Katerina’s challenge: 2014 and 2024

So, this first photo is from before YLF (which I joined in 2017) but I did show it once before in an early post.
Every year our Art Deco city down country, city of Napier, has a festival. Napier had a major earthquake in Feb 1931 with many deaths (actually including my great-grandmother and her daughter, my great-aunt) and they rebuilt it in Art Deco style. It wasn’t until the late 80s that they sort of realised what they had there and started celebrating it. I have only been this one time and bought this fringed tunic plus the pink petticoat plus the cobalt shoes to wear to one of the days.
10 years later and I have just returned from the lunch celebration for Neil’s parents who have been (incredibly) married 68 years today. Grandad was born 11 days after that earthquake, 93 years ago, and Grandma 5 years later. He has been in public hospital care for 2 months this year after a hip fracture and now another 2 months in private hospital care. This was his first trip home, in wheelchair, in over 4 months today. We felt it was an auspicious occasion so I dressed up moderately and suddenly realised when I got home this could fit the challenge!
Pic 1: Feb 2014 Art Deco
Pics 2/3: at home today, after returning from the lunch.

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1 week ago

Lisa

Veteran

How fun that you inadvertently did the challenge! This tunic is beautiful, you wear pink very well. And I like both ways it was styled. I also think it could look really nice with white pants.

slim cat

Very fun tunic - love it both ways! The throwback pic is adorable!

cjh

(website)

Very pretty tunic. I especially like the current jewelry.

Suz

Wow, congratulations to your DH's parents -- how extraordinary! Also, what a gift that your father in law was able to return home today.

And congrats to you, too, for joining this celebration, and reviving the beautiful art deco style! These sentimental items hold a special magic, I think.

Jenni NZ

My MIL was in tears soon after we got there. Neil had brought Grandad in his (Neil’s) car and they had got there 5 minutes before me- I brought the roast lamb and roast veg and strawberries with me along with my DD1, son-in-law, and wee granddaughter. MIL was so happy to see her husband at home even just for a few hours. It’s very unusual for her to cry- not sure I have seen it before in almost 40 years of knowing her…

Helen247

Active Member

The tunic is so lovely and you are glowing.

Star

Not only is this tunic beautiful Jenni, also so many sentimental memories attached to it from before and now. A special piece. I love that it can be dressed up and down. I like that quality in an item.

Katerina

What an incredible story, Jenni. Today’s reunion sounds very touching, and congratulations to Neil’s parents on their anniversary. The tunic you wore today is lovely and perfectly suited to the occasion. I also love your festival outfit from back then—the tunic is not only beautiful but also a meaningful piece.

Dee

What a darling story, you look fab in this lovely floral tunic both then and now.

Bijou

The moody floral pattern looks beautiful on you. You wear this well both ways and have accessorised to great effect.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

KILLER then, and KILLER now, Jenni!

Congrats to Neil's parents too. Heartwarming

Thanks everyone. I have worn it over 30 times now but it took about 10 years to get there. It has been to other Art Deco themed events a couple of times including to my 60th birthday, 3 years ago.

Jaime

Great looking tunic then and now! And congratulations to Neil's parents!

Firecracker (Sharan)

What a beautiful tunic. Both outfits are super fab, too. I love the jewelry you chose for the "now" look. It's wonderful your in-laws could be together for their anniversary celebration, and you could share the moment with them.

The Cat

Great looks, both of them. I keep coming back to the 2024 version. This is one of your best outfit pics, Jenni. Perfect styling with those slim black pants. You look very fab. Even inspirational.

Best wishes for your parents in law. Good to hear that you were all able to gather. What a happy, touching moment to remember!

My parents, too, had been married for 68 years (in March this year). However, my father sadly passed away in September, 94 years old. At his funeral, we showed a lot of pictures from his long, rich life--among them were happy scenes from earlier wedding days.

Oh The Cat, I’m sorry about the loss of your father. I remember that you had moved to be with your parents to look after them.
We really don’t expect either of Neil’s parents to live that much longer, his mother has quite bad congestive heart failure. But then earlier this year we thought she would die and she rallied, and we have thought that about him many times. Partly why we tried to do this special event, as we know they will not be here at some point!
I hope your mother is coping.
And thank you for the compliment.

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