While I usually write about current fashion trends that I love and how one can achieve them for less, there are many current fashion trends that I wish would die.  While some of these trends are fun, and some may be carried off by a few True Fashionistas, these trends in general are not flattering, not very wearable, and just need to leave the runway and the retailers.

What I do not love is audiobook prices. iTunes charges $44.95 for the unabridged version of "11/23/63." The new Steve Jobs biography runs $29.95. And so on. You could listen yourself into the poorhouse if you're not careful.

While I have written often about specific staples women should have in their wardrobe, I find that my wardrobe needs change from season to season.  Below is a list of my must-haves for 2012 – wardrobe basics that are on-trend now, but will be classics and worth their cost for years to come. 

Dark straight jeans.  One season jeans are flared, the next time they are skinny.  Faded, charcoal, waxed, colored… it's hard to keep up.  One trend that stays pretty classic is a pair of very dark, crisp straight pair of jeans.  Luckily this trend is pretty budget-friendly.  You can find a pair of dark rinse Levi's (always a stylish classic choice) for less than $50; keep them looking crisp by washing as little as possible – put in the freezer to kill smelly bacteria, wash when necessary on cold and the gentle cycle and hang to dry.