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Gifts with a Presidents Day twist: Of all political stripes

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Many U.S. presidents have donned repp stripe ties, a Capitol Hill uniform. But with a style lifted straight from the pages of ‘The Preppy Handbook,’ Yale graduate George H.W. Bush wore his Ivy League heritage on his sleeves, so to speak -- tailored navy suits accessorized with old-school repp stripe ties, along with fabric belts and ribbon watchbands.

In tribute to his fashion influence, many of Bush’s Washington aides reportedly started collecting the striped bands in imitation of their boss. Known to be a J. Press and Brooks Brothers patron, Bush’s signature country club look, together with First Lady Barbara Bush’s legendary triple-strand pearl necklaces, were one spot-on polished combination. Riffs on the classic, clubby look showed up in the many Americana-themed spring womenswear collections.

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This boy-meets-girl’s club pearl, crystal and ribbon Elegance necklace by Swarovski Crystallized, top right, is a perfect marriage of the iconic Bush looks ($195 at swarovski-crystallized.com or 212-966-3322).

And let’s not forget the famous first dog, springer spaniel Millie -- she would have looked, er, quite fetching in an Old School Repp collar by Mascot, top left ($28 at mymascot.com).

-- Ingrid Schmidt

Friday: Commander in Chic

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