I got really excited when the CTRL lookbook landed in my inbox. The Spring/Summer 10’ lookbook is fire! Colours and prints and patterns – oh my!

This ‘Fistro Papi, Anthora‘ collection boasts collaborative t-shirts with UK photographer Gavin Watson and illustrator Jesse Auersalo. The rest of the cut and sew collection offers us a feast of stone wash denim, patterned leggings, harem pants, button up shirts and printed singlets.

A nautical theme is evident with an anchor print being featured on a few pieces including a cute little sailor dress that would look so very cute with a pair of tights and boots in this questionable weather.

My favourite number is a little denim overall dress. If I was to get my hands on one I’m pretty sure my milkshake will bring all the boys to the yard – here’s hoping!

Christmas is a time for giving. Not always just giving to loved ones, but giving to yourself!

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty broke this time of year and barely have enough cash to cover presents for the fam, and it’s getting harder to ignore all the sales going on right now! One that’s tough to resist is happening over at the CTRL online store. They’re bringing the Christmas cheer with their Christmas Calendar – 24 exclusive items dropping one day at a time from now until December 24. Taking care of both the boys and girls it’s a good excuse to buy something for your man and sneak something in for yourself!

Head over to the CTRL store and remember to keep checking back for the daily drop!

M.I.S.S. was invited to check out the grand opening party of No. A Friday night, a boutique in the Little Tokyo district of L.A. that caters to men and women in search of a little international panache or just some good old domestic flair. Among co-owners Alana and Nate’s friends were curious shoppers filing in to enjoy a live DJ, complimentary drinks and ice cream sandwiches, and goodie bags, which included shirts from No. A’s own line.

The clutter-free boutique’s interior would never suggest the location was once home to an American Apparel. Hand-painted trees span the walls, complemented by colorful bursts from the scarce but beautifully detailed flowers and birds. Clothes and hats are displayed on vintage furnishings, which range from wagon-esque tables to wrought iron stands. The store’s collection includes international lines exclusive to No. A, including Swedish men’s clothing and music brand Uniforms for the Dedicated and Australia’s self-describedly unconventional My Pet Square. No. A is also home to a wide range of US brands, such as DimePiece, MadeMe, and CTRL, and accessories by the likes of Han Cholo, Alex & Chloe, and Cubannie Links.

Be sure to check out No. A if ever in downtown Los Angeles – with such an extensive and hard-to-find selection, there’s a good chance you won’t run into an outfit twin on the streets.

No. A
374 E. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

CTRL’s clothing always manages to breathe new, colorful life into any of our days, and their newest drop – the Fall/Winter ‘09 look book – is no different. Inspired by “flowers in the world, people of the Philippines, Miles Davis Quintet ‘67″ and Johnny Depp’s performance in ‘Cry Babies’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ (how’s that for multiple sources of inspiration?), the collection is bold and eye-catching… Basically, exactly what we’d expect from CTRL.

So what’s on the horizon for CTRL in their newest batch of eye-popping goodness? In an homage to one of rock ‘n roll’s most famous couples, CTRL drops an I Love Yoko/I Love John (Yoko on the front, John on the back) sleeveless tunic. There’s also a long-sleeve, mod graphic print photo tunic – appropriately paired with black tights in CTRL’s look book for an Edie Sedgewick-esque vibe. We’re also head over heels for the wide-striped hoodie – comfort with a twist.

If you’re itching to know what pieces we’re lusting after at M.I.S.S., we’d have to say it’s the question-mark printed hoodie and Johnny Depp tee. The hoodie is the perfect piece to pair with one of CTRL’s graphic-print leggings (another must-have), which we’d adore on a crisp autumn Sunday. Not much explanation is needed for why we’re loving Johnny Depp’s face on a shirt – but half “Cry Babies” and half Jack Sparrow (”Pirates of the Caribbean”) only sweetens the deal for us.

For more info about CTRL and to purchase pieces online, check out the CTRL online store. If you’d rather try on CTRL pieces in person, peep the full list of stockists and be sure to check out CTRL’s Facebook page!

If you only happen to take note of a few of the many Spring/Summer ‘09 collections you’ve been exposed to lately, make sure CTRL remains on your radar. The Helsinki, Finland-based brand has just released their S/S 2009 collection, which to describe as noticeable would be a sore understatement.

If you’re a fan of in-your-face pieces, CTRL’s clothes are just what you need to continue your statement-making outfits. Bright, ’80s-inspired tees and printed leggings are just the beginning for us ladies. Feast your eyes on an oversized, David Bowie-emblazoned sweatshirt coupled with polka-dotted Moroccan Pants, tie-dyed hooded tees, camo jackets, and denim overalls… and that’s not even the entire collection. Even the menswear collection can be easily converted to fit your wardrobe – CTRL even shows you how in their Spring ‘09 look book.

The shots from CTRL’s latest campaign are indicative of one very important fact: these clothes are meant to keep up with you. So no matter how long the party goes for, CTRL’s pieces will last as long as you do.

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M.I.S.S. hearts lots of things, but one of our most favorite things is sweatpants.  When we’re not in our fancy pants, we’re undoubtedly in our sweat pants.  No M.I.S.S. or Mama photoshoot would not be official without me and Liz running around in our favorite pair of sweats.  We’re not the ones in front of the camera – we’re too busy making sure everyone else looks good.  So, we were very excited to see several lines offering their take on sweat pants.  What follows are our favorites . . . Baby French Terry Pants by In4mation

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We’ve been fans of CTRL for some time now so it was a pleasure to meet Freeman and Esa, the boys behind the brand, in person.  CTRL is based in Helsinki, Finland so the guys made a trek out to Vegas but it was really worth it.  First off, the collection was shown on wire hangers – which brought flashbacks of “Mommy Dearest” to mind.  When you see the same hangers on all the racks, it’s refreshing to see designers infuse their personality into the details.  On to the clothes . . . For Spring 2009, Freeman was inspired by international cities and their individuality.  Cities like Paris and Jakarta played a strong role as recent trips to those places were fresh in his mind.  The inspiration can be seen mainly in the graphics and patterned prints.  Some favorites included his double entendre Paris tee (Paris, France v. Paris, Texas) and stone washed fleece (so comfy!).  Check out more pictures from the Spring 2009 collection after the jump.

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Finnish streetwear brand CTRL just gave us a sneak-peak of their Spring 08 collection and I found many pieces that I would love to have in my closet. Their line is more developed than most of the “streetwear” brands out there. They certainly have fun tees to choose from including ones that read “camel toe” and have mickey mouse references. But it’s their cut & sew that I’m really impressed with. From leather hoodies, to denim jackets, to fun jumpers to double layered tank tops, to really fun & funky denim, they’ve got all the key pieces a girl could need for the spring. If these pieces don’t fuel your spring fever, I don’t know what will! And just in case you like to get matchy-matchy with your man, they have a men’s collection with similar pieces. So, what are you waiting for? You can become CTRL Clothing’s friend on their myspace and you can view the full collection on their site.

More pics of my favorite pieces after the jump . . .
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