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!
16 Product Ratings and Reviews
4.6
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!
KLK - 12/18/2023
The skirt was beautifully made. I want able to wear it yet but plan to wear it for Christmas. I tried it on and it fit perfectly. When I get to wear it I will send a picture. Thank you so much.
Why Recollections?
Purchased one of your dresses and love it.
Garment Choice
Need it for a party.
12/18/2023 - Ohoo
Very cute outfits. It was very pretty and very well made. Love it!
Elizabeth - 07/05/2022
I love this skirt! It fits beautifully and looks so lovely!
Why Recollections?
Because your garments are lovely.
Garment Choice
They most suit my needs.
07/05/2022 - North Dakota
I have been looking at your garments for years but I have finally found the $$$ to purchase some.
Elizabeth - 06/16/2022
This skirt is so beautiful and so well made.
Sarah - 03/08/2022
It was so well made! It was slightly on the larger side but it was great
Why Recollections?
You have authentic vintage styles that are quality made
Garment Choice
For a theater production that would be greatly enhanced with this clothing style
03/08/2022 - ME
Im very glad you gave feedback on which site would be best for my personal measurements
Katie - 03/13/2021
The black has a bit of a blue cast to it, but it is very comfortable and easy to wear!
Why Recollections?
The material the skirt was made of and a style that I really like
Garment Choice
The material the skirt was made of and a style that I really like
03/13/2021
I'm looking forward to getting my skirt!
Rebecca - 02/16/2021
This was my first order from recollections. The skirt is well made, though the fabric is a little thinner than I expected it to be it will work well. I had wanted to wear this for Christmas and they had it to me in time. Great company. Great product. I will be ordering again.
Why Recollections?
They had the best prices for historic styles and they are a US company.
Garment Choice
I wanted a skirt to wear for Christmas that wasn’t the typical shapeless bag that most modern skirts are. The walking skirt fit the bill perfectly.
02/16/2021
They delivered what and when they said. Very pleased.
Allison - 02/02/2021
Beautiful Craftsmanship!
Why Recollections?
Beautiful - period clothing.
Garment Choice
I am Mrs. Clause in the winter. I love the period clothing.
02/02/2021 - CO
When following the sizing guides on the website, I ended up ordering sizes that were way to large for my body.. When I called, they were super helpful and asked me to return the items.. They replaced them in a timely manner. I am so happy with my purchase.
laura - 01/15/2021
Very nicely made. Fabric was a bit lighter in weight than I expected, but is actually better because when layered with a petticoat it works perfectly. I plan to order several more in various colors.
Rebecca - 01/11/2021
Anything I do not have to sew for a show makes me very happy. Items are always neatly sewn and fabric good quality.
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.
Audrey - 09/01/2020
This skirt is had amazing length and body. I bought one in chocolate brown, and almost immediately ordered in another color!
Why Recollections?
I have worn one of your dresses before and was impressed by the quality. I am excited to have some of my own!
Garment Choice
I love the large lapel twill vest because it has a fun military look to it and I love vests. My sister also described it as "bomb". Plus the hunter green is a nice versatile color.
I chose the walking skirt because I liked the style and I don't have a brown skirt yet! If I really like the way it looks I may order more colors.
09/01/2020
Very easy to do! I love the pictures of the outfits
Roberta - 08/30/2020
Love to walk in this! ❤️❤️
Why Recollections?
Have bought many items over the years, really love wearing them??
Garment Choice
I can mix and match w/other items I have purchased from your store??
08/30/2020
Passwords are very difficult
Stephanie - 08/30/2020
Found the finishing pretty poor. Buttonhole stitching is coming away. Hem wasn’t the best
08/30/2020 - ON
Not the fault of Recollections. But delivery was a looooonnng time. But once I spoke with Michelle. I felt better about things.
Kendra - 08/02/2020
I love the dress it is very comfortable
Jody - 03/01/2020
I thought this skirt would be a bit thicker, but I'm still happy with product.
MARIAN - 03/23/2015
Elegant skirt Review: I bought 2 skirts of this model, I am delighted. They are very elegant, I like a lot that is buttoned by back.
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