DIANNE ROTH: WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Dianne Roth, director of development for the American Diabetes Association Central Carolinas, at the 2016 Father of the Year gala. After 21 years with the nonprofit, Roth will retire after this year's awards ceremony on June 16.

Dianne Roth, director of development for the American Diabetes Association Central Carolinas, at the 2016 Father of the Year gala. After 21 years with the nonprofit, Roth will retire after this year's awards ceremony on June 16.

Since 2001, the annual Father of the Year Awards gala has been a bright spot on Charlotte's social calendar. The fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association honors top businessmen who are also outstanding fathers. Honorees over the past 16 years include Carl Armato, Brett Carter, Jesse Cureton, Al de Molina, Rob Engel, Carlos Evans, Alvaro Gurdian, Michael Marsicano, the late Sam Mills, Mike Minter, Felix Sabates, Richard Vinroot, H.A. (Humpy) Wheeler and Richard "Stick" Williams. 

Ironically it's a woman, Dianne Roth, an executive director with the American Diabetes Association Central Carolinas, who has spearheaded the event's success over the years and in the process has won the admiration and friendship of many Charlotte's most prominent businessmen and their families.

This year's event on June 16 honoring fathers Kieth Cockrell of Bank of America, Vinay Patel of SREE Hotels and Chad Utermark of Nucor will be Roth's last for the American Diabetes Association; after 21 years with the nonprofit, she's retiring. 

"The organization is moving in a direction focused more on programs so the timing is good," Dianne says. "I've had such a good time. I don’t know what I'm going to do in my retirement but this is not my last act."

Dianne grew up in Terrell, a small community in the Lake Norman area. Her career working for nonprofits began with her first job. "I knew the executive director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and he asked me to come work for him," Dianne says. "I worked on his team for five years." 

She has lived in New Jersey and then Florida for 10 years where she was executive director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She had been looking for opportunities to return to the Charlotte area when the job with the American Diabetes Association came open. Now a grandmother of three, she lives back where it all began - in Terrell with her husband, Michael.

One of her passions is traveling to New York to see theater productions, but closer to home she and Michael enjoy antiquing, cheering on the Carolina Panthers and eating out - especially at the authentic Italian restaurant Caruso's which they discovered in a nondescript shopping center and describe as a well-kept secret. 

Dianne's retirement is still weeks away, so right now she's consumed with the details of organizing a major event. But she kindly took the time to answer The O Report's questions including sharing her style philosophy, her all-time favorite plays she's seen on Broadway and the one thing that others would be surprised to know about her. 

What are your wardrobe staples?

Black turtlenecks. I think it was Nora Ephron who said, “You can never have too many black turtlenecks,” and I believed her!  I order a new one every fall from Joan Vass. They are 100% cotton, but substantial in weight and always comfortable.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic with a twist. Largely because of my position, I tend to dress in a fairly classic/traditional style.  However, I’ve never been a fan of cookie-cutter style, so I try to add something to add a little personal flair, such as pewter metallic pumps with a black suit, chunky jewelry, etc.

What are some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe? 

Currently, a Janie Besner scarf that a friend recently gave me. I admired it on her and searched the world (and online) for one like it, unsuccessfully. So, she generously gave it to me. I especially love it for the jewel toned colors that pull together many pieces in my wardrobe.

What are your favorite fashion labels? 

Lafayette 148, Diane Von Furstenberg, Joan Vass, Eileen Fisher and Kay Unger for special occasion dresses.

What’s your most treasured accessory? 

My pearls, which my mother-in-law loaned me as my “something borrowed” for my wedding and later presented them to me as a wonderful gift. I wear them often.

Where are your favorite places to shop?  

Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus and Belk. 

Who has influenced your style the most? 

I worked at Ivey’s early in my career and Ida Helms was a merchandise/fashion manager at that time. Ida was a beautiful Italian lady who was the most sophisticated, chic person I had ever known and I hung on her every word! Through Ida, I learned about collecting classic pieces for my wardrobe and investment dressing.   

What would you like to bring back in style?

This is kind of embarrassing, but those 1980s embellished sweaters! I loved them and had many during that time. I liked the shoulder pads, too!

What are your must-have beauty products? 

Anastasia eye brow products. And my signature red lipstick, which I have custom blended by Three Custom Color Specialists.

You have gorgeous skin. What are some of your skincare tips; and how do you protect your skin from the sun?

Sunscreen! When I was about 19, I was at a cosmetic counter and the salesperson told me I needed to be careful with my skin and stop baking in the sun. I now realize it was a sales tactic to get me to purchase lots of skin care products, and it worked. However, it also served me well because I took it to heart and have tried to stay out of the sun and take care of my skin.  I don’t always use the same products, but I do love some of the Lancôme skin care products.

Was there any beauty or style advice your mother or grandmother gave you that you’re thankful for now? 

My mother was a big fan of Jacqueline Kennedy and often quoted Jackie by saying, “Simplicity is always in good taste.”  I do think that when in doubt, you’ll never regret having a more simply chic, more classic style. Interestingly enough though, it was my father who probably shaped my love of clothes and fashion early on. He loved clothes, collected lots of beautiful suits and always looked like he walked off the cover of GQ magazine. My father’s whole family loved fashion and beautiful clothes, and always took pride in being dressed to the nines. 

Dianne with her husband, Michael.

Dianne with her husband, Michael.

What's your favorite restaurant for a big night out?

One If By Land, Two If By Sea in New York City is my favorite above all. It's absolutely beautiful with fabulous food and amazing service. Locally, we love Caruso’s in Mooresville.  

What’s your favorite brunch spot? 

Terrace Cafe.

What’s your favorite restaurant for lunch?

Mama Ricottas.

What's the biggest mistake people make when hosting a party?

Not hiring caterers or at least help to serve and clean-up.  It’s the only way to truly have time to enjoy guests.

What's your favorite host/hostess gift to bring to a party? 

Wine and flowers…not very original, but always appreciated.

Do you have great organizational or timesaving tips that save your sanity and help make your life run more smoothly?

Make lists.

What are your favorite charitable causes?

The American Diabetes Association, of course!  Also, I support Theatre Charlotte and the Humane Society.

Dianne and her husband with her favorite famous person she's met - Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.

Dianne and her husband with her favorite famous person she's met - Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.

Who's your favorite famous person you've met? 

General Norman Schwarzkopf, hands down!  My husband and I met him at a sports show in Tampa right after Desert Storm. Through the buzz in the room we heard he was very approachable, but would not sign autographs. But he was very willing to take photos. Fortunately, we had our camera and got a few good shots. I loved it because he was a true American hero to us, and a big teddy bear….charming and a little flirty, which we loved.

Do you have a motto or words that you live by? 

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”  Those words were spoken often by my mother and they echo in my ears every day in most everything I do.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

I enjoy books, the theater, movies and football. My favorite books include Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, which was the first book I ever read that got me “hooked” on reading.  I still love that book. I also loved The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and had the privilege of seeing him and hearing him speak at Ovens Auditorium several years ago.

What are your favorite plays? 

I just saw War Paint on Broadway. It's about the rivalry between Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. It's a musical starring Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole. It was fascinating and fantastic. Several years ago I saw It’s Only a Play. It had an all-star cast including Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Stockard Channing, Megan Mullally and more. It was fun and glamorous with tremendous talent…everything you want Broadway to be. My all time favorite is Woman of the Year starring Lauren Bacall. She absolutely owned the stage. I saw her several years later in another production and she had “it"...that undefinable charisma that is breathtaking.

What are your favorite movies?

The Devil Wears Prada, Rudy, Steel Magnolias, Love Actually, The Thomas Crown Affair (both versions) and more recently, Hidden Figures. My all-time favorite is Body Heat. I’m not proud to admit that because it was very racy at the time, but it had a strong storyline with unexpected twists. I had to see it several times to figure out how the main character pulled off the plot to kill her husband and get away with it.  

How do you like to get your day started?

Several cups of coffee and catching up on the morning news for about half an hour.  

What’s in your glass during Happy Hour?

Red wine.

How do you stay in shape?

Walking.

What brings you joy?

Being with interesting people.

What do you love about this stage of your life?

Self-confidence.

What are your favorite colors? 

Teal and red.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?  “Never, never, never give up.” I know that was one of Winston Churchill’s many quotes, but I’ve heard it from others throughout my career and it is something that has served as great inspiration to me during some challenging times.

What is the secret to your success?

Another quote that has served me well is, “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with," and that is the secret to my success.  It’s not a secret really since I have quoted it often through the years. I have had the privilege of working for several national nonprofit organizations and have always been very intentional in seeking out great people/volunteers. 

ARLENE GOLDSTEIN: FASHION FORWARD

Acclaimed fashion forecaster Arlene Goldstein with her husband, Milton. 

Acclaimed fashion forecaster Arlene Goldstein with her husband, Milton. 

Arlene Goldstein travels the world as a sought-after fashion forecaster.  But when asked to describe her own personal style, she hesitates to put a label on herself. (For the record, The O Report thinks of her as classic but always with a modern twist.)

Arlene spent 32 years in the fashion business including nine years as Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction for Belk before retiring in 2015. For about a week. A few days after returning back home to Birmingham, Alabama, she was approached by a fashion industry insider who wanted her expertise as a consultant for a large department store chain headquartered in Milwaukee.

So several times a year she does what she was so well-known for at Belk: She jumps on a jet and travels to London, Milan and Paris to see what people are wearing on the street and then shops in the local stores to discover the next big trends. Twice a year she travels to Milwaukee to present her report to apparel buyers and brand product managers.

In her world, she's already predicting what customers will want to wear in 2018. But here's what she says is on trend now for spring and summer: trench coats in fresh colors; Havana-inspired prints incorporating birds or lots of texture and embellishments including fringe and pom poms; off-the-shoulder silhouettes; and midi dresses. Looking ahead to fall, wide-leg pants and anything velvet will be in style. 

From her new beach house in Florida overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, she answered The O Report's questions ranging from details about her favorite fashion label to the most-loved pieces in her wardrobe and her pet peeves. 

Where is your favorite place to travel?

As a fashion forecaster, London is a must. It's a great place to observe the beat on the street - the "early adopters" who embrace the new season's style with unexpected twists. It's not just what they're wearing, it's WHAT they're wearing with WHAT.

What's your favorite hotel in the world?

The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London - what service! And the King David Jerusalem - what history!

What are your favorite fashion labels?

Gucci is the fashion house to watch. Each piece has its own story to tell, and each is magnificent.

What's the biggest style mistake women make?

Following too many rules. And refusing to explore their rebellious/adventurous sides.

Anything you've worn and regretted?

A dress that - looking back - was way too revealing even though when I wore it I was in my 30s.

What would you like to bring back in style?

Never look back. I enjoy a few classic, timeless pieces that seem to outlast trends and then add a few "of the moment" trendy items.

What are some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe?

An obscene number of beautiful belts that are gifts from my brother from his W. Kleinberg line of exotic leather goods manufactured in Atlanta. My other favorite accessories are a vintage faux cheetah coat I bought at Metrolina Flea Market my first week in Charlotte and black snakeskin DVF pumps that are so comfy and look great with almost anything.

Do you have a favorite uniform?

Black. Currently my uniform is black slim pants with a voluminous top and a statement sweater since the weather is still cool.

How do you stay in shape?

I stay busy, walk and try to avoid a lot of sugar and carbs.

How do you protect your skin from the sun?

I wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day.

What are your must-have beauty products?

I love Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil, Chanel Le Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation and Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer Lotion SPF 50. 

What are some of your favorite books?

I just finished the amazing biography of fashion icon Diana Vreeland and I've started Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation which brings me closer to memories of my parents, especially my dad who served our country in World War II.

Who's your favorite famous person you've met?

Oscar de la Renta. The famous person I wish I could meet is Iris Apfel. She's in her late 90s and is still going strong. She was first well-known in the textile industry and later became iconic in the fashion industry for her flamboyance and her inspiring way of dressing.

Arlene and Oscar de la Renta during the 1980s at a special event at the upscale Parisian department store where she launched her fashion career. 

Arlene and Oscar de la Renta during the 1980s at a special event at the upscale Parisian department store where she launched her fashion career. 

What's your favorite flower?

Having fresh flowers in the house makes me so happy. I love peonies, roses and alstroemeria because it lasts forever. I also love to get out in my yard with my clippers and pick camellias and greenery. 

What's your favorite movie?

Love Actually.

Do you have a  motto or words that you live by?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

How do you like to get your day started?

Watching the Today Show.

What's the best business advice you've ever received?

Manage up. Be yourself and put your two cents in, but always try to put your finger on what your boss's priorities are and what his or her management style is in order to be most effective. 

What brings you joy? 

Milton, my husband of 49 years. He still makes me laugh.

What do you love about this stage of your life?

The freedom to pick and choose how I spend my time. 

What inspires you?

People who are open, inclusive and curious. And my three children. They are smart, talented caring and funny. Alison is a TV talk show host and motivational speaker; Stuart is vice president of a prominent New York advertising agency; and Amanda is an actress, standup comedienne and marketing expert.

Do you have a great organizational or timesaving tip that saves your sanity and helps make your life run more smoothly?

Making to-do lists. 

What would others be surprised to know about you?

That I love to bake and that we have nine grandchildren. My grandchildren are my life's dessert.

What's your favorite host/hostess gift to bring to a party?

My homemade chocolate chip banana bread.

What was one of the defining moments of  your life?

Becoming a mom. And going into the fashion industry in the 1980s. 

Any pet peeves?

Women of any age group who put themselves down. I don't want to hear that. Especially as you mature, it's easy to get caught up in thinking you're not what you used to be, Getting older is just part of the process. Don't become hypersensitive. We should try to look modern, but do it our way. Celebrate the things that are beautiful about you.