very year around this time in the summer, my style starts feeling very preppy. I suddenly want to drape a creamy cashmere cardigan over my shoulders, slip some pearl studs into my ears, and drink a Dark 'n' Stormy someplace fancy.

To what do I owe this sudden attack of WASPiness? A childhood during which I spent every Fourth of July with my family in Duxbury. The weekend activities included tennis, croquet, sailing, parades, lawn parties, and, of course, fireworks on the beach. You can't get more classic New England then this. Even though I try to stay as far away from prep as possible, it's not so easy these days. I find myself intrigued by the simplicity of a striped tee and white jeans. Even ever-hip Alexander Wang is in on prep, offering a Breton-stripe top, which I had to take home.

I've always been attracted to uncomplicated accessories. My grandmother carried a Nantucket basket purse, which to me, was the epitome of East Coast chic. She wore a classic Ferragamo flat, the ones with the bow on the toe. When they come into the Closet, where I work, I always think of her. They usually don't last a day on the floor. Traditional equals trendy these days.

Americana fashion is also huge for the boys. For a local example: Vineyard Vines (above) was started on Martha's Vineyard in 1998 and now has more than 600 retail locations. It grew to be a $60 million company in just over 10 years. That's impressive. Even Japanese streetwear brands, like Visvim and 45 rpm are sending out collections based on heritage sportswear and basic outdoor clothing like hunting jackets. I knew LL Bean was making a comeback when my significant other proudly announced he's bought a hoodie from the same company he made fun of as a teenager. I've even heard mentions of critter pants coming back, but, really, my grandfather was rocking a pair of patchwork madras plaid pants way before I was born.

I'm still confused about all the fuss that surrounded the hipster revival of men's boat shoes last summer. The "trend" continues this year. My dad has always worn boat shoes. Luckily, he lives in Maine and owns a boat. One preppy staple you will never catch me in is critter pants, or a popped collar, for that matter. But I am on the hunt for a vintage Lilly Pulitzer sheath. Happy summer!

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