Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Kennedy: Gifts to tickle your fancy

Published October 12, 2006 at midnight

Text size  

More Entertainment Columns & Blogs

More stories »

Can you believe there are only 74 shopping days left till Christmas? If you need a few ideas and happen to have deep, deep pockets, Neiman Marcus' famous Christmas Book was recently mailed out, chock- full of fantasy gifts for the family.

Some of this year's standouts:

• Virgin Galactic Charter to Space: Wannabe astronauts can charter a six-person rocket trip, where they'll experience weightlessness about 63 miles above sea level. Return to Earth for four nights on Sir Richard Branson's private retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Price: $1.76 million.

• Jacques Fath Archives: The late French haute couture designer helped reshape the fashion scene with his sweeping skirts - and he kept meticulous records of his sketches. The only archival record of the House of Fath, a museum-quality collection including 26 volumes of original sketchbooks from 1948-1956, comes with three Fath dresses, each with its accompanying sketch. Price: $3.5 million

• All-Star Sports Celebrity Dream Package Charity Auction: The high bidder wins a trip for four (including tickets, travel and accommodations) to six pro sports events: the 2007 NHL All-Star Game in Dallas, Super Bowl XLI in South Florida, the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, the 2007 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Francisco, the 2007 U.S. Open Tennis Championships Women's Final in New York, and a bonus surprise event.

Wait, it gets better: At each event, your group will share a private meal with a living legend from that sport. Included? Oh, just a few names like Wayne Gretzky, Troy Aikman, Magic Johnson, Bob Gibson, Chris Evert and Arnold Palmer (we're guessing that "surprise" event involves golf).

All gross proceeds will benefit the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation. Bidding starts Nov. 17. For more information, visit . Price: Suggested minimum starting bid is $250,000.

• Ugg leather drivers: Test the company's leather driving shoes, complete with a soft shearling lining and bottom sole tread. Price: $100.

• Hello Kitty by Kimora Lee Simmons: Her inner girlie girl will purr for the iconic kitty on a diamond charm necklace, diamond pendant necklace, ceramic bracelet watch, cashmere sweater or cashmere gloves. Price: $100 to $4,250.

•Cashmere pet vest and polo: Four-legged fashionistas need cashmere, too! An argyle cashmere vest works with a cashmere short-sleeve polo. Price: $175 (polo) and $245 (vest).

• Under $100: Leather-trim cashmere gloves ($80), fudge-covered popcorn ($38), crystal desk bell ($25), leather passport cover ($35), crystal Versace coaster ($50).

Betty necklace not ugly

So, yes, it's quite doubtful that the "Guadalajara" poncho, the red glasses or the braces will catch fashion fad fire, but at least one of the styles shown on ABC's Ugly Betty seems to be taking off.

The "B" necklace, by artist Jen Parrish, is a reproduction of a pendant worn by Anne Boleyn. Made with faux pearls and a patina or antiqued gold finish, the letter can also be customized and bought at www. etsshopping.com ($172).

• Lawrence Covell: 225 Steele St.; 303-320-102;