First Date Outfit - Dedicated to Charlie Bloom

I found out Friday evening that a good friend from growing up, Charlie Bloom, and his girlfriend passed away from a motorcycle accident. I hadn't spoken to him in years but my heart was broken by the news. Charlie was my first (and undoubtedly best) date ever, and I'd like to pay tribute to him by writing about our teenage rendezvous. Don't worry Style Rangers, I won't get too sappy on you, and I'll throw in some fashion tips at the end on what to wear to different restaurants so you can be ready for you next first!

Charlie Bloom circa late 1980's

I was a late bloomer in high school so my first real date wasn't till I was 16. I was so excited when Charlie asked me out....I had a crush on him for years and couldn't believe he liked me. I'd love to say I remember what I wore that night but memory fails me now other than I'm sure I had put hours of thought into it. My guess is it was my favorite black and white striped tank dress that was teeny weenie, so I could wow him with my non-existent curves.

Me & My Gal Pals showing off the amazing style that got me my first date with Charlie!

What I do remember clearly is how amazing the date was from start to finish. I have bragged about it for years and have said how could anyone ever compete with that???? (Thanks Charlie for making a destiny of all other men falling short the rest of my life :-) ) Although he lived twenty minutes away and our date was to start from his mom's house, he still came and picked me up. Chivalry was alive and strong back then - no "should we just meet there" dates. He looked more handsome than ever and was so sophisticated for a 17 year old. He opened my car door (another first for me), and I remember his car so vividly because it had automatic seat belts which I'd never seen before. (Needless to say, he got instantly cooler the second my safety was insured).

Yes, it's true - I was thoroughly impressed by automatic seat belts in the 80's  

Another great picture of Charlie from high school that his friend's posted on Facebook - no wonder I was so excited about our date

We talked and asked dorky date like questions for the 20 minute drive, but never once was I uncomfortable because he had such an easy personality. The date really got fun once we got back to his mom's house, and we took his boat out to the coolest restaurant on the water! He knew the menu already and seemed to be so confident with ordering. At that point I'd only dined with my parents or at Burger King with my friends, so it was nice having him lead the way and order for both of us. We ate Oysters Rockefeller (again, another first for me) and shrimp & drank Miami Vices. Yummy! After our date, we rode around the bay in the boat, and he taught me how to drive. I remember loving the wind blowing through my hair, driving fast and having his arms around me as he guided me around the bay like he owned it. He had a confidence and presence that most men, especially 17 year old men, do not possess.

Here's the dock I spent part of memorable date on

At that point, it was already an amazing date but we kept going from there. We returned the boat to his mom's and then headed to his dad's condo which had a long jetty dock. Charlie, being the smoothest 17 year old ever, was armed with a bottle of champagne & glasses in hand. Smooth really should have been his middle name! I remembering sitting out there for hours talking, laughing and needless-to-say - kissing. It was truly like a scene from a teen rom-com, and I feel so lucky to have experienced such an innocent & lovely evening.

You will be missed Charlie Bloom - You were always a winner

It's amazing how one night can be so impactful in someone's life. Charlie truly was a great man (both then and as an adult) and the best first date I could ever have hoped for. He had such an inner confidence that exuded from him. I will always remember him larger than life with a huge smile that was from ear-to-ear. Whenever my friends and I share horrible date stories, I always throw in that date to show that great dates do actually exist.  I wish he & I had kept in touch more often, but I love remembering him the way we were when we were younger. Fun, smart, dynamic, charming and truly effervescent.....he will be missed but will forever be in my heart. "The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important." - Martin Luther King, Jr. xoxo Sabrina Davis - your Style Ranger Range Boutique - Atlanta If you had an amazing date, we'd love to hear about and love to hear what you wore! None yet? Then, if you have an upcoming date that you think will be memorable, always make sure to look hot. Here's some tips on what looks will help make it the best "First" in your history.....

Headed to Atlanta's Top Sushi Restaurant - UMI - This outfit is hot, trendy and oh-so-cool - Shop Range Boutique Now

Headed to a hip & casual date at Bar Taco - Relaxed style and effortless  is what this restaurant is all about - Shop Range Boutique Now

Experiencing Atlanta's hottest trends right now-  Gypsy Kitchen? - look better than ever in this stunner - Shop Range Boutique Now

Headed to The Painted Pin? Bowl him over with your relaxed style all while still looking stunning - Shop Range Boutique Now