It’s nearly impossible to find a decent men’s jacket these days. Last weekend’s hunt yielded fashionable versions from Neiman Marcus [1] (the $1,200 one by Etro [2], for example) and comparatively affordable options from Off Fifth [3] (a Valentino [4] clearanced at $600). But alas, I am not paying for what boyfriend wears to little brother’s wedding this weekend (I bought my dress in July), so we pressed on in a hunt for bargain-basement prices. Next stop: The new Len Druskin [5] Man-Boy store which was full of hoodies, sneaks, and faux-vintage tees. Also at Gaviidae [6]: Kuhlman [7], which is a fine, affordable place but not necessarily in alignment with boyfriend’s fratboy-hippie tastes.

Funny thing is: Gaviidae ALMOST had its own haberdashery. The concept was being spearheaded by a veteran salesman of the Dayton’s/Marshall Field’s men’s department as well as another prominent local boutique owner. (Can you guess who?) But word has it that Gaviidae nixed the idea—and, along with that, an already-signed lease—once the folks at Len Druskin got sight of the store’s vendor list.