Marni and McDreamy

Thursday was a good day because the sun was shining, I bought a Marni blouse at discount and the actor Patrick Dempsey was in my future.

I managed to scare up a little time to visit the Marni outlet at #1 via Tajani. Apparently, pretty much every other editor designated the same window of opportunity as Marni time. The place was lively and it was stuffed to the gills with merchandise from the last several seasons. While most of the merchandise - from clothes to sunglasses - is from the women's collection, there is a small selection of Marni menswear as well.

The "Grey's Anatomy" star was the guest of honor at a Versace dinner following the presentation of the fall '08 collection. Dempsey is the "face" of their new advertising campaign. I had a few moments with Dempsey during the cocktail hour and he remarked on how impressed he was to learn that the Versace family has dressmaking and tailoring deep in its family tree. Mama Versace was, I believe, a dressmaker with her own shop.

Dempsey was quite the charmer and his wife was equally as lovely. I did not, however, feel that his wife and I'd established enough of a bond during our five minute conversation to exclaim: You just had twins! How the heck do you look so svelte?!

Dempsey said he'd been a fan of Versace menswear even before he'd signed on to represent the brand. Of course, I was highly skeptical. But his manager, who was one of the guests at my table during dinner, assured me that really, Dempsey had worn Versace to various award shows, events, etc. So ok, we'll take them both at their word.

I only wish that everyone could have a chance to dine chez Versace. First of all, the food was spectacular. I wish I could tell you what it was other than saying it was pasta and fish, followed by a chocolate/hazelnut dessert and washed down with good wine and champagne. And more champagne. The place wasn't loaded with gold leaf and Medusa heads. It is quite understated but very grand. The room was filled with candlelit tables and low arrangements of pale pink and white roses. Gorgeous.

Donatella is looking so svelte these days I honestly wondered if she'd had a rib removed to get such an hourglass shape. Perhaps it's the magic of a Versace frock? If that's the case, the Versace boutique will be my next pitstop.