Mary-Kate Olsen had a breakout year in 2008, elevating her status as both an actress and a fashion designer. Here’s a look back at her top five moments of the past year.

Do you agree? Disagree? What Mary-Kate moments should-and shouldn’t?-be on the list? Let me know in the comments!

5) Gracing the cover of Elle

Mary-Kate looked confident and beautiful on the cover of Elle. She was on the cover of the US version in July and the UK version in September. While Elle consistently places hot celebrities on their covers, choosing Mary-Kate showed the world the power and passion the pint-sized mogul has as well as further defining MK’s relevance and appeal as a fashion designer and trend-setter.

4) Her relationship with Nate Lowman

Stepping out with boyfriend Nate Lowman may not seem like the biggest deal. But for the first time in a long time, MK seems happy, healthy, confident and in love-and doesn’t care who knows it! While the couple remains extremely private, their occasional PDA and public outings together shows me that MK has a boyfriend who care about her and is there for her and she has a relationship she’s proud of.

3) Launching Influence

Mary-Kate and sister Ashley broke the rules with their fashion book Influence. It was more than a celebrity memoir, it was an introspective look at several people who have not only shaped MK and Ashley as people, but the fashion world as a whole, receiving rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Except more celebrity projects in the future to be less about the celebrities themselves and have the substance, insight and intelligence of this beautiful book.

2) Her guest appearance on Samantha Who?

2008 was the year MK got back into acting. Her one episode stint on Samantha Who? showed the world she can do comedy as well as drama and can fit seamlessly into a cast of characters. Because of her fame, MK is often noted for the fact she’s in a television show or film moreso than her actual appearance. Mary-Kate’s appearance in Samantha Who? elevated the episode and proved she did belong.

1) Her role in The Wackness

The Wackness was a great coming-of-age film that got tons of buzz when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, then died a quiet little death in theatres. However, that’s not what’s important. What is is that is showed the industry that Mary-Kate is serious about this newfound passion for acting. She chose a risky role that could have backfired. Instead, it showed her gustiness, determination and talent, and proved we should expect more from Mary-Kate in the future.

Mary-Kate Olsen was on Monday night’s episode of Samantha Who?. Sam was pulled over by the police for an unrelated incident and something in her past popped up on her record, forcing her to do community service. It is here that she meets Natalie, a troubled young woman who is caught in a cycle of stealing and lying. Sam decides she’s going to make a difference in Natalie’s life and gets her a job interview at her old company.

Arieanna over at Gilmore Girls News has a full recap here, if you’re interested!

The rest of the videos are below the jump!

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Mary-Kate Olsen will be on tonight’s episode of Samantha Who?, playing a troubled young woman who causes some trouble for Samantha and Deena.

Copyright © 2008 ABC Studios / Karen Neal

The episode airs on ABC at 9:30pm EST.

Thanks to Jen, I discovered these previews of Mary-Kate Olsen’s guest appearance on next week’s episode of Samantha Who?. MK plays a bad girl named Natalie who Sam comes across after being sentenced to community service.

In this clip, Sam and Deena get MK’s character a job interview, which makes her feel guilty about stealing from them the night before.

In this second preview, Sam, Deena and Natalie are getting ready for Natalie’s job interview and Natalie’s methods are pretty unconventional.

I’m really excited to see this episode! Mary-Kate’s character seems like a lot of fun and it looks like it shakes things up for Sam! The episode airs November 10!

TV Guide sat down with Samantha Who? star Melissa McCarthy to talk about the upcoming season of their show. (The second season premiere is tonight!)