That’s right, the luxury-brand carrying Net-A-Porter recently added J.Crew next to high-fashion houses Stella McCartney and Valentino on their vendors list. And you might have to rob a bank for some of these goodies.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a J.Crew addict. Without it, I feel lost. I cherish their catalogues and peruse the website more frequently than I should. I wear something from J.Crew almost everyday and am not ashamed to admit it (this may or may not be inspired by the First Lady). In recent weeks, I have even crossed the aisle to the children’s section and found some adorable pieces (I swear I’m not the only one. Mary Kate Steinmiller rocked Crewcuts during Fashion Week to great effect). I am aware that any self-respecting, stylish person should not be so reliant on any one brand, but I wear my J.Crew flannel and ballet flats with pride.

During a recent free moment, I found myself looking through the collection look book at jcrew.com. I’m used to seeing slightly higher prices in this section of the site; it only makes sense. Even so, I was shocked when I saw a $1850 price tag on a rather beautiful sherling coat.  Is this what J.Crew has become? Is it no longer the relatively wallet-friendly store that carries unique and stylish pieces? Are we to expect that prices will spike as Michelle Obama continues to wear J.Crew cardigans to G8 summits?

I hope not. Creative Director Jenna Lyons and CEO Mickey Drexler have recreated J.Crew into a hip and in-demand brand. They have defied the odds of a plummeting economy. In a time where stores are closing doors left and right, J.Crew’s star continues to rise. This will only persist if they stay true to what the brand has become. Yes, they can provide us with more luxury to fill the ever-widening gap in the market place for relatively affordable ready-to-wear. But J. Crew must stay grounded in what America has come to love over the past two years: affordable, chic clothes for the girl about town

—Emily Ferber