As a die-hard Oilily addict and a powerseller, I have taken personal offense to the counterfeit Oilily pieces on Ebay currently. Genuine Oilily quality is uncontested....each piece is fabulously designed and created, a true piece of art. Unfortunately scam artists selling rip-off Oilily made in China (no trademark laws there, just like fake LV or Fendi bags, etc.) have popped up on Ebay the last year or so and it does nothing but hurt buyers and other sellers trying to pass on the real deal. The fakes are a poorly made, poorly fitting, and sometimes flat out ugly versions of the real thing.

     A description that states "factory extra from China" or "overstock from Asian market" is more than likely fraudulent. There are slight differences in the hang tags as well.......I've noticed a weird stamp on the red tags for fakes...... it's a sticker for the real deal. The cardstock is thinner, and feels of a lesser quality than real Oilily hangtags. The newer season has green tags now, and authentic items will always be attached with a green satin ribbon. The fakes are attached by a regular plastic tag. Also alternate sizing has been noted. Oilily sizes are: 56, 62, 68, 74, 80, 86, 92, 98, 104, 110 (euro), 116, 122 (euro), 128, 134 (euro), 140, 146 (euro), 152, and 176 for childrens. Most fakes have the equivalent sizing, but there are counterfeit items sized 95 or 101, and that's a dead giveaway.

    Ask the seller to send you pics of the seams, details, tags and hangtags if you are wondering about the authenticity of their item. If they are honest, they'll probably do it. Look for slightly different coloring (it's a good thing to compare it to other items listed) and poor seamwork. Also ask where it was made, since the majority of Oilily items are made in India, Spain and Portugal. There are genuine pieces that are made in China, with an increase in the past few seasons. If it's any sort of nylon or vinyl you can bet it will be made in China (by Oilily), and all bags. However if you're thinking an item looks "off" and you have a question on it's authenticity if it's made in China I'd be suspicious.

   The most frequent years/seasons faked are: Summer 2005, with a high occurence in the Scratchprint Sunflower line and the Spoex kitty dresses. Fall 2005 has seemed pretty safe but have some items from the big girls line faked in the firebird collection. Summer 2006 has been faked, with a higher occurence in the skipping rope dress. Fall 2006 has quite a few items faked in the toddler girls and bigger girls collection. I find the Fall 06 line very easy to spot a fake as they are absolutely hideous. It's like they didn't even try... yay!! Haha.... It's pretty safe to say that any womens or boys items are genuine... also if it's vintage you're good.

    Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns about any questionable Oilily item out there (or just if you want some more tips). I buy almost every piece out of every collection directly from the stores, and my eyes have not failed me yet. I'll be happy to give a yes/no on authenticity. Please don't hold my word as golden though, as if you have a gut instinct that something is "too good to be true" I'd listen to it. :) 

    I belong to a great group of ladies that have just joined together to present a united front against this scam, http://groups.ebay.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1500003327 .Also please visit NOFAKEOILILY*COM for more info and pics for examples of real vs. fake items, tags and hangtags.

   Now let's kick some bootleg butt!! Good luck with your shopping, and be careful!!

-Anna (aka Oilily Crazed Fool)