Neiman Marcus' 2014 Christmas Book

As a sweater-weather (ahem, cashmere) fanatic, a rainy-day prancer, and a Christmas baby, one of the most exciting things for me about Fall - besides the holiday decorations, festive gatherings, and hints of winter months to come - is the annual release of THE Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus!  I admit I get overly excited when I see this book, almost like a child on Christmas morning, but who can blame me?  It's exclusive... it's fashion... it's luxury... it's new... and unarguably, it's a FABULOUS DREAM (especially the Fantasy Gifts)!

It's Here!

The 2014 book was just released Tuesday, making it their 88th annual edition.  There are gifts for everyone: for her, for him, for home, and for little munchkins (those we call our kids - fur and not!).  Within the 190 pages of drool-worthy gifts, the least expensive item is $15, and the most... $475,000!

Like all previous years, there are 10 Fantasy Gifts, with proceeds benefiting The Heart of Neiman Marcus, a foundation supporting youth arts education:

Fantasy Gift No. 1 Tanqueray No. Ten Imperial Shaker by Jason Crawley $35,000	Fantasy Gift No. 2 Vanity Fair Academy Awards® Experience $425,000
Fantasy Gift No. 3 The House of Creed Bespoke Fragrance Journey $475,000	Fantasy Gift No. 4 100th Ann. NM Limited-Edition Maserati Ghibli S Q4 $95,000
Fantasy Gift No. 5 Custom Locket and Trip with Monica Rich Kosann $100,000	Fantasy Gift No. 6 Ultimate Mardi Gras Experience for Six Couples $125,000
Fantasy Gift No. 7 His & Hers Vilebrequin Quaski $50,000 each	Fantasy Gift No. 8 The Slot Mode USA Ultimate Slot Car Raceway $300,000
Fantasy Gift No. 9 Preston Bailey Garden Peacock Floral Sculptures $25,000 to $65,000	Fantasy Gift No. 10 Leontine Linens Home Trousseau $55,000

As extravagant as those Fantasy Gifts are, here are my top picks from the book:

Inverni Iris Rabbit Felt Floppy Hat in Burgundy - $305
Floppy hats are universally flattering;
just choose one in a fabric appropriate for the season!

NM Monogrammed Cashmere Robe in Wine - $505
See the "S" - as if it were meant for me!

Monique Lhuillier Gown - $9,995
Winter ball?  Done!

NM Exclusive Quilted Leather Jacket (right) - $395
This is perhaps the perfect leather jacket - for me!

NM Exclusive Monogrammed Silk Pajamas - $170
Any fashionable mademoiselle would tell you these are a must!

Also, did you know that Neiman Marcus always offers free standard shipping and complimentary gift wrap on all purchases? So whatever treasures and treats you find in this year's book, don't forget to to include this message in your gift tag...

Photo credits: Neiman Marcus