InvenTORI

Before I picked up some clothes at Roni B's for Kids' Choice Awards week, I decided to make a stop at Tori Spelling's new antique/gift store called InvenTORI.  While I have never worked with Tori, my life always seems to orbit within six degrees of separation or less.  I've been on a job with her first husband, Charlie, I spent six weeks on a AOL show I hosted in 2007 with her makeup artist, Brandy, and Tori used to socialize with an acquaintance of mine from NY.  I am also happy to report that everyone says she is kind, hard-working, and a lot of fun to be around.  Exactly how I think Donna Martin should act.

Well, lucky me, Sunday was the day to see her in person.  I was there to shop, but Tori and Dean, her hubby, were there to promote, promote, promote their new wedding show, sTORIbook Weddings on the Oxygen Network.  Are you sensing a TORI theme here?  Anyway, they had brides, grooms, balloons, champagne, and plenty of cupcakes on hand to celebrate the day. Tori and Dean were signing books and taking pictures, but I wanted to shop.  Her tastefully decorated store is a mishmash of baby items, antiques, high-end toiletries, and goodies for your pooch.  The most interesting pieces in the store are the antiques that come from Tori's own collection.  They are for sale, they are fantastic, and they are overpriced.  I called it "Tori pricing".  If you bought the beautiful lavender vintage bottles at the flea market, the set of 3 would cost you about $45.  Here, the set of 3 would set you back about $80.  It's truly a store for the hardcore fan.  So, while I loved the idea of her collection, I was not in love with the prices.

A couple of juicy tidbits to take away from all of this.  Don't be surprised if you read a Tori Spelling pregnancy article soon.  I can't be 100% sure since I am not her OB, but she sure looked like she might be sporting a baby bump. (Just remember you heard it here at Red Carpet Closet first!)  Finally, if InveTORI isn't enough for you, Lisa Rinna's store, Belle Gray, is 2 doors down selling overpriced clothing and Melissa Joan Hart's candy store, Sweet Harts, is a block away and it's the most affordable of the celebrity store bunch.  Be sure to try Carnie Wilson's Red Velvet Moon Pies!  What?  You thought they would sell ordinary, pedestrian moon pies?  For shame, it's Hollywood, kids, so only a celeb baked good will do.

UPDATE:  Since many of you are searching for the addresses for Ventura Boulevard's Celebrity Row, here they are all in one spot.  The celebs are not always in store, but Tori and Dean do lots of promotions there.  You can stay in touch with their appearances on their Facebook page.

InvenTORI
13826 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA

Belle Gray
13812 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA

Sweet Harts
13704 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA

Roni B.
13626 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA
(Be sure to tell Roni that KB at Red Carpet Closet sent you!)