street style: betsy regnell
Photo Credit: Sarah Marcella Photography
Betsy Regnell has the most cheerful disposition, always glowing with such a beautiful smile. She makes it all appear easy, juggling family and her demanding position as the Senior Director of Sales for LexisNexis in Washington, DC where she began her 35-year career seven years before her marriage to her charming husband, Tom.
With 23 year old twins (a boy and a girl), Betsy not only has managed to balance both a happy home in Alexandria with 25 years in a sales leadership role, but she is also an active member on the board of Louisiana Appleseed. This organization is one of 13 pro bono centers around the country dedicated to advancing social justice at the policy or systemic level by increasing access to education, opportunity, and justice.
Betsy has been styled by Coco Blanca in a charcoal linen drawstring coat by Acrobat worn over a stone silk top by Madison. And the stunning statement piece pulling her outfit together is a baroque pearl, leather, and chalcedony lariat with a matching removable pearl clasp, made in Italy and available exclusively at Coco Blanca. Shoes from The Shoe Hive.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? I just celebrated by 35th anniversary with LexisNexis, so a good part of my time is spent at work!
Neighborhood: Belle Haven
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 29 years
What is your hometown? Virginia Beach
What brought you to Alexandria? I moved to the Washington, DC area after college and lived in Arlington until I met my husband…so I guess you could say he brought me to Alexandria.
What would surprise people about you? Not much!
Favorite cocktail: Martini – up with a twist.
Last book read or movie seen: I just read Our Souls at Night; I am getting ready to start All the Light We Cannot See.
Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate.
Phrase you overuse: “I’m sorry.” It is a terrible habit. I apologize for things I’m not even responsible for…I don’t think I’m even aware of how much I say it.
Facebook or Instagram? Facebook.
Latest binge-watch: Getting On. LOL funny.
Bucket list travel destination: I want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine!
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Simple and casual.
Favorite current trend: I don’t think I really follow trends….I just want to find clothes that work for me.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Lipstick.
Favorite fragrance: Chanel Chance.
Heels or flats? Flats. I love heels but ouch!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: I love to spend time in my kitchen.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Definitely a mix.
Last item bought for your home: Boring – new carpet for the basement!
Next planned purchase: Outdoor furniture for our backyard. We have a beautiful garden and need to spend more time enjoying it.
Favorite way to entertain: Casual, last minute, with lots of wine, music, and fun friends.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Desperate to be clutter free – but struggling. I like my “things.”
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: I “power walk” with my friend Jan every morning before work. Five miles each day. We’ve been doing it for years…rain, sleet, snow…nothing stops us.
Most fun way to exercise: Anything outside. Hiking and kayaking are probably my favorites.
Fitness goal: Not sure this is a fitness goal, but I really want to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: See above. I’m thinking it would be great to find a concierge service for the AT so I could hike without having to sleep in the woods.
Proudest fitness achievement: Two things come to mind. I’m not sure either is very spectacular, but both pushed me. I walked from Belle Haven to Mount Vernon and back along the river. I think it is about 16 miles round trip. And this summer, my husband and I went ocean kayaking in the San Juan Islands. It was hard work!
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: My house.
Last purchase in Alexandria: I bought a beautiful silk tunic at Coco Blanca. Can’t wait to wear it.
Best date night spot: In the winter, my husband and I like to have dinner at the bar at Brabo. Great cocktails and the bar area has a terrific vibe.
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Scottish Walk was a favorite for years. I think my favorite annual event in Alexandria now is our Christmas Eve dinner at home with friends. It is always the same group and it has become a very special tradition. I hope that counts!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
