A Store That's Made for Men

Friends, and those in the retail fashion industry, advised MaryAlice Farella not to do it.

Prior to and even after opening  in Westwood, an exclusive, high end clothing and more shop for teen boys and men that prides itself on personal service, quality and longevity in the merchandise it sells, Farella was told it wouldn't work.

That was back in February 2006. A five-year anniversary celebration for Society Men is approaching.

"No one," said Farella, "ever does a store for guys, for stuff a guy wears every day. I've been in the industry for almost 25 years, mostly in women's clothing. I opened a guy's shop to do my own thing."

Farella claims for years guys were just occasional shoppers, but that trend has taken a turn. "Guys now shop all the time. Over the years, shopping patterns for men have changed. They enjoy it. I pride myself all about great quality and fit. The guys that come in here love what they get," she said. "No one wants to look like everyone else. A guy wants to have his own style, and a guy should be comfortable."

Society Men is a long, 1,300-square-foot hardwood floor store that carries a variety of jeans, vintage T-shirts made by Jacks & Jokers (a New York City-based producer whose initial client in the United States was Farella) and college gear like hoodsweaters and sweatshirts.

"We are," said Farella with a smile, "an official college destination. Dads even come in here; they like the old alma mater stuff."

Also available are khakis from Italy and comfortable shirts for Wall Street and finance guys, manly flannels, scarves and jewelry, sports apparel with new and old insignias and even stuff for ladies as well so guys can also pick up a little something for her while shopping. There is a special sale section in the store for items 50 to 75 percent off.

In short, here guys aren't a number like when shopping at a chain retailer. Society Men is a shop with premium clothing and personable and knowledgeable service.

Farella claims she is "two ahead of trends–in my head" and loves making a guy feel good in the clothing he wears.

"I love it. The guys are great!" she exclaimed. "The greatest thing is when a guy comes in and he is starting that next phase in life and they have little esteem but leave with it."

Visit Society Men:

The store is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.