JCrew Collection

J.Crew's high-end Collection lineup always elicits a ton of "oohs" and "ahhs" at every Fashion Week showing. And who can blame us? With embellishments and fancy finishes aplenty, we immediately want to buy each and every single piece — stat. But once the looks hit stores (and once we see the hefty price tags), it takes a little more than Jenna Lyons's expert styling for us to fork over the big bucks for a piece of the collection. That being said, we're taking a zoomed-in look at the latest J.Crew Collection lookbook and breaking down the gorgeous looks really worth your hard-earned cash — and what you should consider skipping. Just step inside for our complete guide to buying smart.

Simply labeled Collection, it's touted as J.Crew's most "to-die-for designs." Every season, the brand whips up a limited-edition lineup of luxe pieces that embody J.Crew's casual, cool ethos in a plethora of plush fabrics and high-end materials. While the rainbow-hued Spring '12 styles are totally covetable, the three-digit price tags aren't always ideal. A satin-faced silk sweatshirt and nautical-inspired tea-length skirt are certainly worth the investment, but a sequined cami and pencil skirt combo? Not so much. Click through to peruse J.Crew's newest Collection pieces and see which items are must-haves and which are better left on the rack.

While we adore J.Crew's Collection for its more luxurious pieces, we have to take the label's extravagant styling with a grain of salt. We'd happily fork over our cards for a perfectly-made sequin mini, but probably pass on the denim jumpsuit with a three-digit price tag. With that in mind, we're taking you through the label's new Collection pieces, determining where the worthy investments are, and likewise, what items miss the mark.

>> J.Crew just released its Spring Collection lookbook showing off its trademark casual luxe styling skills. In anticipation of warmer weather to come, the retailer provided an array of sequined maxi skirts, washed leather shirts, and even a denim jumpsuit for its higher-end line. Check out the complete lookbook in the slideshow.

A dose of decadence married with J.Crew's classic aesthetic is at the heart of the J.Crew Collection Holiday '10 looks we're currently coveting. It's the timelessness of a piece like a wool coat that gets a jolt of luxury when it meets sequined harem pants or a dreamy flapper shift dress that makes it all a wonderful, wearable, fantasy of a collection. Step inside to meet the dazzling world of J.Crew Collection Holiday — then craft your ultimate wish list.

>> Jenna Lyons had an eye for opulence in J.Crew's latest Collection lookbook. Among the mix are leather pants, shearling-lined jackets, sequin harems, and icicle-fringed frocks ranging from $128 for a double-serge pencil skirt to $1,850 for a shearling moto jacket. Our favorite piece? This gamine, Twiggy-like sequined Astrid sequin tuxedo dress.

Now that you've checked out our first installment of Fall goodies from J.Crew, let's continue the journey with looks from its pricier, limited-edition J.Crew Collection. In anticipation of the upcoming season, creative director Jenna Lyons dreamt up a line filled with plush and polished pieces. Just how plush? Think Mongolian lamb vests, feather jackets, and tweed blazers. And if that wasn't enough to gush over, Jenna added even more decadence via sequin bloomers, delicate Chantilly lace dresses, and hammered silk skirts. We're swooning, are you?

J.Crew just debuted its Fall '10 look book and it's jam-packed with Wintry goodies. We know, Summer just started but when something is this good, there's no holding back. The collection, which Jenna Lyons described as, "Edie Beal goes to Summer camp," shows off a ton of texture via furry vests, tweed coats, and plaid prints. Adding a glamorous touch are sequins — I think I need these funky pants — and fancy jacquard patterns. Turn your attention to this magnificent fur-lined suede vest — isn't it grand? Check out the rest of the collection now!

In case you're not familiar with J.Crew's Collection line, it's the brand's exclusive limited-edition assembly of its favorite pieces. Think of it as the crème de la crème of J.Crew. For Spring '10, its compilation includes rose-tinted sequin dresses, silk waterfloral gowns, tulle tops, and standout trousers. We're in lust with the soft pastel hues mixed in with casual basics via denim jackets, cropped skinny jeans, and featherweight tees. Our favorite surprise? A pair of worn overalls cinched in with a dusty pink belt. Jenna Lyons, you are a genius. Click though to see the rest of the exclusive collection!