The way she was: Barbra Streisand is set to auction off some of her belongings

The great Barbra Streisand, currently at the very top of the music charts with her newest album Love is the Answer (Sorry Mariah! Sorry Madonna!), is auctioning off all kinds of goodies including a costume from Yentl, a wig from On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and a gown she once wore to the Grammy Awards.

“Part of me hates to part with things that are great,” Barbra tells USA Today. “On the other hand, I really think you borrow things in life. They’re yours for awhile then you pass them on. It’s cleansing.”

In all, more than 500 items are being auctioned by Julien’s Auctions. The Collection of Barbra Streisand event to be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Oct. 17-18 with a week-long exhibition starting this Saturday.

The catalog is at juliensauctions.com, where viewers also can watch the auction live and participate in real time.

“Almost all of Barbra’s purchases have increased in value because she has such a good eye,” says CEO Darren Julien. “And I’ve seen that the depth of her fan base is amazing. This is a unique marketing opportunity.”