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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2,647 Verified Customer Reviews

2,647 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
2284
(86.3%)
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
261
(9.9%)
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
76
(2.9%)
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
14
(0.5%)
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
12
(0.5%)

Customer Service
4.8
5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
245
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
24
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
7
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
1
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
7
SHOW DETAILS

5-star reviews
2,250+

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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A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Amy
Today

Great selection
Love the options


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kristin
Today

Very streamlined process.

Why Recollections?

Traditional designs impeccably handmade.

Garment Choice

The beauty of the bustle.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Mike
1 day ago

Katy is fantastic...she helped me with sizes and blouses.

Why Recollections?

Returning customer....fantastic service and quality.

Garment Choice

Very feminine and girly designs.


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Loretta
3 days ago , Ca

I ordered the wrong skirt and returned for replacement. Now I have what I wanted!

Customer Service
5/5

Why Recollections?

Because you sell the clothes I want.

Garment Choice

I like long twirling skirts

Company Response

So wonderful!! Thank you for your comments and rating. I am glad this all worked out for us all!


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Michele A.
3 days ago

I can be assured it will be awesome!

Why Recollections?

Reputation

Garment Choice

For Christmas

I am responsible with my friend to decorate our Historical Gazebo at Virginia Field Park in Calvert,TX & I want to be in a beautiful dress.

Company Response

What a beautiful choice for Christmas! Thank you for your comments and rating!


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Jennie
3 days ago

Excellent!

Why Recollections?

Referral from 20 years ago when I volunteered at a museum. It must be a good company if they are still in business and still getting good reviews. I trusted that my first order would be a good experience. And I need a good rapport with a provider for these types of garments to add to my wardrobe.

Garment Choice

They are for modern wear under my longer maxi skirts. I cannot find slips that fit and that are long enough. Also, for modesty. My vintage slips from mom wore out and these replace them.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Marie
3 days ago

Very good experience

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kathleen
4 days ago

Good pictures & descriptions

Why Recollections?

Recommended

Garment Choice

Additional pieces needed

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating! We're blessed with a wonderful photographer!!


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kathleen J.
4 days ago

I love this company. Their clothing is very well made and they are great to work with.

Why Recollections?

Past purchases that are wonderfully made

Garment Choice

Goes with other items I have purchased in the past

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


P
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Phyllis
4 days ago

Loved being able to choose colors and style

Why Recollections?

Recommended by friend

Garment Choice

My wedding dress

Company Response

Thank you for your rating and comments! There are so many options to choose!


T
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Therese
4 days ago

The Recollections site is very easy to use and the selection of clothing is quite large so it is so easy to find and order many items!

Garment Choice

I have ordered many dresses and shirts from Recollections, this order is for a petticoat.

Why Recollections?

I love the clothing and the quality, as well as the prices!

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating! It is a bit addictive, isn't it!?


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Lynda
4 days ago

As always, a wonderful experience

Garment Choice

I am trying to match an outfit in black velvet and purple

Why Recollections?

I have never been disappointed in anything I have ever gotten from you.

Company Response

Thank you for your comment and rating! I hope we've helped you find the color match!


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Donna
4 days ago

I didn't understand the ordering process for a 2-piece dress but got great help when I called.

Why Recollections?

I am first-person historical performer and have purchased costumes in the past. The garments are well-constructed, with a large variety of beautiful styles from different eras.

Garment Choice

I anticipate performing a woman from a small rural town in Kansas later this year.


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Cortney
4 days ago

A few website glitches on mobile site, but still functional

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating. Technology is always our biggest challenge. Thank you for the feedback!


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Judy
5 days ago

Good

Garment Choice

I'll be going to a couple Steampunk events this year.

Why Recollections?

I have purchased here before

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


T
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Tonessa
5 days ago

It was difficult with all the choices!!! LOL.

Garment Choice

It is truly beautiful.

Why Recollections?

I love their fashions!

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating. You picked a gem!


F
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Freyja
6 days ago

Site is easy to navigate. I easily found the garments in the colours I was looking for. A great selection of clothing inspired by classical styles.

Garment Choice

I was looking for a red 50s swing dress and found one in a style I liked. The apron is to go with my Edwardian style dress. The work dress is for everyday use

Why Recollections?

I have ordered before. There is large selection of various classical styles I like. A good quality of clothing. The service is great and hassle-free.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating. So glad you found several things you liked!!


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Julie
1 week ago

This is probably the tenth item I have purchased and I’m always pleased with how lovely and well created the pattern turns out.

Garment Choice

Reenactment of WWI coming up

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Bianca
1 week ago

Love the webshop!

Garment Choice

My favorite dress,

I wear one in a different calico every day!

Why Recollections?

They are the best! I am sinds 2009 And they are still the best!

Company Response

Thank you for your continued visits!!


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Connie
1 week ago

Easy to order. Lots to choose from!

Garment Choice

For a character portrayal presentation.

Why Recollections?

Always my go to.... beautifully made clothing

Company Response

Thanks for always coming back!


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