Preppy Clothes vs. "Preppy Attitude"

  As you can probably tell from my obsession with J. Crew, I have nothing against preppy clothes.  Pastels, monograms, white dresses, Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade... I love the fresh, crisp, happy look of preppy clothing.  Until last year, I thought "preppy" only applied to clothes.  But when I began using "preppy" as a compliment for clothing and using it to describe my style, a friend of mine got upset.  He said he couldn't stand the preppy attitude - and then it occurred to me that things other than clothes could be preppy!
  You could say that paper goods, bedding, accessories, furniture, houses, and more are all preppy.  And after I thought over what my friend said, I think you could also describe a certain "preppy" attitude.  Mind you, not everyone who loves preppy style has this attitude.  But after scouring the web's offering of preppy blogs, especially those written by "authentic" prepsters, who grew up summering in New England and absorbing the style that goes with it, I've uncovered a large part of the problem.  While this attitude focuses on some great things - like an emphasis on authenticity - it also has some negatives, and as much as I hate to say it, I understand why my friend dislikes the "preppy" attitude.  Nobody likes an elitist, a snob, or a conceited know-it-all, including this preppy-style devotee.
  So, while me and those like me are living our preppy lives (even if they don't include summering in Maine or a New England boarding school), I would like to ask that we do so with a little humility.  Growing up in Texas, and then going to a northern-feeling school that just happens to be below the Mason-Dixon line has shown me what I've always been taught: that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.  Kindness, courtesy, and treating everyone equally will get you a lot further in life than elitism or snobbery.  The true mark of a well-bred lady, I believe, is that she makes every one she meets feel special, and kindness is a huge part of that.  While you go about your business today, remember that a little courtesy and manners goes a long way!