Brini Maxwell: 24 hours with a Style Network star

Phillyist met up with Brini and Company for dinner at Jones. Over multiple dishes we caught up on important things like celebrity divorces and Brini’s wardrobe. With a busy day ahead, we made it an early night.

The next morning Phillyist met them at the Latham, the hotel where doormen wear fetishistic equestrian uniforms and riding boots. Brini descended into the lobby looking every bit the modern working girl in a custom-made pantsuit. She confessed that she felt very Mary Tyler Moore.

Fox News was Brini’s first appearance. Anchor Kerri-Lee Halkett, who was a Brini fan, did a household tips segment that served as a great fluffer for the rest of the day.

Our second stop was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. The clever publicist who arranged the appearance led us through the traders and introduced Brini to Barry Nobel, Vice President of marketing. Everyone gave speeches and applauded, and the opening bell was rung. At that moment finance became just thismuch more fabulous.

Next up was NBC 10, where Phillyist had been just days before. Filmed at Sole Food restaurant in the Loews Hotel, they have a nice crew, a producer with great taste in lip gloss, and an open-air green room of banquettes and a grand piano.

The junket wrapped with a final appearance at Di Bruno Bros. with CN8’s Nicole Fox, who reminds Phillyist a little bit of Mena Suvari.

With Brini done for the afternoon, we headed to Reading Terminal Market, stopping at The Cookbook Stall for an autograph session. A lunch of eggs and grits, sloppy joes and creamed beef followed at the Dutch Eating Place where we attracted a bit of attention from the Pennsylvania Dutch and our fellow diners.

After our heavy meal we hit Buffalo Exchange for vintage shopping and a photo-op with exuberant shop-boy Mike. Phillyist bought a 50% off purple velvet maxi vest with black frogs at Brini’s insistence. “For Season Three,” we agreed.

Then we all took disco naps.

That evening at Di Bruno Bros., Brini was the glamorous hostess in kittenish hairdo, black pants, ivory blouse and red velvet blazer. In between fielding questions from fans, she demonstrated a Crown Roast of Cheese, Janet Leigh’s Meatloaf with a side of asparagus, and Flaming Fruit Kebobs.

We ended the evening at Phillyist’s place, browsing through kitschy cookbooks and trying on vintage acquisitions. When it got late, Phillyist walked Brini, Ron and Hagen to their Scully and Mulder-ish rental car and gave them a big slice of Jones Duncan Hines Chocolate Cake for trip home. Brini bade the City of Brotherly Love a fond farewell and left with a gentle reminder to watch the premiere of Season Two this Sunday on Style at 6:00 p.m.

A candid moment with Brini Maxwell:
- What did you think of Philadelphia?
It’s a beautiful city. I was very impressed with the architecture and how well it’s preserved. The people were extremely charming and I enjoyed myself quite a bit.

- Did you eat out or go shopping while you were here?
I had dinner with friends at Jones. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was delightful. I also went shopping at Buffalo Exchange on Chestnut Street. I found a delightful coat that I’m wearing here in San Francisco for an appearance.

- Do you have a favorite item of clothing in your vast wardrobe?
I have a beautiful Norman Norrell evening gown from the 60’s. It’s a simple sheath with bracelet sleeves made of 4 ply silk crepe and lined in china silk divided into quadrants, each one a different color – light blue, Kelly green, off white and hot pink. The most delightful feature of the gown is that the lining is cut into quadrants as well, and the colors of the lining match the colors of the shell exactly.

- Your new book is full of information about gracious living. Who do you feel are icons of gracious living, be it fashion, entertaining or all of the above?
I think this country’s most treasured icon of gracious living is Julia Child. I’m disappointed to not have had the chance to meet her. Along the same lines, but for entirely different reasons, Martha Stewart is another icon of gracious living. I’d also include Jackie Kennedy-Onassis – who was once our country’s official hostess.

- Is there a marvelous wardrobe planned for your book tour?
Oh yes, I’ve just sent 45lbs of clothes out to California for the West coast swing of the tour – including two suede suits, one a purple mini skirt and hip length vest, the other a color blocked vest and snap front skirt that hits just below the knee and a raw silk suit with a pleated wrap skirt from the 70’s.

- You are getting a tremendous amount of media coverage, appearing in Bon Appetit and ringing the opening bell of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. How different is your life now from 3 years ago?
The biggest difference is travel. I’ve been fortunate enough to be traveling quite a bit for the show and the book. I’m seeing parts of the country that I have never seen before – like Philadelphia!

- Any parting tips for Phillyist readers?
Be sure and pick up my book. It’s chock full of tips for making your life bloom.