Animals in Odd Places...

When you think of chinchilla or python, luxurious coats and clutches come to mind. But how luxe would having these coveted prints and textures in unusual and unexpected places be? This fall, I am feeling out of the ordinary with the typical exotics and skins (not to mention furs!). Here are a few examples for inspiration!

How chic would these be against a modern minimalist's dining room table?

Snakeskin Printed Plates by Kiln Design Studio

$175-$300- vivre.com

Perfect for your ski lodge home's couch or bed, let it sit alone for the ultimate luxe spotlight

Genuine Chinchilla Pillow $395

An unexpected wallpaper texture, Alligator is no longer a skin for your grandmother's purses...

Alligator Skin Wallpaper $40 a bolt

Even though they aren't genuine lizard, these placemats will transform your formal dining room table into a sophiscated oasis...

Custom Order Only

How to Choose Stemware...

As if making sure that you are serving the correct wine with the right food pairing isn't enough to make any Trophy Wife's head spin, many of us forget the importance of using the correct stemware to compliment the drink itself. You would never serve truffled mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl, so why sell your pricey bottle of wine short in the improper glasses? I found this interesting article that just may prevent a dinner party faux pas....

"Choosing wine glasses, also known as stemware, to reflect both the best of the wine and your own personal taste is both fun and easy with a little knowledge. The shape, size and color of a wine glass can dramatically affect your perception of the wine that's contained in it.There is no “proper” way to serve wine. There are no “official” sizes, capacities, shapes or colors of wine glasses. Common sense and individual taste should be your guide.Wine’s appeal is not just its taste and smell, but also the visual aspect. The play of light on the wine, the “legs” and “tears’ on the inner wall when you swirl the wine and the way aromas are captured within the wine glass — and presented to your nose while drinking — are things to consider when choosing wine glasses.It stands to reason that a larger glass is required for wine at dinner than would be needed for a sip of sherry after.

Traditionally wine glasses with larger, broader bowls are used for bold red wines with bigger bouquets, and narrower wine glasses are used to concentrate the more delicate aromas of lighter white wines.Champagne is best served in a tall slender tulip glass. Visual enjoyment of the bubbles that differentiate a sparkling wine from a still wine is enhanced by the height. The once popular shorter version of the Champagne glass — whose design was reputed to be based on an particular aspect of Marie Antoinette's anatomy — is too likely to spill and doesn't present the rising bubbles to best advantage or prolong the chill like a tall wine glass will.If your budget, available cabinet space or desire for simplicity limit your wine glass and stemware collection to a single size, a number of producers have made all purpose designs. Most all-purpose wine glass designs are attractive and relatively inexpensive.

You may want to pick a design similar to what the California Wine Institute developed as an all-purpose wine glass. It is five and one half inches tall with a one and three quarter inch stem. Its clear, tulip-shaped bowl has a capacity of eight ounces.There is also an International Standards Organization (ISO) wine glass, but — like many of the wine glasses you might collect as souvenirs when tasting at wineries — it may be a better size for tasting wine — a little small for drinking wine.Riedel Crystal has developed a special tasting glass. The glass is made to have a small amount of wine poured into it, and then to be tipped on its side and rolled across a flat surface to coat its inside surface with wine. Watch out for spills! An elegant dinner party, where a different wine accompanies each course, is enhanced with a table setting that includes a wine glass for each wine. The glasses should be arranged in the order they are to be used and right to left. Wine is traditionally poured from the right, while food is served from the left.The food being served will dictate the choice of wine, but you will most likely begin with tall-stemmed hock glasses for whites and progress to wine goblets for reds then use a smaller glass for aperitifs. A matching water glass is an elegant touch. Be sure not to fill a wine glass too full, one third to one half full at the most. You want to leave room to capture the bouquet in the upper bowl as it rises from the swirled wine, and to allow the glass to be tilted — at approximately a forty-five degree angle — to evaluate and enjoy the color of the wine.The wine glass stem gives you something to hold onto without warming the wine with your body heat. If the wine happens to be served too cold, cupping the bowl in your hand is an easy way to quickly warm it up."

Watching Toast Burn...

Toasters really don't have a place in a modern TWT's kitchen, beacause amid all of your stainless steel gadgets and electrics, it just looks out of place. But place one of Williams Sonoma's Magimix Vision Toasters $350 next to the eighteen-lever espresso maker, and it will look happy and very at home. It has four pre-programmed settings including Toast, Bagel, Reheat, and Defrost, and crumbs are never an issue because you can just slide out the base to sweep them up. Plus you can see how golden brown your whole wheat toast is, whether you like it half toasted or double toasted.

How To Select Stationery

If you've recently attended a dinner party, weekend brunch date, or even just an evening that left such an impression that you feel like a technology thank you is inappropriate, you're probably right. Thank you's via email, text, or ecard, even though you are sending it with the right intentions, can be deemed cold and possibly even rude. Instead, try writing a personable letter to prove just how touched you were by the event. It's classy, tasteful, and shows your graciousness. I found a fantastic article in Allure about how to select the perfect stationery for your taste....here are some tips from William S. Miller, owner of stationery store the "Printery" located in Oyster Bay, New York.

-Know your options

With so many things to consider—color, font, borders, monograms, icons, envelopes—the choices can feel overwhelming, but the best way to get a sense of what you like is to comb through samples. What are you drawn to? Do you like brighter colors or pale paper? Simple fonts or something more elaborate? A century ago, there might have been rules about what personal papers should look like, but today, if it looks good, it is good, and your sensibility should be your guide.
·-Get a feel for it

Most people like the feel of heavy cotton paper with an eggshell, or smooth, finish. Twenty years ago, everyone ordered letter sheets, but today most people opt for correspondence cards, which are more versatile. They can accommodate a few lines of thanks or even a whole condolence note.
·-Color it in

When choosing colors, think about how the paper and the lettering will play off each other. A creamy off-white is the most basic—and conservative—choice for paper stock, but I love blues and greens, and we have a tobacco-colored paper that makes the ink on top really pop. Pale gray and silver is another sophisticated combination, as is pale green and copper, or orange and brown. (Make sure metallics don't look like tinfoil; you want them to just catch the light, not reflect it.) I also like a tone-on-tone effect, such as the one you get by pairing two shades of blue.
·-Consider your audience

If the stationery is for professional purposes, I think it's best to use your full name, since a potential client or employer may not recognize your initials. A monogram is both more personal and more old-fashioned. The most classic lettering styles are English Script, Shaded Roman, and a sans-serif Gothic—all three are timeless.
·Finishing touches

An envelope should have your return address printed on the flap, and I prefer full words to abbreviations. Use numerals unless the number is ten or less. And if you want them to feel really special, have the envelope lined with tissue in a shade that echoes the rest of your color scheme.

Need Inspiration For Dinner?

It's one thing to make dinner for SO, but it's another to make an impressive dinner for him that he talks about for days. And even though you're a TWT, it doesn't mean that you have to be a walking recipe book complete with interesting and tasty meals. Sometimes the hardest part of making a meal isn't the cooking for the planning or even the prep, but it's the idea. If you feel like you're always running out of ideas for meals and are tempted to eat the same things over and over again, (even if you get the same dish at a nice restaurant over and over again, it gets boring) it's time for some inspiration. I turn to TasteSpotting, a community for chefs and food bloggers alike to post pictures, recipes, tips, and instructions for any kind of food possibly imaginable. You won't believe how exciting cooking and preparing beautiful food can be.....

http://www.tastespotting.com/

International Rolex Regetta!

If you are a lucky TWT who finds herself in the St. Thomas area this weekend, you simply must put on your topsiders and visit the 2010 International Rolex Regetta. Starting today and going until March 28th, the "Crown Jewel Of Carribbean Racing" is taking place at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. With 69 teams competiting in four divisions, and plenty of rum to go around, (Mount Gay Rum is one of the top sonsors) it's an event an TWT who loves yacht racing (or yachts in general) can't afford to miss. Another top sponsor of this annual event is official retailer of Rolex watches, A.H. Riise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The winning team receives their own Rolex watches, and the prestigious title of winer of the 37th Annual Rolex Regetta. If you couldn't make it to St. Thomas for the event, watch live results at http://www.rolexcuupregetta.com/.

Springtime Inspiration

I can feel spring in the air already; it just smells like spring. It's almost as if Mother Earth knows the trauma it put us through during the winter (dry skin, brittle nails, static and flyaways, winter blues...) and now she's trying to remind us of how lucky we are to be alive. Kiss your boots, fur jackets, cashmere scarves, and ultra thick body lotions good bye.
This spring, I am feeling very inspired, and I feel very lucky to be a TWT because there is no better season to express femininity and fresh style.

Inspiration: Polka Dots

1.2.

1.Kate Spade $395

2.Anthropologie $148

1. 2.

1. Stella McCartney $495

2. Tweezerman $15


Inspiration: Tasteful Floral Prints

1. 2.
1. Tory Burch $265

2. Dean and Deluca Petit Fours $50

1. 2.

1. Rene Caovilla $975

2. Neiman Marcus $32-$38

Inspiration: Something Delicate

1.2.

1. Jimmy Choo $795

2. Anthropologie $24

1.2.

1. Vosges Haut Chocolat $42

2. Laurence Dumont Vanille Monoi $50

TWT Treat of The Week--Material Motivation!

Each week we will be featuring an item here on TWT which is meant to be a source of inspiration. If you've had a rough week, or you're just feeling uninspired, our "TWT Treat Of The Week" will remind you of why you have decided to become a TWT. And although our TWT Treats will be material items, (or trips or splurges) there is nothing wrong with a little bit of "material motivation" as we TWT's call it. Even though becoming a TW means much more than just a purse or pair of shoes, it's amazing how quickly a TWT will run in stilettos for a bit of retail therapy...Don't deny it, just embrace the material motivation!

This week's TWT Treat Of The Week-

This bag is the perfect way to transport your wardrobe into spring; add one accessory with a pop of color that doesn't sugar coat. Choose a bag with interesting hardware, like the one below, to keep the pastels from looking too easter-basket-ish. Wear with confidence to all springtime events.

BE & E New Garbo Tote in Citrus $1490

Learn From The Pros...TW's!

Any TWT should admire Tory Burch; she is a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, style guru, and social butterfly. Here is the link to her blog:

http://blog.toryburch.com/

TWT in Bermuda

Having just returned from a beautiful trip to the island of Bermuda, I am happy to share my TWT adventures with you. Listen up ladies, because when SO asks where your next vacation should be, you will have already booked the tickets.

Bermuda, a British overseas territory, is located off of the east coast of North Carolina. With an annual temperature high of 86 and low of 63, there is virtually no "bad season" to visit. With such amazing weather and scenery, it's hard to imagine why you would want to stay inside...unless you stay at Tucker's Point, of course. Newly opened in May of 2009, Tucker's Point is the island's most luxurious resort. When first pulling into Tucker's Point, (either by taxi or scooter) it's hard to believe that the view in front of you is actually real. It's almost as if Mother Nature knew exactly how to create perfection; rolling hills on the well manicured gold course, turquoise blue water, light pink sand, beachy-luxe buildings, all that seems to have grown out of a huge mountain face, where nobody could find it.

The amenities at Tucker's Point are endless, like any great resort should be. You can choose to stay in the Tucker's Point Hotel or in one of the Villa's, all of which are up for sale and fractional ownership. The hotel offers such amenities as private pools, access to the new Spa at Tucker's Point, and of course, fine dining.

I had the opportunity to experience The Point Restaurant and Terrace for dinner and brunch. Eating at The Point was one of the highlights of Bermuda for me, and it wasn't just because of the food. To me, a gourmet resturant must impress me equally with its food and its atmosphere. There is nothing worse than waiting uncomfortably for your meal (or a table) and being rushed once you sit down. If American's can learn anything from the French, it would be to slow down and really savor food, company, and atmosphere. Walking into The Point, it hardly feels like a restaurant at all. The tables are swathed in white linen, the chairs are mismatched in a comfortable, yet grand style, the exposed dark wood beams and moldings give the feel of being a on luxurious ship, but the views of the crystal clear water keep you grounded. The walls are covered in what looks like hand painted murals, but like everything else in Bermuda, it has a story and a history. Juan Tripp, the founder of Pan American World Airways, was so inspired on a trip to Hong Kong in 1965 by the hand painted murals of Chinese Horsemen, that he comissioned the artist to create an 80ft long mural for the Sky Club of the Pan Am building. The mural, a collection of ports around the world, stayed in the Sky Club until its closing in 2005. Juan Tripp's son, Ed Tripp, the current President of Tucker's Point, bought the mural at auction and installed it in the restaurant in Tucker's Point (with the addition of one port that wasn't on the orginal, Bermuda.)

The food at Tucker's Point was just as impressive as its service and always responsive staff. I was excited to see Grilled Wagyu Beef Sirloin, with humble sides such as ratatouille and a tempura onion ring on the menu, because like everything else at Tucker's Point, it's luxury with a hint of casual, European perfection. All in all, it just works. Brunch wasn't a typical American buffet of greasy sausage links and rubbery eggs. Items such as Homemade Vanilla Brioche French Toast, Classic Eggs Benedict with Hollandise Sauce, and Swiss Bircher Museli are the Tucker's Point way of starting off the morning right.

After breakfast, when the SO's go and play on the gorgeous golf course, you can either take a trip to the spa or relax by the infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic. If you stay in a villa, you will also have a large balcony complete with an outdoor dining table, barbecue, and incredibly relaxing lounge couch. Or just take a stroll downstairs to either the villa bar, a community room filled with bottles of every alcohol imaginable. If you still want entertainment, the villa community game room has dvd's, board games, a pool table, and entertainment for hours.

The furnishings in the villas are a mix between a summer home in Palm Beach and a British countryside home. The contrast between the beachy white paint and the heavy, wooden furniture is appealing and elegantly comfortable. All villas are fully equipped for your stay, including toiletries, kitchen accessories and appliances, towels, and a daily maid service.

Tucker's Point is a place that you won't want to ever leave, but all is forgotten when the wind is blowing through your hair while you're on the back of a scooter in the midst of an adventure to the world's most private beaches....

TWT On Wheels...

sym·bol: noun-
"something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign."

Upon becoming a TWT, you will soon realize that previously innocent things are now symbols. One of the largest symbols is one that you use daily, in public places, and sometimes invite other TWT's to use with you; is your car. It's very important that you drive a vehicle that represents who you want others to see you as, in other words, what sort of TWT you choose to be. Here is Trophy Wife In Training's Four P's of buying a car- Price, Produces, Package, and Power. Let me explain; Price; Obviously you will be choosing a car that represents your style of life, your personal cost of living, whatever that might be. Produces; who makes the car? More importanly, whose logo will be on it? Audi? Lexus? Mercedes? BMW? Each brand represents a different style and projected image. Package; this actually means two different things in our opinion, what sort of package you wil be purchasing (top of the line is always best because it's a no questions asked way to be comfortable...in other words, "hmm I forgot to ask if air conditioning was included." That can also mean that you are buying a special "package," in other words, Limited Edition. Enough said. It also stands for "How many packages can I fit in the truck/back seat?" Of course, a two door convertible might seem tempting, but if frequent shopping trips on Rodeo or Worth Ave are a weekend hobby, you'd better rethink that trunk space. And lastly, Power, which can also be read two different ways depending on your priorities. Power to SO means how much is under the hood (a place that will probably remain a black hole mystery to most TWT's, if you're like me.) However, if Power under the hood is very important to you, then choose engine power as one of the first things to look for in car purchasing (and in some cases you get that special "Turbo" or SuperSport" symbol on the back.) For those of us who don't especially need to rev the engine at every green light, opt for the definition of Power the other way; to be the more powerful one "car-status-wise."

Here are a variety of cars created just for us TWT's (or TW's) in no specific order:

1. Lexus SC430, base price $68,405

This is a car so luxuriously fun to drive that you almost won't want to valet it...well...almost. It is the epitome of timeless elegance and class, much like a tan Hermes Kelly bag. Much like the Kelly bag, it's style and status are unmistakable and once you own one, it's hard to want much else.

2. Audi Q5, $37,000-$50,000

If you prefer to be a bit higher up, but still want your vehicle to handle like a sporty car, this is the way to go. If you hate to spare any luxury, but still want to be able to fit your fellow TWT's and all of your purchases into one vehicle, you can't go wrong. This car is best compared to a pair of Louboutin flats; they're practical, stylish, status-approved, and most importantly, Louboutins.

3. Mercedes Benz G550, MSRP $104,000

If a two door convertible is too delicate for you, and a mini suv is an oversized car in your opinion, yet you would never set foot inside of a pickup, this is the car for you. The G is rugged, yet luxurious in every way; similar to camping on the Applachian Trail with a gourmet chef and Temperpedic mattresses in tow. If you want your status symbol vehicle to scream power, safety and size, butyou travel more frequently to Saks than you do the Saraha, opt for the G.

4. Porshe Cayenne, MSRP $45,000

One of my favorite TWT rides, the Porshe combines luxury, status, and comfort. This car is complete with all four P's; it has the right price point for a TWT suv, (not the cheapest in it's category, but do you shop at Payless for shoes?) it's produced by a luxury car company proven to create green monsters in even the most discerning TWT, it's package's are endless (really, when you can't decide between buttery black leather and buttery tan leather, you know it's a winner) and power isn't a question for the Turbo and Sport models which can outrun and outfun most sports cars. How is this not the most perfect luxury accessory?

5. BMW 6 Series, Base MSRP $78,000

If you are a TWT who wants to make a statement with her car, one that says "I order room service not because I'm lazy, but because I can," then this car speaks your language. It's the definition of comfort, class, with a shot of $250 bottle of champagne. As much as the Italians are known for high quality leather, the French for cosmetics, the Japanese for sushi, the Germans are known for making exotic, exclusive cars within our reach. Just try not to spill the beluga caviar on your new steering wheel....

Try Before You Buy...

Most things in life you can "try before you buy;" cosmetics, fragrance, clothing, cars, even SO's (it's called dating.) However, plastic surgery and injectables are one of the few things in life that have a no return policy. If you've always wondered what you would look like with a little work done, New Beauty Magazine has created the perfect tool. "The Instant Makeover Tool" has a name that leaves much to be desired, because I think that there are more things involved in a TWT makeover than just a few injections, but it gets the job done. Simply upload a clear photo of yourself, and choose what procedures you would like to receive, electronically. Whether it's a nose job, eyebrow lift, or lip augmentation you've been pining for, try it risk free on their website. If you're convinced after the "online work" is done, they can help you find the right doctor for the procedure. If you decide that it's not right for you, then go spend the money you just saved on plastic surgey on that fabulous pair of Louboutins for spring. Either way...it's a great way to see a different TWT staring you back in the face. Painlessly.

Link- http://www.newbeauty.com/makeover-tool.aspx

Gourmet Breakfast...Rustic Style...IDI!

Being a TWT requires a lot of work, planning, and preparation. Planned dinner parties, perfect complexions, self control (around the candy dish at least,) and being ahead of all the ever changing trends for a start. But what about those rare days when you and SO can lounge in your Pratesi sheets, bathrobes, and undone hair? Occasionally, these days will happen, when even your mood for breakfast isn't complicated or decadent. That's why all TWT's should keep something gourmet, yet rustically authentic in the pantry for these laid-back IDI (I deserve it!) mornings. Whether your chef, maid, or just you and SO make breakfast, be sure to keep these pancake mixes on hand;

Vosges Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix 3 for $32

Stonewall Kitchen Banana Pancake Mix $8.95

Williams Sonoma Dutch Baby German Pancake Mix $9.50

Crate and Barrel Organic Meyer Lemon Pancake Mix $6.95

Dean and Deluca Oat and Honey Pancake Mix $8

Resort From Vivre

A TWT can always count on Vivre for the perfect mix of interesting and classy. Vivre- which literally means "to live," carries products from around the world, creating a depth to each collection and a timeless twist. If you desire a $2,000 art deco black lion sculpture or a vintage book about French photographers, Vivre is the spot to come to. Their carefully selected variety of clothing and jewelry is a great inspiration for any occasion.
Whether you're jetting to Bali or St. Tropez this spring, chunky coral and turquoise compliment tanned skin and big straw floppy hats. Dive in TWT's, because your voyage will be here before you know it. Vivre's Resort Jewelry Collection:



Turquoise and Coral Earrings $495.00


Nugget Turquoise Necklace $850

Gold and Coral Snake Ring $155

Coral Stone Earrings $325

Nugget Turquoise Cuff $550


Stone Pendant $795

Home is Where the Country Club Is

One of the most important things that a TWT and SO can do is join a country club (CC). If you are new to an area or if you just want a place to feel relaxed and always welcomed, your country club (CC) should feel like your home away from home. It's important to look over the amenities of each club such as their golf course, tennis courts, restaurants, pools, fitness centers, and anything else that is a high priority for you and your SO. If you are on the board of a charity or if you head any philanthropy organizations, you should consider a CC with formal dining and meeting rooms. If you prefer not to join a gym, (who wants to use machines covered in somebody else's sweat anyway?) choose a club that offers personal trainers within their fitness facility. Another perk of a CC is their concierge services that include booking VIP tickets to concerts and events and making nearly impossible dinner reservations whenever you need them. Certain CC's also make you a part of an exclusive circle of societies nationwide when you travel. If you belong one one of these CC's, you have certain privileges to other affiliated CC's in many cities around the country. This means that you are treated to the same personalized service that you are at your "Home Club."

If you are having a hard time finding that perfect CC that fits your needs and expectations, search the best CC's in the country on http://www.clubcorp.com/. They have a wide variety of clubs to choose from, and an interactive website complete with their own service called "ClubLine" which is your own personal concierge service via their website.

Once you have found the perfect CC, what better way to spend a beautiful summer day then a private tennis lesson, dip in the infinity pool, and mimosa's? Better start that search now...

Jet Set in Style in "Your" PJ

If owning your own PJ (private jet) isn't part of your budget right now (or if you simply don't have the room for a private hanger,) don't despair. Much like a time share, or a "shared property," FlexJet offers a "fractional jet ownership." You get to choose what type of jet you would like to use for each trip that you take, making it simple if it's a shopping trip with just you and one girlfriend, or if it's a larger party that needs accomodating. The choices include a Bombardier Learjet40XR, Bombardier Learjet 45XR, Bombardier Learjet 60, Bombardier Challenger 300, or a Bombardier Challenger 604. If you're undecided on which PJ to take, you can take a photo tour of each one on the FlexJet website.

According to Bob Knebel, Vice President of Sales for FlexJet, "Flexjet owners can schedule up to five jets on a single day, which comes in handy for special events and meetings. The company's Versatility Plus program allows owners to pool their unused hours, so if you need extra hours you can buy some, and if you have hours to spare you can get money back. And the company recently offered owners 15 percent off on round trips of one to two days. "This program was developed as a response to owner feedback for more affordable short-haul travel, and can save travelers thousands of dollars on each trip."

And because you're being practical and saving money on not buying a PJ, you can splurge a little on a gorgeous Frette Merino Wool and Cashmere "Jet Set Throw/Cushion Set" $395. (above)