ARLENE GOLDSTEIN: FASHION FORWARD

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. 

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.  

JANIT PIKE: A NEW CHAPTER

Janit Pike loves to spend time on her boat with her family, friends and rescue dogs. 

Janit Pike was born in New York and grew up just outside New York City. "It was a cool place to live," she says. "The music scene was hot and there was so much arts and theater to enjoy." One of her favorite memories was going into the city with her family to celebrate her 16th birthday. "My parents took me to dinner at Windows of the World then to see A Chorus Line. Afterward we went to Sardi's where all the stars would go. Elizabeth Taylor walked right in front of us. It was an amazing birthday."

After high school she married, went to work and started her family. While working full-time and with a baby at home, she also took on earning bachelor's and master's degrees in order to pursue her dream of working in the medical field.

She went to work for a hospital and was encouraged by the doctors there to either become a doctor herself, or to help them manage their businesses. With two young daughters at home, she decided medical school wasn't for her. Instead, she became an administrator, eventually overseeing an office filled with 90 doctors. 

She was living in Michigan when her ex-husband was transferred to Charlotte. "The day we left Michigan I was in a big winter coat. When we landed in Charlotte it was sunny and 60 degrees in February and I knew this was the place for me," Janit says. "But I really found my home when I became the Chief Operating Officer for Charlotte Plastic Surgery." Janit just celebrated her 10th anniversary in her job, which she still loves because it's both serious and fun.

"I have the best group in Charlotte, if not the world, to work with," she says. "The doctors are so respected and we have a really good time because we all love what we do." 

At this stage in her life she's most proud of her two daughters who are now grown and pursuing their own dreams of success. One is an architect; the other is an accounting and finance major in college. 

"To get my degrees while I was working full-time meant I had to spend time away from them," Janit says. "They kid me about how when they were little they remember me carrying around my flash cards that I used to study. But I wanted them to see that you have to work hard to make your dreams come true. I also wanted them to become self-reliant, have great careers, take care of themselves financially and become strong women." 

Janit kindly answered The O Report's questions including details about her favorite charitable causes, what she loves about this new chapter in her life and how she stays in shape.

Where are your favorite places to travel?

Maui. I love Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina. I need to go back to Paris and spend more time at the Louvre. I didn't have enough time to see all the amazing art, but I did get to see the Mona Lisa.

What are your must-have beauty products?

Latisse and mascara. As I get older, I noticed my lashes getting thinner and thinner. Latisse helps make them longer and thicker - and my mascara works a whole lot better. I cannot live without mascara.

What's your favorite flower?

I love tulips. They're one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. I loved seeing them pop through the bit of remaining snow on the ground when I lived in Michigan. Seeing the pretty colors gave me hope that winter was over. They make me smile when I see them.

What are some of your favorite books?

My favorite book is Eloise, about a precocious six-year-old girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel. I grew up outside New York City, and when I would go into the city with my family we would stop by the Plaza Hotel. There's a large picture of Eloise in the lobby. I have a picture of my two daughters in front of it when they were younger. My other favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I love it so much, but I discovered it was one of her least favorite books. She wrote it to pay the bills. As a divorced mother of two I completely respect that and it makes me appreciate it even more.

JANIT IN 1983 AT HER HOME OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY. AS A TEENAGER SHE LOVED GOING INTO THE CITY TO ENJOY ALL THE MUSIC, ARTS AND THEATER. 

What inspires you?

I am inspired by people who have an energy and a passion for whatever they do. It's not necessarily the typical CEOs or celebrities who inspire me. It's people who chase their vision whether it's growing their business, helping the community, pursuing a passion or just taking a chance that inspires me and challenges me to learn from them.

What would others be surprised to know about you?

That I'm really shy and don't self-disclose well at all. Participating in this interview is completely outside my comfort zone. 

Do you have any words that you live by?

I try hard to remember that all of us are trying to get through this life the best way we know how - to be there for our families, do well at work and pay the bills. I try not to judge others since I don't know what is going on in an individual's life at that particular moment. 

Which rules do you suggest breaking?

As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, break them all! 

What do you like to do in your downtime?

My favorite thing to do is to spend time on my boat with my family, friends and dogs. There's something about a day on the lake that completely relaxes me and changes my entire perspective for the better.

How do you like to get your day started?

I'd love to say something profound, but I really just want five more minutes of sleep. Just five.

What's in your glass during Happy Hour?

Either Chardonnay or tequila on the rocks with a twist of lime. I do love a good margarita, too. 

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

The best advice I've received that's applicable in both my personal and professional life is this: Speak up for yourself and go after what you want.

How do you stay in shape?

I run - anything from a 5K to a half-marathon. I also like mud runs. I've even run an inflatable obstacle course with bubbles. It was a lot of fun! 

What do you love about this stage of your life?

There is something wonderful about having my daughters grown and making their own way in life. I'm at a stage that I can do whatever I like, whenever I like. I am deliberately very choosy about whom I spend my time with and what I spend my time doing. There are so many things I can do and want to do - I can live anywhere, work anywhere and do anything. I'm excited for this next chapter. 

What are your favorite charitable causes?

Anything to do with animals. I have a special place in my heart for N.C. Yorkie Rescue where I got my Daisy five years ago and Sammy a year ago. I've fostered several more dogs from them, too. And Richardson Rescue where we got my daughter's dog, Pants. I've also worked with Spay Neuter Charlotte. All these organizations are run by women who saw that in the U.S., millions of animals are killed needlessly so they stepped in to save as many lives as they can. They are an inspiration to me.

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

I love to do lists on paper. There's something so fulfilling about crossing something off the list. Done!