Well the OP is 4 years old, but I am glad I'm not the only one who is anal enough in thought process that "Not Your Daughter's" absolutely equals "Mom" jeans. I get that they are supposed to be for the mature woman, but why that name??? Bad associations! lol
Also, they always seem to have rhinestone butt. I am anti rhinestone butt.

I know you're making fun of the name and not necessarily the jeans themselves, but I sure hope NYDJs don't equate to mom jeans. I simply cannot wear most of the premium denim even when they are mid rise because the rise is just too low on my body, i.e, it's well below my hip bone, so low that it's almost indecent.

Definitely the name... and I'd be the first to admit I know nothing about denim fit/style/appropriateness anyway! I can't wear low rise either, and the fit would probably work for me too. I have looked at them, but the ones on sale had the problematic rhinestones, and they're too pricey for me otherwise.

Regarding NYDJ...at first I was put off by the name too, but then I remembered all of the 40-something moms in my small midwestern hometown that are literally wearing their daughter's jeans, junior cuts, overly distressed and embellished pockets and I realized, oh THAT'S what they mean by NYDJ! I need to do a crusade in that town, haha, so they could learn how to dress appropriately for their age. Anyway, off my soapbox..

I just bought two pairs of NYDJ. The first is a cobalt blue skinny jean ankle length, the other a dark denim trouser jean. Neither have any rhinestones (hate those!) and both fit me well, but I like a higher rise and the feel of everything properly in its place. They are definitely NOT mom jeans (but the SNL skit is great, haha).

I don't like to spend that amount either but I do feel a difference in fit and quality of the denim. So to me it is worth spending more to have two fab fitting pairs than twice or three times the amount of so-so pairs. I have yet to find a cheaper pair that fit me as well.

I would say don't discount them just because of the name, try them on and if you still hate them move on. Remember Angie's advice of leave no retail stone unturned, I say leave no brand unturned too!