Renaissance Trophy Wife

modern lifestyle investments for women who want it all

Archive for August 22nd, 2008

Minidresses

Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on August 22, 2008

It’s not hard to look like a million bucks if you drop a bunch of dough on your outfit. Personally, I think it’s much more worthwhile to spend a little time hunting out things that work for your body type, and saving your money for a better investment than clothes– like a Diebenkorn or maybe that Strad you’ve had your eye on. Or even real estate!

One hallmark of the RTW (as opposed to a TW) is the ability to work around trends– I’ll totally spend more for quality pieces that can be worn with anything, but in the case of a cute summer dress, price is definitely a consideration.

This Karen Zambos Vintage Couture dress ($262 at shopbop.com) is cute and flirty– plus the punchy color is just right for hot summer days. Dress it up for brunch with the girls or down for a work BBQ.

But my summer pick is a teal jersey minidress from Heavenly Couture ($18); paired with ABS platform heels ($170 retail; mine for $20 at Marshalls) and some fun jewelry, it achieves the same effect for a fraction of the price– and everyone will want to know who styles you.

PS- for tiny girls like me (yeah I’m 5 ft even), really long tops can do double duty as a dress– and sometimes even look better that way. Be on the lookout for fab finds!

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California Love: Romantic SF

Posted by RenaissanceTrophyWife on August 22, 2008

Yes, I am very much a city girl at heart, and SF is near and dear to me. There is so much to do, however, that sometimes it can be overwhelming to make a choice– especially for me, the consummate option-weigher. It really depends on what you prefer to see/do that particular day, so that said, here are a few of my favorite spots– pick one (or a few, mix it up!) and let the staycation begin!

Today’s post is on some of my favorite romantic spots in the city.  If you want more of a hip date, or are a total foodie, check out the relevant posts here:

California Love: Hip SF

California Love: SF, the foodie version

Let the romance begin!

Romantic RTW

Make like a local and go on a morning walk/run along the Marina Green to the Palace of Fine Arts– don’t forget the bread to feed the ducks!

Head to lunch on Chestnut St – check out Isa for delish small plates to share; the chef used to work at the French Laundry and has garnered rave reviews. Their fish en papillote is absolutely a winner.

For a more casual but no less yummy option, haul your RTW/RTH (as the case may be) to Pacific Catch for fresh seafood for lunch. We came back from a Maui trip, ate here, and were still impressed with the quality of their fish– that’s how good it is.  Make sure to split an order of the sweet potato fries to feed each other!  (If you laze in and just head here for lunch, you can get it to go and eat at the Palace grounds– there are benches and a huge expanse of lawn.)

Post-lunch stroll: enjoy the boutiques on Chestnut and Union Street. This is where you can find gems to beef up your RTW style– generally the clothes are well-cut and stylish, but won’t wear you.

Take a cable car down Lombard; don’t forget the camera!

Dinner at Bix: This restaurant is like your fav bachelor golf-playing uncle; old school class with anything-but-stuffy food. Staff in white jackets! Live jazz! Make sure you have good directions before you set out, however, as it’s tucked in a tiny side street in the FiDi.

Post-dinner drinks/dancing: Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins– you’ll pay a pretty penny for drinks, but then you also get to rub elbows with the upper crust of SF while taking in breathtaking views. Definitely a great way to cap a memorable date night.

What are your favorite romantic spots in SF?

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