When most people think of trophy wives, it’s probably not very complimentary to the poor trophy wife in question.  That said, aspiring to be a *renaissance* trophy wife is quite a different thing altogether.  Here’s a rundown of some things that may differentiate an RTW from just a trophy wife.

The Trophy Wife always has a salon-perfect mani/pedi; RTWs have perfect mani/pedis that they did at home while watching CSI.

TW marries for money; RTW has men who want to marry her for money.

TW looks fantastic in Louboutins; RTW looks fantastic driving her Murcielago (stick shift, of course) in Louboutins.

TW brags about how much money her hubby earns; RTW brags about how much money her nonprofit raised for UNICEF.

TW owns a Viking range and has never cooked on it; RTW can whip up decent meals on anything bigger than a Bunsen burner.

TW’s designer dog gets Coach accessories; RTW’s rescue dog gets quality couch time with the fam.

TW will blow off the nice guys at bars; RTW will be nice and sometimes even be their wingwoman.

TW throws herself at men with money, obnoxious or not; RTW will smile and nod while letting them drone on about their boats and hedge funds, then sweetly inquire why they didn’t use some of their money to buy a toupee and a personality.

TW blows her man’s money at Bloomies; RTW blows her own money on an education or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

TW splurges on fancy dinners out with the girls, on her hubby’s dime; RTW goes out to volunteer with the girls and donates her own money to the cause.

TW fixates on logos and brands; RTW scores high quality goods regardless of the label.  (Remember, bespoke clothes/bags are actually worth a high price tag.  Mass market is usually overhyped and mediocre, just with a large advertising budget.)

TW loves drama about nothing; RTW only loves drama on a stage.

TW thinks having money defines you as a person; RTW knows lack of money brings out your true colors.

TW believes the world should cater to her; RTW wants to serve the world.

Got another one?  Share it in the comments below!