DEF vs. MP stats

[AricTheMage]

Sorry for the newbie questions

As a Bard in my teens subbing WHM....

I know CHR and VIT boost stats are important to have later on, but for now in my early teens is it more important to have either armor with a higher defense or armor with more MP boosts (for backup healing)?

I dont know what armor stat boost I should get?
MP or higher DEF...

[Sylvanis]

dont go with vit or def. you get hit less then whms do. i'm currently 42 and the only time i get hit is when the sleeping mobs i slept wake up.

[AricTheMage]

Does that mean that since i'm soloing right now, a brass or silver hairpin (10MP for 10HP) is better?
I do have the +5HP belt. though.

Are hairpins for more MP vs less HP good for Bards?
Thanks