MJ vs. MBMJ: Opinions? Thanks!

[beth001]

I'm somewhat new to the whole MJ thing, but am totally in love with my MJ Bi-Color Quilted Suvi and MJ black cosmetic bag. The leather is perfectly scrumptious! So, now I'm thinking, what other MJ pieces would I want to extend my collection... AND, should I also be looking at MBMJ? How are the two lines different? Is there a difference in styling? Price? Quality of leathers? Quality of workmanship? Availability? Desirability? Obviously, I need the help and guidance of the EXPERTS here!

[j0vena]

obviously since mbmj is a thousand times cheaper, it'll have worse quality. i had my 2 mbmj bags for under 1 months and the stitching is already loose. :( and i now vow to never put leather conditioner on mbmj bags unless it looks dry and isnt new. *cries* dont have any mj bags, but i want a creme stam.

[rorosity]

I don't have any MbyMJ, but I like them and they seem to be high quality. They seem more casual to me. I love MJ Collection bags. Most have really amazing leather and the quality is very high. I think you should buy what you like and what you think you will use, whether it's MbyMJ or Collection. The Suvi is made with really amazing leather!

[tigertrixie]

I only have two MBMJ's left that i am keeping and two on the chopping block. Once I discovered MJ, I kicked MBMJ to the curb (with the exception of the groovee).

[rachieface]

I think it definitely depends on a lot of different factors. Specifically how you like to buy your handbags, your price point and your style.

If you are the type of woman who likes to walk into a department store, try on a lot of bags from new collections and not have to worry so much about a lower price tag then a MbMJ is for you. The price point is significantly lower (generally $300-$600 and SLGs wayyy cheaper) and the style is more laid back and the bags less fussy.

A collection bag takes a lot of planning and strategy. It's not the kind of thing where you can (generally) walk into a store and walk out with one or two from the season and not think twice. They take a lot of care because even though they are perfectly functional bags - they are also a piece of art! The price points are muuuch higher at around $1000 and up for a bag and are a huge investment but boy are they worth it. You will probably fall in love with collection and never look back!

[Mila_Pops]

MbMJ is a lot cheaper. You can get some bags for as low as $128, and they'll go on sale a couple months later for even cheaper! I also don't think MbMJ has any bags more than $600 (that new mouse hobo is like $558, which is the most expensive MbMJ I've seen). MbMJ also seems to be targeted at the younger market (teens-young adults). I have a Miss Marc tote and it's holding up pretty well! I use it as a school bag because it makes more sense to use a cheaper bag for school, work, or more casual settings.

MJ Collection is definitely a lot more expensive, and it seems to be more aimed at an older generation (hence the more subtle colors, clean lines, less-crazy patterns/designs, etc. on a lot of the bags). I love the Sophia

I guess it all depends on your needs. If you want something more casual and a little funky, I'd go for MbMJ. If you want something more timeless and "mature," I'd go with MJ Collection.

Hope that helps!

[peafleut]

MJ Collection bags and MbyMJ bags are different in several ways in style, feeling and price. I believe when it comes to MbyMJ it depends what you are looking for because there is a wide range of options from specialty canvas totes for under $50 to leather bags that are closer to $600. I would suggest when choosing a bag that you first look at differnet lines in both MJ and MbyMJ think about the price of the bag, funcunality, and your lifestyle and then begin to isolate what you like and what works for you. But, I can tell you though some MJ styles are popular others not so much. Some MbyMJ lines are popular and others not so much. So, when it comes to desirability/popularity I would say that it's a mixed bag and it really depends on the piece you are looking at.

Generally, I prefer MJ collection bags over MbyMJ. But, I do own two MbyMJ's from the airliner line. I would say the line is a bit more classic looking especailly for MbyMJ and is one of the pricer lines in MbyMJ. Personally, I love the pieces and would not get rid of them for anything. The leather is so thick and yummy the bags are amazingly crafted, they have taken much abuse and still look amazing, no qualitiy issuses, and they get tons of compliments. So, for me they are a perfect fit and a good option becuase being a student, I don't always have time to "baby" my MJ collection bags.

[blackonmaroon]

I love both my MJs and my MbMJs, but like everyone's said - it's based on your personal style preferences. MbMJs are definitely more casual and younger, but they're still stylish and very well made. I've owned a Groovee, Hillier hobo, Dr Q Tote, and 2 Teris. All of them have been great bags, and I haven't had any problems with the workmanship/craftsmanship. They've all held up really well - I've had my Hillier since last summer, and with regular use it still looks practically new. I condition all of my bags (MJ and MbMJ alike) with Cadillac, and it works wonders for both types of leather. I do own more MJs than MbMJs, but that's because I prefer more of the MJ styles. But then again, I'm kind of old-fashioned and generally like "classic" bags.

I would suggest you go to your nearest department store and check out their MbMJ section. Pick up a bag that catches your eye, carry it around for a little while, and see if you love it. Different bags appeal to different people, so only you can answer the question of whether you should be looking at MbMJs.

[tadpolenyc]

i don't know about mj collection being aimed at an older generation. i know my bday just passed and i hit the big 2-6. however, i don't think i'm ready to collect social security just yet.

i've always preferred the mainline to mbmj. my style is more polished, and i like the ornate details that's evident in the designs of the collection line. i used to own a lot of mbmj bags. the groovee was my favorite (again, one of the more sophisticated designs in the diffusion line). the quality has always been fantastic for both; great materials, substantial hardware, beautiful, varied colors.

it really depends on how much money you want to spend and what you're style is. are you looking for something fun, cute, casual, retro inspired with a feminine touch? go mbmj. or do you want something more glamorous, on the cutting edge of high fashion with impeccable details? mj is the way to go.

[shop2drop1]

I own both MbMJ & MJ. I tend to carry the MbMJ in more casual situations and the MJ can function for any situation, IMO. As far as quality, I don't think that just b/c the MbMJ is less means that the quality is less. I've had to send in 2 MJ's before for repair but haven't had any issues w/ my MbMJ. I think that choosing one or the other is really about which particular bag you like, not the name on the label. I'd recommend either line highly.

[blackonmaroon]

Originally Posted by tadpolenyc

i don't know about mj collection being aimed at an older generation. i know my bday just passed and i hit the big 2-6. however, i don't think i'm ready to collect social security just yet. i've always preferred the mainline to mbmj. my style is more polished, and i like the ornate details that's evident in the designs of the collection line. i used to own a lot of mbmj bags. the groovee was my favorite (again, one of the more sophisticated designs in the diffusion line). the quality has always been fantastic for both; great materials, substantial hardware, beautiful, varied colors. it really depends on how much money you want to spend and what you're style is. are you looking for something fun, cute, casual, retro inspired with a feminine touch? go mbmj. or do you want something more glamorous, on the cutting edge of high fashion with impeccable details? mj is the way to go.

I didn't mean old as in old - just more mature and "polished," as you said.

[tadpolenyc]

bom, i was referring to mila_pop's line about mj being for "an older generation." it made me feel like i was part of the wwII greatest generation senior citizens group.

[Joke]

I have MBMJ and I'm impressed with the quality, I have a wallet for over year now and use it frequently and it still looks amazing

[blackonmaroon]

Originally Posted by tadpolenyc

bom, i was referring to mila_pop's line about mj being for "an older generation." it made me feel like i was part of the wwII greatest generation senior citizens group.

Oh, I missed that! I'm 21 and have more MJs than MbMJs ... back in my day, I had to walk 40 miles in the snow just to get an education.

[DreamingBeauty]

I only have 1 MJ, a gray Stam which I love, and no MBMJ, but I haven't really seen any MBMJ that I would want. I think you should just get what appeals to you.