You may be familiar with the merchandising masterminds behind this fresh new shop in Madison. Rachel Rinoski and Kate Bartlett, previously of Grace in Niantic, have opened a beachy boutique in downtown Madison. From the second you walk in, you’ll oooh and aaah over the linen C.P. Shades tunics, cool cotton dresses, French straw market bags, and sun hats. But that’s not nearly all: as a full-on lifestyle shop, you’ll also find pale Turkish towels and linen blankets, stacks of decor and cookbooks, Nash & Jones covetable and clean skincare, Golden Spur local ceramics, and lots of other goodies from mainly female-owned brands.  If I ever needed a reason to buy another bag, here’s a good one. The folks behind ABLE’s simple and tasteful leather bags employ and empower women as a solution to end poverty by investing, training, and educating so they can earn a living, break the cycle of poverty, and thrive.

What I love so much about this shop is nothing is left to chance. Every item of merchandise is considered with an eye to small, local makers and women-owned businesses.

Bags by ABLE

Craft Cocktail Infusions for light and healthy summer drinks

Turkish towels, linen blankets, and tasseled cotton throws