
I thought everyone was up on what to avoid on the Internet in order to not get scammed, but after an intelligent friend told me she'd fallen for a Nigerian email scam, I didn't balk when I received an email from
Neiman Marcus, with the message below.
As a geek, I know not to ever send sensitive personal information requested in an email, but I appreciate that Neiman's is doing this, that is, specifically seeking out their online customers to reassure them that their info is safe and that they will never request this info in an email.
I will continue to be savvy, but I admit that this does make me feel better about online shopping, in the sense that the stores are aware of scams that could involve them.
The
current economic crisis seems to have no impact on Neiman Marcus. The luxury retailer has
released its annual Christmas book, and it's chock full of extravagant gifts. Edible 23-karat gold powder, BMWs, Cartier jewelry — the list goes on and on.

The rich aren't like you and me. Instead of using $60,000 to pay off student loans, put a down payment on a house, or save the money in a retirement account, some of them would rather order a
life-sized replica of themselves made out of Lego bricks from the Neiman-Marcus 2008 holiday catalogue. You know — the basics.

Flipping through my
vast magazine collection, I recently reread the March issue of InStyle. This issue featured the home of celeb socialite Nicky Hilton, and while I did find it quite chic (though fussy at times) for a 20-something, it wasn't the sophisticated interior design style that struck me. In the master bedroom, which she calls, "classic but naughty [ .

I can't think of a more idyllic way to
warm up this month than soaking in the
Neiman Marcus Albright Bathtub Set ($6,489). Made of AcraStone, a chip- and wear-resistant material with a porcelain-like surface that is warm to the touch, it's a smart splurge if you're a life-long bath lover like me. Its Old World copper tub feet, faucet, and accessories have a classic appeal that will stay in style as long as its lifetime manufacturer's warranty.
This one is for all you working women whose daily dress code includes a proper two-piece ensemble. The fashion gods have blessed you with colorful suiting. There's nothing subtle about these autumnal colors.

When the Neiman Marcus Book shows up on my doorstep, I don't know whether to weep or smile. It's a treat to see the lovely items though sad that there are few that I could, or would, afford. I used to drool over the shoes and jewels for women, but lately I find myself swooning over the bewitching apparel for wee ones.

Starting this Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August 23, Neiman Marcus is kicking off its Fall 2008 trend event by showcasing trendy berry-colored fashions — which we all know are
so hot right now. And to ring in the berry-goodness, Neiman Marcus will be giving customers who spend $250 or more a gel cell phone case as a free gift with purchase! By the sounds of it, they'll have gel cases that fit a variety of cell phone models, including BlackBerrys and iPhones.

Heading back to school means stocking up on basic items like notebooks, pencils, socks, tees and sneakers. A popular brand among elementary and tween girls,
Juicy Couture makes frilly and sporty gear to suit the most posh of princesses. The problem is not every mom can (or wants to) pay the label's high prices.

It's time to start stocking up. Right now, Neiman Marcus is hosting an end of season sale offering an
additional 1/3 off (roughly 33.3 percent) already reduced items. That means sweet deals on those pieces you've been craving all season long.