Start Your Christmas Shopping!!!!

[DianaB]

The new Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog is out!!!! I just knew that several of you probably couldn't wait to see it so here's the link for it!!!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/si....jhtml?&cmCat=

If you'd like to get started on your holiday shopping ? and have a few million dollars to spare ? luxury retailer Neiman Marcus can sell you a $1.44 million submarine or a $75,000 talking robot.

Not quite swanky enough? How about a private concert with Russia's Kirov Orchestra. For $1.59 million, you and 499 friends will hear pianist Lola Astanova, led by maestro Valery Gergiev, in a show hosted by Regis Philbin in your hometown. For good measure, the Steinway concert grand stays behind.

They're among the outrageous "fantasy gifts" that Neiman Marcus, celebrating its 100th anniversary, showed off Tuesday from its 81st Christmas Book that is mailed to 1.8 million people and can be found online.
The gifts range from modest ? a mug filled with pretzels for $20 ? to 10 acres in Montana for $2.3 million that include a share of a nature preserve and a private dinner with your choice of entertainment by violinist Joshua Bell or soprano Renee Fleming.

"I think it captures some of the fun of the holidays that we give up as we get older," said Ginger Reeder, a spokeswoman for Neiman Marcus Direct.

The "his and hers" gift this year is a chocolate portrait by Vik Muniz in which he'll capture your likenesses with the help of Bosco chocolate syrup. Also available is a $73,000 cell phone studded with 7.2 carats of white and pink diamonds and featuring 24-hour global concierge service.

"It's for the woman who enjoys all the finest things in life, and why should she stop with her phone?" said David Ferguson, U.S. sales manager for the manufacturer, Vertu.

Shoppers with the need for speed can pick up a Rocket Racing League Team for $2 million. That includes a rocket that can fly at up to 320 mph on a "racetrack" about 1,000 feet in the air or one of 50 special edition Lexus cars that are part of the fastest production model the company has built.

One item in the catalog features a bit of history from the legendary store: a book of photos taken by Stanley Marcus, son of one of the founders who himself led the store for decades.