Inspired by a blog called Shop My Closet, which sells new, gently used and vintage fashion finds via the blog platform, I decided to try out my own small-scale version by auctioning goods on eBay and featuring them here on The Budget Babe.

What I'm selling: These fun, flirty BCBGirls peep toe heels in like-new condition (I think I wore them twice), size 9.5, approx. 3" heels. Fabric upper with graphic butterfly print. Click here to view the complete listing.

Why I'm doing it: We all know that selling clothes on eBay that just don't fit or that you simply never wear is a great way to make space in your closet and earn a little extra cash. It does take some time and effort, which is why I haven't sold anything in years. However, my circumstances have changed and I absolutely must thin out my closet. First, the boyfriend and I just bought our first home. I know this sounds cheesy, but it's a freakin' dream come true.

But homes come with mortgages and, in our case, limited closet space. So the budget must be tightened, and until that walk-in closet gets built, I need to edit, edit, edit! Secondly, I counted 93 pairs of shoes while packing for the move...that's just sick and wrong (and that was just counting shoes in active rotation. Yikes!). Really, I was shocked. A pair here, a pair there and it really adds up. Don't judge! Go count how many shoes you have in yours, I bet it's up there.

Finally, 25% of the final sale price for all my listings will support Bottomless Closet*, a charitable organization that supports women in transition by providing business professional clothing, image, and career skills coaching, empowering them to interview with confidence, gain employment, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. *Administered by eBay Giving Works and MissionFish. See listing for details.

So wish me luck, and share your eBay selling tips, tricks and success stories in the comments.

Everyone loves Marc Jacobs and the designer loves everyone back, as evidenced by his playful Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008 collection filled with plenty of accessible fashions for his adoring fans. There were tons of trends we liked and they're easy to adopt even on a budget: Prints included plaid, houndstooth and checks. Dark shades, leggings, berets and biker boots rounded out the black-is-the-new-black accessories. And silhouettes ranged from cheerleader minis and pencil skirts to wearable trapeze frocks. All in all, Marc gave us lot of goodies to play with and mix and match to create our own "eighties-ish new-wave vibe" (via Style.com). In our budget-friendly take, we took Gap's plaid popover dress, roughed it up with some ASOS biker boots, added leggings for warmth (tuck them into boots and they'll read like tights), and then we tossed in a pop of color with a cute colorblock purse from Forever 21 (which I believe is actually a Prada knock-off).

Is this a look you love, hate, like for certain people...but not yourself?

Dress: Plaid popover dress at Gap.com, $58
Leggings: Express.com, $39.50
Boots: Buckle detail low biker boots at ASOS.com, $65.10
Purse: "Chroma" hobo handbag at Forever21.com, $19.80

Maybe it's too early to be thinking about snug cashmere sweaters and cozy wool coats, but the other night I caught my first episode of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo, and Rachel Zoe got me thinking about Halston (Zoe was hired as a creative consultant for the brand, although last I heard, she had been "let go") - all of which led me to peruse Halston's Fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection at Style.com.

In addition to gorgeous capes and other voluminous, billowy silhouettes, what caught my eye most was the way they worked over-the-knee boots (which are making a comeback this season) in a manner that exudes elegance and power. Mind you, over-the-knee boots can quickly sink an outfit into pole dancer/streetwalker/ dominatrix territory - all of which are places that we generally don't want to take our style. Generally.

But not so with Halston: Apparently, part of the trick is to pair your over-the-knee boots with a long coat, skirt or dress that just barely covers the top of the boot. Add an androgynous turtleneck, minimalist hair and makeup, and you've got yourself a edgy, sophisticated look for even the coldest days.

Not bad for a train of thought that began with Rachel Zoe.

Turtleneck: Cashmere turtleneck sweater at JCrew.com, $158
Coat: Calvin Klein Luxe Wing-Collar Wrap Coat at Macys.com, Was $275.00 Now $206.25
Boots: "Endear" over-the-knee leather boots at SteveMadden.com, $259.95

During a recent trip to the city, I spotted a stylish woman sporting a leaf print tunic from Forever 21. How did I know it was from Forever 21, you ask? Let's just say I know waaay too much about that store's inventory, plus, I had featured that very same tunic on ze blog only a few months earlier. It was etched in my mind, and I recognized it the instant I saw it. Naturally, I followed the unknowing fashionista and discreetly snapped the photo you see above (I'm not a stalker, I swear!) to share with all of you.

Some style notes I gleaned: First, this photo is evidence that women of all ages shop at F21, a budget retailer which is primarily targeted at the junior market. Second, mixing high with low is the way to go (note the Louis Vuitton purse in her left hand). Finally, dark-wash boot leg jeans are the perfect mate for long tunic tops - you certainly don't have to go the legging route. I also think this New Yorker's look would be great for fall or an air conditioned office if she paired it with a snug cardigan or fitted jacket. My only complaint is the visible bra strap, but we'll let it slide since her top is a steal at just $10.99.

Get the look: Leaf Print Tunic at Forever21.com (Also available in red/cream), Was $22.80 Now $10.99

Prada made lace the hallmark of her Fall 2008 collection, and now everyone's carrying some form of the openwork fabric. Our intention with these "runway to real way" posts isn't to bastardize the work of great designers - we get it, there's no comparing apples and oranges - but we think inspiration can and should be drawn from the "source." The look on the left isn't something most of us could wear without feeling a bit ridiculous (ok, really ridiculous) in our fabulous, everyday lives - yet the look on the right is not only wearable, it's downright chic. A lace skirt, feminine blouse and on-trend patent oxford booties make lace work for, say, the office and drinks afterwards.

Top: Fitted cotton long-sleeve shirt at BananaRepublic.com, $59
Skirt: Modern Vintage Lace Skirt at Forever21.com, $29.80
Shoes: Tate Oxford Bootie at Payless.com, $24.99