One of the most exciting launches for Summer 2013 is the “Mrs Carter in H&M” swimwear collaboration currently making it’s debut at H&M shops and HM.com where the opening price point of just $5 for a bikini top got every member of the Bikini Team up early and ready to shop! Not only is it a great marketing idea to partner with Beyoncé if you want to sell swimwear, offering great looks for very little money as the weather finally turns warm can only bring crowds of shoppers out to the mall.

Highlights of the collection include an eye-catching string bikini in sunflower yellow, a 2-piece turquoise tie dyed print bandeau with an optional halter tie, a classic triangle tie black string bikini with fringe accents (fabulously priced at $4.95) and coordinating cover up dresses and pareos to complete a striking summer ensemble for very little money. Beyoncé struts her stuff in a variety of H&M looks in a custom crafted music video that’s timed to launch in tandem with her summer tour. The collection also includes a number of one-piece bathing suits with structured cups designed to support women who aren’t exactly ready to dance on the beach in a string bikini.

While the turquoise tie dye group was definitely the centerpiece in ads and videos featuring Beyonce, we were also excited about a whimsical pineapple print used in a full length beach dress, a large sized beach towel and a coordinating wrap. Fringed accents on a number of bikini tops make everyone feel a little “Viva Las Vegas” and coordinating jewelry and sandals shown with the line make it easy to assemble a vacation-ready wardrobe in a flash.

For great, affordable looks that look great together, we rate the “Mrs Carter in H&M” summer collection 5 stars!

Every look you see on the pages of Bikini & Swimwear gets its start at Miami Swim Week Mercedes Benz Swim  on glamorous South Beach. Each July the landmark Raleigh Hotel gives over the entire majestic poolside terrace to fashion show producers who suspend catwalks over the bright blue water and stage night after night of amazing bikini and swimwear shows.

Hundreds of the most famous bikini models arrive at Miami International Airport to be whisked away into the hands of hair and make-up artists to be readied to walk the runways for top designers and emerging talents who reveal their latest creations to the global fashion press. The air fills with perfume, the night sky thumps with electronic beats and hundreds of strobe lights flash as each new model appears in some of the most revealing resort collections.

After days of fashion presentations and nights of hot nightclub parties, the models fly home and the designers take all their samples back to manufacturers across the globe to fill orders for chic boutiques and major department stores who roll out the Best in Swim each Spring. That’s when the Bikini Team starts scouring the web, the mall and the catalogs to see which trends translated into the best looks for real women all over the country – women like us who want to look great, feel confident and know just what to shop for in the season’s newest swimwear styles.

Victoria’s Secret maximizes their swimwear business by catering to girls who want a super sexy look backed up by serious construction details that make the most of every bustline. Sold as separates, the Spring 2013 bikini range offers two very dramatic Bombshell Swim Tops which include a Strappy Add-2-Cups Halter Top and the Add-2-Cups Push-Up Top.

Sold in a variety of finishes, the 2013 Bombshell Swim Tops are modeled after Victoria’s Secret super-successful Bombshell Bra Collection. The Bikini Team was very impressed to note that this top can add nearly 2 cup sizes to even the most modest cleavage which results in a very sexy presentation of your best beachy assets. If you have a small bust and want big results – this bikini top gets high marks. If you already have a big bust, this line of bikini tops may not be right for you unless you’re looking for a lot of attention on the beach this year!

Take the time to visit your favorite bra shop to request a professional bra fitting. Trust in the experts to tell you the truth about what bikini top works best for your bra size!

What makes a Bombshell?
Victoria’s Secret takes a multi-dimensional approach to the construction of their bikini tops including their “Ooh-La-La Lift,” which is basically a layer of padding designed to lift the bust without adding a lot of bulk or weight. Second is an adjustable “Custom Cleavage” fit designed to ease your bust in from either side to add the illusion of fullness in front. Perhaps most important to each of our reviewers, Bombshell Swim Tops are sold in a broad range of sizes to accommodate every body type. Everybody looked bustier in these tops but our fuller figured gals felt a bit too exposed.

Size Matters!
The current range of Bombshell Swim Tops is available in 32 through 38 A, B, C, D & DD (varies by design). For easy fitting, our team used a soft measuring tape to trace around the back band of a non-padded bra up across the area just above the bust. That measurement is the appropriate bra or bikini top size.