Topic for May. 9. ( Tue)

[Alex !]

Trophy 

something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial

a memorial of an ancient Greek or Roman victory raised on the field of battle or on the nearest land for a naval victory

a representation of such a memorial (as on a medal)

also  : an architectural ornament representing a group of military weapons

a game animal or fish suitable for mounting as a trophy  

—usually used attributively

one that is prized for qualities that enhance prestige or social status  

a prize, such as a gold or silver cup, that is given to the winner of a competition or race, and often returnedafter a year to be given to the winner of the competition in the following year

something used as a symbol of success from hunting or war

Trophy wife is a wife who is regarded as a status symbol for the husband. The term is often used in a derogatory or disparaging way, implying that the wife in question has little personal merit besides her physical attractiveness, requires substantial expense for maintaining her appearance, is often unintelligent or unsophisticated, does very little of substance beyond remaining attractive, and is in some ways synonymous with the term gold digger. A trophy wife is typically relatively young and attractive, and may be a second, third or later wife of an older, wealthier man. A trophy husband is the male equivalent.

The term “trophy wife” is often used in a derogatory sense to describe any married woman who’s young, attractive, who has expensive taste, and who’s married to a rich (and possibly older) man. However, most of the women labelled “trophy wives” are just as independently successful, ambitious, and wealthy as their partners.

The idea of the trophy wife exists, therefore, because rich and good looking people tend to marry other rich and good looking people, but sexist assumptions, prejudices, and misconceptions lead people to believe that the woman must just be in it for the money.

In reality, being a trophy spouse means being an impressive person, and you can achieve this by being attractive (in character, not just physical beauty), being educated and worldly, being successful, being fun and outgoing, and being a role model that any person would be proud to have as a friend, partner, or mentor.

Trophy Life

A refreshingly honest, laugh-out-loud novel about losing the life you always wanted...and finding the life you were meant to have. For the last ten years, Agnes Parsons's biggest challenge has been juggling yoga classes and lunch dates. Her Santa Monica house staff takes care of everything, leaving Agnes to focus on her trophy-wife responsibilities: look perfect, adore her older husband, and wear terribly expensive (if uncomfortable) underwear.

When her husband disappears, leaving Agnes and their infant daughter with no money, no home, and no staff, she is forced to move across the country, where she lands a job teaching at an all-boys boarding school in the Bronx. So long, organic quinoa bowls and sunshine-filled California life. Hello, processed food, pest-infested house, and twelve-year-old-boy humor--all day, every day. But it's in this place of second chances (and giant bugs), where Agnes is unexpectedly forced to take care of herself and her daughter, where she finds out the kind of woman she can be.

Ultimately, she has to decide if she prefers the woman and mother she has become...or the trophy life she left behind. Authentic and sharply witty, Trophy Life is proof that granny panties and mom coats might not be the answer to everything; they're simply comfortable (if slightly unattractive) reminders of what happens when one life ends...and real life begins.

A trophy property or trophy house is a real estate term for the top 2% of properties in a given subcategory, the term refers to residences, architecturally or historically preserved properties, agricultural lands that have extraordinary yields, high-amenity natural land and properties with spectacular views, or other extraordinary amenities. The term also can refer to capstone properties such as office buildings or other unique income-producing properties.

Even in the top tier of residential real estate, there are, in fact, a few select residences that stand in a league of their own, often referred to as trophy homes. While there’s no exact definition as to what constitutes a trophy property, it usually has at least one, if not more, of the following characteristics.

Perhaps it was designed by a celebrated architect, the site of a historic event, or previously lived in by someone famous, but some sort of past significance is often found in a trophy home. Having an exciting story behind the property gives it a special quality that cannot be recreated and adds to the appeal.

A trophy home can come in many forms, but chances are it’s not small. They’ll usually have a breathtaking sense of grandeur that’s rarely seen in residential properties. From extensive acreage to spacious interiors with tall ceilings and sweeping lines, the scale of these homes has a way of defying expectations. They say real estate is all about location, location, location, and that certainly rings true in this situation. Whether it’s situated at the tip of a promontory with mesmerizing views, or it’s the penthouse at the top of a prestigious luxury building, chances are the location is truly one-of-a-kind and set within an exclusive neighborhood. 

It’s fair to say that there’s an overlap between trophy home and lifestyle properties. For instance, it could be located at the base of a famous ski resort or set behind the gates of a prestigious golf community. Additionally, a trophy home will commonly be full of all the high-end amenities that affluent buyers look for to support their lifestyles, like a home gym and wellness area, home theater, swimming pool and more. 

They say real estate is all about location, location, location, and that certainly rings true in this situation. Whether it’s situated at the tip of a promontory with mesmerizing views, or it’s the penthouse at the top of a prestigious luxury building, chances are the location is truly one-of-a-kind and set within an exclusive neighborhood. 

The definition of a trophy property may be debatable. But one thing is certain: You have to have trophy money to buy a trophy property.