The Letter Edit
Vol.24: Home notes, Skin notes, Away notes and In Good Taste....
Home Notes
Bedroom Moodboard
I’m going to start sharing more Home content on my socials soon but you’re getting the first scoop! This is going to be a slow process. Designing a bigger space is definitely harder than a studio and especially when you’re trying to bear someone else’s taste in mind.
This is where I’ve landed so far on the bedroom moodboard. Most things are in play but we are still pending a few of the items.
I’ve been pulling this moodboard together for a while. Everything is anchored by that forest green velvet bed that we got from Lulu & Georgia (obsessed, no notes), warmed up with oak nightstands and a six-drawer dresser with the most beautiful marble top, and softened by the creamiest linen curtains. I added knobs from etsy to the dress to elevate it a bit.
I currently don’t have an accent chair so I’m playing around with this at the moment. The Sinclair Linen Fringe Armless Chair, from Anthropologie, was a bit different but I feel like she could belong. The patterned ottoman ties the whole thing together without trying too hard, and the pleated lamps add just enough quiet drama.
This is a work in progress but I’m working towards a peaceful sanctuary.
Skin Notes
Shani Darden
Since the end of last year, I have been testing out Shani Darden products. She is especially well known for her Retinol Reform serum, which contains 1% encapsulated retinol. Although I had heard about it for years, I was initially hesitant to try it because I assumed retinol would be too harsh for my skin.
After doing more research into retinoids and their benefits, particularly their role in cell turnover and exfoliation, I decided to introduce it into my routine once a week to see how my skin would respond. So far, it has been a positive experience. On the nights I use the retinol serum, I avoid layering other active products to minimise the risk of irritation. The formula also advises against using it alongside AHA products on the same evening.
Retinol’s key mechanisms
Accelerates cell turnover - pushes fresher, newer cells to the surface faster - improving texture and tone over time.
Stimulates collagen production - plump, plump, plump
Unclogs pores - prevents dead skin cells from accumulating
inhibits melanin transfer - great for hyperpigmentation and dark spots
The Cleansing Serum is incredibly gentle and easily one of the most delicate formulas I have tried. I have tested a wide range of cleansers, and while many achieve similar results, they do so in different ways. This one stands out for its softness, making it a great option for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a more calming, non-stripping cleanse. It leaves the skin feeling smooth, balanced, and hydrated rather than tight or dry.
The Hydration Peptide Cream focuses on plumping and hydration. I have been using it both morning and night for the past few months and have really enjoyed it. As the weather gets warmer, my skin no longer needs a heavy moisturiser, so this feels like a perfect alternative. I am always happy to take any added plumping benefits. The only improvement I would suggest is a clearer way to track how much product is left, as the opaque packaging makes it difficult to tell when you are running low.
Away Notes
Inness
I love this place. It’s my second time there and I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s the type of place that is perfect in sunshine and rain-pour.
The Feeling
The one thing I love most about Inness is how it makes you feel. I remember saying to P while we were walking around the property that I loved how you are technically in a hotel, but it feels like you have the whole place to yourself. It feels really personal, almost like your own little space rather than somewhere you are just passing through. The staff have this very natural way of making you feel looked after without it ever feeling too much. It ends up feeling more like your own home in a private community than a hotel.
Coming from somewhere as busy as Manhattan, that sense of calm and space just hits differently. It really gives you that feeling of switching off, which is exactly what I was looking for.
This place is also really special to us. It is where we came to celebrate the anniversary of the day we met, our first year. It only felt right to come back and make our marriage official here.
Such a special place for us, for so many reasons.
The Details
The bedrooms are minimal but in a good way. Nothing feels excessive, just calm, warm, and really well thought through. The linens, robes, and slippers are all by Frette (the just get luxury linen so right). The bathrooms are stocked with Aesop products, which always feels like a treat, (although I would love to see other brands in hotels now but I can’t complain). There’s also a small store on the property with a really great edit of products, including pieces from Flamingo Estate and Inness branded merch, so it’s very easy to end up leaving with a little something. It all feels thoughtful without trying too hard, which I love.
Last but not least, the iconic black cabins are what really set the tone for the whole property. They’re striking but still feel calm and understated, blending into the landscape in a way that feels both modern and quietly special.
The Stay
From start to finish, I was a happy camper. I’ve already discussed the rooms but i cant miss out on the added extras.
The restaurant: very farm to table, simple but thoughtful, and everything feels fresh without trying too hard, and I’m still thinking about the sticky toffee pudding.
The spa: has a slightly brutalist feel in its design, but in a way that works. It feels grounding, and a bit removed from everything, which is exactly what you want when you’re there.
The staff: really make the experience, they’re attentive, and make you feel genuinely looked after without it ever feeling forced. Even small touches, like the Inness branded trucks around the property, add to that elevated, slightly indulgent feel that makes the whole stay feel special.
In Good Taste
MET GALA!!!!!!!
My Top picks:
Rihanna - I don’t care if she’s late, I’ll wait! She can do no wrong in my eyes! She delivers EVERY TIME! No notes - yes yes yes!
Beyoncé - did not come to play!!! We heard her coming before she entered the room - the crowd went insane and I understand why! Showstopper and so much grace! It was also such a beautiful moment with Blue!!
Chase Infiniti - stunning! This is her moment and she’s not leaving any crumbs behind.
Isha Ambani - I gasped- the jewelry alone was chefs kiss! From the diamonds, to the mango and the flowers - I was impressed!
Ashley Graham - for a dress I would actually wear and she looked sensational in it!
Kendall - looked gorgeous - even when she’s simple, she has presence. However I think the cape that should took pictures in should have been the full look. We would have made the space - like Madonna ….
Paloma - she looked like art!
Dries Van Noten
I visited the Dries Van Noten store in London and it is absolutely stunning. The store design is 10/10, and the curation feels bold, vibrant (a world away from the idea of quiet luxury).
I initially went in to explore their coats, shoes, and new body care collection. All categories exceed expectation. For all of you that are curious about the body care collection, each scent is distinct, yet all feel fresh and timeless, and the packaging is just as impressive as you would expect. my favourite - Soie & Amber.
What I did not anticipate was being completely drawn in by the makeup collection. I found myself stopping at the lip range. I do not usually wear lipstick, but I can always appreciate a good balm, especially when it comes in a beautiful case. It’s something I use daily, so girl maths was in full effect. They also offer refills, which makes it feel like a thoughtful cosmetic investment. Such a great find, in my opinion. (Case Link)
Start With Yourself - Emma Grede
I just finished Emma Grede’s book, Start with Yourself and really enjoyed it. There’s been a lot of online discourse around it, but after reading, it feels more like an honest account of how she’s built her life. It captures the highs, the lows and the trade-offs she’s made along the way. The interviews and social media snapshots feel far more preachy than the book itself.
My takeaway is that she’s not asking us to replicate her path, but rather sharing her experience transparently. I don’t think you need to take every piece of advice (I certainly didn’t), but there are still some genuine insights and worthwhile gems throughout, IF you want a certain type of life/career.
As always, wishing you a beautiful week!
Yours sincerely,
Fafs xxx
This is wonderful content. Thanks for sharing