The puckered stitching going down the back of these bottoms may look a bit strange at first, but then you realize just how much they’re showing off your butt.  That little bit of detail helps to give your butt a rounder look and, as an added bonus, helps to get rid of the sagging effect that happens when you step out from the water.  The puckering creates a cheeky look without show any extra skin, which to me is rather flirty.

The bandeau certainly isn’t a new and groundbreaking bikini style, but it is one that gaining popularity.  Recently, more designers are adding the strapless top to their collections and women seem to be snatching them up.  It might be because of the classic look or retro nature, or it might be that women like to avoid having tan lines on their necks and shoulders, but whatever the reason, the bandeau definitely making a comeback.  Because of its strapless nature, however, there’s just no support offered in this top and is thus best reserved for women with smaller chests.

If you’re mad for preppy plaid, be happy that they’re available in swimwear form as well.  I never really understood the craze for crazy crisscrossing colors but to each his own.  I think if it’s done in a sensible way that it’s fine.  But if it’s an over-the-top, Paul-Bunyan-esque way, not so much.  It would be overkill, much the way a giant flashing neon sign is.  So when it comes to plaid, stick to normal crosshatching and a small mix of colors, anything beyond that will make people cover their eyes.

At first glance, this ultra feminine bikini could pass for lingerie.  With the sensual looking fabric and the flirty frills anyone seen out at the beach in this would be getting plenty of double takes.  The halter top features many micro pleats that help to add dimension and enhance smaller chests.  The ruffles and pleats on the bottom are retro, sexy and flirtatious at the same time.  The added crystal and metal details add just the right amount of shine to the bikini as well.  The overall affect is seductive like lingerie but still stylish for the beach.

I happen to be a huge fan of jewel tones.  Shoes, accessories, bags, dresses, whatever.  If they look like emeralds, sapphires, rubies, canary yellows or anything else you’d find in a sultan’s treasure chest, chances are good that I’ll like it.  Normally I’m not big on the mixing and matching, but I very much like the look of this bikini.  Shown last year at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2011 Swim show, this Caffe Swimwear bikini should be in stores now.  I love how much shine is in the suit, plus the multicolored crystal sparklers on the top and bottom.  The look is so simple but so stylish and elegant too.  Fantastic!

With the growing trend of going green, it’s not a surprise that eco-friendly bikinis or ec0-kinis are on the rise.  Since there are clothing designers show now use organic fabrics such a hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, it should come as no surprise that swimwear designers are following the same trend.  Bikinis are made using a blend of natural fibers plus a bit of elasticity to allow the suit to retain its shape in the water.  It’s good to offer bikinis that are eco-friendly – it’ll appeal to the eco-enthusiasts out there – but I wonder just how popular they’ll actually be and how the material will stack up over compared to synthetic fabrics.

Check out the latest in string bikinis: the lace up!  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this new look, especially when I heard it was by Jessica Simpson.  I think the lace up detail on the bottoms is super cute and could be a style that proves to be very popular.  It’s definitely something that I would wear because while I like the string bikini, I’m always wary of the ties coming undone.  Even if I double knot them, I’m still kind of paranoid.  But with a lace up style, the chances of your bottoms unraveling are definitely minimized but you still get the look of the string tie.  Plus I think the extra bit of skin that’s exposed under the lace up bit is very flirty.  I’d definitely give this look a go.

Yay for new styles!  The v-wire bandeau is one of the new styles that’s arrived in the world of swimwear and this new take on the regular bandeau seems to be becoming pretty popular.  This top is designed with a v-shaped underwire in the center that helps to lift and separate.  The hidden hardware certainly looks like its helping the top avoid the sagging shape that usually comes with a bandeau top of this style.  Of course, the only way to know for certain is to try one on for yourself and come to your own conclusion!

PS: I love the design and color of this suit!

The animal print bikini is nothing to write home about.  It’s been around for many decades and will undoubtedly continue to be around for many more.  What’s starting to trend nowadays with bikinis of any color or print is the presence of sparkling trims and embellishments.  If the bikini wasn’t doing enough to attract attention by showing off most of the female form, the addition of a giant piece of bling ought to do it.  Sizable rocks like the one sitting up front and center on this suit pull double duty by adding to the sex appeal and attracting onlookers.  It’s like a lighthouse to a ship at sea – you can’t not see it and it’s impossible to ignore.

At first glance I’m pessimistic as to the functionality of this bikini.  Leather and water (either pool or beach) just don’t mix.  I’m guessing this is just for display purposes and doesn’t really serve as proper swimwear.  Maybe it’s for ring girls at a boxing match or bartender at a biker bar.  I dunno. Either way, despite the lack of fabric, it still seems like something way too hot to wear.  I’d just bake in this thing, and that just wouldn’t look good.  So if it’s a quick bikini contest or something, fine, but if you actually want to go swimming, I’d suggest changing into something else.