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!
2,955 Verified Customer Reviews
2,955 Customer Ratings and Reviews
Shopper Approved collects trusted reviews from customers who have made a verified purchase.
4.8
Overall Star
Rating
5-star 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!
2 hours ago
I was trying to simply buy a gift card. It would not allow me to send by email. If I tried to pay with PayPal and it would only send to my address. I called your number and got no answer or return call. If my daughter didn't want this so much I would have not ordered the gift card. I sincerely hope it won't take you 4-6 weeks to send her the gift card. It is a Xmas gift from several family members. I will not recommend your company for the hassle of buying a simple gift card.
Why Recollections?
My daughter found this company and really wants a dress you carry.
2 days ago
Transaction went smoothly with no problems.
Garment Choice
It looked well made, and there was a good pattern choice
Why Recollections?
I liked their selection of clothing
3 days ago
So many things to admire.
Why Recollections?
I know their quality.
Garment Choice
Hard to find item of undergear.
1 week ago
Good just want to know my dress will fit my height.
Why Recollections?
Sale
Garment Choice
Reenactment civil war one rool school house
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. We cannot have ankles showing!!!
1 week ago
Love the website, beautiful pictures!
Why Recollections?
They are the best
Garment Choice
Love this suit
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago
Easy to order - just what I was looking for as a Phoebe Snow costume
Company Response
Outstanding! Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago
Nice selection, great quality, and plus sizes available.
Garment Choice
It's a little dressy without being too fancy.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago
I wish I could buy more, but I'm running out of reenactment closet space. Easy to use web site, fast service.
Why Recollections?
Quality, customer service, American made.
Garment Choice
Sale items, I'm obsessed!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago
DOMMAGE QUE NOUS PUISSIONS PAS VOIR LA ROBE AVEC LE MOTIF CHOISI
Company Response
"TOO BAD WE CANNOT SEE THE DRESS WITH THE CHOSEN PATTERN." We would love to have this as an option! Our fabric selections change frequently and re-picturing each garment we offer is not practical. Technology is out there to make this possible, and it's on our wish list.
1 week ago
Love Recollections clothing for Mrs. Claus
Why Recollections?
Repeat buyer
Garment Choice
Mrs. Claus
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!!
1 week ago
The website is easy to use and I receive my orders promptIy.
Why Recollections?
I have bought from Recollections and love the auuthentic styes and quaty of everything I've odered. Aso BIG plus--they're made in America!
Garment Choice
I need a set of white jabot and cuffs and these are prfect!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago , Az
Arrived in time for my events!!
Why Recollections?
Beautiful dresses
Garment Choice
For a movie shoot
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago
Very easy to do, if I could use paypal it would have been even easier
Why Recollections?
my daughter's Christmas list
Garment Choice
It is what she wanted.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. We do offer PayPal as a check out option.
1 week ago
I would prefer that when I pay with PayPal that I am able to review the order before the items are purchased. But, I just double check the items I am ordering before going to PayPal.
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.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating! We appreciate all the feedback.
2 weeks ago
Excellent
Garment Choice
Will wear with a skirt purchased earlier.
Why Recollections?
Repeat customer - always satisfied.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
2 weeks ago
It was easy to shop and styles are great!
Why Recollections?
past clothing orders
Garment Choice
Love the style!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
2 weeks ago , Alabama
I like the website, easy to look through all the products available.
Why Recollections?
I ordered a dress a few weeks ago and decided to order this to use with it.
Garment Choice
This slip looked the best of the ones I had available to order from other websites.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!

2 weeks ago
This is a very well made Black Crinoline and is just right for my dress!
2 weeks ago , Kansas
The descriptions, photos, and charts have been very helpful to me in deciding what dress to choose.
Garment Choice
This dress appears to fit very well with the period I am reenacting, the cattle drive days of 1867-71. The patterns of calico available are very suitable as well.
Why Recollections?
Recollections has period-styled clothing in plus sizes that I can afford.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.

2 weeks ago
I was so thrilled to find a period-appropriate dress in my size, and it's well enough made to wear again and again, unlike so many sold as costumes. The customer service was fantastic, and definitely earned my return business.
2 weeks ago
Very easy website to use and I will be shopping here as much as possible because you have the finest Victorian and Edwardian clothes.
Why Recollections?
Because it's very period accurate and beautiful
Garment Choice
I love Victorian dresses and hats so much.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
3 weeks ago
Like shopping here wish there were more gift certificates..
Why Recollections?
Best place for reinactment clothing
Garment Choice
Christmas event at our 1844 historical Rice-Tremonti home.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating! We do offer gift certificates you can purchase for your loved ones for the holidays, birthdays and other special occasions!
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