The Holy Trinity (+ shoes)

Groundbreaking news in the world of online shopping!

Now, you can buy items from Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime all together, for just $7 flat shipping rate! I don't want to sound like a corporate shill, but c'mon, this is totally awesome. Flat shipping rates are second only to free shipping; I hate feeling like I'm getting punished when I buy more things and have to pay more for shipping. Also, I spend inordinate amounts of time on these four websites, so it's awesome that I can put a swimsuit from the Gap, a skirt from Old Navy, a dress from Banana Republic and a pair of heels from Piperlime into the same shopping bag. I wonder if they all ship together? No matter, 7 bucks is 7 bucks.

So in celebration of this, I present a standout item or two from each store.

The Gap's Sequin Striped Halter Top and Bikini Bottom, $29.62 each. I love the super simple and classic navy and white stripes transformed into something glamorous and fresh through the use of sequins. It could be too much if the bottoms were all sequiny too (and I can just imagine how torn up they would get if you dared to go boogie boarding or something), so I love that the bottoms are solid with the sequin striped ties as an accent.

If you want to continue the bling theme (and I usually do), there's the Old Navy Metallic Sharkskin Skirt, $29.50. I'm not sure if the fabric actually has a sharkskin-like print or texture, but I'm guessing the answer is no. The pleating at the waist and simple shape of the skirt probably makes it very easy to wear; I can imagine just slipping it on with a tank top and sandals for the day, then adding a more sexy halter top and heels to go out at night.

Also from Old Navy, these Brown Suede-Rattan Wedges, $34.50, are the perfect mix of elegant and casual. I like that they're rattan instead of espadrille, which is such a common summer wedge trend that it's practically expected. The rattan is a bit classier, and the shiny leather on the edge of the suede straps adds a hint of glam. Old Navy has had some really great shoes this season, not to mention the classic 2 for $5 classic flip flops. Keep up the good work, Old Navy.

I suspect that you'd have to be super tall, skinny and buff to look good in this Banana Republic Silk Asymmetrical Dress, $175, but those who could pull it off would look stunning. It's an undeniably incredible color: a rich, bright purple that you just don't see everyday. The one-shouldered look and waist sash just add more interest. This is the sort of dress that will bring on an avalanche of compliments from women and come-ons from men-- aka, the best kind of dress.

I used to be really into giant cocktail rings, both because I liked the way they looked when I made big gestures and because I liked knowing that if I were to punch someone in the face I'd do some real damage. The BR Majestic Ring, $54.50, is so over-the-top that you can't take it seriously. It's like something Elizabeth Taylor would wear, right? So you'd have to wear it with a sense of humor and a lot of confidence, and if someone gives you any guff, punch them in the nose with whatever hand this ring is on.

For some reason, Piperlime just isn't doing it for me tonight. It could be that I spent all day in a pair of heels that left giant blisters on both of my little toes, and at the moment I want nothing more than to wear fuzzy socks for the rest of my life. Or maybe they just don't update their selection as much as I wished they did. But I would be remiss if I didn't include something from this usually pretty great shoe and handbag site, so here are the Guess Enthuse heels in black poppy, $100. They're not really my style, and prints on shoes are almost always a bitch to match, but there's something really fun and sexy about these shoes. They remind me of something Carrie Bradshaw would wear, and not in a bad way. I would want to take off the tacky G charm, though.