Hot Bathing Suits At Cool Prices

Memorial Day is around the corner, which officially marks the beginning of summer. Time to check out the latest in bathing suits. Now you will find bathing suits at all price points, so should you really splurge?

Abigale Greenberg Levinson, Elle magazine's senior fashion market editor, offers some of her favorite looks, as she puts The Early Show co-anchors Rene Syler, Julie Chen and Harry Smith to the test.

The crochet bathing suit, wild prints, tie-dye, polka dots, ruffles, and floral are just a few of this season's big trends. Take your personal style to the beach with the following looks.

Look No. 1: Polka Dot Bikinis
Colorful polka dot bikinis are a great way to get the retro look without looking old and boring. Mix it with a patterned wedge for an updated look.

Splurge
Lisa Curran bikini, $140
Tory By TRB espadrilles, $245
Grand Total: $385

Steal
Xhilaration at Target bikini, $30
J. Crew espadrilles, $88
Grand Total: $118

What's the Difference? The splurge bikini is made of better material. The splurge is better made.

Look No. 2: Brown One-Pieces
Sleek chocolate one-piece is flattering for all figures. She paired the suits with fun, trendy, oversized metallic totes that are super chic on the beach or even in the city.

Steal
Gap brown one-piece, $45
Gap gold tote bag, $39
BCBG rope high heels, $150
Grand Total: $234

Splurge
Eres bathing suit, $407
Michael Kors high heel sandals, $320
Devi Kroell Bag, $1,995
Grand Total: $2,722

What's the Difference? The Eres bathing suit is made of better material, so you can wear it again next season. Eres is a classic French house of bathing suits known for great fit. The bag is made of python.

Look No. 3: Leopard Print Bikinis
If you thought you couldn't wear animal prints, this look might change your mind. According to Greenberg, animal prints look great with a burst of color. She added a solid sarong for a little more coverage at the beach and it doubles as a wrap for cool summer nights.

Splurge:
Jo De Mer Bikini, $172
Kenneth Jay Lane for Hollywood gold elephant sandals, $475
Dianora Salviati green cashmere scarf, $400
Grand Total: $1,047

Steal
Victoria's Secret leopard print bikini, $53
J. Crew white shell sandals, $158
J. Crew pink Cashmere scarf, $68
Grand Total: $279

What's the Difference? Again, here, it's the quality of the fabrics you're paying for.