With stock markets sinking and fear of recession rising, what's the affluent consumer to do? Neiman Marcus hopes a few of them will escape the grim headlines by splurging on diamonds, Dior and other diversions.

The upscale retailer unveiled its Christmas Book on Tuesday, and made surprisingly few concessions to the financial crisis running from Wall Street to Main Street.

You can be the first on your block to own a limited-edition BMW sedan, a back-yard golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus (a mere $1 million, and he'll play the first round with you) or a collection of every top 100 record from 1955 to 1990.

Neiman vice-president Ginger Reeder said wealthy customers aren't much affected by the economy, but that so-called aspirational shoppers -- more middle-income yet yearning for touches of luxury - could be stretched thin.