Here, I am wearing a stunning silk panneled teddy from the 30s. It's even prettier in person with insets of black tiered lace all around the skirt. The stockings are size 10 FF with seams of course : )

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About me and my auctions

I am a vintage wearing, open minded, free spirited bi-girl. I haven't been to a Mall in about 12 years, preferring the little local owner operated shops, thrifts and vintage places. Former handles include: Artist/painter (watercolorist) I had a few shows locally and sold some pieces but the phrase "starving Artist" definitely applied. Counselor and advocate for persons with disabilities, book scout, tattoo artist, "exotic" dancer (briefly, way back in the mid 80s), Henna/Mehendi artist (this was a fun gig and I met so many neat people), a few small potatoes modeling jobs back in my younger days. I looked like Pat Bennetar ha, ha! My backround, although not a resume you would think would be good for anything other than titillating conversation, has left me uniquely suited to do exactly what I'm doing here on 'the bay'. I'm also a friend of Bill W's (if you who that is, shoot me an email) and I'm Crossdresser/TG/TV friendly. I've dated several CDs over the years and so I know what you like and what you're about. More so than most folks anyway. However this decaration does not mean that it's ok to push my boundaries by coming on to me or sending me pictures of your favorite deli meat, namely the Sausage, unless it's well covered. Other femme dress-up pictures are always fun and I love to get them.

If I make a mistake, I always try my best to make it right. I've sold thousands of pieces of vintage lingerie over the years and it happens once in a while that I miss something I should have noted in the auction but I don't ever purposely fib about condition, size or anything else. When shopping for vintage lingerie on ebay it's important to always check your items for size and condition against the auction description as soon as you you get them - before too much time goes by and you can't remember who the seller was or have missed the boat for returns if applicable. If you receive something that's not as advertised on ebay, it's important to let the seller know and ask for a partial or full refund. Which reminds me... If you have some really great pieces that don't fit or that you don't wear or don't want anymore, I'd love to sell them for you on ebay or just buy them from you. Email me for details at cherrytomatoe69@yahoo.com. Much of my stock is from old stores and never worn - probably 70% or more. Some with the tags and some without. I don't sell items with serious problems. I will offer items that have been worn and washed but only if they are still fresh, tight, clean and in great shape. On the rare occasion that you find some little thing I missed in the auction description, email me and let me know. I'm really easy to work with and will usually take a return for a refund. I have had a blast selling on ebay and I am always changing my 'about me' by adding new movies and stuff so check back often to see what's new. I love emails and pictures from customers and friends. Please email again if I don't get back within a few days. I have some ongoing medical problems and that can put things on hold for a day or two.

I just love ebay. You can find the coolest stuff and I think bidding in an auction is fun and exciting in a way that just buying something from a website is not. Some recent wins: Betsey Johnson Leopard cuff watch, Fabulous silk 30s pjs, some vintage Playboy magazines (I put the centerfolds on the wall in my bathroom), super cool mid cent modern vintage gravel pictures for the owl and mushroom themed kitchen. I know the former doesn't sound like it would go but It does. You'd have to see it. Since I only have one Ebay seller ID, I occasionally offer a few non lingerie items but I am first and foremost a lingerie seller. It's my passion and I have so much fun photographing and writing about it for my auctions. I am always offering a wide variety of exciting pieces - many in larger sizes for the full figured girl so check back often to see what's new!

Here are some lovely testimonials (in no particular order) from Folks who have shopped with me. Thank you all so much for your kind words!

Cherry is one of the most ethical, honest and trustworthy sellers I have met on eBay. I can't say enough about what a positive experience it is to work with her. I also can't say enough about the quality and style of the beautiful lingerie and other items she offers. It's so nice to communicate and deal with such a friendly, outgoing and warm individual....one who doesn't exploit little things like shipping cost and one who ALWAYS follows through on her commitments. Thank you Cherry and I look forward to your other auctions. Regards, Cdn_collector

Cherry, I am thrilled to be a semi-regular customer and am thrilled to sell similar lingerie items to yours also on eBay. The reason I am double thrilled is that you are fair, honest, enthusiastic, colorful, compassionate, eclectic and a serious kick-in-the-pants. You have and continue to shape our eBay community and for that I thank you. The variety of garments you sell could have filled at least five lingerie museums in the past six years I've been ebaying with you. I can honestly say I have been to at least 5 movies I wouldn't have seen if it hadn't been for your "About Me" pages. We all hope you can continue to find dozens and dozens of great vintage lingerie every month so we can continue to enjoy clearly the best eBay seller in the under-world. Keep up the good work. signed: intima

In the past year I have dealt with many vintage lingerie sellers. The level of quality and choice I have found with Cherry has been second to none. Descriptions are accurate, prices are great and the items are always unique, quality pieces. You will never go wrong buying from Cherry*tomato. Expect to be thrilled - I always have been. joelkuper, extremely satisfied ebayer

I just wanted to write you this morning to let you know how delighted I am with my recent purchase. You are definetly one of the top Sellers on eBay as you always are accurate with your descriptions and have the highest quality items, affordable pricing and quick deliveries. Please keep up the good work and outstanding Customer Service. Regards, Gardenfun1

As a long-time collector of fine vintage lingerie, I have come to appreciate when an e-Bay seller goes out of the way to gather only the finest examples of the lingerie makers art, post a professional, comprehensive, balanced, accurate, and most of all fun product description, communicate promptly and courteously, and provide friendly and speedy customer service. A lot of people have jumped on the vintage lingerie bandwagon, but no one does better research, or provides better products or services than cherry*tomato! She stands out because she loves what she does, she does it right, and she cares about her clients. I look for quality, value, and great service when searching for that special piece, and the very first place I start is CT. alacon

Cherry*tomato has a fabulous way of bringing out the best in her fantastic vintage lingerie, she is innovative and refreshing and entertaining to say the least! We just love your spirited selling techniques and attitude! Best wishes always, unbuttoned

Thanks so much, Cherry! You have another happy customer. I just wanted to let you know that I now regularly watch your auctions as I want to support people who I feel truly deserve my business. That and your auctions have so much personality. I just love to read your descriptions; they make me laugh out loud. More importantly, you have shown me that you really do care about making your customers happy and you have integrity in your business dealings. You have built my trust, unlike some of the other ebay sellers I have dealt with in the past. And again, thank you for fully crediting my account when there was a shipping problem. I have enjoyed our email exchanges and look forward to finding vintage lingerie in your future auctions. I wish you loads of good luck! Jeff/mangozlover

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful items I got last week on Ebay. You really are amazing!! Where do you get this stuff? You know that I buy a lot on Ebay, and I must say you are my favorite vendor. Being a "part time girl" can be more than a little off-putting, but your approach and attitude have always made me feel welcome and accepted. I look forward to getting things from you because they are always as advertised. I always feel good about your auctions, except when I lost on that amazing all-in-one you had a few years ago because I wasn't paying attention......well that's in the past. Thanks again, and count on me to be one of your best customers in the future. April Larue

Cherry*Tomato is the greatest eBay has to offer in Vintage Lingerie & uniquely Sexy items! I always look foward to reading the item descriptions, they are so full of personality! The items always arrive quickly & beautifully packed,like presents! Thank you for providing a quality site & being a perfect seller! lavonneqb

Looking for some special vintage delicates? Well, this is the place to come and feel welcome! And I do not say this lightly, as cherry*tomato not only helped me with my questions about various items, but also made me feel like one of the gang (at a time when I really needed that). 'Great item layouts make for a fun place to browse, not to mention her warm and personal "About me". I cannot recommend Cherry and her site more! -ktxkd

Shipping

NEW SHIPPING POLICY: All items or combination of several wins totalling 100.00 or more will be shipped free anywhere in the world! My shipping costs are lower than most and I don't charge a handling fee. SHIPPING IS ALWAYS A REASONABLE FLAT RATE AND IS ALWAYS POSTED CLEARLY BOTH ABOVE AND BELOW THE PICTURES AND DESCRIPTION IN MY AUCTIONS. This way you'll always know exactly what to pay without waitiing for emails or sending your information. Just hit the "pay now" button(or the "request total" if you are combining shipping on several items). I also send an invoice as a reminder after each auction closes.

Flat rates for shipping are as follows:

DOMESTIC

All items shipped within the continental U.S. are 4.00 FOR PRIORITY mail.

INTERNATIONAL

Panties, lightweight bras, small panty girdles, half slips and lightweight ob girdles (anything that fits) ships overseas in a flat rate Global Priority envelope or in a manila envelope for 5.00 -6.00.

Corsets, all-in-one girdles, nightgowns, sets and heavier or bulkier items are shipped in a flat rate 9.00 Global Priority envelope or standard Airmail usually for 7.00 - 9.00, sometimes more in the case of very heavy corsets or lots.

I love to combine shipping! Keep shopping for as long as two weeks or so and If your total is over 100., shipping is free anywhere in the world! Please pay for all items in one payment when you are finished shopping and ready for me to ship.

Your first corset? Some basic tips on fitting, size and training.

Vintage 30s and 40s Fanlacing corsets are ideal for newer corset wearers for several reasons: They can be adjusted by ones self without assistance; The waist and hips can be drawn to slightly different compression levels; they are generally fairly comfortable, supportive and very controlling without the custom fittings needed for the commonly reproduced Victorian styles.

Reproductions of Victorian and Edwardian corsets are everywhere! Slews of companies make them in a range of colors and fabrics and you can pay anywhere from fifty to a thousand depending on the quality, style and whether or not it's a custom piece. The beautiful 20s/30s through mid century corsets are NOT reproduced much if at all so if you want one, you have to go vintage and thankfully you can still find some wonderful examples in excellent condition - on ebay (and especially here at cherry*tomato)! I was the first ebay seller to really examine, research, play with and display them (right side up and right side out!) properly and attractively. If you have a corset from this period in mind but havent seen exactly what you need or the right size, shoot me an email. I may very well have it.

If you are new to wearing corsets, you shouldnt try to reduce smaller than 4" down from your natural waist. So, A person whose natural waist size is 28 inches should order a corset that measures about 24 inches in the waist, and could wear the piece semi closed at the back giving a 3 inch reduction, or fully closed giving a 4 inch reduction. Ideally, you would have no more than a 1" gap in back though you can manage with a little more especially if you have a lacing bar or fabric backing.

Always check the measurements in my description of the corset (or girdle or anything really...) Never go by the way the item fits my mannequin. I have tricks for making things appear to fit my Eleanor better than they do.

It's best not to lace your corset too tightly for the first several weeks. A new/old (deadstock) corset like this should be gradually broken in. (I have one here that needs to go to a seamstress. It's from a friend who bought it (deadstock) on ebay for big bucks, immediately put it on and pulled with all her might to get it as tight as she could and split the seam all along the side of the hooks and eyes in front! It takes a while for the fabric to adjust to the strain and conform to your body shape and similarly, for your body to adjust to the constriction/compression :)

Movie reviews! Occasionally I'll 'review' a big blockbuster but I've tried to write about movies you may not have seen or heard about here.

School of Rock

(Not to be confused with "Rock School", the mainstream, "based on a true story" piece of crap starring Jack Black), School of Rock is a documentary about the guy who founded Rock School, the only school of it's kind I think, in the US. It's in Philidelphia. This guy is a powerhouse, probably bi-polar, definitely a 12 stepping narcissist lol. A hell of an interesting guy with his own unique perspectives on musical instruction, dealing with teens, (troubled and otherwise) and childrearing. Enthralling, Exciting, Fun, and different. If you like documentaries and havent seen this one, you gotta, gotta check it out! (loud Black sabbath guitar chords here)Satin rules!

I was a little dissapointed. I would have liked it if it had been more authentic feeling I think but a big money hollywood production can't have subtitles if it wants to be a success here. I watched the special features segment called " the look of the Geisha" to see the reasoning if any behind the veering away from the authentic Geisha look in some ways and the rigorous authenticity in others. Authentic: the 3 plus heavy layers of kimono and bulky obi, weird, high platform wood sandals.. And the not-so-Geisha-like: the lighter white make-up, lower neckline in back with funky points painted on, and softer eye make-up. With their boxy kimonos, weird waxed hair and still-pretty-white make-up the movie version, like the real Geishas still aren't particularly attractive to Westerners. I didn't see any rhyme or reason to it. I'm a purist I guess. Do it authentically down to each little hair comb or go all the way to the other end of the spectrum and make them lotus blossom sexpots in cleavage baring silk nighties and bardot bedroom hair hee hee. The story, or the adaptation I guess,(I havent read the book) with it's spiteful, brawling, arson happy Geishas felt off to me too. The love interest, the Chairman, was kind of vapid and shiny. Not especially yummy. I thought the scarred guy was more interesting and better looking (you could just sit on the other side from the scarred part right?) he was feisty and passionate, personality traits sorely lacking in the Chairman, and the fact that he hated Geisha would have made him a challenge. I liked the young Sayuri and Pumpkin better too. They were so cute! The older versions were kind of boring I thought. With her stauesque beauty, columnal neck and model's bone structure, Gong Li, playing the hateful Hastimomo stole every scene she was in. I wonder if she would have been considered for the lead role if she spoke English? I can see why the music won a (Golden Globe was it?) though. Hauntingly beautiful and the production design and cinnematography were terrific bringing up the grade somewhat for me. Maybe I'm being to hard on it. I didn't hate it, I just thought it could have been better. It made me curious about real Geisha life in the 30s. grade C (or 3 tomatoes)

Brokeback Mountain

This movie is creating quite the buzz, at least around here in liberal gayville lol. Being a fan of gay porn, I confess I mostly wanted to see it for the hot guy-on-guy action lol. Heath Ledger is a grade A hottie and I've liked Jake Gylenhall since I saw him in 'Donnie Darko'. (he was great in the highly recommended 'Moonlight Mile' too). Anyway, this film was so much more. It stays with you. Images and bits of dialogue kept popping into my head since I saw it. I guess it's about internalized homophobia, starcrossed love that transcends, overcomes. (always a winner in my book!)And about two men managing to have a love affair spanning 20 years despite marriages, great physical distance and living in a straight, narrow, closed world. It affected me more than I thought it would having seen most of the gay/lesbian films made in the last 20 years. Brilliant! Sweet, sad, sexy, moving. The only problem with films like this is that the folks who need to see it never will. A (or 5 tomatoes)

News of the weird.

I was out in the country scouting lingerie and saw a guy in a weird uniform marching by himself along the road's shoulder beating a large drum worn on a wide strap around his neck. the uniform was a smocklike deal in reds and yellows with fringe. I love driving around. Sitting in front of my computer I don't get see interesting and bizarre things like this drumming marching guy - well not live and in person anyway lol. Oh, there's also a fellow who's notorious in a town not far from here for riding his bike all over the place completely covered from head to toe in white plastic garbage bags. He's been at it for years. The bag guy. I've seen him a few times. Makes you wonder. I assume he's paranoid schizophrenic and fears exposure to the death beams or radiation or whatever and thinks the bags protect him. Kind of like the red man in San Francisco.

My new/old "vintage" poodle pet

I've been wanting a dog for a while now but didn't think I could really take care of one given my physical limitations. I was perusing "petfinder.com" one day as I did from time to time and I got to thinking.. If the dog were very tiny and/or older or also disabled in some way, it might work. (to be continued)

Recent good reads.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

The Harry Potter books are just plain fun and HP and the Half Blood Prince is no exception with a tightly paced plot, lots of humor, a little romance and as in the rest of the series, the ongoing themes of friendship, honor and bravery and doing the right thing. This one has twisty ending that will knock your socks off too! I won't give it away but - wow! I can't recommend this enough. If you've read the others but not this one yet, it's worth springing for the hardcover or begging, borrowing or (well not stealing lol)to get your hands on a copy.

When I first heard about the VFG, I was intrigued and decided to apply. To find out more about the VFG, cut and paste the link below into your address bar. For sellers, it's a great way to let bidders know that you are qualified to do what you do and it's an awesome resource for anyone interested in vintage clothing!