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96 SHE'S CARMALETA WHITELEY THE BOMB B Y B I L LY F O N G S et the scene: January 2011. I was bored at the Mansion and spied a girl across the bar, sipping a light beer on the rocks. Who was this enchanting creature with eyes that danced like diamonds? High-school me came out and realized I must meet her! So, I sidled on over, and without skipping a beat, she offered up: "I'm Carmaleta Whiteley. Now, who are you?" As I have been keeping a short list of candidates to be Bomb.com girls, I knew Carmaleta had to happen sooner than later. We recently met again, back at the Mansion, this time on the patio. Carmaleta's pedigree is sixth-generation Fort Worth, but her family moved to Odessa when she was a young girl. Our patio chat was filled with stories of riding horses and growing up traveling to the big city — Dallas — for her chic mother to secure items for her formidable wardrobe arsenal at Neiman Marcus. Those were the glory years, when the second floor of the downtown flagship had couches and models would glide out in a selection of frocks for well-heeled ladies to order. The blonde beauty and I have a mutual dear friend, legendary event maestro Todd Fiscus. Professor Fiscus is easily Dallas' most artistic and creative talent. Carmaleta regaled me with the tale of needing a chapeau for the annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party for the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum. She asked Todd to create one for her. "I don't do hats," he said in that very deadpan Todd way. Carmaleta, a girl who doesn't like no as an answer, batted her gorgeous lashes until Todd at last relented. For many years now, her Mad Hatter's hat — concocted at Todd's studio — has been the envy of every luncheon lady. Carmaleta's bold attitude is mirrored most famously in her jewelry. As she told me, "The bigger, the better!" The same mantra could also apply to her esteemed philanthropic involvement. We thought it fitting to feature her as our May Bomb.com girl, as she and Otis Felton are co-chairing the 2017 Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational and Gala the weekend of Friday, May 12. The golf tournament raises funds for under-served children — a cause that is near and dear to Carmaleta's heart. But back to fashion: This pic! I could not have hoped for better. Her very Emma Peele Avengers outfit takes Mad Men-era glamour to new levels. Plus, I want that furniture. Approximate date of this photo. Remember to not be too specific or — perish the thought! — give away age. Late 1960s. The occasion. I was on my way to model for a small fashion show. OMG. Look at all that hair! Those were the good ol' big-hair days — and I thought it was glamorous. The fashion show and luncheon were organized by my mother for the American Red Cross. She was in charge of Disaster Training in my hometown of Odessa. I have wonderful memories of her organizing volunteer teams for search parties during major disasters. She carried a large bullhorn and would shout out directions to her teams. She was also president of The Ector County Sheriff's Posse and organized search teams on horses. I must know: What were you wearing? I chose this dress and coat because it reminded me of Oleg Cassini's designs for Jackie Kennedy. The shoes were purchased on one of the many trips that I made with my mother to Neiman Marcus in Dallas. What price fashion. I have no idea what the price of my outfit was. My wardrobe today is still about simple design and necklines so I can add a drop-dead necklace. I can tell you the price of every big statement necklace that I have purchased and where I purchased it. Some of the most interesting ones are from Asia and only cost a couple of hundred dollars. Why is this a Bomb.com picture of you? This photo is special to me, as I was on my way to join my mother for one of her fund-raising events. It brings back sweet memories of always wanting to have clothes and accessories like her. To me, she dressed like a movie star. Carmaleta Whiteley, late '60s