While the rest of Dallas headed to the Rockies, Napa Valley or the other side of the pond, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debs, honor guard and their folks played games at Lee Park’s Arlington Hall on Friday, July 24.
While the attire was Texas Tuxedo, the interpretation definitely differed between the females and males. The fellas like Jason Mackey embraced it wholeheartedly with jeans, boots, a handmade Kevin O’Farrell hat, formal shirt, bowtie and dinner jacket. He topped the whole look off with a big, old smile and twinkle in his eye.
The ladies, on the other hand, sashayed away from the denims and headed for styles that would have put a smile on Stanley Marcus’ lips. Alexandra Ferrer, who was a deb last year, dazzled in a red Kate Spade cocktail dress clutching a Gucci handbag. On her wrist was a nice Vacheron watch, and on her feet there were the red-soled Louboutins… Abby Tisdale’s knockout white silk dress caused a wee hiccup. Seems that draping of white stands got caught on the stairway…Lauren Langston’s ears glittered thanks to her Christian Dior earring.
Ciara Cooley accepted comps on her stilettos and then fessed up that they actually belonged to her mom, Lisa Cooley. There are definitely advantages to having a mom with the same shoe size and very good taste, who is willing to share. When asked about the infamous Texas Dip, Ciara admitted that she hadn’t started practicing, but kidded that she may end up wearing Toms for the bow. Sure.
As for mom, Lisa started off the evening sans husband Clay Cooley, who was flying in for the event. Also missing were the Cooley boys, Chance Cooley and Chase Cooley — one was on a mission trip and the other was hard at work. But the Cooley touch was obvious before anyone entered Arlington Hall. There were spanking Corvettes prominently parked out front.
DSOL Deb Ball Chair Nancy Labadie had much to celebrate. In addition to the debs and Honor Guard partying, she was celebrating her birthday with husband Paul Labadie and son Will Labadie with his fiancée Lizzie Colton. Will and Lizzie met five years ago when they were at Highland Park High School. Lizzie was a 2012-2013 DSOL deb and just last year Will was a member of the honor guard.