Is this heaven? No, it's Target!

Apologies to Field of Dreams but the above phrase is what popped into my head the second I got busy perusing the goods at Target over the weekend. When I was in law school and had random free afternoons I I found myself at Target a couple of days a week (ah, those were the days), but the busier I have gotten with work the over the years the less I find myself wandering aimlessly at Target. Of course, the fact that the closest Target is in Columbia Heights might have something to do with this- in the few visits I have made to that location their clothing and accessory section has always been abysmal.

Anyway, perhaps I am a little late to this party, but have you seen the new Merona Collection at Target? Yes, it's separate and distinct from the regular Merona line. Yes, it's awesome. Yes, you will want most things from the line. I have a hunch that Merona Collection has been introduced to take the place of Isaac Mizrahi's line.  And it's definitely delivering. The quality is heads and shoulders above what I am used to at Target, and it seems to have a more youthful focus than Isaac's line. Also, it comes in size 2, which Isaac did not offer and which I was always mad about, since his sizes tended to run large anyway.

I tried on this dress and loved it! Honestly, if you had told me that it came from Banana Republic I would have believed it. What held me back was the fact that I didn't exactly see myself wearing a floaty floral dress with fall/winter approaching. Although now that I see it styled here with booties and tights, I may have to rethink that...

Printed Watercolor Dress

Again, an item that is just past the summer season, unfortunately. In person, this dress is stunning. It's a heavy, nubby linen, with a braided waistband detail. If you see this on clearance I'd definitely snap it up!

Sleeveless Braid Belt Dress

They did not have this in the Target store, but I fell in love when I saw it online. Reminds me a lot of a Milly or Tibi dress.

Print Boatneck Dress

How gorgeous is this simple party dress? These come in zillions of colors online- I think this is Target's idea of a dress you could use for bridesmaids, which I would certainly second. I love the classic, Oscar de la Renta silhouette and belted waist.

Taffeta Party Dress (on sale in brown for $13.99!)

I have a top from J Crew that is exactly this same style- this one is a fraction of the price. Do you like the print?

Printed Cowl Neck Top

This top doesn't look super-exciting, but this is one of those great basics that comes in a few colors that you could wear with anything. It's dressy enough to wear with wool pants and a nice necklace to work, or casual enough to wear with jeans. Everyone needs go-to shirts like this that aren't necessarily "statement" tops but that help complete an outfit.

Pleated Top

I may or may not have walked away with this giraffe tunic (on clearance for $13!). It looks much better in person than the way it's styled in this picture. I got a very Kate Spade vibe from the print. I look forward to wearing it with my Milly black wool cigarette pants and high heels, and some gold layered necklaces to spice it up.

Giraffe Printed Tunic

This top was lovely- it's a gorgeous purple tweed. Very fitted, very retro- and there's a matching tweed skirt.

Tweed Shell

Every girl needs an animal print cardigan in her closet!

Zebra Printed Cardigan

Loved this cheery green tweed pencil skirt.

Green Tweed Pencil Skirt

I also love the gathers on the front of this bow skirt- these pictures don't really do these pieces justice.

Trouser Bow Skirt

Yes, Merona Collection even makes shoes! Horray! I was drooling over these flats that come in several colors. In person, they look very expensive and not the least bit plastic-y. These are just that perfect shade of camel, aren't they? The gold buckle and the gold accent on the heel reminded me of a cross between, say, Roger Vivier and Tory Burch.

Rayna Buckle Flats

These leopard beauties are equally fabulous- and made out of genuine calf hair!

Rosaline Point Toe Flats

I also loved these dresses that totally screamed "Missoni" to me. It's hard to tell from the picture, but they are made of lightweight cotton with zig zags and stripes. I'd love to wear this layered with leggings.

Mossimo Spacedye Short Sleeve Sweater Dress

Do you have any favorite finds at Target you're dying to share? Let us know! And check out Merona Collection and let us know what you think.