I first met Regan Billingsley a couple of years ago through my friend, Kate Hougen of Mira Jean Designs. It was such a treat. Immediately and simultaneously I was struck by her lack of pretension and intimidated by her sense of style. Having spent time working in L.A. with Madeline Stuart and in New York for Ralph Lauren and Clodagh (when you’re a designer who goes by one name, that’s big time), Regan developed a style that is highly sophisticated yet has that approachable feel...much like Regan herself. You know when you meet someone and right away you feel comfortable with them? That’s how I felt when I met Regan. She’s good people.That’s why, when we were looking for people to partner with us in our Design Collective, I immediately thought of Regan. I’m not going to lie, it took me some time to work up the courage to reach out. After all, she’s this amazing designer with tons of experience and even more talent. Would she be interested in working with little ol' us? You can’t imagine how thrilled I was that she said yes.While she is based in Chevy Chase you can find her work throughout Alexandria. Her style is chic, effortless, layered, and lived-in. Together, Regan and Red Barn Mercantile will create timeless style without sacrificing practicality. I am so excited to be working with Regan and we both look forward to working with you someday soon. To that end, it is my pleasure to introduce to you the supremely talented Regan Billingsley…

Regan is wearing the Maya dress by Ulla Johnson, available at The Hive | 📸:: Sarah Marcella Creative

ABOUT YOU

 How do you spend your time? Most of my time is spent trying to build my business and design spaces for my clients. Weekends are all about sweatpants, friends, and family.Neighborhood: Chevy Chase, MarylandWhat is your hometown? Washington, D.C.What would surprise people about you? I have a costume chest and it wouldn’t be unusual for me to show up at a party wearing a bright pink wig.You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? I’d like to be able to read my dog’s mind because I’m pretty sure he understands me, but I have no idea what he’s saying back.Favorite cocktail: Tequila and soda, with twist of limeLast book read or movie seen: Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar, by Cheryl Strayed. It’s a gorgeously written collection of Strayed’s shrewd and compassionate advice to her “Sweat Pea” followers.Guilty Pleasure: Ice cream. If it fulfills every food group, right?Phrase you overuse: “Cute, right?”Facebook or Instagram? #InstagramLatest binge-watch: I just started the series Killing Eve. It’s quirky and hilarious, with a confident female lead.Bucket list travel destination: A trip several years ago to Guatemala inspired me to work with local artisans to create a line of handmade bedding, so that’s always on the top of my travel list.If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? A triple almond grande cappuccino, with a dash of cinnamon, for life.  

FASHION

 Define your style in three words or less:  Refined meets relaxed.The go-to piece in your wardrobe: DVF wrap dressesFavorite trend ever: Jeans are the new black slacksFavorite current trend: Sneakers with work clothes because I’m always on the go go goBeauty product you can’t live without: Zinc because I’m a sun, ski, and swim loverFavorite fragrance: Suntan lotionHeels or flats? I have a habit of knocking out my front teeth, so chunky heels or wedges               

HOME

 Favorite room in your home: My sunroom. I love feeling like I’m outdoors, indoors.Antiques, modern, or a mix?  A curated mix of well placed antiques balanced with more modern pieces.Last item bought for your home: Stonewashed Belgian linen sheets. They’re soft, relaxed, and breathable, so they keep my toes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.Next planned purchase: A Cisco Brothers sofa from Red Barn Mercantile. It’s sustainably made, doesn’t sacrifice comfort for a tailored look, and it’s covered in indoor/outdoor fabric so I don’t have to clean up my dog’s paw prints.Favorite way to entertain: I love to host friends for a home-cooked meal and inventive cocktails.Clutter-free or well-lived in? Everything has its place. Just don’t open my junk drawers.Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Love it in rooms where you want to make an impact.  

FITNESS

 Your go-to work-out: I start my day by jumping in the pool or the Potomac.Most fun way to exercise: My dog and I love running through Rock Creek Park. It’s hard to believe you’re still in the city.Group exercise or solo: Working out is a great way to catch up with friends.Fitness goal: Bucket list is a 12-mile swim race around Key West, Florida.Proudest fitness achievement: After a nearly twenty year break from racing, I swam across the Chesapeake Bay.               

ALEXANDRIA

 Favorite spot in Alexandria: I like to take a rest from a long bike ride, and enjoy the water view, from one of the benches in Waterfront Park.Last purchase in Alexandria: B. Doughnut was the perfect pick-me-up on a recent bike rideBest coffee / happy hour / date night spot: PXFavorite charity: Food and Friends in Northeast, D.C. They are a dedicated group offering healthy meals to homebound people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses.Favorite annual Alexandria event: March150 Party at the Torpedo Factory