recollections.biz Reviews
About this CompanyRecollections is your connection to history-inspired fashions. What was once a dream on a kitchen table has grown into an e-tail company with a global presence. Recollections was founded in 1981 in southern Michigan.
It quickly grew into a bricks-and-mortar retailer and mail order company specializing in wedding attire inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The original line consisted of dresses, skirts, blouses, petticoats, camisoles, and pantaloons.
Over the next 18 years, Recollections grew as a cottage industry. Operations moved to Hawks, a tiny picturesque community less than 10 miles from the shore of Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan. The company opened in the former Bismarck Township Hall, where operations continue to this day.
Why did Marianne move away from the hustle and bustle of the greater Detroit area to Northern Michigan? "Look around you! I never tire of the beauty and peacefulness of the area. We used to vacation in Rogers City in the summer when I was a teenager, so I was familiar with the area. I live in a log cabin in the woods less than 1/2 mile from Lake Huron, and the only noise I hear is the soothing sound of the waves rather than the noise of the traffic one hears downstate."
Recollections took the leap to e-tailing in 1999, long before many retailers. The online store featured three dozen products when the website was launched. Today, our online store offers nearly 1,000 garments and accessories from the Georgian/Regency, Victorian (including Civil War era and Old West), and Edwardian eras through the 1920s. We also feature a line of 1950s retro dresses.
Quality in design and construction, and a focus on customer service are the cornerstones of Recollections' foundation. Fabrics and embellishments are carefully selected to create the 'look' that is the hallmark of our clothing. We search until we find the quality fabrics, laces, trims, and accessories our customers expect.
Each garment is lovingly designed by Recollections' founder. Marianne is the creative energy behind the company. Her designs are then created, one at a time, by a network of seamstresses who are part of our extended family. Our models are lovely young women born and raised right here in our corner of Northern Michigan, except for Ola. She is from Ukraine and brings a unique perspective and sense of humor to the family.
Cheryl from Hats and Accessories by Cheryl designs and creates most of our hats. Cheryl and Marianne often work as a team so our hats perfectly complement our garments. Occasionally, they switch places. Instead of Cheryl designing a hat inspired by a garment, Marianne will design dress or ensemble inspired by one of Cheryl's hats. They make quite a team, collaborating and inspiring each other to the next level!
There are many others in our extended family, too. Sharon Meredith specializes in period appropriate hairstyles. Jennifer S. Adkins serves as our photographer and brings a keen sense of composition to each fashion shoot. Sue McDonald and Cheryl design accessories that are in sync our style. Our bloggers, social media, and website specialists, as well as those who provide assistance through customer service and sales are all part of our story.
Our talented and highly valued team is the reason we can offer the highest quality in history-inspired garments proudly made in America just for you!
Top Rated Products
Shopper Approved collects trusted reviews from customers who have made a verified purchase.
Tina - 2 weeks ago
This suit jacket and Chemisette was too big. Skirt was too short. But I did alterations. Chemisette was sent back as hard to alter.
Why Recollections?
Quality.
Garment Choice
On sale.
2 weeks ago
Usually garments fit well but this one needed alterations.
Sandy - 3 weeks ago
Beautiful product! Exceptional customer service!
3 weeks ago - California
The customer service is exemplary! I ordered the wrong length and Katie was extremely accommodating and helpful. I was able to return the dresses and have the length corrected. I would highly recommend!
Sandy - 3 weeks ago
Excellent product! Love the dress and the customer service is awesome!
3 weeks ago - California
The customer service is exemplary! I ordered the wrong length and Katie was extremely accommodating and helpful. I was able to return the dresses and have the length corrected. I would highly recommend!
Lisa - 3 weeks ago
The dress is lovely and of good quality material.
Why Recollections?
Because of the type of ball gown, I needed for my event.
Garment Choice
It was chosen for the group of ladies, who attended the ball.
3 weeks ago
I am very satisfied with my overall experience. Customer service was excellent and I greatly appreciate it.
Demetra - 4 weeks ago
I love my Agatha Apron!! I purchased it for practical kitchen use. It is well made and has stood up to my daily use and weekly washings. Thank you!
Why Recollections?
Visited site when looking for sturdy aprons.
Garment Choice
Wanted a few aprons which covered clothing in a beautiful way.
4 weeks ago
Website is easy to use. There is a great selection and I received great service and even better custom made products. Thank you!
Demetra - 4 weeks ago
I purchased this Apron for practical kitchen use. It is beautifully made. I will be back to purchase another. Thank you!
Why Recollections?
Visited site when looking for sturdy aprons.
Garment Choice
Wanted a few aprons which covered clothing in a beautiful way.
4 weeks ago
Website is easy to use. There is a great selection and I received great service and even better custom made products. Thank you!
John A - 03/18/2024
Beautifully made, but too large. I am having them altered to fit me better.
Why Recollections?
I love the clothing styles that you provide
Garment Choice
Looking for modest pretty clothing options
03/18/2024
Easy-to-use site that cares about a good shopping experience
John A - 03/18/2024
Beautiful skirt and fits well.
Why Recollections?
I love the clothing styles that you provide
Garment Choice
Looking for modest pretty clothing options
03/18/2024
Easy-to-use site that cares about a good shopping experience
Paula - 03/16/2024
Lovely material and nicely made.
Why Recollections?
Unique product with options to customize fit.
Garment Choice
I have always liked longer length skirts.
03/16/2024
Excellent product but be aware that there is a wait time for all orders.
Donnalynn M - 03/06/2024
Beautiful dress. I couldn’t be happier with the quality of this dress. It’s simply stunning. I have never been disappointed with an items I’ve purchased through this site. The materials are never flimsy and the workmanship shows care and attention to detail. These dresses hold up and I expect to be wearing them for a long time!
Why Recollections?
I am a returning customer who has always been very happy with your merchandise.
Garment Choice
I liked the look and the fact that there were matching accessories available that enhanced the ensemble.
03/06/2024 - WA
I have bought multiple items over the last few years and have always found the process to be straightforward and convenient. The first few years I always used the checkout as guest option so I don't have records of my purchases, but I know I usually order well before my events so lead time has never been a concern of mine. I understand the need for the time; the craftsmanship reflects the effort put in to creating these outfits but I am often surprised by the lead time needed. The time requirement is always communicated in the emails after I placed the order, but I'm not sure I notice it on the website when considering a purchase. In reading the reviews, I see many people order for events and time can be an issue. Perhaps it might be nice to see a statement indicating the (potential) time required in the item description- that might help narrow (or make) a choice between items and alleviate any stress that comes from finding out the time requirements after the purchase was made.
Lori - 02/21/2024
As described and adjustable
Why Recollections?
I'm really impressed with your garments, this is my 3rd order in the last few years. I have been gathering outfits for DAR functions that I attend. Also, thank you so much for the hat pin you sent to me as a gift with my last purchase.
Garment Choice
I think it will go with a skirt I ordered, although I am little worried about the burgundy color matching. And, it's on sale. I looked for the white jabot to go with a white poufy sleeve shirt I recently ordered and couldn't find it and anything like it, in the shorter length.
02/21/2024
Easy ordering, fast shipping, product as described
Kathe - 02/19/2024
This gown is very well-made in absolutely gorgeous!! I purchased it on sale during Black Friday, and WOW, did I get a deal!!
Why Recollections?
Repeat customer. The quality of the work.
02/19/2024
They went above & beyond to ensure that u received my gown in a timely manner!
Anna - 02/08/2024
I have bought a few pairs in the past and love them! Last awhile. The most recent ones though are very thin material and doesn’t feel like 100% cotton. But I will have to wear them and see if they last like the other ones.
Why Recollections?
They do a great job. American made and fashionable
Garment Choice
For historical purposes
02/08/2024
Great!
Anna - 02/08/2024
Love the sleeves!
Why Recollections?
They do a great job. American made and fashionable
Garment Choice
For historical purposes
02/08/2024
Great!
Patricia - 02/08/2024
I have been thinking about this ensemble for quite some time, and finally got it for myself. It’s absolutely perfect! I cannot wait to be wearing it at events.
Why Recollections?
Well made, good customer service
Garment Choice
Love the style and historical accuracy
02/08/2024
I have a number of outfits from recollections purchased over the past ten years, they are all very well made and I enjoy wearing them very much. They(Recollections) have been very helpful if I have questions, and I will be happy to continue adding more to my wardrobe.
Patricia - 02/08/2024
I will be wearing this on a regular basis! It goes well with my recollections skirts and tops,as well as most of my daily wear outfits.
Why Recollections?
Well made, good customer service
Garment Choice
Love the style and historical accuracy
02/08/2024
I have a number of outfits from recollections purchased over the past ten years, they are all very well made and I enjoy wearing them very much. They(Recollections) have been very helpful if I have questions, and I will be happy to continue adding more to my wardrobe.
Linda - 02/06/2024
A disappointment, I expect a keener attention to detail from Recollections. The sleeves are mismatched. My selected fabric has a linear design. Each sleeve is cut in a different direction. Consequently, neither the bodice nor both sleeves linear design match or make visual sense. The result is a tacky and rushed low caliber effort by your production team. I needed the dress immediately. Hem and waist alterations were made and I have already worn it once. Now, I am extremely hesitant to trust Recollections with future costume orders.
Why Recollections?
Previous customer
Garment Choice
20% off sale
02/06/2024
See previous comments and a email sent over a month ago.
Michael - 01/18/2024
Amazing customer service and product quality
Maria - 01/17/2024
I quite enjoy it. I do find that the detailing on the buttons pop off fairly easily.
Tammy - 01/16/2024
the fabric was thinner than I expected; however, it was made very well and looked very nice. It was too small and had to return it.
Why Recollections?
returning customer
Garment Choice
For a horse show
01/16/2024
Great products and great customer service
Why Trust Verified Reviews?
Verified Reviews are real, authentic reviews collected from actual paying customers, using Shopper Approved's Verified Review Platform. When reviews are Verified by Shopper Approved, you know that you can trust them to make better buying decisions.
Unverified Reviews on the other hand, are reviews collected by Open Review platforms that allow anyone to leave a review, without any validation or proof of purchase. Unfortunately, most reviews you read online are Unverified Reviews, and can't be trusted.
As a consumer, here's how you can tell the difference:
Verified Reviews from Verified Review Platforms like Shopper Approved, have much higher review counts and higher overall Star ratings, because they attempt to collect reviews from every single paying customer.
Unverified Reviews from Open Review Platforms, tend to have much lower review counts and more negative Star ratings, because people with bad experiences are primarily those who leave reviews. This often creates a misleading, inaccurate portrayal of a companies true reputation.
So, when searching for Verified Reviews, look for the name you know you can trust. Shopper Approved.
Are you a Business?
See What Shopper Approved
Can Do For You