Isabella Oliver - do they last well/ are they a good second hand E-bay buy?

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I had some lovely tops from Isabella Oliver this time which I wore to oblivion but I can't remember whether they lasted well.

Have got my eye on a number of tops from there on E-bay - at about half the price they are new - but can anyone advise me if they last well/wash well?

It's so hard to try and return stuff on E-bay that I'd rather not have the hassle of receiving a parcel of faded stretched items!

I imagine for the extortionate price they charge you'd expect them to last well..

I have got new Isabella Oliver tops, and bought a couple off ebay, and while you can tell the Ebay ones have been used, they're still in pretty good nick. Suppose it's luck of the draw, and if you get faded ones you could always get a dylon washing machine dye in a similar colour and bung them in - I've done that with other clothes from ebay, and one of my IO tops.

Have you ever ironed anything from IO?

I ironed a dress i bought for speacial occaison (on lowest heat, honest) and it went all white and bubbly - wore off after a while but i am terrified of ironing it again.

I bought a couple from eBay, and while i was cheesed off at the condition they arrived in, with stitching separating under the arms I was impressed at the cut and quality, and they do wash well.

Formes are good too, esp those double layered tops. I bought four from ebay and wore them in rotation cos they were sooooo comfy.

Cheers all, I appreciate it - I vaguely remember my tops washing well last time but pregnancy has deleted a lot of my brain. Cannot believe the prices Isabella Oliver goes for on E-bay - £20-£30 for a used maternity top!

I bought some trousers for £65 but was slightly disappointed with the quality. Was expecting a heavier fabric for that price.
Packaging was very fancy but in these days of recycling slightly OTT. If I can sell again on Ebay and get £30 for them would be worth it.

I bought lots of IO stuff and the tops were all great (except the portrait top which DID fade around the rouching on the bust area) but the trousers were all sent back - agree with duvet, not the quality I expected and, because the fabric was not heavy as it should have been, they did not hang well.

They all did return to shape brilliantly though, and looked very nice.

I bought a halter wrap top in the sale last year, managed to sell it on ebay for more than I bought it for.

Maybe better buying new, looking after it and then selling it on?

Yes, I am still wearing my IO tops from last time I was pg (DD is 2) - most other stuff I chucked as it has had it but this still feels new. Mind you, I am anal about washing 30C/delicates etc.

mine lasted one pregnancy, OK but not amazing quality

lasts pretty well, but was dissapointed with white items felt they went a dodgy colour very quickly. Am now looking at ebay items for my current pregnancy. I wouldnt buy trousers as I feel they never sell on well second hand you think how big your bum gets and how much lounging around you do while wearing preggo trousers

I really agree re the trousers - I bought a pair last time and they were okay quality but very shapeless and went baggy quickly.

Geordieminx that's a good idea to consider buying new and selling it on - definitely my last pregnancy so tempting..

I did love their ruched poloneck - was pregnant in winter last time and wore it to death for work..

I bought a reversible black and white wrap dress from IO but after just one wear the inside (white part, which would be the outside if you wear it as a white dress) had gone all knobbly - as it's a wrap dress it obviously has to be in contact with itself, so to speak, so it seems like a poor design. I could never wear it white side out now.
I sent IO feedback and they have been most gracious, however as I have already worn it I am not sure if I can exchange it. At £100 or so a pop I think the quality should be better.

I also bought another item which I returned immediately without wearing it as I was disappointed with the quality, again especially considering the cost.

I have been much more satisfied with items I have bought from Jo Jo Maman & Pretty Pregnant. Jo Jo Maman especially is great value. I have also received some excellent clothes from friends the - 'Nappies' brand (I'm not sure what shop they come from) seem like excellent quality so far. And this considering they have already been worn through at least one pregnancy. I couldn't see myself passing on the IO items to anyone, however I have only experienced 2 items from the range.