"Sex and the City" fashion up for auction

HBO's "Sex and the City" has started auctioning off fashion items worn on the show. The good news is that you don't have to be as thin as Sarah Jessica Parker to bid on trend-setting items. Things that have been sold on the auction site not only include clothing, but also accessories such as a horse-head purse and Kenneth Jay Lane Diamante Star Earrings.

The auction underscores recent efforts by media companies such as USA Networks to combine online commerce and television. As high-speed Internet access grows, the promise of a mass market for interactive multimedia appears to be closer than ever, and many media giants are placing their bets on the convergence of TV entertainment and e-commerce.

Keep in mind that when you shop like a star, you pay the price. The items are not cheap. Recently an American flag sequined purse, which normally retails for $30, sold for $510. But all the profits go to various charities chosen by "Sex and the City" stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall. The charities include City Parks Foundation, Drama Dept., Planned Parenthood and the Music Maker Relief Foundation.

So why would someone want to buy used items? Tom Clark, who recently bid $320 for a Hogan Tote bag said, "I think it's great that 'Sex and the City' is donating items from the show to be auctioned off for a charitable cause. My wife loves the show, and this will be the perfect present."

Auctions open every Monday at 11 a.m. PDT, and items can be bid on for a week. The bidding is done through eBay, but the auction is facilitated through Take to Auction. Payments, which include taxes and shipping, can be made by credit card or check. The final auction, which will take place Aug. 13-23, will include Sarah Jessica Parker's signature piece of jewelry from the show, a horseshoe diamond necklace by Mia and Lizzie.