You Like, You Buy Vol 37

Founded in China, Alibaba.com touts itself as the world's largest online business-to-business marketplace. While it caters for tradespeople rather than the retail public, it's interesting to know that there's some pretty whacked stuff on offer there. In particular, the apparel and fashion section serves as a sobering reminder that someone out there is actively churning out crap and someone else is actively stocking it up to sell to us.

After a short time on the site, I had already found some reliable leads to supply me with the items shown below. Before you point and laugh, remember that all this could soon be coming to a store near you.

Ties that even someone whose senses have been dulled by alcohol may think twice about wearing


A bag that washed up on the shore beside a hungover mermaid


The "even my kid could paint better than that" top


A blazer that appeals to your duelling personas


Animals that lost their lives in a dye factory explosion


Ill-fitting doggie clothing


Frilled culottes that started out as jeans but had a mid-life crisis


And last but not least, underwear that looks fantastic on the lower torso of an illuminated mannequin....


...but not so great on a human who's in between yard cleanups (maybe Not Safe For Work).

Blog to vote for: Simon World is nominated as Best Asian blog in The Weblog Awards.