Upon the parcel's arrival, excitement turned to disbelief as Smith tried the dress on, only to realise it was several sizes too small.
"It was like I was wearing children's clothes, I just seem to be a sucker for punishment.
"I really didn't care if it didn't fit because it only cost me 27 bucks, but it just turned out to be a complete rip-off," she said.
While most people laughed with her about the dud item, Smith said she received online abuse as well.
"Some people got quite aggressive just because I had bought a rip-off. It's not like I did on purpose."
Smith put her failed purchase on Trade Me with the auction set to end on Saturday at 8.48pm. The bidding on Friday was sitting at $180.
Smith said it had been a learning curve, but she'd received plenty of support and kind messages from all over the world.
"I've had a lot of people saying thanks for sticking up for us bigger girls. I'm a size 18-20 and a lot of people keep saying 'thank you for being brave', I don't think I'm being brave, I think the whole thing's hilarious."
"I'll still order from Ali Express, but I'll just make sure that I go up four sizes at least before making the purchase, I wouldn't trust the size chart at all."
Smith has always had a love of fashion and describes her choice as 'fun and bright'.
"It's like a child dresses me," she laughed.
Although she only paid a minimal amount for the dress, Smith said she was blown away with how much attention it had received on the Trade Me auction.
"I said it only cost me $27, I have no idea why they're bidding so much, they could just go on to Ali Express and get one, I think it's fantastic that it's received so much hype though."
