For the last few months, every Monday I’ve highlighted a star who I believe epitomizes style, whether because she takes risks and sets trends, or because she puts together simple ensembles that perfectly highlight her assets. In honor of the new year, I thought we should take a trip down fashion memory lane and see some of 2008′s best dressed stars. These ladies are all style icons of our time for different reasons and I’d jump at the opportunity to invade their closets any day. (To see more of these ladies’ perfect fashion choices, click on their pictures!)

1. Anne Hathaway:

Anne’s a new one on best dressed lists this year; in the past she was never really a stand out when it came to fashion/style, but ever since her break up with that loser bf of hers, she’s been shining as bright as can be. Anne makes fashion choices that are edgy yet classic and the gir knows how to play up her beauty. She’s been a great example for women all over the globe that you can come out of a bad relationship better than before, and for that alone she gets major props.

2. Rihanna:

Rihanna is probably the edgiest star on my list. She has a style that’s all her own and she owns it. Even her edgy hair cut has been an inspiration this year. She wears bright colors, interesting cuts, and always looks smokin’. There’s a reason Rihanna was the first person I chose to be a Style Idol; she tells young women that it’s possible to play up your personal, unique style, to make it look fabulous and to have fun doing it.

3. Leighton Meester:

Leighton is another new comer on the fashion scene, but she’s come in with a bang. Known for her preppy Upper East Side look on Gossip Girl, on the red carpet and out & about, Leighton has a fun, flirty style that utilizes classic designers but puts a young & modern twist on their classic styles. Leighton is a gorgeous gal who knows just how to play up her fresh-faced good looks and her beautiful body.

4. Michelle Obama:

This has been a huge year for politics and for the Obamas and Michelle Obama has been in the epicenter of that, not only for her devotion to her family and her husband’s campaign and her calm and cool demeanor, but also for her keen fashion sense. She’s been touted as the Jackie O of our generation and what she plans to wear on inauguration night is the talk of the town. There is no denying that she consistently looks put-together and stylish, but also professional and well-suited to be the President’s wife. She’s also won praise for the fact that many of her fashion choices are in an affordable price range and easily accessible to the average American woman. I must admit that I, too, am eager to see what she dons on January 20th.

5. Heidi Klum:

Last but not least is Heidi Klum. Though she hasn’t been on my Style Idol list (yet), she is constantly photographed looking absolutely gorgeous and glam. Heidi not only has an amazing body for anyone, let alone a mom of 3 (!), she’s got a look about her that is stunning, but has a girl-next-door air that still makes her likable; she is the woman women want to be. She comes across as fun and funny, yet she always looks polished and stylish. It’s no wonder she hosts one of the top fashion shows on television; her personal style, whether in jeans and a tank or a gorgeous John Galliano gown, is one us mere mortals can only hope to obtain.

Who do you think was best dressed this year?

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.

My Style Idol of the week is someone who is one of the most popular young faces in Hollywood/the music scene right now. She does a great job of playing up her personality and youth whether she is heading to a red carpet event, or just hangin’ out.

Rihanna.

Okay, so I’ll admit: it bugs me that Rihanna is one of the biggest pop singers in the world when (in my humble opinion) she can’t even sing, but I cannot deny that the girl’s got great style. Admittedly, she does have occasional snafus, but overall she does a great job of putting together fun, funky and age-appropriate outfits. She’s a trend-setter and is great at picking out clothes that work well for her body type.

Whether glamming it up at awards shows or out and about with her “good friend,” Chris Brown, she’s constantly snapped looking hot as hell and flaunting her unique and eye-catching style. Not only does she change it up with bright colors and intriguing cuts, she’s also ahead of the curve when it comes to hair, make-up and nail trends.

No matter what, you can’t deny that Rihanna has an individual style that she owns and flaunts and that’s what being fashionable is all about.

Last night’s episode, the second of the cycle, “keeps our Earth good,” (thanks, Mila) with a green-friendly van for the girls. It takes the girls to their new house, where half of the models manage to fit into one bathtub.

Tyra continues Awareness Crusade 2007 with the photoshoot, an anti-smoking campaign, where Mila laughs at chemo and everyone points out Heather’s awkwardness even though she’s really not acting in any abnormal way.

In fact, she’s made the first intelligent comment of the episode, when she says that the bitch-fighting between Bianca and Lisa is giving her a headache.

Next up is a shopping spree at…Old Navy. Um. Budget cuts, Tyra?

The pick on Heather-athon continues, with Jenah’s comment that Heather doesn’t know what’s trendy. I didn’t realize that a symptom of Asperger’s is bad fashion sense, but hey, what do I know? Oh, and Ebony forgets to put on pants.

Then the girls come home, where the girls continue bashing on Heather, except for Victoria, who, in her own snooty way, is growing on me. Sure she kind of feels like she’s better and smarter than the other girls, but, well, I’d probably feel the same way.

Mila was sent home, which became obvious when they had her talk about how excited she is to stay in the house and continue the competition. Why must you toy with my emotions so, ANTM?

Heather is called up to get her photo first, which…eh. Pity callout? It just seems like they’re having a ball in the editing room, showing us montages of Heather alone in various rooms with dramatic background music. I’d keep to myself too if I was in the house with the likes of Bianca and Ebony.

So far, I’m loving Lisa the stripper and Victoria the Yale snoot.

Who do you think is the frontrunner so far?

Next episode: My favorite episode of every cycle—makeovers! I’m predicting a freak-out from Bianca when she has to part with her weave, and am crossing my fingers that they don’t give Janet long extensions. Who will Tyra scold for crying over a new short ‘do?

Tune in next week for the new episode on Wednesday and my recap Thursday morning!