MAB/MAM/MAB Luxe: Size Matters

[Loquita]

Okay peeps, so I have become intimately acquainted with photobucket as of late...and as I was taking some pics of my Minkies I noticed some curious comparisons between the size of my MAB, MAM, and MAB Luxe. In the interest of helping folks plan their purchases better, I decided to post some pics to illustrate my point.

For those in the forum who are newer to RM, I'll start of with a pic of a glazed almond MAM (left) next to a mocha MAB (right):



As expected, the MAM is smaller/shorter.


However, what really caught my eye is that the MAB Luxe is actually much smaller than the original MAB, although I for one was under the impression that it was simply a retooled version of the MAB. In fact I would say it's definitely more like a MAM in terms of cargo room. The biggest difference is definitely the shape (the MAM is boxier, so you get more interior room in terms of width as opposed to height) and outside pockets. Check out the pic of the glazed almond MAM (left) vs. the fawn MAB Luxe (center) vs. the mocha MAB (right)...note that the MAB Luxe, which I have been carrying lately, is super stuffed:



From above:



I would argue that the MAB Luxe is actually a (slightly) taller, thinner version of the MAM (sort of like that pretty older cousin you were jealous of as a kid, hee he). Just something to think about as we gear up and commence to ing over the newest fall/holiday bags...I hope this helps!

[Crazy4Handbags]

I can't see your pics.... But, I'm lovin' your review!!!

[Arm Candy Lady!]

This is SUPER helpful!! Thanks so much Loquita for putting this together for the Minkettes!!

Can you share with me some info. about the handles...how are they? Are they smooth or round, similar to the MAB, but on a smaller scale? Also, do you see any problems that can arise with the handles?

Also, it looks like the MAB Luxe is longer than the MAM...would you agree? The MAB Luxe looks so much more sophisticated too...do you agree, I mean do you think it can be carried off as a casual bag IYO?

[Loquita]

I am sorry that the pics aren't visible, C4H! Can you see them now?

Let me repost:

Here's the second photo:



And the last photo:



ACL: I agree with you, the Luxe is definitely a dressier bag in comparison to the MAB (original) and MAM. The Luxe's handles are not rolled, but are rather thin and pinned together towards the bottom. Julierose was right on the other night when she noted that they were a lot like the handles on the Botkier Trigger. I overloaded the Luxe *big time* yesterday on a plane trip, and was kinda worried...but the bag pulled through beautifully! No worries, IMO. I it more than ever, it's a great work and travel bag.

[Crazy4Handbags]

I see them now; thanks for re-posting!

I see the size differences now. These pics are very helpful for comparison. Thank you!

[Arm Candy Lady!]

Thanks again Loquita for your thorough review as always!! Do you think this bag can be pulled off for casual attire too?

Also, is the HW light gold? Do you think the studs on the front (or is it on both sides of the bag) hold up over time & is there a zipper under the flaps?

[Loquita]

No problem, ladies! And great questions, ACL...yep, the HW is light gold, and yes, I do think that the bag can be pulled off w/ more casual attire. For example, yesterday I wore it with a simple C&C California cotton dress (just above knee length), espadrilles, and a short, dark flared jean jacket with a Peter Pan collar. Very casual, but IMO it worked with the bag. And no, there is no zipper under the front flaps, the closure is magnetic. I actually prefer it to the usual MAB zipper, since it's easier to get in and out of and I don't keep anything of value in that pocket anyway (just lip gloss, eye drops, and blotting papers for my oily skin, yech).

[Arm Candy Lady!]

Sorrrrry to keep asking questions Loquita but I just gotta know as much as I can about this bag since I am really! really! in with it thus far! Just a few more questions & I will be done..I promise

So there's the magnetic closure under the 2 flaps (yeah!) & I can see there's a little flat pocket on the outside of the bag too, below the flaps..does this snap close too? Also, is this on both sides of the bag too..this flat pocket?

Do you think the studs on the front (or is it on both sides of the bag) hold up over time?'

TIA

[mel_mel1004]

Great review Loquita! They're such a great collection of MAs. From your review, the Luxe sounds like a really great bag. It looks easier to carry as the shape looks tapered towards the top, are there pockets on both sides of the Luxe?

[lula_bernie]

Thanks for the review! I am still intrigued by the MA Luxe.

[Loquita]

Thanks for your kind comments!

Hey ACL and mel_mel,

Please ask questions! I am happy to answer as best I can!

I think that the studs on the bag (all of them) will hold up well...like I said, I stuffed the hell out of this bag the other day, dragged it through three airports with Mico my doggie trailing behind me in his carrier and all was well! No complaints on that front. Now the pockets: there are in fact one big flap pockets (with magnetic closures) on EACH side (nice, huh?) and one little pockets below these flaps, one on EACH side (4 outer pockets total). These smaller pockets do not have any closure for them, however -- though I found them to be secure enough to stash my keys in them without any problems (and I am always freaked out about people sticking their hands in my purse, stealing stuff, etc.)
Here's a pic:



This is an extremely comfortable bag to carry, even when it's loaded up...defiinltey the most portable of the MA bags. I already out in a pre-order for the peacock MAB Luxe, and if I had some fat cash I would get the deep red one, too!

[Arm Candy Lady!]

Thanks Loquita...you're the BEST!

[scoobiesmomma]

Thanks for the detailed MA report, Loquita!!! It was very informative and helpful... I can't wait to see the MAB Luxe in the Rose and Navy Luxe colors! Those are the ones I have my eye on!

[ktothetea]

Awesome reviews here and on your other threads about the MAB Luxe, Loquita! It's interesting about the sizing, but I kinda like how slim it is.

I was tempted to pre-order it in the peacock, but I don't wanna wait that long, so I went for the dark brown instead! We'll see, there's still time...

[Loquita]

thanks, ktothetea and scoobie! I am so happy that you found the reviews helpful! and yep, i think that the Luxe is the answer to all of my issues (minor issues, to be sure) with the MAB and MAM sizing...it's got perfect proportions!

I pre-ordered a peacock MAB Luxe so that I have time to save for a full-priced bag, but I so love the dk. brown, navy, and deep red versions as well...argh, i need a $$$ tree!
(should all of our "problems" be so severe!)