THE BEST OF 2009

MUSIC: Lady Gaga

The Madonna of our generation. Though an eccentric woman, at least the girl does not fit into the same cookie-cutter image of pop that we have tirelessly seen. Props to Gaga for originality.

MAGAZINE: Glamour

For its paving the way for women of all sizes to be celebrated in the fashion world. Hopefully more magazines will follow.

HOAX: "Balloon boy"

Heen family, don't you wish you could float away now?

GUILTY PLEASURE: Glee

Hey, even my uncle watches it.. enough said!

FASHION: Recession proof

This year, magazines and designers realized the necessity of affordable fashion. Top designers Thakoon, Rodarte, and even shoe guru Jimmy Cho have decided to hop on the bandwagon and create lower-priced lines for stores like Target and H&M.

GREATEST COMEBACK: Britney Spears

Britney pulled it together and has reclaimed her throne. Her new single "3" made it to the Top 10 Songs of 2009.

STORE: Topshop

For allowing American women to look as good as their European neighbors (or at least letting us think so!)

MODEL: Chanel Iman

A rising star, Iman is the first Black model to walk for Gucci since 2005. I personally cannot wait to see more of her!

PRIVILEGE: voting

This year was my first time to vote. What an an incredible opportunity. I will never take living in a free country for granted.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE: the Kindle

Our ancestors would be rolling in their graves if they knew about this invention! I wonder, however, will there ever be anything as satisfying as staring at the 500 page novel you just finished that is sitting on your nightstand?

MOVIE CRUSH: Taylor Lautner

Though not my personal favorite actor, Lautner had quite a year. His rockin' abs gave us all something to yell about!

NAIL POLISH COLOR: Birthday Cake by Deborah Lippman

Made for Lippman Collections's 10th anniversary; I wish every year was an excuse to create such a striking color!

P.S.-OPI's "España Collection" was pretty great too!

HAIR: the side braid

The braid's "i am not trying too hard" look was a popular one this year. Whether worn loosely on the beach or intricately constructed at a star-studded event, the braid wove its way into a multitude of styles.

BREAK-OUT STAR: Taylor Swift

What a ride 2009 has been for Swift! First the Kanye West incident, the shooting of her first movie (Valentine's Day), her "bf," and her Grammy nomination, chances are Swift is here to stay.

More tomorrow!~

Elizabeth

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