Author Archives: Bruce Liles

Scarpe Di Bianco

 A Tale of a Bespoke Shoe  Through my long time association with Sutor Mantelassi shoes, I became friends with the very elegant Bill White.  When Bill started a new venture with a very fine Italian cobbler, I took notice.  When … Continue reading

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Liles Bespoke Custom Clothing

A Tale of Custom Tailoring In classic British tailoring tradition, a garment was not made until it was spoken for.  Now Liles Clothing Studio revives that tradition with Liles Bespoke.  An Italian tailor in Queens, New York, recreates this Saville … Continue reading

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Caruso Clothing

Caruso Custom Clothing A Well Turned Glimpse For many years, we have been Raleigh’s exclusive home to the designs of Raffaele Caruso, probably the best kept secret in better Italian menswear.  The suits and sport coats of Caruso are not … Continue reading

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The Pocket, Squared

Of all the sartorial flourishes a gentleman may affect, the pocket square is one of the least considered but most profound. Other than the rare flap breast pocket on certain sporting jackets, we feel as though a suit or odd … Continue reading

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Vested Interest, Part II

The Odd Vest The odd vest brings both practicality and style to one’s wardrobe. Depending on fabric and styling, it may be worn with a suit, a sport jacket, or on it’s own. A double breasted model in a dove … Continue reading

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Vested Interest, Part I

The Vested Suit Far from being an anachronistic fashion accessory, the waistcoat, or vest, adds a touch of individual style. The deep “v” of the front perfectly frames the shirt and tie, and draws attention to the face. It lends … Continue reading

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Will that be a single…or a double?

Why are American men so hesitant to try double breasted? Not only elegant but highly flattering, double breasted was all the fashion rage in the 30’s, when American men took inspiration from their English brethren. Contrary to popular opinion, double … Continue reading

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How now, brown calfskin…

Often I am asked about my opinion of which color shoes are most correct. While nothing beats black for formal wear, it is often the fall back color for business or even casual footwear. While often perfectly correct, black offers … Continue reading

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