Topic: The Neiman Marcus Group Inc.

Rick Santorum sweater vest: 'What not to wear' or sleeveless genius?

Rick Santorum's sleeveless sweater vest has taken on a life of its own this week, even garnishing its own Twitter account. Candidates' sartorial choices many times take on special significance.

Could Occupy Wall Street protesters be sued for Black Friday tactic?

Some Occupy Wall Street protesters have talked of staging sit-ins at big retail stories on Black Friday. One prominent lawyer suggests that could backfire, legally.

Best buys, worst buys on Black Friday 2011

Black Friday 2011 guide: You'll find great deals on second-tier electronics, apparel, and more, but wait a week for the best buys on all but the most popular toys. Avoid jewelry on Black Friday 2011.

Why Obama isn't fighting the budget battle

As the president looks forward to the 2012 election, he'll try sticking a little closer to the center.

Day-after-Christmas sales: Stars are aligned for a super Sunday

This year, day-after-Christmas sales are expected to be even more festive than usual. Fortuitous timing and Americans' renewed willingness to spend should cap the improved retail season.

J. Crew makes deal to be taken private for $3B

J. Crew shareholders would receive $43.50 per share from private equity firms TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners. That is a 16 percent premium to the stock's closing price Monday of $37.65.

Troy Polamalu: Add big hair to celebrity insurance

Troy Polamalu now has hair worth $1 million. The insurance policy is sure to draw attention to the Pittsburgh Steeler star and his sponsor Head & Shoulders. It also pushes Mr. Polamalu into the ranks of our Top 5 insurance plans for celebrity heads. (Click on the right arrow to see the next item):

Our flag is not a prop

The US flag should not be used as a point of argument but as a symbol of the solidarity that binds the diversity of our nation.

Icon A5 aircraft billed as an aeronautical 'game-changer'

The new plane from Icon Aircraft will set you back a cool quarter of a million dollars.

What the housing turnaround will look like

Cape Coral, Fla., not long ago one of the foreclosure capitals of America, is now seeing a rebound as home prices hit once-in-a-generation lows.

Rise of the Recessionistas

Fashion meets frugality as self-confidence, pragmatism drive labels to broad market.

Sarah Palin's $150,000 wardrobe malfunction ruled OK

California, hit the reset button

The state has seen this budget drama before. It’s time for a completely new script.

Can we have sustainable flying cars?

It's the holiday season again, which means a flurry of stories about outlandish fantasy gifts. One that stands out is the Moller Skycar M400, a personal aircraft that can take off and land vertically, reach an altitude of 36,000 feet, and travel at speeds of up to 375 miles per hour. All yours for less than a million dollars.

USA

Did Palin really need $150k for a new wardrobe?

Why I am not a handyman

To me a table saw is a weapon of mass destruction.

From our files: Yves Saint Laurent and team succeed Dior

In 1957, the Monitor covered the launch of the career of Yves Saint Laurent, who died on June 1, when he became head of Christian Dior's couture house at age 21. He would go on to become of the most influential fashion designers of the past century.

Verbal energy: Are you being underserved?

Some thoughts on the vocabulary of poverty and personal service.