Posted on 07/22/2016 3:58:44 AM PDT by iowamark
Betsy Bloomingdale, a department store heir's widow who hobnobbed with the world's elite, epitomized high fashion and was best friends with former first lady Nancy Reagan, has died. She was 93...
“She maintained that the quality of one's lifestyle does not necessarily depend on wealth; that a sense of style and taste are acquired with knowledge, not money,” according to an obituary from her family.
“She's really a fashion icon,” the designer James Galanos told Women's Wear Daily in 2009. “She still has a great figure. She's tall and willowy. She knows what's stylish and what suits her.”
When not jet-setting to Europe to shop or visit royalty, Bloomingdale was renowned for hosting parties — many for charity — at the family's Los Angeles mansion, where neighbors included celebrities such as Barbra Streisand.
She was a guest in 1981 at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Bloomingdale and her husband were good friends for decades with the Reagans. Bloomingdale was among the friends in Reagan's “kitchen cabinet” who served as unofficial advisors and helped propel the actor to the presidency.
She was best friends with the first lady, dispensing tips on fashion and design.
The Bloomingdales were regulars in get-togethers at the Reagans' California ranch and the White House and she remained close to Nancy Reagan after Ronald Reagan died in 2004.
“Like any widow, she adjusted,” Bloomingdale told People magazine this year. “But Nancy missed Ronnie terribly and always.”
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/07/betsy-bloomingdale-obituary
“Remembering Betsy Bloomingdale, Who Reigned Over Los Angeles Society and Influenced a First Lady”
It sounds like she was a very distinguished lady. RIP.
“Nancy Reagan’s best friend.”
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Say no more. To be a friend and confidant of the Reagans is all anyone needs to know about the Bloomingdale’s.
RIP Ms. Betsy.
Words of wisdom.
RIP.
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