It’s been a decade already? Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating a new millennium, and the world not ending! Officially leaving the single digits and venturing into new, not-yet market territory, so many fly things and people came up in ‘09, and we must celebrate:

10: Va$htie Kola

Music video director, party producer, designer and B-girl Va$htie Kola has been on the forefront of style she emerged in the scene in 1999. Starting her career in directing (Solange’s “T.O.N.Y.”, Justin Beiber “One Less Lonely Girl”, and Common’s “Testify”), she later ventured into party producing (“1992″ and “Open”), and later launching her signature line VIOLETTE and VIOLETTE HOMME for men. Va$htie is definitely a girl to watch for!

9. Teyana Taylor

This singer and socialite has managed to keep herself in-demand and relevant through her style and persona. Though the 19-year-old seemingly has nothing professionally of merit, she was undeniably one of the most seen faces of 2009. Whether through photoshoots, brand campaigns & endorsements, Twitter or Ustream, her buzz is up there with the likes of the more talent-relevant stars like, say, Solange Knowles or Keri Hilson. Say what you want about what she does or doesn’t do, but her style is undeniable- and hey, at least she’s google-able!

8. Keri Hilson

2009 has definitely been good to Ms. Keri Baby, her album dropped and was a commercial success, and she had a lot more hit’s than misses on the fashion front. Touring and performing at almost every award show, and picking up accolades for her respected categories in music, she literally kept the hits in coming both in and out the booth.

7. Solange Knowles

*cues India.Arie’s “I Am Not My Hair”* The rebel soul Solange Knowles has always had a very different, very special (in a good way) sense of style, and she brought it all the way home in 2009! Whether it was bold unconventional colored lipstick (a la her green & electric blue lips), eyeshadow that looked like thin sliced Zorro masks in electric and pastel shades, or shaving her hair in the 4th quarter, Solo Dolo definitely never slipped up on style!

6. Zoe Saldana

Zoe was everywhere this year! While I have noticed Zoe since she starred in Drumline and Guess Who, the world didn’t seem to take notice since this year with her movies Star Trek and Avatar, but her acting ability wasn’t the only thing that shined- so did her style! Playing with different looks and trends, she was definitely making the right choices when it came to hitting the red carpets for her many movie premiere’s local and overseas.

To see my top 5…

5. Beyonce Knowles

The Bey Sting didn’t disappoint this year when it came to fashion, she brought the style to your front door and even introduced us to a few newbies like Ruthie Davis, oldies like Chanel and goodies like Balmain. She definitely didn’t go unseen this year, from albums to movies to tours, she stayed on her A-game.

4. Kim Kardashian

Of all the Kardashian sisters, Kim’s style would have to be my favorite. For the 2009 year, not only did she give us great style choices on the fashion front, but also with make-up and hair, always cohesive. Even though her sister’s moved on in life and love, Kim delivered something better than a baby and a marriage certificate- style! (Okay, so maybe that’s not better than marriage and a carriage, but it comes pretty close :-p)

3. Cassie

Spills & chills, Cassie delivered us one of the biggest WTF’s & OMG’s when she shaved her head earlier this year and later naked pictures surfaced showcasing all her diamonds, pearls and piercings. She is constantly a red carpet favorite of mine, constantly bringing it and not to mention, she was super sweet when I met her!

2. Rihanna

But the hottest b*tch in heels right here! Now, y’all know I love me some RiRi! Although she didn’t give us any shots until the 4th quarter, she was constantly on the court, and never disappointed. Whether it be fashion week, red carpet appearances, or just plain ‘ole errand running and jet setting, she was everywhere. But she explained it best: ’cause if you play it sideways, ain’t no time out in my game.. Well said! (The above pic is one of my fave looks of her’s for the year, l.o.v.e. that skirt!)

1. Lady Gaga

*sigh* There isn’t much to be said about the Gaga. She brought avant-garde in a way that no one else has, at least not in this century! Last time I remember anyone doing it up like this was Grace Jones. And there was absolutely no red carpet pop-up’s of the same dress, or any “who rocked it best”, because Gaga paved her very own lane, one where only she could fit. Get it then!

There goes my 10 Best Dressed Women for ‘09!