$.fn.preload = function() {
    this.each(function(){
        $('<img/>')[0].src = this;
    });
}

// Usage:

$(['images/brands/anne_klein.jpg','images/brands/chaps.jpg','images/brands/claiborne.jpg','images/brands/dvf.jpg','images/brands/levis.jpg','images/brands/liz_claiborne.jpg','images/brands/nautica.jpg','images/brands/pegasus.jpg','images/brands/perry_ellis.jpg','images/brands/pierre_cardin.jpg','images/brands/signature_levi.jpg','images/brands/tommy_bahama.jpg','images/brands/travel_gear.jpg','images/brands/ventura.jpg','images/brands/weatherproof.jpg']).preload();