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!
11 Product Ratings and Reviews
4.5
Overall Star
Rating
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!
Lisa - 03/16/2021
I love this apron! It fits really nice and is super comfy. And it has pockets. Very nicely made as well.
Why Recollections?
I love the clothing and the wide variety of patterns and fabric. We do reenacting in these clothes and get tons of compliments. They are very authentic. You get well made clothing at a reasonable price.
Garment Choice
I wanted an apron for my work dress. I also picked it because it has pockets.
Merchant Response
03/16/2021 - MI
Very professional business. Prices are reasonable for products with high quality.
Abigail - 02/07/2021
This is a nice sturdy apron, perfect for all-around use. I love that it covers your clothing almost entirely...no more flour on that skirt!
Why Recollections?
Realism of the clothing, and the customizable quality (picking the fabric, length, etc.).
Garment Choice
I chose these aprons because I wanted some Christmas aprons for Christmas baking, and an apron for all-around use that had a vintage feel and would cover my clothing well. These aprons were perfect!
02/07/2021 - WA
Love Recollections. I have purchased several dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. from them. I love the historical realism of their items. Their dresses are beautifully made and every time I put one on, I feel like I just stepped off into another world.
Angeline - 01/21/2021
I absolutely love my aprons, the measurements were spot on. Also they were well made and of good quality material. I feel they will last forever.
01/21/2021
Shopping was easy.
laura - 01/15/2021
Quality fabric. I wear this apron nearly every day. It washes beautifully and really protects my clothes (I do a lot of cooking!).
Rebecca - 01/11/2021
I have several of these aprons. When I know fittings cannot get done before a video shoot, the apron helps a lot. I always add extra inlay on big from an old table cloth for period embroidery.
Why Recollections?
Simple period pieces
Garment Choice
Simple period pieces
01/11/2021 - WI
Only one time the item came really late. I had to call. They seemed to have forgotten the order. It was weeks late. Good thing it was not needed. Otherwise always on target.
joanna - 10/21/2020
Would love to order more but far too expensive with delivery and custom tax. My customs charge for my order that cost $149 was 100€!! So sad as I would like to buy more items
Why Recollections?
Style and quality of clothes
Garment Choice
Suit my style of dressing. I wear période style clothing everyday
10/21/2020 - Normandie
Beautiful clothes....such a shame about the very expensive customs tax
Leanne - 08/30/2020
Gorgeous. I love it. I thought the fabric I picked was a brown, and it ended up being a sort of burgundy - even better! One thing - if someone is a bit bigger in the chest, they might want to size up.
Why Recollections?
They were the only place I could find that had what I was looking for, for a reasonable price.
Garment Choice
I was looking for a traditional styled apron.
08/30/2020 - AK
Very positive experience. I actually received my item faster than they estimated.
joanna - 08/30/2020
Brillant thank you
Why Recollections?
Quality and style
Garment Choice
Because they are pretty but also practical
08/30/2020 - Normandie
Fabulous clothes....would like to buy more but the import tax cost an extra 100€ for each order. Makes it far too expensive.
sonja - 04/06/2020
I am pleased. Thank you !
Why Recollections?
Love the vintage look.
Garment Choice
I do lots of cooking and gardening in the home and local Cafe.
04/06/2020 - TN
Intriguing vintage,but in comparison to other clothing lines, it was a bit frustrating concerning the high prices of shipping and receiving time .
Elizabeth H - 02/05/2016
I absolutely love my new apron. It is just what I wanted. Very serviceable as I actually wear mine to work in. The materials, pattern, quality are all what I expected.I am every pleased. I'm going to purchase another one; I just need to decide on which fabric to choose. I have also purchased a skirt, lace blouse, and 2 ensembles. I also wear them all the time. I couldn't be happier. I'm one very happy "born 150 years too late" woman.
02/05/2016 - TN
Just What I Wanted I absolutely love my new apron. It is just what I wanted. Very serviceable as I actually wear mine to work in. The materials, pattern, quality are all what I expected. I am every pleased. I'm going to purchase another one; I just need to decide on which fabric to choose. I have also purchased a skirt, lace blouse, and 2 ensembles. I also wear them all the time. I couldn't be happier. I'm one very happy "born 150 years too late" woman.
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