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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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 Shopper Approved - Review Star
2542
(86%)
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
300
(10.2%)
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
83
(2.8%)
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)

Customer Service
4.7
5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
281
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
28
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
8
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
4
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
8
SHOW DETAILS

5-star reviews
2,500+

5-star reviews

5 years collecting 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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D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Donna
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.


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Jill
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


P
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Patricia
3 days ago

So many things to admire.

Why Recollections?

I know their quality.

Garment Choice

Hard to find item of undergear.


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Siara
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!!!


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Bianca
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!


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Maureen
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!


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Brenda
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!


T
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Toni
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!


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Marianne
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. 


E
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Ellen
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!!

Ruth Victorian Blouse on sale
Ruth Victorian Blouse on sale
Read more reviews about this product

1 week ago

Great for Mrs. Claus


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Sheila
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!


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Debe
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!


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Lori
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. 


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Lori
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.


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Carol
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!


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Linda
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!


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Diane
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

Great Black Crinoline!

This is a very well made Black Crinoline and is just right for my dress!


N
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Nicole B.
2 weeks ago , Kansas

The descriptions, photos, and charts have been very helpful to me in deciding what dress to choose.

Customer Service
5/5

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. 

Civil War Victorian Style Dress
Civil War Victorian Style Dress
Read more reviews about this product

2 weeks ago

Couldn't be more pleased!

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.


N
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Nicole
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!


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer CARLA
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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