I recently finished reading “I’ll Drink to That – A Life in Style – with a Twist” by Betty Halbreich. Before picking up the book, I had no idea who Betty Halbreich was, but now I’m a huge fan. She has quite an interesting story, and I’m itching to visit New York just to meet her!
So, who is Betty Halbreich? She’s the Director of Solutions at Bergdorf & Goodman, often dubbed the oldest personal shopper. And here’s a fun fact – she’s 86 years old and still working there!
Betty’s journey is truly captivating. Growing up as a pretty girl in a wealthy family, she married her prince charming young and spent her days dressing up and enjoying life, until her marriage fell apart about 20 years later, leading to a stint in a psychiatric hospital. But then she got a job as a saleswoman at Bergdorf’s, kicking off her legendary career as a personal shopper – though she actually hates being called a legend. She even appears in the documentary “Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s,” which I also highly recommend.
What makes her book so engaging is Betty’s honesty about her life, including both her strengths and her flaws. She offers plenty of straightforward advice about dressing and doesn’t shy away from telling it like it is.
Reading about the various stages of Betty’s life is fascinating. She evolves from a young girl seeking her parents’ attention to a beautiful young woman wanting more alone time with her social husband. Then she becomes a pleasant, middle-aged working woman enjoying quiet evenings at home with her second partner. And finally, after her partner’s death, she blossoms into a vibrant, independent older woman who loves going out with friends and fully embraces life.
Her story shows that life can be enjoyed at any age, and it’s clear that Betty Halbreich has truly made the most of hers.
Cheers to that!