We've always loved J.Crew for the fact that we can get quality, classic pieces at a decent price -- a dress isn't going to be cheap, but it won't look or feel cheap, either. Still, the price tags were never enough to dissuade us from perusing the racks. At least, not until now. Now, every prep's favorite store is changing things up -- they'll still be offering the same kind of clothing they've always had, but they're adding the J.Crew Collection, with price points that go higher. Much higher.

Awesome timing, considering most folks we know are nixing Neiman Marcus for Target due to the weak economy. But, the company isn't worried that its customers will be scared off by $3000 sequined jackets and $500 bags -- the goal is to introduce these special items in small batches, mixed in with the more standard (and more reasonably priced) items to keep customers comfortable.

Maybe J.Crew is on to something -- in the first three days of the brand new J.Crew Collection store on Madison Avenue being open, three of the $3000 jackets were sold, and some of the more popular higher-priced accessories were nearly sold out. How about you? If you were buying a high-end designer item, would you shop at J.Crew for it?