Sizzling Swimwear Debuts at Miami Beach Fashion Week

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim invaded Miami Beach with a bevy of beautiful models and scintillating swimwear styles that seemed bound to make South Florida's beaches sizzle next spring and summer.

For four solid days, I trekked to the fashion tents at The Raleigh in Miami Beach to bring you a sneak preview of what's going to be in vogue on Boca Raton's beaches next year. Since South Florida basically has beach weather year-round, many locals may end up incorporating these trends into their everyday look. Here are some highlights from my Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim adventure, which also happens to be the biggest swimwear event in the country.

July 14 - Diesel This line featured red-, white- and blue-striped bikinis while "The Hills'" Kristin Cavallari worked the runway in an outrageous glass bikini inspired by Skyy Vodka's signature blue bottle. I caught up with Cavallari after the show and she admitted: "I've modeled in fashion shows before, but never swimwear. I was really nervous." Gossip Girl Jessica Szohr was also at the event to celebrate the Official Kick Off Party for fashion week. Then, at The Setai, Cosmopolitan Espanol's "Summer Splash" party and fashion show featured swimwear from several designers including Inca, Nic Del Mar and Elie Tahari. But one of my favorite looks from the night was beaded Buddha bracelets by Miami sisters Nani and Kaki Lopez of N&K Designs.

July 15 - Poko Pano The swimwear at this show was a tropical wave of pineapple- and palm tree branch-adorned bikinis. From grass skirt cover-ups to bold corset-style bikini tops, this collection was a pure reflection of its inspiration - the Amazon Rainforest. Later that night, Crystal Jin's 2012 collection debuted in the Oasis tent with bright orange bikinis and black, orange and gold prints.

July 16 - Dolores Cortés showed a striking collection of animal print-inspired swimsuits and bright, tie-dyed monokinis, feather wrist cuffs, sheer purple cover-ups and flowing geometric print jumpsuits paired with red accessories. Earlier that day, at The Lifestyle Retreat Lounge at Gansevoort Miami Beach, I spotted Robert Kardashian Jr.'s ex, Adrienne Bailon, get her makeup done by Alicia Keys' makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff. Sheriff introduced the former Cheetah Girl to Mary Kay's Lash Love mascara. Bold teal and magenta caftans and oversized straw totes ruled the runway at the Caffe Swimwear show. Then, at The Setai, Chloé gave a nice break from all the swimwear with its fall collection. With beige business dresses and cream evening gowns paired with ladylike chain strap bags, the entire collection had a late-'70s, early-'80s New York City vibe.

July 17 - Miami-based swimwear line Luli Fama didn't disappoint as the show opened with samba dancers sporting green and coral leopard bikinis with gold accents, bright floral monokinis and that ruched-back bottom the line is known for. Earlier that day, Cia.Maritima Beachwear shined with snake print string bikinis, yellow bikinis and one-shouldered suits.