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!
13 Product Ratings and Reviews
4.7
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!
Kat - 03/26/2023
Absolutely GORGEOUS dress! The peacock back is stunning! I had mine done in red and received so many compliments! I’ve now purchased 3 dresses from these talented folks as I do 19th century pioneer reenacting and have been so happy with all of them!
Why Recollections?
They offer a service where I can purchase historically accurate attire for my hobby and job as a reenactor.
Garment Choice
The back is so unique. A mix of Victorian and old west. It’s perfect for a dance in 1875!
03/26/2023 - Tx
Always responsive in a timely fashion. Help with sizing and material type as I'm in Texas and it can go from cold to hot in the same day. I've yet to find even so much as a loose thread. Their attention to period correct detail is phenomenal! Down to brass or silver buttons!
Patricia - 05/01/2022
Beautifully made.
Why Recollections?
Recommended by a friend.
05/01/2022 - California
They accommodated my need-by date. An excellent company to work with!
Zara - 03/17/2022
Love the dress. Its beautiful. The stitching could be worked on since the first time I put it through the washer and dryer it started coming apart at the sleeve
Why Recollections?
I like the dresses you had on your website.
Garment Choice
They look cool.
03/17/2022 - ND
It took a while to get to me but that was to be expected. I had a good experience.
Terry - 10/18/2021
Good price and easy to do alterations
Janet - 03/31/2021
Made very well. I really should order a larger size.
Why Recollections?
They had the size I needed
Garment Choice
They look well made
03/31/2021
My experience has been fine
Brenda - 08/30/2020
This is beautiful dress. I get so many complements on it at the museum where I work.
Ann - 08/01/2020
Unfortunately I had to take it in at the shoulders, but I got it to work.
Marietta - 07/31/2020
I love this dress, flattering and utilitarian.
Gina - 03/02/2020
Good quality material, fits well and I like the style. Love the hidden pockets, very useful.
Why Recollections?
I have a friend who uses Recollections and recommended them.
Garment Choice
Loved the style and it fits the historical period I needed.
03/02/2020 - TX
Great experience with customer service group. I called concerned about timing on delivery and they were very helpful and I received the dress on time. I love the quality of clothing and the fit with Recollections.
Emily - 02/24/2020
I was so excited when my dress arrived then when I put it on you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. It felt wonderful to wear with a perfect fit. The material is quality fabric and the fall of the skirt feels lovely and so feminine. The superior craft-woman-ship is evident. I admire the authenticity of the period styling with no zips or velcro. The care taken in packaging is to be mentioned as well. I'm a very happy customer and have another large order on the way already with more orders planned. Thank you ladies. Job well done :)
Cindy - 02/23/2020
This dress is simple, but great quality. With the right accessories it will look great!
Why Recollections?
Friend suggested
Garment Choice
price
02/23/2020 - IN
I wish the website would show the dress in the material/color that you select. It would give a better idea of how it'd actually look. But the styles and material options are great!
Emily H - 10/06/2019
This dress is wonderful! It's easy to take on and off with the buttons, and the built-in hidden pockets add functionality to the dress. The simple, yet beautiful design is perfect for a full-out Victorian festival, or a great base for multiple Halloween costumes! I definitely recommend!
Cheryll C - 03/11/2018
Wore this to a Dickens festival and this dress was so beautifully made and fit perfect. Great quality dress!
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