Soiree with O.J.

Like her husband, O.J. Brigance, ,51,isa glass-half-full kind of person — an exuberance that came across in the outfit she sported for Soiree with O.J. “I think the common expectation is that when someone is going through something, they look like what they’re going through. When people see O.J. and me, we don’t look like that. We are happy. We are smiling. We don’t look like what we’re going through,” said the Reisterstown resident, who co-founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation with her husband 11 years ago, after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that has since left him completely immobile, except for eye movement.

“I think it’s because of what is rooted in us, our Christian beliefs, first and foremost. Following that is the confidence we had prior to diagnosis — with self-esteem and comfort in our surroundings — that’s why we’re able to walk in all of that,” said Brigance. Then there was a love of fashion that didn’t hurt. “I’m a girly girl. I like things that glitter and bling, just girly stuff. I like my heels. I like being sexy. I like looking cute. I like having fun with my clothes,” Brigance said, with a twinkle in her eye.

Green oneshoulder jumpsuit and gold chain belt from store. Multicolor peep-toe slingback platforms from the store. Gold filigree disc necklace and gold cuff bracelet she’s had for a while. Hammered gold hoop earrings from Silver charm bracelet O.J. had made for her in 2007. Silver scripture bangle that was a gift. Orange bag (with an extra pair of shoes — flats — inside) from

HER ENSEMBLE: