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Accidental nudity on eBay? Not as uncommon as you'd think

Yes, yes. We were all shocked and scandalized when the photo of a dress being sold on eBay included the seller's — ahem — rather under-dressed reflection. But let's be serious: This definitely wasn't the first time something like this happened, nor is it likely to be the last.While TODAY.com was unable to reach the seller behind the latest viral auction, the basic details are apparent. A young
After initially posting an auction listing with a somewhat naughty photo, this yellow dress' seller re-listed it ... and watched the bids pile up thanks to the media attention garnered by the original listing.
After initially posting an auction listing with a somewhat naughty photo, this yellow dress' seller re-listed it ... and watched the bids pile up thanks to the media attention garnered by the original listing.eBay / Today

Yes, yes. We were all shocked and scandalized when the photo of a dress being sold on eBay included the seller's — ahem — rather under-dressed reflection. But let's be serious: This definitely wasn't the first time something like this happened, nor is it likely to be the last.

While TODAY.com was unable to reach the seller behind the latest viral auction, the basic details are apparent. A young woman from Oxfordshire, England was auctioning off a size 10 dress (described as an "Asos Yellow Skater Dress," to be specific). The starting bid on the garment was £15.99 (about $25). The auction listing included a photo of the dress hanging from a closet door, which happens to have a mirror next to it. A mirror in which we can see the reflection of the individual who took the photo — who is wearing a bra ... but no panties. Whoops.

It's not like we should be shocked by this incident. In the past, we've seen a tea kettle with a reflection of a nude man (who only retains his modesty because of a well-positioned tripod), a topless woman reflected on a television screen, an elderly woman's bare chest reflected on shiny CD cases, and some indecently dressed individuals in the backgrounds of a variety of auction photos. (The Daily Mail's Suzannah Hills and the Sun's Matt Quinton have similar tales to tell, including one about a completely naked fella who seemingly didn't notice that he was visible in the mirror next to the dining room set he was selling.)

We can debate all day long about whether these folks truly didn't realize that some naughty bits were exposed in the photos on their auction listings or if they staged things, for simple exhibitionism or perhaps for added attention to the sale. We'll never really know, no matter how often we spot these blush-inducing images.

Now, as far as the gal with the yellow dress goes ... we do know a bit more about her story. According to the Huffington Post, she yanked down the auction listing with the naughty reflection in the photo and posted another — the shot above, showing herself fully clothed and proudly holding the dress.

After 31 bids, the new auction listing is at £100,500.00 (about $160,000). Can you believe that nudity sells, folks? On the Internet?

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