My Top 10 Fashion Icons from 2009

I didn't want this list to be too exhaustive so narrowed it down to 10 - although I could certainly go on!

I wanted to share with you celebrities who have inspired my own personal fashion and beauty choices through 2009. I don't copy these celebrities but instead I am either inspired by their own style or simply love to look at the beautiful images of them.

So starting from the bottom, here we go:

10) Lauren Conrad

I am not sure why this choice still embarrasses me a little but I can't deny Lauren is always freshly turned out and makes great if not sometimes safe fashion options. For me, her look is very 'everyday girl' therefore attainable. I adore the simplicity of this blue dress she wore to the Speidi wedding - teamed with a black Chanel and accessories, it was classic, chic and simply gorgeous!

9) Olivia Palermo

On a similar note to Lauren I hang my head a little when it comes to Olivia, not sure why? I always think her ensembles are classic but with a little twist, for instance the studded belt in this picture. As much as she always looks immaculate, I think she could push the boat out with her hair and make up more often.

8) Anna Friel

Anna has only recently intriqued me in the style stakes. Ever since her stint on the stage performance of Breakfast at Tiffany's, she has churned out flawless looks night after night leaving by the stage exit! She is definitely taking advantage of any Audrey Hepburn comparisons and working the vintage look as well as rocking up some River Island on occasion!

7) Paloma Faith

Half-Spanish Paloma has one of those quirky images that you just can't stop looking at and admiring. On stage she wears wonderful avant garde creations and off stage she dons nothing too dissimilar it seems. I would love to have her sense of style along with the confidence to carry it off with such finesse as she does. I love her dyed red hair which contrast with her dark eyebrows. So much so that she inspired me to go dark with my own eyebrows earlier this year - see here.

6) Eva Mendes

I always think Eva looks gorgeous. Her make up and hair is always lush yet looks so effortless. To be honest I haven't seen too many photos of her casual looks but on the red carpet she always looks devine. Her choice of accessories and jewellery always wow me!

5) Michelle Obama

Michelle hit the fashion headlines big time this year, gracing the pages of some of the most notorious style bibles. She is her own stylist and with a modest use of brands she proved that a successful working, wife and mother could look impeccably turned out and have true style. I just think this woman is beautiful and a complete inspiration in the fashion, career and family stakes! Of course, her style is slightly older but one day she is what I will aspire to. She shows that you can have it all and look blimmin' gorgeous!

4) The Olsen Twins

When are these girls ever not gonna be in my top 10 - lets face it - they inspire so many of us. Whether they be sporting a new 'It' bag or killer heels, they exude an attainability! We too can dress like them - they look like they could be our mates! They are not always immaculately turned out but thats the joy of them, they can look grungy and messy, making it fashionable to wear birds nest hair and dirty converse! They do however make some fashion boo boo's from time to time but these can be forgiven seeing as they do so well the rest of the time. The birds nest hairstyles I have been sporting the past 6 months or so is definitely thanks to thses girls!

3) Crystal Renn

Beyond gorgeous Crystal was signed as a model at the age of 14 but was asked to lose so much weight she eventually developed an eating disorder. Since recovering, she has now become a plus size model at a healthy size 16. Recently she was featured in 'V' magazine alongside a size zero model, proving that bigger girls can look just as good in size zero clothes (albeit airbrushed photos)! I love that she looks so confident and comfortable in her body, encouraging other women to embrace their curves and exhibit their own style rather than hiding their bodies because they don't feel they will be accepted!

2) Lily Allen

Lily has certainly come a long way since her days in a prom dress and trainers! This year she was Chanel's Belle de Jour, maybe a controversial choice for Karl Lagerfeld but a great one all the same. This Summer she looked fabulous whatever she wore even if she did sport some 'interesting' make up. I found myself inspired by her hairstyles, clothing and even hosiery choices (Henry Holland for Pretty Polly) this year. Most recently, I had my hair cut in a similar style to what she sported at the Q Awards!

1) Danni Minogue

Suprised?! Thought not! I have been raving about Danni ever since X Factor started back on our screens. In my eyes, she can do no wrong! Week after week she beat Cheryl Cole in the style stakes looking absolutely flawless and with impeccable dress sense. She was her own stylist on the show and with a clothing range due out in 2010 - the girl deserves some credit! Her new bobbed hairdo is my envy, always so sleek but oh so versatile. Her make up is beyond immaculate and everyday I strive for that Danni flawless finish! She can be rock chick one week and pretty as a princess the next. I have high hopes for Danni's clothing range, fingers crossed it's affordable as well as gorgeous! Danni - I heart you!

So there we have my top 10! Of course I could have mentioned the obvious ones, Victoria Beckham, Agyness Deyn, Kate Moss but sometimes there is not point in stating the obvious and sometimes they just become pretty pictures in a magazine rather than inspiration.

Who are in your list of top fashion icons for 2009?!

x