The holidays can be hard. Treat yourself to someth

I know that we’re all supposed to put on a happy face, sing holiday songs and pretend like we just love dealing with our various and assorted sociopathic family members this time of year, but let’s face it – Christmas is often as stressful as it is exciting. I’m blessed with a small extended family, almost all of whom I get along with swimmingly, but not everyone is so lucky. If you’re one of the people who will have to drink for your entire trip home so that you don’t stab your sister-in-law with a fork, then perhaps a little present to yourself is in order. Might I suggest something sparkly, fun and entirely anti-utilitarian like the Judith Leiber Crystal and Bead Embellished Clutch?

Sparkles always preoccupy me at this time of year because of the looming New Year’s Eve parties, but I think that this clutch is cool enough to grab my attention no matter the season. Leiber’s work is usually relegated to the use of tiny crystals, so seeing larger-scale beadwork on one of the brand’s clutches feels a bit refreshing. The geometric pattern that these beads create is perfect, and the amber-gold color manages to stay just this side of tacky. If you need to treat yourself and something like this is within your budget, this is an evening bag that you’ll have for the rest of your life. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1995.