THE ROOT 9: 3.3

I’m on the hunt for a bomber, and I think you should be too.

Spring's fickle weather demands a wardrobe both stylish and adaptable, and right now, I'm totally living for the bomber jacket. It's the perfect transitional piece, effortlessly layering over anything from a breezy dress to a simple tee and jeans, without ever feeling bulky or out of place. It’s such a versatile piece - you can personalize it with patches, experiment with bleach, or elevate it with unique accessories. Plus, it’s a prime candidate for a thrift store hunt if you want something no one else will have.

Just as the bomber captures the effortlessly cool, so does Phil Oh. His street style photography is a staple at Vogue and something I look forward to combing through. Oh started his journey by starting his own blog, Street Peeper, in 2006 and was noticed by Vogue for his unique niche. He’s since become the undisputed master of capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of fashion outside the runway. It's inspiring to see how his dedication to a specific niche transformed a hobby into a thriving career. He doesn't just photograph clothes; he captures the emotion, the buzz, the very essence of what it feels like to be immersed in the whirlwind of a major fashion event. It's this authentic perspective that makes his work so captivating.

And at the most recent New York and Paris Fashion Week, the bomber jacket was showcased by Oh across the board - basically validating my need to purchase another (this section is called retail therapy after all…) Phil Oh's lens documented a diverse array of bomber styles, from oversized nylon versions paired with both mini and maxi skirts, to classic varsity bombers adding a sporty edge. He captured sleek leather bombers styled with baggy denim or tailored trousers, and soft suede bombers juxtaposed with color-blocked skirts and tops. Even sherpa-lined bombers made an appearance, alongside the more ‘trendy’ pairing of awkward lengths for 2025. The sheer range of interpretations showcased the bomber's adaptability, solidifying its place as the ultimate spring statement piece. See below for some of my favorite shots:

Pretend You're Not From Here!

I’ll admit, I learned the hard way. When I studied abroad in Milan, I lived a five-minute walk from the Duomo, and I never actually went inside. Not once. Yet, the landmark is one of the first people take photos of and plan to visit in the city.

Applying that to living in San Francisco, I don’t want to one day potentially leave the city and realize I missed out on some of the most iconic places: the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, Coit Tower, Ghirardelli Square, etc.. Last weekend, we finally crossed Alcatraz off the list. Was it a place I'd revisit every year? Probably not. But it was a fantastic reminder to pause and ask myself: are there any must-see spots I've been neglecting? It's fun to give those famous landmarks the attention they command from others to see what it’s all about, even if you live right next door.

So, be a tourist in your own city! Romanticize your surroundings. Book a tourist experience, hop on one of those open-top tour buses, and see your city from a fresh perspective. Yeah, it might feel a little cheesy, but there's a reason those attractions are famous – people genuinely want to see them. Think about it: is there a spot in your city you've been taking for granted? Something you've always meant to do but never got around to? Make it an easy weekend plan. You might be surprised at how much you rediscover about the place you call home. It's about appreciating the familiar with a tourist's wide-eyed wonder.

We all carry echoes of past connections, individuals who, even years later, leave an undeniable imprint on our lives. Their influence shapes our perspectives, guides our choices, and subtly alters the course of our journey. Yet, how often do we pause to acknowledge these silent architects of our personal narratives? That person who still resonates within you—have you voiced your gratitude, or are they still waiting to hear?

Take a moment to reflect: are there bridges left uncrossed, words of appreciation left unspoken? Perhaps a simple message, a heartfelt 'thank you,' is all it takes to illuminate their day, and to honor the enduring power of a meaningful connection.