The 2011 Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog

Today’s post is primarily focused on a fun and frivolous topic (well then, why didn’t you save it for Friday Fun, hello?!), we take a look at the just-released Needless Markup Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog.

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Yes, even though my calendar says it is only October 20th, the book came out Tuesday. As you might expect, yours truly engaged in a bit of a whine-a-thon (well, there’s a surprise) about retailers and Christmas Creep (that nasty practice of moving holiday promotions earlier and earlier into the season) but a Twitter pal gently let us know that in this case we were mistaken, the catalog actually arrived a week later than last year’s.

There are the usual ‘standards,’ Neiman’s delightful confections like the Handbag Cake ($240) and Christmas Petit Fours ($36).

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Other basics? A Tory Burch cosmetic case at $65.

Tory Burch 'Andy' Cosmetic Case

There are gifts that offer a philanthropic component, the Toms Hearts Slip-On for Kids ($55) and Camo Slip-On ($38) are a good example, for every pair of shoes sold Toms donates a pair to a child in need. They have been doing this since 2006, we do love this brand.

Toms Shoes at Neiman Marcus

There is no shortage of possibilities, below we show the ghastly Gucci Sleepsuit ($180) and the Burberry Diaper Bag ($1195).

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There are plenty of Pretty in Pink ideas, like the Kids’ First Boot ($50) from Hunter or the pink Jellycat Carousel Pony ($18), Madame Alexander’s Fancy Nancy and Bree Cloth Dolls ($44.95-$84.95) also offers a pink option.

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For the Lady of the Castle there are many options, ranging from La Metier’s Lip and Nail Duo ($49) to the Longchamps Le Pliage Wool & Leather Duffel & Tote ($288-$322).

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Of course, the Fantasy Gifts are what generates the buzz about the book. The 2011 offerings include a private Johnnie Walker Tasting ($5000) for you and twenty guests, 100% of the proceeds from this item goes directly to amfAR™, the Foundation for AIDS Research. Also in this section of the catalog, a magnificent Hacker-Craft Speedboat ($250,000) made of mahogany. (As someone raised on and around the old style wooden boats from Chris Craft and Century, this does increase our heart rate just a bit. Sigh.)

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This year eight of the nine “Fantasy Gift” items have a charitable element.

We are not quite so gaga over what is essentially a $75,000 yurt, the Dream Folly. Nor do we care for the $1,000,000 Dancing Fountains, the Consort is rather committed to maintaining the moat surrounding the property Palace. (Cough-cough.)

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However, he is intrigued by the Ferrari FF, almost a bargain at $395,000.

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But don’t dawdle on this one, there are only ten available. (Seriously, all of last year’s posh cars sold out very quickly!)

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We wanted to share another lighthearted tidbit, the First Dog, Bo, is now featured in his own official photo with Michelle Obama. Here is more from the PopSugar story:

“We get so many letters from kids, who want to hear about the garden, they want to see it, and they also want to see Bo. Bo is really the most popular. So we decided to do this official picture that we could send to them when they write in.

The folks at Talbots have to be happy, First Lady Michelle Obama wore a Talbots dress in the photo.

Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson via Mrs. O

If intrigued by the frock, apologies, we can’t provide a link, it is several seasons old.

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One other entirely self-promotional quick note today, our sister blog What Kate Wore is offering a free pair of London Sole shoes in a contest. The giveaway includes a pair of either the Pirouette, these retail at $165.

London Sole 'Pirouette'

Or the lucky winner can select from the varying Henrietta styles, they run $195-$255.

London Sole 'Henrietta'

G’bye until next time!

Neiman Marcus Sells a Chevy, Tory’s Trike & Chanel Runway Show

Hello to a Wednesday that is sunny and warm, we are so grateful for the lovely weather, but also realize many of our friends are enjoying cooler temps and fall fashions.

Another sign of the changing seasons has arrived: the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

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Famed for its over the top gift items, this is the 50th Anniversary for the specialty catalog. Among the possibilities? Your own Luxury Houseboat.

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That gift might necessitate a call to the person handling your trust fund, it is $250,000.  A vehicle requiring less of an investment, the Tory Burch Family Chariot Tricycle.

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This is far more manageable at only $4500.

For those interested in a little snack the edible Gingerbread Playhouse from Dylan’s Candy Bar might be appropriate.

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Unfortunately the $15000 doesn’t cover future dental bills, possibly a concern when considering:

“… 381 lbs. of gourmet gingerbread and 517 lbs. of royal icing by the expert confectioners at Dylan’s Candy Bar®. The munchable manor, which stands 6.6 feet high by 5.25 feet wide by 4.1 feet deep, … it includes giant cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints, gumdrops, and (of course) a candy-encrusted roof. There’s also a lollipop tree inside, just for good measure.”

An alternative?

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The Petit Fours are a mere $35 and cover a myriad of gift-giving obligations.

Frankly, we would not want the task of managing an endeavor like the Christmas Book, how does one compile a vast array of luxury items without sinking into conspicuous consumption?

One cute idea for followers of the annual catalog and some of the best known His & Hers gifts:

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An ornament ($48) in honor of the 1996 H/H gift, a personal Airstream Trailer decorated by Mackenzie-Childs.  Here is a look inside the actual Airstream from that year:

Below left, an ornament remembering the 1971 Sarcophagus gift, and on the right, one recognizing the 2003 Robot gift.

Perhaps an effort at a more egalitarian tone, this year’s car is a Chevy.

However, it is a $75000 Special Edition Camaro made especially for Neimans, so buying two might be deemed extravagant. Let your conscience be your guide.

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We offer a very quick glance at Chanel for next spring.

Classic suits with a contemporary touch.

Below we show a dress in the process of being fitted ten days ago, and then as it looked on the runway yesterday.

A snippet from the WWD review:

“Although the ideas came too fast and plentiful for full absorption, there were some clear motifs. Lagerfeld’s favorite jacket is a short tweed with a loose back, with black leather in concert with a vibrant tweed or print a racy alternative.

In the “unlikely to be seen in our walk-in” category:

Back to the review:

“He likes, but is no slave to, longer lengths. Colors were ample black, sometimes with white; silver metallics and gentle pastels, including a sunny shock of yellow.”

We’re pretty sure the jacket above left is stunning in person.

The usual mass of celebrities were on hand for the show, including Claudia Schiffer and Leigh Lezark.

Ann Wintour looked rushed, and we love the new do for Keira Knightley.

Two more exquisite styles.

It was good to see the return of Inès de la Fressange, long the face of the brand in the 1980′s before a split with Designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Giovanni Gianonni/WWD

But our favorite look from the runway?

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

On that delightful image we say “Thank You” to our treasured readers for popping in and visiting our goofy blog today!

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:

• Chanel: Dominique Maitre/WWD
• Chanel: Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty
• Chanel: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
• Francois Durand/Getty