empowering outlets for me personally, I really wanted to make this tank workout ready!

All you need is a sports bra + a pair of leggings, and you’re ready to kick some booty! I personally love this slightly cropped style, especially for working out. I like to see my body to make sure I’m in proper alignment in most classes, and shorter styles help with that. If you don’t like cropped styles, or if you’re just are a gorgeous tall woman, try sizing up! For reference, I’m 5’2” and I’m wearing a small. It definitely falls past my high waisted leggings but doesn’t hit my hips.