It's safe to say that 2012 has been a hell of a year for Katie Holmes.

At the beginning of the year, we really only knew her as that chick from Dawson's Creek who became Tom Cruise's wife. But after their divorce last June, Katie quickly reintroduced herself to the public in a big way. Within a matter of months, she relaunched her Broadway career, had her clothing line take part in NYC's Fashion Week and has several movie projects hitting the big screen next year. Most importantly, she's looking healthier and happier than ever before. In honor of her 34th birthday, check out the top 10 reasons why 2012 may have been Katie's best year ever!

We already know that leather jacket have a shelf life when it comes to fashion, but can the newest leather trend keep up?!

We're talking, of course, leather for the bottom half -- pants and skirts! Whether it's on the street or on the red carpet, celebs are showing off their leg in this skin-tight look. Let's break down how our favorite leather lovers are rockin' the trend and decide if it's a passing fad... or totally fabulous!

Not only has the acting career of Katie Holmes been taking off since her divorce to Tom Cruise, but so has her fashion line!

Barneys stores in NYC and LA have reported that her fashion line Holmes and Yang has seen a huge increase in sales and "has been selling particularly well" since the split. This is despite the fact that her clothes are far from cheap, with one blouse costing $845 and a dress costing $1,100! And People Magazine is also reporting that some Barneys reps who don't sell the line have started to get questions about it from shoppers!

Which fashion icon recently complemented Katie's style? Find out after the jump!