Any Bay resident at heart loves to fight for a good cause and over here at MADE we are no exception. Last week we chatted with Deb Holden, founder of the clothing brand UNited We Fit. A socially conscious label, that focused on different project that encourages people to “identify, question, empower”.

We were lucky enough to score an interview with Deb after meeting her at the brand’s Bang the Drum Tour. For the past few weeks, UNited We Fit has sent an empty oil barrel to New York City, LA, and San Francisco, encouraging people to write “UN” to describe their feelings on the BP Oil Spill. By the time we got to the barrel, it was a bright yellow, covered in words like “unfathomable”, “unthinkable”, and “unfit”.

The little barrel that could makes it’s last stop in Houston, where the US Headquarters of BP is located. This barrel will hopefully voice the opinions of hundreds of supporters and to show BP that we mean business.

If you look closely in this pic, you can spot me rockin’ MADE’s Minna Earrings (I’m in the left)!

Read more about our interview with Deb Holden after the jump!

The minute we began chatting with Deb, we felt at home with her and could sense her passion for the cause. Read below to learn more about UNited We Fit!

MADE: What inspired you to create UNited We Fit?

The world is created out of all different opinions and philosophies. We need to embrace each other and our differences in order to grow. This idea of bringing individuals together in order to appreciate and learn from experiences is what inspired me to create this brand. I came up with this “un” mentality to encourage people to un-think the status quo and create their own vision. For example, you can’t really know what being cool is until you know what being “uncool” is like.  I love this concept because through our UN t-shirts you can choose your o9wn words and express your own vision of what you wear.

MADE: Tell us a little something about your personal style.

I’m 54 years old, newly a grandma, but I still like to keep up with the trends. It doesn’t matter what your age is, you can still express yourself through your fashion. Just because you’re a grandparent does not mean your style has to fade, you can tailor trends and new styles to fit your body and age. Being from Texas, I’ve always been a jeans and tshirt type of gal, but had to always find the right jeans to fit my 5″9 frame. That does not mean I don’t like to show off in a pair of heels. Looking smart and dressing thoughtfully shows the world you care about yourself.

MADE: Speaking of the right pair of jeans, which brands do you rock?

There are a lot of great jean brands nowadays, but I personally love Rock and Republic. Also, I enjoy J Brand and Joes. When I’m looking for a great fit for the bum, I choose True Religions! You can always count on jeans for a go to wardrobe staple.

MADE: What is the one accessory every woman needs?

-Bracelets. They compliment everything! You can pick up either a charm bracelet or set of bangles and get up and go. With bracelets, they don’t overpower an outfit like a chunky necklace might do.

MADE: What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

I have a necklace with a diamond pendant that my children’s father gave me when we first met. It is one of my most cherished items. The chain is so delicate and the pendant is a timeless piece that makes any outfit of mine special.

MADE: What has MADE you?

My parents have definitely been huge influences on my life . They were polar opposites, and I believe when you have that type of situation in your life, you take things from both. The bits and pieces you take from certain people, in this case my parents, form a sort of quilt of experiences. Even the negative ones may be sewn in.  You can turn those moments you thought were negative and turn them into something positive and grow from them.  This has let me become the person I am today. Don’t ever let anyone dictate what type of person you have to be or expect you how to live. Take those expectations others have of you and decide if they make you happy. If they don’t, throw them out the window and become the person you know you are suppose to be.

What’s not to like about Deb! We would like to thank her for sitting down with us for our FIRST interview in the MADE’s View series and showing us that great style and standing up for what you believe in truly goes hand in hand. And of course, age is nothing but a silly number.

Dont forget to visit her website and support her brand! www.UNitedWeFit.net

Check out the gallery for pics of our favorite UNited We Fit pieces and snapshots of our visit to their Bang the Drum Tour in SF’s Mission District!

And if you dont know, now you know

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