Ashley Smith and Diplo for T for Alexander Wang

First off, if you haven't noticed, I had some free time on my hands tonight and redesigned my blog with a photo of Ashley Smith from http://fashiongonerogue.com.

Second, let's talk about Ashley Smith.

I voted her my fourth favorite model of 2010, and I hoped that she would surprise us with all the new coverage she would get in 2011, and let's just say she's more than meeting my expectations!  With a gorgeous editorial shoot for Numero, and now, an ad campaign for T for Alexander Wang, I am hoping by the end of fashion week she will be a household name in the modeling world.

Check out this awesome video of Ashley and DJ Diplo on the shoot, and Alexander Wang discussing style and notoriety.

Top six models of 2010: Number One

So, this is probably a no-brainer, but my favorite model of 2010 was Lindsey Wixson.

This 16-year-old girl took the modeling world by storm and participated in so many runway shows I can't even keep track including Miu Miu, Prada, Alexander McQueen and Chanel.

She is the face of the upcoming Jil Sander beauty ads, she was the face of Miu Miu's ad campaigns for two seasons and is featured in John Galiano's and Versace's ads.

Take a look at Lindsey through 2010 and Happy New Year!  I can't wait to see what the fashion world will bring to 2011!

Top six models of 2010: Number Two

My second favorite model of the year, despite all the controversy, was Crystal Renn.

Although she started the year categorized as a "plus-size" model, Crystal ended the year looking at least 20 pounds lighter.  She was scrutinized the whole year for either gaining or losing weight, and although I wish she had ended the year a beautiful size 10, she is still a beautiful girl and as long as she is healthy  that's all that matters.

I originally liked Crystal because I thought she gave curvy women everywhere a model to look up to.  Here's a girl who suffered from eating disorders, and now she is can look gorgeous as a size 10.  However, throughout the year, Crystal picked up a workout routine that included hiking and slimmed her down considerably.  Don't get me wrong, I don't not want her to be thin, I just thought she was more of a role model as a curvy woman, but either way she is still stunning.

Regardless of all the controversy, 2010 was a great year for Crystal.  She walked in her first Chanel show, scored tons of editorial spreads and took part in showing off Zac Posen's pre-fall collection.

Crystal proved she is beautiful at any weight, and I hope in 2011 she continues to be healthy regardless of her size.

Top six models of 2010: Number Three

My third favorite model of the year started as my number one, but slowly she was outdone by a newcomer and a model who caused a lot of controversy this year (try to guess who they are!)

Abbey Lee Kershaw is my third favorite model of the year for her outrageous photo shoots and her obvious lack of self consciousness when it comes to posing nude.

I also love the transformation she went through from brownish-blonde to icy blonde.  Abbey Lee has been one of my favorite models for a long time, and for that reason, she makes it to my number three spot.

She was featured in almost every Chanel related thing along with Freja Beha Erichsen.  She starred in the Mulberry campaign.  She was in the Pirelli calendar for 2010 and 2011, she's the face of the Alexander Wang campaign and she was in numerous editorial shoots and scored at least four covers.

Rock on, Abbey Lee.  I hope 2011 brings just as much success for you as 2010!

Top six models of 2010: Number Four

So, some of you might be wondering how this happened, but Ashley Smith is my fourth favorite model of 2010.  Yes, that's right, I voted her above Lara Stone.

Throughout 2010, Ashley tended to be in edgy and fun editorials.  I don't think there was one editorial that I didn't like with her in it.

While Ashley lacked the coverage that many of the other models I picked got, I think we are going to be seeing a lot more of her in 2011.  She did score a few covers and an ad campaign for Sisley by Terry Richardson.

She is definitely the Lara Stone prototype, but in some ways I think she is prettier because she has a more feminine face than Lara.  But mainly I voted her above Lara because she is so new and young, and I don't think we've seen all this 19-year-old Texan has to offer.

I am excited to see how her career unfolds in 2011.

Top six models of 2010: Number Five

My fifth favorite model of 2010 would have to be Lara Stone.

Lara was all over magazines this year or should I say her breasts were.  This year's trend seemed to shift towards racy ads and magazine covers.  The fashion world embraced curves but only on skinny models, and Lara was the front runner for the trend.

Now, some of you might argue that Lara was the first model of her kind and that now, designers are looking for the Lara Stone "look-a-likes" like Daphne Groeneveld.  While it's true that Lara did start a trend for buxom young models with gaps between their teeth and blonde hair, there is no one who can outshine Lara which is proof from her numerous covers and ad campaigns.

However, Lara is 27 years old.  She's been around the fashion scene for awhile and has been a favorite of mine for a few years.  For those reasons, she is getting placed a little lower on my list then she probably deserves.

Either way, bravo, Lara for embracing your femininity and imperfections.

(warning nudity below)

Top six models of 2010: Number Six

So, I know it's a little late to start this countdown, but the idea came to me tonight as I'm home trying to stay healthy in this cold Florida weather.  For the last five days (I am counting this post as the 28th), I will post my six (I couldn't eliminate one) favorite models of 2010.  Also, try not to judge me because I clearly have a "type."

However, here's number six: breakout model Daphne Groeneveld.

Daphne was featured in the Givenchy couture show and is now the face of Givenchy's spring/summer ad campaign.

She was the face of Miu Miu along with Lindsey Wixson and was photographed for the cover of Vogue Paris's issue that Tom Ford curated, and yes, here comes the kicker, she's only 16 years old.