recollections.biz Reviews

About this Company

Recollections 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!

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16 Product Ratings and Reviews

4.9

Overall Star
Rating

5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
14
(88%)
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
2
(13%)
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
0
(0%)
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
0
(0%)
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
0
(0%)

About this Company

Recollections 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!

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Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Mrs. C - 12/12/2023

Such a gorgeous blouse! It really looks beautiful on for Mrs. Claus! I'm afraid that the sleeves are so short on me...they of halfway up my forearm. Luckily I have some fur cuffs to add to the length. I love the collar and the detail on the front. The puffy sleeves kind of hang down and gave me a slouching look. I hand stitched in a roll of white puffy fabric on the sholders to keep them looking elegant. (I suppose that makes the sleeves shorter too) I love it anyway and made it work.

Why Recollections?

Great choices for the style I need and want!

Garment Choice

For the elegant sleeves and front!

Mrs. C

12/12/2023 - California

I now have 3 blouses which I wear as Mrs. Claus. I love them and have washed them many times and they still look pristine!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Susanna - 05/13/2023

Beautiful and fit perfectly.

Why Recollections?

Hier habe ich die Kleider aus der Edwardian-Epoche gefunden.

Garment Choice

Es passt zum Golfspiel mit den nostalgischen Hickory-Golfschlägern. Diese wurden von 1880 bis 1930 gespielt.

Susanna

05/13/2023

Grosse Auswahl und perfektes Preis-Leistungsverhältnis. Bei Recollectons.biz findet man für jeden Anlass das passende Kleid.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Ellen - 01/23/2023

Beautiful Blouse for Mrs. Claus

I love this blouse so much, I ordered 2 for my Mrs. Claus season. Looks great with an apron and skirt.

Why Recollections?

Quality

Garment Choice

I have one and needed two.

Ellen

01/23/2023 - Alabama

Love looking at the fashions and reading the newsletter.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Becca - 06/12/2022

You won't regret this purchase

lovely blouse with the kind of detailing that is hard to find these days!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Mary - 06/10/2022

Always satisfied with Recollections.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Laurie - 02/25/2022

I already have this blouse in the Natural color but I wanted another in White to go with my other ensembles. Love it!

Why Recollections?

Long-time satisfied customer!

Garment Choice

My wardrobe needed some expanding as my little hat business is taking off. As most of my time is needed to create stock for my shop, I don't have the time to make as many pieces for myself as I'd like. I chose these garments to fill in a couple of mix-and-match ensembles to expand my wardrobe options.

Company Response

Thank you for your review!

Laurie

02/25/2022 - NY

Long-time satisfied customer. Love your work. Thank you, ladies! My business partner is now a customer, as well, after I referred her to your shop.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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kim - 07/26/2021

Beautiful shirt, very well made.

Why Recollections?

I found Recollections while browsing on-line for 1880-1900 period style western clothing to wear in Tombstone, AZ. for some of their events, and re-enacting.

kim

07/26/2021 - AZ

Everyone I spoke with at Recollections was very helpful and assisted me with questions about my order. Fantastic business!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Michele - 07/18/2021

Love the puffy sleeves!

Loved the style, the lace and the sleeves, although the neck was tight when buttoned, and the lower sleeves were too loose. But I still love it, just wish it didn’t require ironing!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Rebecca - 02/07/2021

Beautifully made, excellent quality. Fits very nicely!

Rebecca

02/07/2021 - NS

Great online store. Easy to navigate. Simple checkout process.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Jonann - 08/30/2020

Lovely addition to my historybounding collection

Well made and quality material. I wish that there was more length to tuck in. It was more of a bodice length than a tuck in blouse length. I also wish I had ordered the larger size rather than the one that the person who corresponded with me recommended as I have to pin the bust to prevent gap pulling.

Why Recollections?

Because they had the style of clothing I was looking for in my size

Garment Choice

It was what I was looking for online.

Jonann

08/30/2020 - CO

Easy to use website with timely customer service contact.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Wendy - 03/26/2020

Beautiful Blouse

This is an absolutely beautiful blouse and fits true to size. It's perfect for all my Dickens Fair costumes.

Why Recollections?

Repeat customer - love their clothes.

Garment Choice

Love the blouses for my Dickens Fair costumes.

Wendy

03/26/2020 - CA

I love Recollections website - great pictures & descriptions as well as easy to use.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Maria - 02/06/2020

Lovely!

Beautiful and extremely well made!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Michaela - 02/27/2019

Fantastic Blouse

I brought this blouse to be delivered to the United Kingdom. I had so many attractions from women who admired the outfit whilst wearing a long black skirt and boater hat, for example, at London Victoria Station. Some women at restaurants wish they could wear the same. I pass the message to those who would like to know about different styles of outfits. I kind of wear the outfit almost in general, but not too often, as I have to be dressed practically most of the time when working in a brewery and tap room etc. Although, I have worn it when working at the tap room serving customers. People find it very attractive and thought that it might bring the style back in some way? I would recommend this blouse to women who like to wear this kind of style at anytime they choose. I often dress in Victorian or Edwardian wear when attending mass at church and that people there like it. Good for occasions as well. Sometimes it can be rather difficult when wearing this kind of wear in the summertime when there are heatwaves. Good for winter seasons.


Classic Victorian Blouse
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Wendy B - 12/17/2018

Beautiful Blouse

I ordered this blouse for my Dickens Fair costume and I wore it last weekend. It is absolutely beautiful and I received many compliments on it. It is a must have for your Victorian or Dickens outfits. It is also beautifully made. I may have to order another!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Classic Victorian Blouse
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VICKIE M - 04/27/2017

A must have in your wardrobe

This is one of the most beautiful blouses I own! The workmanship is top-notch and the details added just don't stop. The material used is top quality and I know I will have and wear this blouse for many years to come. Thank you Recollections for being there for us!

VICKIE M

04/27/2017 - CA

A must have in your wardrobe This is one of the most beautiful blouses I own! The workmanship is top-notch and the details added just don't stop. The material used is top quality and I know I will have and wear this blouse for many years to come. Thank you Recollections for being there for us!


Classic Victorian Blouse
Classic Victorian Blouse
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Carol B - 09/19/2014

Elegant

I received this blouse and it is absolutely beautiful. Elegant and romantic. The workmanship and details are top-notch. I highly recommend this blouse.


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