Take your holiday look from casual to formal with Laura and Tommy Craddick at the historic Hotel Ella.
Photos by Annie Ray; Text by Molly McManus; Styling by Ashley Hargrove; Hair by April Downs; Makeup by Lauren Lumsden; Shot on location at Hotel Ella, 1900 Rio Grande St.
Tommy Craddick
Armani Collezioni Indian red velvet sportcoat, $1095; Etro bright plaid sport shirt, $425, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.
An entrepreneur at heart, Tommy Craddick primarily works in the oil and gas industry as a manufacturer, buyer and seller as well as a consultant and strategist.
“It’s very complicated,” he laughs as he explains his busy and multi-faceted line of work.
To add to his hectic schedule, Craddick is chairing the 2014 Dell Children’s Gala, a cause very near and dear to the Craddicks. The couple got involved three years ago when their son’s 4-year-old friend was in a boating accident and sustained head trauma. The following year, their daughter’s 4-year-old friend was diagnosed with Berkus Lymphoma. Thanks to Dell Children’s Hospital, the two young friends have made complete recoveries.
Thanks to the Dell Children’s annual gala, the hospital, which is just under six years old, has been able to add a third bed tower, and continues to advance with the best doctors, equipment and resources. The Craddick’s have been involved for the past three years and have every intention to continue their philanthropic work.
“Dell Children’s is not that old; they still don’t have certain resources that other hospitals have. I think it’s very important as a community to help them,” explains Craddick.
BOSS by Hugo Boss grey suit, $895; David Donahue purple dress shirt, $135; David Donahue purple silk tie $115, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy S., 512.691.3500.
Miss Wu marled jacquard cocktail dress, $495; Nina Fosetta gold pump, $88.95, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy S., 512.691.3500. Bracelets by Benolds, 2900 W. Anderson Ln, 512.452.6491. Earrings and ring by Kendra Scott, 1400 S Congress Ave, 512.354.4737.
Aidan Mattox long sleeve print ball gown, $440; Christian Louboutin black leather slingbacks, $845; Alexander McQueen knuckle-duster snakeskin box clutch, $2295; Nest black agate spike necklace, $395, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200. Tuxedo – model’s own. Limousine provided by Cynthia’s Manhattan Limousine, cynthiaslimo.com.
On Him: Zegna dark blue check dress shirt, $345; Prada royal blue crocodile stamped penny driver, $550; AG dark wash denim, $185; Bugatchi blue and pink polka dot socks, $19.75, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.
On Her: Bailey 44 Legacy faux-leather-paneled ponte top, $187; Vince black leather skinny pants, $1150; Vince black leather and cotton sweater, $445; Christian Louboutin black leather slingbacks, $845; Oscar De La Renta rose earrings, $245, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.
On Him: Billy Reid John T Check Shirt, $185; Billy Reid Diamond Stitch V-Neck Sweater, $245, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy S., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com. On Her: Topshop Embellished Floral Knit Sweater, $92, available at Nordstrom, 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy S., 512.691.3500, nordstrom.com. Mossimo Grey Skinny Jeans, $22.99, available at Target, target.com.
Hotel Ella
In early October, the highly anticipated opening of Austin’s Hotel Ella arrived, following a multi-million dollar restoration of the historic city landmark known as the Goodall Wooten Mansion. Built in the early 1900s by Austinites Dr. Goodall and Ella Wooten, the couple’s contributions to Austin and original antique pieces can be found throughout the hotel. Dr. Wooten was a collector of sculptural and artistic pieces, as well as the founder of the University of Texas at Austin, while his wife, Ella, served as one of Austin’s most respected philanthropists. She was one of the first women to attend UT, and became the first woman to serve on the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce.
Completed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and designed by Donna Stockton-Hicks, the redesigned hotel features a cabana-lined lap pool with bar access, a wraparound veranda, more than 10 different event spaces, 48 uniquely elegant guestrooms and 10 extraordinary suites, embodying the spirit of modern, sophisticated design, never losing sight of well-preserved grand-mansion elements. Hotel Ella additionally opened Goodall’s Kitchen & Bar, serving seasonal, local, familiar Southern dishes with a gourmet twist from chef and James Beard Foundation member Scott Mechura. For more information visit hotelella.com or call 512.496.1800.
