Invite Me, 66 Anderson St, Yarraville, Phone: 9318 933

At first glance it may seem that Invite Me is much like your typical home and party wares shop.

But it doesn’t take a much more serious look to see there’s something lovely and different going on here.

The in-house stock is relatively small but obviously chosen with care and sublime taste.

Some of the goodies are designed and otherwise created by boss lady Simone herself, but everything in her newish retail concern displays a unity of style and panache that is pleasing to the eye.

The shop has been open for about three months and is the outward manifestation of a successful online operation that has been going for eight years or so.

The shop is housed in a wonderful old Yarraville premises at the less retail-heavy end of Anderson St.

The old-school rooms suit the merchandise perfectly, especially in cases where Simone’s retro penchant is given free rein.

Simone tells me that among her most popular lines are personalised stationery, cake stands and candy jars that many customers use for desserts.

Opening the shop has been a logical move away from operating out of her home and is already attracting new customers, as well as online regulars from all over the city pleased to have a bricks-and-mortar place to frequent.

The Invite Me website is here and it Facebook page is here.