Biz Buzz: The Christmas Book: Neiman Marcus’ Guide to Holiday Extravagance

Biz Buzz keeps its fabulously accessorized ear to the ground to provide breaking fashion news coverage.

Early in October, amidst the collections of Halloween Costumes and on the tail end of the buzz about the Spring ’11 collections, a little catalogue begins to make its way towards mailboxes all over the U.S. Though it only appears once a year, it sets the tone for the next two months of preparation for the Holidays. What is this “Survival Bible” you ask? It simply goes by three words, The Christmas Book. Every year Neiman Marcus in its infinite wisdom puts together a collection of gifts and fantasies that range from the practical to the absolutely ridiculous. Every one can find a great gift for the Holiday season, especially one that is in line with the latest trends in fashion, decoration, and house wares. As the Christmas Book is turning 50 this year, I find it important to highlight the items that I think make this year’s book a must have for any lover of the fashion industry.

The diamond encrusted charm bracelet is not only dazzling; it is also heart attack inducing when you see the $248,000.00 price tag!! Yes, every girl needs a classic charm bracelet to trace her life, but even this seems a little outrageous!

The Tory Burch Trike blends the fun ascetic of our favorite preppy designer with the not-so-practical trike for that weekend bike ride to a café or the farmers market. People may give you strange looks as you ride by, but when has eccentricity been frowned upon by the fashion industry?
I am not typically a fan of fancy phone cases or Dolce and Gabbana, but I must admit that their coin purses as well as their iphone and Blackberry pouches are adorable. I would recommend getting the coin purse one; it is a cute little thing to carry your phone and ID in when you go out.
Similarly, the Alexander McQueen clutches are not only a collector’s item, but a fashion must have for anyone who loves the modern British look. I especially love the one with the 4-finger clasp.
The Christmas Book may simply be a piece of advertising for a store, but to those who love fashion, it is a highly anticipated narrative of holiday style. It brings that “Eloise” effect to life, where everyone can dream of owning those extravagant pieces. So, check your mailbox, or your front door, because the Neiman Marcus Christmas book is much more than a super early holiday circular; instead, it is a fashion lover’s stocking stuffer.

Visit Neimanmarcus.com to see the Christmas book for yourself.

-Elizabeth Lafontaine