FP Me Stylist Of The Week: Newdarlings

Christina may be a familiar face — she’s graced our Instagram feed a number of times, and her FP Me presence is one that is strong, clean, and unique.

She’s been an influencer that we’ve had our eye on for quite a while, and it’s always exciting to see what adventure she’ll post next on her blog, New Darlings. From fashion to photography, New Darlings gives you a peek inside Christina’s life in Arizona. She doesn’t do it alone though, her partner in crime (a.k.a. best friend and husband), Robert, is right by Christina’s side as the other half of New Darlings. These two capture the essence of their life together, and do a pretty beautiful job at documenting it all in one place. We caught up with Christina to hear more of her story. Read below, and be sure to check out her inspiring FP Me pics!

Get the Look: Voile and Lace Trapeze Slip

Where are you from? How did this shape the person that you are today?

I am originally from Long Island, New York, just a short train ride from Manhattan. Being so close to the city exposed me to so many cultures at a young age. It really immersed me in a creative world and way of thinking that has stuck with me today. I would say this is where my passion for art and fashion was cultivated.

Get the Look: Easy Breezy Crochet Slip

Where do you currently live? What’s your favorite part?

Last summer, my husband Robert and I, packed up our belongings and moved across the country to Phoenix, Arizona. We had only been out here a couple of times prior to our move, so you can only imagine the surprised look we received from so many friends and family members when we made our plans to move official. New York is wonderful; it truly has everything, but we just couldn’t imagine living in one place our whole lives. We knew that if we didn’t move while we were young, that we probably never would. We have definitely fallen in love with our new home. We love the warmth, the sunshine, the condensed city, and the up-and-coming feel that is radiating off of downtown Phoenix. Our first year was a good one and we can’t wait to see what we discover next.

Get the Look: Take it Easy Shorty Set, Red Rock Leather Rancher

How did your blog, New Darlings, come to be?

Before our blog came to be, New Darlings started out with just a few photographs. Rob and I have always loved taking photos together. We met when we were very young — just 16 and 17 years old — and we would find ourselves wandering around different neighborhoods, little shops, parks, basically anywhere we could explore taking silly photos together. As time went on we realized we had basically documented every week since we had started dating. When we moved from NY to AZ we couldn’t wait to get out and explore our new city — with our cameras in hand of course! Everything was so different from back East: the landscape, the people, the shops … the community! We began posting our new adventures on Instagram under a joint account for our family and friends to follow along with. We were surprised and extremely flattered to see a bit of a following grow, and recently decided to expand our Instagram account into something on a larger scale.

Get the Look: High Rise Seamed Cut Off, We the Free Shadow Hacci, Montana Wide Brim Hat

For any new readers, what can they expect to see?

We just launched New Darlings this past July, so it is still evolving. I like to describe it as a “window into our daily lives”. It’s a fun place for us share a bit more than we do on Instagram, and to document our time in Arizona, our travels, and our lives as newlyweds. We share our favorite places, fashion choices, little peeks into our home and everything in between.

Get the Look: LA Nite Tank, Innuendo Sunglass

Get the Look: High Rise Roller Skinny, Floral Invasion Buttondown

How did you and Robert first meet?

We met in 2004, at a coffee shop in New York. A mutual friend had set it up as a double date, but we weren’t being set up for each other. We can’t help but laugh when we think back on it. We sat side by side all night, exchanging glances, laughing and trying to find out more about each other. We had no idea we were really being set up with other people. We sat in the parking lot long after the coffee shop closed and everyone else had left. We spent the night making future plans and talking about how we lived only a few miles apart, but somehow never met until that moment. It’s unbelievable to think that was ten years ago; it definitely doesn’t feel like it, but I guess that’s a good thing. 🙂

Get the Look: High Rise Seamed Cut Off, We the Free Shadow Hacci, Montana Wide Brim Hat

Is there anything that you’ve learned about yourself since starting a blog?

Starting a blog has definitely taught me not to be afraid to do what I love. I’ve learned a lot about what I want in life and how to truly be myself. Life is too short to not fulfill your passions and creative yearnings. I’m finding it more fun to lead a more unpredictable life, fulfilling the novelty of the unknown and enjoying every minute of each adventure I find myself in. It’s okay to dance barefoot, stay up all night, and most importantly: laugh at yourself. New Darlings has allowed both my husband and I to go places and meet people we would have never met, and for that and all these little lessons, I am thankful.

Get the Look: Cocoon Fine Gauge Pattern Cardi, High Rise Roller Skinny, We the Free Circle in the Sand Tee, Lotus Layered Necklace

If you could translate your style into a person or a place, what would it be?

I’ve always been very drawn to the ’60s: the music, the fashion, the decor! In the ’60s all the boundaries were being pushed, especially personal style. People started mixing things up and I love that! What I pick out to wear each morning truly depends on my mood. I try not to box myself into one category… some days I’m mixing and matching prints while other days, I choose to keep it super minimal and sleek. At the end of the day, my style is about feeling confident and comfortable in what I’m wearing.

Get the Look: Mix N Match Midi Ring Set, Voile and Lace Trapeze Slip

What are three things you can’t live without?

That’s simple! My planner, phone, and music! And of course, Robert! 😉

Get the look: Diamonds in the Sky Dress, Galloon Lace Halter Bra

What is one thing that you are willing to share with us that a stranger walking down the street couldn’t tell just from looking at you?

I have my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in fine arts.

Get the Look: 1+1 Cami

What do you find sparks your creativity the most?

Everything and everyone around me! I’m always observing, taking it all in. I love being around people who are passionate and take pride in what they do. Hearing people talk about what is important to them and seeing their work come to fruition really inspires me. I’m lucky to have such an amazing group of friends and family full of musical and artistic talents, writers, and fashion designers. It’s hard not to be inspired daily.

Get the Look: Voile and Lace Trapeze Slip

Any future projects coming up for New Darlings?

We have a lot of exciting collaborations coming up that we are really proud of. Unfortunately we can’t say much just yet, but keep checking back for some fun things ahead!

Get the Look: Washed Denim Overall, FP ONE Battenburg Bralette, Innuendo Sunglass

What does being “free” mean to you?

Being “free” means being able to express myself in any and every way I feel fit. It means being able to be myself and feeling confident in that. It’s being able to do what I love and fulfilling my passions in life unapologetically. To me, it’s the only way to truly feel alive!