Neiman Marcus

It took three months to perfect the lighting in the dressing rooms, but the first Spanx retail store opened its doors in Tysons Corner Center on Friday. The 14-year-old company, which specializes in shapewear, has become a staple of women's wardrobes in recent years. Many of the company's 200 pieces are sold at department stores such as Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. Now, founder Sara Blakely said she hopes to introduce customers to some of the line's newer items, such as activewear and mens' undershirts, by expanding to its...

Neiman Marcus and two other retailers agreed to settle federal charges on Tuesday that they had mislabeled fur products on clothing — in some cases selling garments with fur while advertising them as synthetic alternatives that some shoppers consider more humane. The settlements ended probes initiated after complaints by the Humane Society of the United States, an animal rights group that has run private investigations in recent years to expose what it says is a widespread problem of mislabeled fur products.

Neiman Marcus and two other retailers agreed to settle federal charges on Tuesday that they had mislabeled fur products on clothing — in some cases selling garments with fur while advertising them as synthetic alternatives that some shoppers consider more humane. The settlements ended probes initiated after complaints by the Humane Society of the United States, an animal rights group that has run private investigations in recent years to expose what it says is a widespread problem of mislabeled fur products.

They say it's better to give than to receive, but They haven't been to the mall lately. Americans are doing more and more holiday shopping for themselves, data over the last decade show, even as planned gift-buying for family members has stayed steady (sorry friends and co-workers, your numbers are down). The reasons are complicated, including a recession that's transformed what used to be a magical few days of strolling past Santa-themed window displays into a weeks-long, competitive fire sale.

It took less than two hours for all 12 McLaren MP4-12C Spiders offered by retailer Neiman Marcus to sell out after sales of the limited edition model commenced on Wednesday. The Neiman Marcus special was listed at $354,000, an $85k premium on the regular 12C Spider , though buyers will be able to avoid the waiting list as McLaren hasn't even started deliveries of the car yet. That premium also gets you a trip to the UK where you'll get to visit the McLaren Technology Center and enjoy a dinner...

It's that time of year again: Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus has released its annual Christmas Book and once again there's an automotive section. This year McLaren's new MP4-12C Spider has been picked as the automotive "ultimate fantasy gift," and only 12 of the beauties will be offered through the catalog. Pricing for the 12C Spider Neiman Marcus Edition doesn't come cheap, with the official price coming in at a cool $354,000. That may be roughly $85k...

Announced so far this year · Saks: 1,100 · Neiman Marcus: 375 · De Beers: up to 1,000 · Harry & David: more than 100 · Circuit City: 34,000 · Home Depot : 7,000 · Target: 1,500 · Macy's: 7,000

Martin's Herend Imports , the only U.S. wholesale distributor of Herend porcelain to such stores as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, is having a warehouse clearance sale that's open to the public Saturday and Sunday. Find discontinued dinnerware and home accessories marked 50 to 75 percent off retail prices. For example, a fish figurine regularly priced at $410 will be $205. The warehouse is at 21440 Pacific Blvd., Sterling. For details, call 703-404-4120. Kathleen Hom Having a sale?

Construction trucks hummed in the distance as Edens President Jodie McLean outlined plans for a Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio at Mosaic District , a collection of shops, offices and residences rising in Merrifield. "It's only their second location in the area, after the store at Congressional Plaza," she said, while flipping to a rendering of the 15,200-square-foot clothing store. "It's going to be right at the main entrance on Lee Highway and District Avenue. " Neiman Marcus is the latest merchant to sign on at Mosaic,...

Three area Bloomingdal e's host dozens of storewide events at an all-day shopping benefit, with proceeds going to six local charities. Activities include an organic wine tasting, BCBG's spring fashion showcase and a free facial massage at the Shiseido counter. Don't miss the in-store petting zoos (yes, really). Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. $10. Bloomingdale's, 8100 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, 703-556-4600; 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, 240-744-3700; 11305 Rockville Pike, Kensington, 301-984-4600.

Target and Neiman Marcus kicked off their holiday gift collaboration Dec. 1. The collection, which features 24 of America's preeminent designers, is available at all Target and Neiman Marcus stores and online. Some highlights: a Prabal Gurung cape, $79.99; a set of four double old-fashioned glasses ($49.99), a shaker ($49.99) and tray ($79.99) from Joseph Altuzarra. www.target.com and www.neimanmarcus.com . The Maryland Institute College of Art presents its sixth annual Art Market beginning Wednesday...

It took three months to perfect the lighting in the dressing rooms, but the first Spanx retail store opened its doors in Tysons Corner Center on Friday. The 14-year-old company, which specializes in shapewear, has become a staple of women's wardrobes in recent years. Many of the company's 200 pieces are sold at department stores such as Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. Now, founder Sara Blakely said she hopes to introduce customers to some of the line's newer items, such as activewear and mens'...

It took less than two hours for all 12 McLaren MP4-12C Spiders offered by retailer Neiman Marcus to sell out after sales of the limited edition model commenced on Wednesday. The Neiman Marcus special was listed at $354,000, an $85k premium on the regular 12C Spider , though buyers will be able to avoid the waiting list as McLaren hasn't even started deliveries of the car yet. That premium also gets you a trip to the UK where you'll get to visit the McLaren Technology Center and...

It's that time of year again: Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus has released its annual Christmas Book and once again there's an automotive section. This year McLaren's new MP4-12C Spider has been picked as the automotive "ultimate fantasy gift," and only 12 of the beauties will be offered through the catalog. Pricing for the 12C Spider Neiman Marcus Edition doesn't come cheap, with the official price coming in at a cool $354,000. That may be roughly $85k...

Construction trucks hummed in the distance as Edens President Jodie McLean outlined plans for a Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio at Mosaic District , a collection of shops, offices and residences rising in Merrifield. "It's only their second location in the area, after the store at Congressional Plaza," she said, while flipping to a rendering of the 15,200-square-foot clothing store. "It's going to be right at the main entrance on Lee Highway and District Avenue. " Neiman Marcus...

The ink was barely dry on the lease before local fashion blogs were abuzz with news of Elie Tahari's first store in the Washington area. Within weeks of the February opening at Tysons Galleria, three of the Israeli designer's popular sheath dresses were sold out. No worries. The $368 frocks were back on the rack in a matter of days. Avid shoppers could always head a few doors down to Neiman Marcus or Saks, which have carried a selection of Tahari apparel and accessories for years.

Find yourself on your way to an inaugural party tomorrow and realize you forgot your mascara or facial moisturizer? Stop at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Target or Neiman Marcus and ask for one. If you bought a cosmetic from one of the stores between May 29, 1994, and July 16, 2003, and are willing to sign a statement affirming that, they will give you one full-size product worth $18 to $25. At the Macy's on 12th and G streets NW, the giveaway will...

Marjorie Wicklein, 88, who spent about 20 years working at the White House office that documents gifts presented to the first family, died March 30 at a retirement community in Glen Mills, Pa. She had congestive heart failure. Mrs. Wicklein headed the White House Gift Unit from 1973 until her retirement in 1977. She then spent several years working for the gift registry section of the department store Neiman Marcus in Washington. Marjorie Cibos was a Philadelphia native. She served in the Coast Guard during World War II, part of the...

Betty M. Geisler, who worked for two decades as an administrative assistant for the provost and bishop at Washington National Cathedral, died March 14 of cancer at Montgomery Hospice's Casey House in Rockville. She was 85. Mrs. Geisler retired from the cathedral in 1992. Previously, she had worked as an administrative assistant at Neiman Marcus in Washington. Betty Ruth Middleton was born in Detroit and graduated from Michigan State University. She moved to the Washington area in the late 1950s.