Merona for Target Spring 2012 Lookbook

Look 1: Scallop-Trimmed Dress in Brown and Coral Print, $24.99 (Dress Available 1/29/12–3/17/12) Trench Coat in Red, $49.99 (Coat Available 1/1/12–4/16/12)

Earlier in the week, we looked at Mossimo's spring lookbook, and today we have the Merona spring lookbook to check out. Inspired by the sun, sand, sea and coastal towns, the Merona collection incorporates a color palette of corals, purples and teals. Patterns continue to be popular for spring, such as textural prints, florals and checkered patterns. Silhouettes are classic and feminine, including peasant tops, cinched-waist dresses, and embellished tees. I can't say I'm very inspired by this lookbook but that doesn't mean I won't find some good pieces in stores. The red trench (above) and bright green jackets are darling but the snake-print blouse with the coral cropped chinos look is just...wrong. Overall, the styling for this lookbook is really strange to me, I'm not sure where they were going with this. Merona is available exclusively at Target and Target.com, with prices ranging from $8.00 to $49.99.

MOUSE OVER ANY IMAGE for details on pricing and availability.

What do you think, am I being too harsh? Can you envision these pieces working for you?

Look 2: Ruffled Smock Top in White, $19.99 (Top Available 4/1/12–8/18/12) V-Neck Cardigan in Blue Python Print, $29.99 (Cardigan Available 2/19/12–4/1/12) Denim Pants in Dark Blue, $22.99 (Pants Available 1/29/12–4/29/12) Patent Leather Belt in Gray, $12.99 (Belt Available 1/29/12–7/22/12) Patent Leather Espadrille Wedges in Blush, $24.99 (Shoes Available 1/22/12–3/4/12)

Look 3: Cowlneck Top in Red, $16.99 (Top Available 12/15/12–1/30/12) Embellished Cardigan in Black, $24.99 (Cardigan Available 1/1/12–5/1/12) Chino Shorts in Black, $17.99 (Shorts Available 4/1/12–8/18/12) Patent Leather Belt in Green, $12.99 (Belt Available 1/29/12–7/22/12) Patent Leather Espadrille Wedges in Black, $24.99 (Shoes Available 1/22/12–3/4/12)

Look 4: Ruffled Smock Top in White, $19.99 (Available 4/31/12–8/18/12) Skirt in Black and Brown Print, $22.99 (Available 1/29/12–5/19/12) Jacket in Green, $39.99 (Available 1/2/12–4/16/12) Patent Leather Espadrille Wedges in Black, $24.99 (Available 1/29/12–7/22/12) Shoes Available 1/22/12–3/4/12

Look 5: Smock-Waist Blouse in Red Print, $22.99 Available 2/26/12–4/21/12) Chino Pants in Faded Green, $24.99 (Available 1/29/12–8/18/12) Patent Leather Espadrille Wedges in Blush, $24.99 (Available 1/22/12–3/4/12)

Look 6: Convertible Sleeved Shirt Dress in Chambray, $24.99 (Available 1/29/12–3/17/12) Patent Leather Espadrille Wedges in Tan, $24.99 (Available 1/22/12–3/4/12)

Look 7: Peasant Tee in Cream Plaid Print, $19.99 (Available 1/29/12–4/21/12) Open Stitch Short-Sleeved Cardigan in Cream, $27.99 (Available 3/1/12–4/1/12) Chino Pants in Orange, $24.99 (Available 1/29/12–8/18/12) Rope Belt in Tan, $16.99 (Available 1/29/12–7/22/12)

Look 8: Smock-Waist Blouse in Snake Print, $22.99 (Available 2/26/12–4/21/12) Cropped Chino Pants in Coral, $19.99 (Available 2/26/12–7/28/12)

Look 9 Cowlneck Tank in Orange, $16.99 (Available 12/15/12–1/30/12) Utility Skirt in Dark Green, $22.99 (Available 2/26/12–5/19/12)

Photos courtesy of Target

Comments

There are definitely some different styling choices here. I can't foresee any occasion where I'd be wearing casual black shorts with a cowl neck top and a cardigan. The coral crop pants could be really fun, but the look needs something else like a belt maybe? And most of the color palette isn't very Spring-like. Everything else is so vibrant this season, this looks drab in comparison.

I would be digging the red trench, but I got my Jason Wu trench earlier this month

#1 ajdematteo on 2012-02-29 11:15 (Reply)

I just saw these trenches in the store & am kind-of loving the bright yellow one...might have to go back & get it. I agree with you that some of the other pieces look a little "old lady" to me.

#2 Penny Pincher Fashion (Homepage) on 2012-02-29 12:01 (Reply)

Nope - you're not being too harsh at all. The styling is awful, but I'm not sure that better pairings would save some of these separates. The only thing I'm really liking are the trench coats. The rest I will definitely pass on. I hope Target isn't losing their touch when it comes to fashion!

#3 Target-Addict (Homepage) on 2012-02-29 17:39 (Reply)

I agree on the weird styling, but the photoshopped, smooth element is odd, too. I thought the same thing with the Mossimo pictures earlier in the week. Target - what are you doing? These just seem so fake and glossy. Too many wrinkles and shadows were removed. It makes me slightly uncomfortable to look at them too long.

#4 Katie on 2012-02-29 17:51 (Reply)

There might be a couple of standout pieces in the collection, but overall, it's kind of frumpy and older. It might have something to do with the model wearing the outfits. Looks like Target has misunderstood the Merona demographic.

#5 fuchsiafury on 2012-02-29 17:52 (Reply)

Love the trench. But not only is the overall styling of the collection weird, what really stands out to me are the awkward posses of the model. I feel like she's a paperdoll cutout. Or maybe a manakin body with a head photoshopped on.

#6 Cat on 2012-02-29 18:13 (Reply)

Doesn't look like the Merona I know. But the again I realise I made more Mossimo purchases than Merona this past year
Kemi at www.beautystyleandgrowth.blogspot.com

#7 Kemi (Homepage) on 2012-02-29 21:45 (Reply)

I need to get to Target ASAP! I cannot wait until the weather warms up.

#8 Tanya (Homepage) on 2012-03-01 11:10 (Reply)

I was in Target the other day and was SUPER impressed with all of the cute looks that were out! I normally don't buy clothing from Target but I have recently begun. They have definitely stepped up their game!

#9 The Curvy Girl (Homepage) on 2012-03-03 07:23 (Reply)

I have to agree with you on this. Also, the model looks really uncomfortable in most of the pics, which doesn't help the frump-factor either. Especially in the bright cropped pants and snake-print blouse...is it me, or does it almost look like her head's been photoshopped onto that body? Sorta odd.

#10 Su Jin on 2012-03-05 17:37 (Reply)

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