Born in New Delhi, India, Nancy Bhasin moved to the States when she was just two. Her family settled in Miami, where they have stayed, but Nancy ventured further north and moved to Virginia in 2015. “It was for a job, a change of pace and to try something new when the opportunity arose.” 

You may recognize Nancy, a self-made influencer by night, and by day, a marketing lead at a government contracting company in Reston. “I started Basic Balance as a creative outlet in 2019. I was doing victim advocacy work, and it was so heavy, and I had become so ingrained in it. I needed a happy place. I started sharing fashion-related things to do in the city…and it took off from there. I also volunteered with the DC Bloggers Chapter and met some great people through that network. Recently, I’ve been working closer with brands, and I still have close ties in Alexandria.”

Nancy eventually made a huge career switch after being a victim advocate for the City of Alexandria for seven years (12 total in criminal justice). At GW, she became certified in digital marketing and moved into a role less emotionally taxing, though she still remains heavily involved with the community. 

“My family is my whole heart…and my sister Tania is who I get my style inspiration from. She’s a huge fashionista, a lot bougier than me,” she says laughing. “We grew up together and she taught me how to style different pieces. She’s a personal shopper now.” 

If you follow Nancy on social media, you’ll see she’s always on the move, a wonder woman with boundless energy, and what looks like – effortless style. With a full-time role, I ask her to share her wonder woman secrets to go from day to night. “My hours are 8-5, and I get ready at work in the bathroom. Everyone knows when I’m going out…I have a duffle bag with heels, dresses, my curler, my makeup bag…all my things.” She leaves a post-it note on her desk to remind herself to bring a clutch or purse. “There’s been so many times when I’m all dressed up, and I’m like, ‘damn, I forgot my clutch and I’m stuck carrying around my big office bag – with my laptop in it!” I can totally relate.

She remains passionate about the criminal justice system and volunteers to assist sexual assault victims. On her drives to and from work and events, she makes the drive shorter by listening to Audible true crime stories. “There are times when I’m so engrossed in the story, I almost miss my exit.” Right now she’s listening to the suspense novel: Finlay Donoan is Killing It.

In 2024, she hopes to start traveling again. Where? “Everywhere.” With her killer instincts and style, we look forward to living vicariously through her adventures. Check out Nancy’s Street Style: 

ABOUT NANCY

Neighborhood: Tysons (McLean), VA

Hometown: Miami, FL. I was born in India, but moved to Florida when I was two and was raised in Miami. My immediate family is still down there, so Miami will always be home!

What would surprise people about you?: I am obsessed with True Crime – it’s my favorite genre to read, watch, and listen to via podcasts.

Favorite book or movie: Book: The Confessions by John Grisham; Favorite Movie: The Holiday

Guilty Pleasure: The terrible and addicting C’s: Chocolate, Coffee, and Coke (Coca-Cola)

Latest Binge Watch: The Morning Show on AppleTV

Bucket list travel destination: Greece and Bali

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Elegant, Effortless, Timeless

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A slip dress

Favorite trend: An oversized sweater with leather leggings

Beauty product you can’t live without: Eyeliner and concealer

Boots, sneakers, or sandals?: Knee-high boots

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Cooking and cleaning while blasting good music and dancing aimlessly while doing both!

Most fun way to stay active: Dancing and walking around the city, particularly near the monuments.

Wellness goal: Incorporate more self-care days for myself and taking more social media breaks as needed.

Want to try: Hot yoga + Aerial yoga.

Proudest wellness achievement: Reserving every other Friday for myself – doing things I love on my own (life is busy and I never have enough time for just me!).

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My living room

Antiques, modern, or mix?: Modern

Last item bought for your home: A new couch

Favorite way to entertain: I love hosting! Experimenting with new cocktails and mocktails has been my recent hosting pleasure! Putting together a fun charcuterie board makes me happy, too!

Clutter-free or well-lived in: Clutter-free, please!

Next planned purchase: A Jura coffee machine

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love that it focuses on community and highlights a variety of different individuals that truly make Alexandria! I love learning about different people, their interests, and their local recs to shop and dine! Alexandria is such a quaint and loving town/community. The locals are kind, the shops are fab, and the dining is endless.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The waterfront has become one of my favorite happy places, but so has Balian Springs! I spend an entire day there for wellness and relaxation. It’s a hidden gem!

Your go-to shop: She’s Unique – most of my favorite pieces of jewelry are from here!

Best food spot: I have so many, but here are a few: Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s, and Ada’s On The River.

Favorite local organization: I was a victim advocate for seven years at the courthouse on King Street (12 total, in my criminal justice career) and I love volunteering at anything that supports victims of crime as it's one of my passions! 

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The annual local sidewalk sale in February!

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