Team D'Marie introduces you to Jodi-Kay Edwards of the blog lifestylefinesse.com. check out our interview & top fashion credit!

DM:  Why are you a blogger? Why did you start blogging? 

JKE: I remember when I would get my weekly allowance as a kid, the first thing I would always ask my mom is if she would take me shopping. My love of clothes started from a very early age, I learned that I could be anyone I wanted to be just by how I dressed. While my friends were dressing up as princesses and Britney Spears I found myself mixing and matching different costumes to be my own unique person. As I got older I carried this thought with me. Even during high school I was always trying to find a way to bend the rules, I would add fun socks or an over the top necklace to my school uniform, don’t even get me started on the alterations I made when my mom taught me how to sew. My friends loved it, the teachers not so much. I was having so much fun mixing and matching different styles and outfits, more importantly I was having fun exploring my personal style and dressing for me. It was such a great feeling and I knew I could inspire others to do the same. I started blogging to show others that fashion fits everyone, no matter your age or size. I really started to get into fashion blogging after college, I was transitioning into the corporate world and started blogging about creative ways to look professional at work without getting sucked into the whole suit routine. I also started volunteering at a shelter for teenage mothers who were learning how to deal with so many life changes including their bodies. I was inspired to help others learn how to dress for their specific body type, as well as their budget, before I knew it I fell into the world of styling. It has been so rewarding to see how much one simple garment can change someone’s whole perspective on life. Blogging for me has always been a nice way to connect with people around the world, I have met so many amazing people. The blogging community is so kind. Connecting with strangers who share a common interest? Why not! Blogging has really been a life changing experience for me. Who would have known that a few dollars here and there alongside a toy chest full of costumes would turn into such an eye opening experience.

DM: Describe your personal style...

JKE: I am a really big mood dresser. When I wake up in the morning what I wear that day depends entirely on my mood. Call me a closet chameleon. I stopped pre-planning my outfits because I was always changing my mind last minute! I can’t be pinned down to one specific style personality. One day I might feel like being edgy, I’ll throw on my favorite pair of leather leggings, ankle boots off the shoulder tee, black beanie (for those bad hair days) and call it a day. The next day I might be wearing a pencil skirt with a lace top and high-heels.  I’m not always adapting to my environment so chameleon might not even be the right word. I would be the chameleon reflecting sparkles when trying to blend in on a leaf, if that’s what I felt was right for the moment, that's what I would do.

DM: Who are your fashion influencers?

JKE: I really admire Kerry Washington’s style on and off the red carpet. Her style is sophisticated and elegant, yet simple and structured. She exudes professionalism every time I see a picture of her, I really admire that.

Another favorite of mine is Carly Cristman, she once described her style as casual glamour and I couldn’t agree more. She has this uncanny way of putting together subtle pieces that speak out in a really eye catching way, her outfits are almost always jaw dropping. She has just the right balance of sparkle and poise that makes you question if she is dressed for a photo shoot, or just going down the street to her favorite restaurant.